Orange County Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents are a serious problem in California, where there are more than 3,500 fatal crashes and almost 194,000 injury-causing collisions annually. However, statistics compiled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reveal some shocking details about the risk in Orange County. Every year, around 215 people are killed in fatal motor vehicle accidents, while another 21,750 victims suffer injuries in crashes.

The losses can be devastating, affecting your life in ways that you might not expect. While you may realize the California car accident law provides you with remedies, enforcing your rights can seem like a daunting task when you are trying to heal. You can count on El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to provide skilled support and knowledgeable legal services during this difficult time.

It is possible to recover monetary damages for your losses, and we will tackle all essential tasks. Please contact our firm today to set up a free case review with an Orange County car accident attorney who can explain the steps in the legal process. Some information about liability may also help you understand the basics.

Liability for Vehicle Crashes in Orange County, CA

Collisions are caused by carelessness, but there is a specific term for such misconduct in the practice of law. Liability is based upon negligence, so you must prove that the other motorist caused the accident through a breach of the duty to exercise reasonable care while driving. In addition, you must file a lawsuit based upon the crash within the deadline designated by law. In California, you have two years from the date of the collision to sue in court.

To better understand how the concept of negligence works, some examples may be useful. A driver may breach the duty of care by: 

• Speeding;
• Running red lights and stop signs;
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Failure to yield right of way;
• Texting, talking on the phone, surfing the internet, and posting to social media;
• Other forms of distracted driving, such as eating, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS.

Note that negligence principles also apply to the victim in an Orange County car accident. If you also breached the duty to exercise reasonable care, California’s contributory negligence law could operate to reduce your compensation.

Other Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car collisions comprise the majority of traffic-related accidents in the US, but many other users are sharing California roadways. The good news is that the same laws that cover auto crashes do apply if you were hurt or lost a loved one because of:

• Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing companies;
• Large truck, semi, 18-wheeler, and commercial vehicle collisions can be particularly devastating because of the size differential compared to automobiles;
• Motorcycle crashes, where lower extremities injuries and road rash are common;
• Bicycle and e-scooter collisions can lead to serious harm because the victim will almost always sustain a secondary impact when striking the hard ground; and,
• Pedestrian accidents, in which teens and children are at high risk of being hurt or killed.

How to Recover Damages for Traffic Collisions

Whether you were hurt in a car, truck, or other types of motor vehicle accident, your first step in the legal process is filing an insurance claim. California requires motorists to carry bodily injury coverage, and this is the source of your compensation. Many claims settle, but insurers will often deny or offer a lowball amount to settle.

If the insurance company refuses to pay fairly, the next step is litigation. El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers will aggressively negotiate with the insurer, but we are ready to file a lawsuit to ensure you receive sufficient damages. Our Orange County car accident lawyers will seek amounts for:

• Medical costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and other treatment;
• Lost wages, if you were unable to work because of your injuries;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Scarring and disfigurement; and,
• Other losses affect your quality of life.

In a fatal auto crash claim, survivors may seek damages for the lost consortium, education, guidance, love, and other contributions. 

Set Up a No-Cost Consultation with an Orange County Car Accident Attorney

A basic understanding of liability and compensation is useful, but it is still essential to retain skilled legal representation for assistance with the process. For more information on how El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers supports your needs, please call (213) 985-1120 to schedule a complimentary consultation with an Orange County auto crash lawyer who will provide personalized advice.