LA Century Law is a premier personal injury and accident firm. When you need a car accident lawyer in California, we provide aggressive representation. Let our lawyers for car accident claims help you take the necessary steps to receive the compensation that you deserve. Having the right representation is imperative. Failure to have proper legal representation from the start of your action can severely impact the compensation you are entitled to for your harms and injuries.
Compensation for a car accident
If you have been in a car accident, you may deserve financial compensation. If the accident isn’t your fault, you shouldn’t be the one that has to bear the burden of medical expenses and lost income. Plus, you deserve compensation for your pain and suffering. Our California car accident lawyers have won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Contact us to see how we can assist you to receive financial compensation for your injuries that resulted from your car accident.
California car accident claims
California car accident compensation is based on who is responsible for the accident. In cases where more than one person may have been at fault, it is possible for each person to recover something based on the extent of their role in causing the accident. Compensation is based on your damages. There are no damage limitations or maximums in California.
Make sure you have the right representation from the start. Do not wait and learn how our team of experienced lawyers can assist you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to and deserve.
California requires that all drivers maintain a minimal insurance policy of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per crash. However, some drivers fail to maintain this minimal insurance policy requirement. That is why having uninsured motorist insurance coverage is so imperative. This is a form of coverage through your own insurance to protect you from instances where another driver does not have or has inadequate insurance coverage. Our team of lawyers will investigate all responsible parties to assure there is coverage for your harms.
About LA Century Law – Lawyers for Car Accidents in California
At LA Century Law, we are fighting for justice for accident victims in California. Our firm highlights include:
- Dedication to civil litigation, representing individuals who need experienced representation in the legal system
- Experience in car accident claims
- Millions of dollars in settlements won for our clients
- A track record of success in jury trials, bench trials, and settlement negotiations
- Recognition for our success from Los Angeles Magazine (Southern California Top Young Lawyers – 2019), Super Lawyers, Lawyers of Distinction, and more
- We view our law firm as a family and our clients as an extension of family
- Commitment to helping clients receive compensation for injuries, damages, and harm
- Free case evaluations with our lawyers
When a car accident takes a physical and emotional toll, we are aggressive representatives for you. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
About Car Accident Lawyers
What type of lawyer handles car accident cases?
A lawyer who handles car accident cases is a personal injury lawyer. They represent individual victims and their personal interests. The lawyer is a specially licensed and trained individual who acts on behalf of the victim in all aspects of the claim, including filing court documents and making court appearances.
What does a car accident lawyer do?
A car accident lawyer does everything necessary for an individual to receive fair financial compensation. Their goal is to maximize the amount their client receives and simplify the process. They may help with:
- Determining what the claim may be worth
- Who should pay damages
- Questions of shared or comparative fault
- Reporting to the insurance company
- Evaluating the insurance company response or offer
- Creating a custom legal strategy and the best course of action
- Speaking with witnesses
- Going to court for hearings
- Settlement negotiations
- Trial and appeals
Important work on your behalf takes place both inside and outside the courtroom. Your lawyer can help you with whatever needs to be done. They move the case through the legal process. They also take strategic steps to protect your rights and make the most of your claim.
How do I hire a car accident lawyer?
To hire a car accident lawyer, contact us for a consultation. During the free consultation, our experienced team of lawyers will walk you step by step through the claims process. We can assist in assuring that you receive the best treatment from the best doctors in California. Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible so that you can focus on treatment and recovering from your injuries.
We will also walk you through our retention process. Personal injury lawyers work on contingency. This means we do not get paid unless we win.
Is it worth getting a car accident lawyer?
If you are injured, or if you disagree with the insurance company’s valuation of your property damage, it is crucial to contact a lawyer right away. When you are injured, a lawyer assists with valuing all financial losses and even some that you may not expect, like lost income and future medical bills. They can also assist in placing a value on your pain and suffering. Then, they know how to go about claiming and negotiating your compensation.
If there is only property damage, and you understand and agree with the insurance company payment, it may not be necessary to have a lawyer. The best way to know is to contact us for a personalized consultation about your case.
California Car Accident Laws
Who pays for a car accident in California?
The party that pays for a car accident in California is the party that causes the accident. A party is at fault if their negligence causes the accident to occur. The victims may claim financial compensation from the responsible party, but most claims go through insurance companies.
Does California have no fault for car accidents?
No, California is not a no-fault state. At-fault rules apply for car accidents throughout California. The party who causes the accident has legal liability. Even if the value of the claim is relatively small, it’s still the legal responsibility of the party who is responsible for causing it.
What are some examples of legal fault in a car accident?
Examples of legal fault in a car accident are:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving, Drugged Driving, DUI/DWI, operating intoxicated, under the influence of alcohol
- Disobeying a stop sign
- Failure to yield
- Weaving in and out of traffic, improper lane changes
- Driving while tired, drowsy driving
- Vehicle manufacturing defects, failing to maintain the vehicle
- Operating without regard for weather conditions
- Careless driving, reckless driving, road rage
- Texting while driving/distracted driving
Violation of a traffic law may create a presumption of fault for an accident. (Source: California Evidence Code 669.) However, a person may be at fault even if they don’t directly commit a traffic infraction.
