Redondo Beach Car Accident Lawyer
Redondo Beach, CA Car Accident Lawyer
Though everyone wants to avoid car accidents, some situations are beyond your control. It is easy for another driver’s actions to cause a collision, leaving you with injuries, damages, and expenses for which you were not prepared.
Fortunately, personal injury law allows victims of car accidents to take legal action. If someone else’s negligence led to a collision, you have the right to file a claim and fight for compensation. With the help of an experienced car accident attorney, you can fight to make sure you are not financially responsible for an accident that already took your health and personal safety away from you.
Our personal injury attorneys at Shaffer Law are here to help.
Shaffer Law: Your Redondo Beach Personal Injury Lawyers
Our car accident attorneys have been working in personal injury and car accident claims for over 30 years. During this time, we have seen motor vehicle collisions of all types and have gained experience in all areas of personal injury law. Our wide range of experience makes us confident that we should be at the top of your list of accident attorneys to call.
We are results-oriented, and we work diligently to achieve a fair settlement after a motor vehicle crash. However, we understand that these situations are stressful for our clients and often leave them feeling vulnerable. You can expect empathy and kindness from our team at all points during your accident claim process, as we are sensitive to the challenges and emotions that these cases create for our clients.
Our experience and customer service make us a top choice for Redondo Beach auto accident victims.
What Is a Car Accident Claim?
Car accident claims are a type of personal injury case in which the victim of a vehicle collision seeks compensation for the damage that another person caused. Usually, these cases occur between two drivers who got into an accident.
To be effective, your case must prove the other driver acted negligently when they caused the accident. If the other person did not act negligently or if the collision was a mutual mistake, the court is unable to hold one person accountable for the damage that occurred.
Why Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?
As you heal from your injury, it is unwise to attempt to represent yourself in your car accident claim. Doing so, for many people, means adding unnecessary stress and anxiety to their healing process. This can impede your progress and even cause permanent issues that are not worth the potentially minuscule savings.
Car accident claims are difficult. Even if you believe the other person is obviously responsible, their attorney will be working diligently to make them seem as innocent as possible. Simultaneously, they will be suggesting that you are responsible for the collision rather than their client. Without an attorney on your side to refute their claims, the court will likely side with your opponent, and you will lose your chance of a settlement.
Many people do not consider what is at risk if you lose your claim. Winning means achieving a settlement that will help with key expenses associated with your case. If you lose, such expenses will be your responsibility. Few families can afford the unexpected cost of a collision, and losing your claim can easily throw your family into financial insecurity.
Potential Compensation for a Car Accident Claim
If you can prove to the court that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, you are eligible for compensation from the driver or their insurance company. The compensation should account for:
- Medical expenses associated with your injuries
- Lost income from the time you had to spend off of work to heal
- Vocational retraining if you are unable to return to work
- Pain and suffering (only in extreme situations)
The average settlement from a car accident claim in California is approximately $21,000. Your settlement will depend on the circumstances of your claim, including the severity of your injuries and the level of negligence the other party exhibited.
Types of Negligence in a Car Accident Claim
Negligence looks different depending on the unique situation. In the case of car accident claims, potential types of negligence include:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
- Disobeying road signs or signals
- Failing to check a blind spot before changing lanes
- Texting, scrolling, talking on, or otherwise using the phone
- Becoming distracted by objects, buildings, people, or scenery on the side of the road
- Turning to engage with children or other passengers in the car
- Speeding
- Indulging in road rage or other reckless driving practices
This is not an exhaustive list of negligence while operating a motor vehicle. Any time a driver breaks a law or fails to uphold their responsibilities as a California driver, they are being negligent.
Common Injuries in Car Accident Claims
Though all car accidents cause different injuries, there are some ailments that are common after a car accident. Some of these injuries are obvious right away, while others develop over time. It is important to be aware of common car accident injuries so that you can take legal action as soon as you believe you have a case.
Common car accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including coma and brain death
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Dental injuries
- Burns and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries, including whiplash
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you get into a collision, we suggest you take the following steps to protect yourself and preserve your chance of a settlement:
- Seek medical help right away. If you cannot feel parts of your body, lose consciousness, or are bleeding heavily, do not move and seek medical care before attempting any other steps.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including your injuries, other people’s injuries, damage to the vehicles, debris, and the surrounding road signs and signals. Note the time.
- Get the name and contact information of the other driver, as well as any witnesses. Do not admit fault or apologize in any way.
- Note any businesses or buildings nearby that may have CCTV footage.
- Call your lawyer.
Though these steps do not guarantee you a settlement, they help to preserve evidence and build your case. Your attorney will determine what further evidence is needed and use their position to obtain it.
FAQs
Q: Should I Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident in California?
A: Yes. Hiring a lawyer is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your car accident claim. Not only does legal representation alleviate the pressure and stress you have to endure yourself, but it also increases the likelihood that you will achieve a settlement. Your attorney can refute claims against you and build a case showing that the other driver was responsible for the damages. Without a settlement, you will be financially responsible for the accident.
Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?
A: The average car accident settlement is approximately $21,000. Your individual settlement will depend on the severity of the damage, the extent of your injuries, and the level of negligence that the other driver exhibited. The more severe the accident is, the more you can expect from your settlement. Traumatic brain injuries, for example, usually yield more than cuts and bruises. Talk to an attorney to get a more accurate estimate of what your case may be worth.
Q: How Much Do Accident Lawyers Charge in California?
A: Accident lawyers charge an average of 33% of the settlement amount. However, not all attorneys charge this percentage or in this manner. Because there is variability in attorney fees, be sure to speak with any potential attorneys about their fee structure. Having an open and honest conversation with your attorney ensures you can afford their services for the duration of your claim and that you are prepared for the cost of their representation.
Q: Can I Sue After a Car Accident in California?
A: Yes. If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you can create a personal injury claim against them. These claims aim to achieve compensation for medical bills, time off of work, vocational retraining, and other expenses associated with the collision. You may only take this legal action if the other person behaved negligently. Car accident claims go to civil court, which facilitates the process of one person “suing” another person. Criminal court, on the other hand, enforces the law.
Contact Shaffer Law
Our team has a significant amount of experience in car accident cases, and we are confident that we can properly represent you in court. We know that these situations can be stressful and intimidating, but our team’s confidence and candor puts our clients at ease. You can trust us with this difficult time in your life.
For more information or to schedule an initial consultation, please contact Shaffer Law.
Copyright©2024, Shaffer Law. All Rights Reserved.
