Newport Beach Car Accident Attorney
Car Accident Lawyer in Newport Beach, CA
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 36,000 individuals died in car crashes in the year 2019 alone, with many more suffering life-changing injuries. If you or a loved one was the victim of a dangerous or negligent driver, you could potentially recover medical bills, expenses, and other damages with a lawsuit. A car accident attorney in Newport Beach, CA, can help determine whether you could hold another driver or other party responsible and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
We have helped countless clients recover motor vehicle accident settlements over the last 30 years. Get started with the process of learning more about your legal rights by contacting the experienced attorneys at Russell & Lazarus. Call (888) 539-3154 or text (949) 309-0990 now for a free case review to determine your legal options.
Proving Negligence in Car Accidents
Negligence in car accidents can occur when a driver is not acting with reasonable care, causing an accident and injury to other road users. Victims of negligent drivers generally must prove the following four elements to have legal recourse:
- The other driver owed the victim a duty of care
- They breached the duty of care
- The breach caused the accident in question
- The victim sustained damages as a result of the accident
If another driver caused your accident recklessly or carelessly and you have injuries and damages as a result, the four elements of a personal injury case are generally satisfied. However, you will have to provide clear evidence for your case. An experienced Newport Beach, CA car accident attorney can help with collecting and organizing evidence and building a case against the at-fault driver.
Common Injuries in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents can cause havoc for an individual and their entire family. Victims could experience debilitating and permanent injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardship as the result of a serious car accident. Common car accident injuries that can potentially cause devastating long-term damage and disability can include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Severe whiplash
- Serious back injuries
- Complicated fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Loss of a limb or a sense such as eyesight
Unfortunately, once a significant injury has occurred, legal action cannot turn back the time and restore your health. However, if someone else negligently caused your car crash, you could recover compensation that can help to get your life back on track. A car accident attorney in Newport Beach, CA, can inform you about your legal rights and options for recovering what you deserve.
How to Know if You Need a Car Accident Attorney
In some minor accidents, for example, if you suffered no injuries and the at-fault insurance company offers a fair settlement, you may not need a car accident lawyer. However, if you suffered serious injuries or a loved one passed away due to their injuries, hiring an attorney to protect your legal rights can be vital. An experienced attorney will be able to determine whether you have a case against the negligent party and what the value of your claim could be.
If any of the following points apply in your accident, consider seeking legal advice as soon as possible:
- Fault in your accident is unclear
- You suffered catastrophic injuries
- A loved one passed away due to their accident injuries
- You have astronomical medical bills
- The at-fault party’s insurance company denied or minimized your claim
- You suffered physical pain or emotional distress as a result of the accident
- You have lost a considerable amount of income due to your injuries
- You have a temporary or permanent disability due to the accident
Handling settlement negotiations or a lawsuit on your own can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially in the middle of recovery. A Newport Beach, CA, car accident attorney can take the burden off your shoulders and handle your case from beginning to end.
Car Accident Attorney Frequently Asked Questions
If you are reading this, you may have questions regarding a recent car accident. Consider the following questions and answers to help you better understand all of your legal rights.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Your best course of action after a motor vehicle accident is to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you have only minor symptoms. Seeing a doctor can be important for protecting your health and legal rights. According to the Mayo Clinic, potentially serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, may not show any symptoms for days or even weeks. A comprehensive medical report listing all your accident injuries can be essential evidence of your damages if you are intending on holding the responsible party accountable. Other steps you may wish to take at the accident scene and in the days afterwards can include:
Gather Evidence
If you can, taking photos and videos of the accident scene can be a good idea. Pictures can help with reconstructing an accident later on. You should also aim to collect the contact information of other drivers and any eyewitnesses. Make sure to get full names, addresses, and other driver’s car insurance details. If you got into an accident with a truck or other commercial vehicle, take note of the company name and contact details.
Call Emergency Services
Calling 911 for law enforcement and medical help can be a good first step at an accident scene. Typically, a police officer will draft an accident report at the scene which can potentially be used as evidence against the at-fault party later. Tell the police officer honestly what you saw during the accident and ensure that your version of events is recorded.
Consider Contacting a Car Accident Lawyer
Seeking legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney at our firm as soon as possible after an accident can be a good idea, particularly if you or a loved one suffered serious injuries. Your lawyer can get to work immediately and prevent vital evidence from disappearing. They can also take over all communication with the at-fault party’s insurance and negotiate a potential settlement. If the at-fault party and their insurance company are dragging their heels, your car accident attorney can take your case all the way to trial, fighting for the compensation you are due.
What Should I Do When the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Contacts Me?
The at-fault driver’s car insurance company may approach you relatively quickly after an accident in an attempt to achieve a quick settlement. In this instance, it can be in your best interest to refuse signing any insurance documents or giving recorded statements until you have spoken to a car accident attorney in Newport Beach, CA.
Immediately after a car accident, you may not know what your current and future damages will amount to and might be tempted to agree to a settlement that later proves far too low to cover all of your lost wages, medical costs and pain and suffering. When the at-fault insurance contacts you, consider letting your attorney handle the communication. You should not let an insurance company rush or pressure you into a settlement until your attorney has fully analyzed your case and damages.
What Kind of Damages Could I Recover in a Car Accident Case?
While it can be challenging to generalize since every car crash case is different, you could potentially recover economic and non-economic damages with a lawsuit. Common economic damages recoverable in car accident claims can include:
- Property damage
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost income and future lost income
- Transport costs such as car rental
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Depending on your injuries, you could also be entitled to a range of non-economic damages, which can include:
- Emotional distress
- Physical pain
- Inconvenience
- Loss of life quality
To find out more about the potential worth of your case, you can consult with a car accident attorney in Newport Beach, CA. A lawyer can calculate your current and estimate your future damages comprehensively and advise you on the types of compensation you could pursue from the negligent party.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
If you suffered injuries due to the negligence of another, your case would fall under personal injury law. As per the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, you generally have two years after the date of your accident and injury to initiate legal action.
However, if two years have already passed since your car crash, you may still be able to file suit as there are some rare exceptions. A car accident attorney from our firm can advise you on your potential legal options for recovering damages. Contact Russell & Lazarus for more information.
Russell & Lazarus Injury Lawyers Can Fight for Your Rights
In one split second, your life and that of your loved ones could change forever with a debilitating accident injury. Losing a loved one in a senseless accident that happened due to another’s negligent actions can feel heartbreaking. However, you are not alone. The dedicated and compassionate car accident attorneys at Russell & Lazarus are committed to helping victims of car accidents and their families recover what they need and deserve.
We can be your best advocate and work tirelessly on your case while you concentrate on getting your health and life back. We can protect you from predatory insurance companies and fight for full and fair compensation that covers your current and future expenses.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your best course of action. Call (888) 539-3154 or text (949) 309-0990.