What do I have to prove to win a car accident claim in California?
To win a car accident claim in California, you must prove:
- Breach of Duty. – The defendant breached their duty of care. You may show negligence, recklessness or intentional conduct. Most traffic infractions are negligence.
- Causation. – The breach of duty is the cause of an accident. It may be the only cause or a substantial factor, but the accident must be a reasonably foreseeable result of the other party’s actions.
- Injury. – Injuries or property damage result to the victim.
- Value of damages. – The value of damages including monetary losses.
It’s up to the victim to prove each element of the case. If one element is missing, the entire case fails. The victim can build evidence and make legal arguments for each of the elements. Our lawyers know how to gather evidence to support each element of the claim including valuing the full extent of damages.
What To Do Following A Car Accident In California
Following an accident, take these important steps to assure your rights are protected:
Step 1: Safely pull over to the side of the road.
Step 2: Evaluate your body for pain and injuries. If there are signs of injury, seek medical attention.
Step 3: Gather as much information as possible from the other party. Request a copy of their (1) driver’s license; (2) insurance information; and (3) vehicle information. If possible, call the police. The police will issue a report. If there are any witnesses, request their information. Under no circumstances, admit fault!
Step 4: Take photos of the damage to your car and any other vehicles involved in the accident. Take photographs of the intersection or street where the collision occurred if it can be done so safely.
Step 5: Call our office for a free consultation.
Do most car accident claims go to trial?
Only a small percent of car accident claims go to trial. Most cases reach a resolution by agreement of the parties. If the other side extends a settlement offer, you have the choice to accept it or go to trial. Building a solid case and working with a lawyer who is trained in settlement negotiations can help you work towards a non-trial resolution of your claim.
Car Accident Lawsuit FAQs
What is the time limit to file a car accident claim in California?
You have two years to file a car accident claim in California. There are exceptions for minors and for those lacking mental capacity. If the claim is against a government entity, it must be brought within six months. If a claim involves only property damage, you have three years to initiate the claim (Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. § 335.1; § 338).
What damages can I claim in a California car accident claim?
Damages in California car accident claims are:
- Medical bills
- Prescription costs
- Physical therapy
- Mental health treatment
- Replacement pay for lost income
- Damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Permanent disfigurement, disability, and scars
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Household help and childcare
In a California car accident claim, the compensation that you receive is based on your actual losses. Pain and suffering are based on the relative severity of the case.
Can you sue the government for a car accident in California?
Yes, you can sue the government for a car accident in California. The California Tort Claims Act applies, and strict rules must be followed to make a claim, including a short six-month window to begin the claim. You may sue if a government employee acts negligently while working in the scope of their employment or while carrying out a government function (Cal. Gov’t Code § 911.2).
Our lawyers can represent you. Do not wait to contact us because time limits are shortened for claims involving the government.
Are there caps on damages in car accident claims in California?
California does not have damage caps in car accident claims. A victim may claim the full extent of their damages, including medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, California has a unique law where drivers cannot claim non-economic damages if they do not have car insurance. Other types of compensation are still available.
Do the police decide who is at fault for a car accident?
When a car accident occurs, the police may investigate. They may even write a traffic ticket. However, the police aren’t the ones who decide who is at fault and who deserves financial compensation. They are not the jury, and they do not ultimately determine the right to compensation. For the purposes of a car accident claim, the police report is just the officer’s opinion.
What if the driver in an accident in California isn’t the owner of the vehicle?
In most cases in California, when a driver isn’t the owner of the vehicle, the owner’s car insurance will provide coverage. Beyond what insurance covers, the driver of the vehicle is most likely liable. There are some situations where the owner may be personally liable, too.
Who is held liable for an accident caused by a minor?
Parents are responsible when their minor child causes a car accident. They sign a consent form to allow their child to drive. If an accident occurs, a parent may be responsible for injuries and damages that the minor causes. (See California Vehicle Code 17707 VC)
Car Accident Lawyers Near Me Taking New Cases
If you’re hurt in a car accident, we invite you to come get to know the car accident lawyer team at LA Century Law. We’re taking new cases. It’s our goal to help people who have been hurt through no fault of their own.
Ryan J. Daneshrad, Esq. is the President and founder of LA Century Law. Since graduation from Loyola of Los Angeles Law School, he has been an aggressive advocate for his clients and rising star in personal injury representation. He is proud of his firm’s success, which has been recognized by Law Firm 500 as the 32nd-fastest-growing law firm in 2019.
LA Century Law has recovered millions of dollars for clients through settlements and judgments. We’re taking new cases. Contact our car accident lawyers through phone, email, or message.
Consultations – Contact us
Start the process with a consultation with our legal team. When you hire us, we begin working on your case right away. You’ll never talk to the insurance company again.
Let’s work together to get you the compensation that you deserve. Time is limited, so don’t wait. Call or send us a message to begin.
