Palos Verdes Peninsula Car Accident Lawyer
Car Accident Attorney in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
Car accidents can be catastrophic. They can cause a lot of damage to your car or property, and you can even sustain an injury from one. If you have been in a car accident that was not your fault, you can seek damages from an at-fault party. It is important to have quality representation by your side when pursuing a car accident claim. Whether in negotiations or at trial, a Palos Verdes Peninsula car accident lawyer can assert your rights.
Trust the Team at Shaffer Law
Shaffer Law exclusively handles cases relating to car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death in California. With over 30 years of experience in the area, our trusted team can work with care and effort. We can collect evidence, build your argument, handle settlement negotiations, and advocate for you in the courtroom during the litigation process.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Palos Verdes Peninsula?
When you hire a car accident lawyer in Palos Verdes Peninsula, you can have someone with a lot of experience in the local legal system. Car accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of local laws, and our Palos Verdes Peninsula car accident attorney can use his comprehensive knowledge to represent your case. During your consultation, you are invited to share the details of your car accident with us; if you have any questions, we can answer them for you.
Car Accidents in California
Car accidents can occur anywhere at any time. Accidents or collisions can happen in many ways, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Driving while fatigued
If you have gotten into an accident, you must report it to law enforcement within 24 hours if someone has been injured or killed. Accidents should also be reported by you– law enforcement cannot file a report for you– to the California DMV within 10 days if the following occurred:
- There has been at least $1,000 in property damage.
- Someone was injured.
- Someone was killed.
Pursuing Legal Action
You are allowed to file a claim for a car accident within two years of it happening. When filing a claim, you are allowed to seek damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages can include any loss of income or bills (car repair or medical), while non-economic losses can include any pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
When you do decide to pursue legal action against another party for an accident, you must prove that negligence has taken place. Negligence is defined as the failure to behave with care as someone else would. Actions or the lack of action that caused someone else to be injured fall under negligence.
When filing a claim for a car accident, there must be concrete evidence that the other person acted negligently. Evidence can include:
- Photos or videos of damage to your vehicle
- Bills for damage to any property
- Medical documentation of an injury that was caused by the accident
When proving negligence in court, four elements must all be established for someone to be found guilty of negligence. The four elements of negligence are:
- A duty was owed to someone.
- The duty was breached for any reason.
- The victim was harmed by the breach of duty.
- They suffered compensable damages from the breach of duty.
FAQs
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in California?
How much a car accident lawyer costs in California depends on the specifics of your case and the lawyer’s experience. Car accident lawyers may charge an hourly rate that fluctuates, depending on how complicated your case is. A car accident lawyer may also charge contingency fees, which can be a percentage of a settlement amount. Contingency fees are paid after a case is over.
Should I Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA?
While it is not required to get a lawyer, it is highly recommended to hire one following a car accident. Car accident lawyers are professionals with extensive experience and knowledge of local car accident laws. If you are not sure about how to proceed following a car accident, your car accident lawyer can counsel you and represent your interests.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?
The average settlement for a car accident in California varies. A settlement’s value depends on how severe the accident was and whether there were any injuries or deaths involved. The more severe an accident was, the more someone can get in a settlement. If there was a lot of property damage, someone was severely injured, or the victim died due to negligence, you can get a higher settlement.
Can You Get Damages for Anxiety Following a Car Accident?
Yes, you can claim damages for anxiety following a car accident. Anxiety falls under non-economic damages; it is considered emotional distress, and you can recover damages for emotional distress. If you can prove that a car accident has caused or increased your anxiety, then you can recover damages related to that.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can be stressful and damaging, but you do not have to go through the aftermath of one alone. When you work with Shaffer Law, you can have someone experienced by your side. To hire a car accident lawyer today, contact our office to arrange a consultation with us.
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