The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re coping with injuries or lost income. A Beverly Hills personal injury lawyer can pursue a settlement while you recover.
Car accidents can happen to anyone. If a negligent driver has injured you, you may be facing insurance claims, medical bills, and complex legal questions.
Since 2016, Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys have recovered millions for our clients. If you’ve been injured in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, a Beverly Hills car accident lawyer from our team can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can be caused by a combination of factors, ranging from human error to environmental conditions. Some of the most common causes of crashes include:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents. Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the GPS can divert a driver’s attention and cause a collision.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces the time drivers have to react to sudden hazards and increases the severity of accidents when they occur. Speeding is particularly dangerous on busy streets.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drug impairment significantly impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, making DUI one of the most preventable causes of accidents.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and ignoring traffic signals often lead to accidents.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
- Failure to obey traffic laws: Running red lights, failing to yield, and ignoring stop signs are common infractions that lead to collisions.
- Vehicle defects: Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts can also contribute to accidents.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s recklessness, an experienced car accident lawyer in Beverly Hills can help you pursue damages.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Beverly Hills
Car accidents can result in a wide range of severe injuries. Some of the most common bodily injuries sustained in car crashes include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked back and forth, damaging the soft tissue. This is one of the most frequent bodily injuries caused by rear-end collisions.
- Head and brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures can occur due to the impact of a collision.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Broken bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or other areas are common in high-impact accidents. Depending on the severity, these injuries may require surgery and physical therapy.
- Internal injuries: The force of a collision can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs. Internal bleeding is a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
- Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, debris, or sharp objects inside the vehicle can cause deep cuts and lacerations that may require stitches and lead to scarring.
- Psychological injuries: Beyond physical injuries, car accidents can leave victims with emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. An experienced Beverly Hills car accident attorney can help ensure you receive compensation for your medical expenses.
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How Can a Beverly Hills Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Navigating the aftermath of an auto collision can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with injuries. A Beverly Hills car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in the following ways:
- Legal guidance: An experienced lawyer can explain your rights and legal options, helping you understand the process of filing a personal injury claim and what to expect.
- Gathering evidence: Lawyers can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can handle communications and negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Calculating damages: A car accident lawyer can help determine the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs related to the accident.
- Filing a lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court to pursue the compensation you deserve.
By hiring an experienced car accident attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you have a dedicated advocate working to secure the best possible settlement for you.
How Long Do I have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
There are certain exceptions to this rule. For example, if your auto collision involved a government vehicle or entity, you must file a claim within six months.
In addition, if the victim is a minor or legally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended until they turn 18 or regain capacity.
Given these strict deadlines, it’s crucial to consult a Beverly Hills car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. They can help ensure all necessary paperwork is filed on time.
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How to Prove Negligence in California
Proving negligence is critical to securing compensation in a California car accident case. To establish negligence, you must demonstrate the following:
- Duty of care: The defendant (or negligent party) owed you a duty of care. In car accident cases, this typically means adhering to traffic laws and driving safely to avoid harm to others.
- Breach of duty: The defendant violated their duty of care by engaging in reckless or careless behavior, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence.
- Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. You must prove that the injuries would not have occurred without the defendant’s actions.
- Damages: You suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering, as a result of the collision.
Proving negligence requires gathering evidence, consulting experts, and building a compelling case. An experienced car accident lawyer can do this on your behalf.
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Unique Considerations for Rideshare Accidents in Beverly Hills
Rideshare accidents involving companies like Uber and Lyft present unique legal challenges. If you’re involved in an Uber accident or Lyft accident, here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Insurance coverage: Uber and Lyft provide different levels of insurance coverage depending on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the crash.
- Liability: Establishing liability in an Uber or Lyft accident can be complex. Potential parties may include the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company.
- Independent contractor status: Rideshare drivers are typically classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction can affect the extent to which companies like Uber or Lyft are held liable for their drivers’ actions.
A Beverly Hills car accident lawyer with experience in rideshare cases can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in California?
Some of the damages you may be able to claim after a motor vehicle accident in California include:
- Medical expenses: This includes all past and future medical costs associated with medical care, surgeries, physical therapies, prescriptions, hospital treatment, and ambulance services required to address injuries sustained in the accident.
- Lost wages: If the crash prevented you from working or caused you to miss time from a job, you may recover wages and income lost during recovery.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to compensation for physical and mental anguish caused by injuries sustained in the collision.
- Loss of earning capacity: If the crash has reduced your ability to work or earn income/wages in the future, you may claim damages for lost future income.
- Property damage: This includes costs to repair or replace a vehicle or compensation for total loss of the vehicle due to damage in the collision.
- Loss of consortium: This refers to damages for lost affection, society, and support caused by injuries to your spouse.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases of willful/intentional misconduct, you may receive punitive damages aimed at penalizing the at-fault driver.
A skilled auto accident lawyer can help you determine the types of compensation you may be entitled to.
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement?
Since every motor vehicle accident case is unique, there is no average settlement. Some victims receive tens of thousands for their auto accident claims, while others receive millions.
The value of your settlement will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, the extent of the damage to your car, and the circumstances of the collision. A car crash attorney in Beverly Hills can provide an estimate based on your situation.
Negotiation vs. Litigation Processes
After a car accident, victims typically pursue compensation through either negotiation or litigation. Understanding the differences between these two processes can help you determine the best course of action.
Negotiation
Negotiation involves resolving your claim without going to court. This process typically includes:
- Filing an insurance claim: After the crash, you or your attorney will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Presenting evidence: Your lawyer will gather and submit evidence such as medical records, police reports, and photographs to support your claim.
- Sending demand letter: A demand letter outlining your damages and the compensation you seek will be sent to the insurance company.
- Settlement discussions: Both parties will negotiate to reach a fair settlement. An experienced lawyer can advocate for maximum compensation for you during this phase.
Negotiation is generally faster and less costly than litigation. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, litigation may become necessary.
Litigation
Litigation involves taking your case to court to resolve the dispute. This legal process includes:
- Filing a lawsuit: Your lawyer will file a formal complaint against the at-fault party.
- Discovery phase: Both sides exchange evidence and gather information to build their cases.
- Mediation or arbitration: Some cases are resolved through alternative dispute resolution methods before reaching trial.
- Trial: If no settlement is reached, your case will go to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.
Litigation can be time-consuming and expensive, but it may be necessary to secure the compensation you deserve if negotiations fail. A skilled Beverly Hills personal injury attorney can protect your interests throughout both negotiation and litigation.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a car crash, insurance adjusters may attempt to pressure you to settle for the minimum possible payout. They may minimize your injuries, dispute liability, or classify damages differently to avoid giving you the proper compensation.
Due to this pressure, car accident victims often accept settlements that do not properly cover their damages. An experienced Beverly Hills car accident lawyer from Omega Law Group can negotiate with the insurance company and make sure you receive the maximum compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Beverly Hills
If you’ve been involved in a car crash, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights and begin building a case. Those steps are as follows:
- Call the police: Report the accident to the Beverly Hills Police Department. A police report will serve as crucial evidence for your claim.
- Exchange information: Obtain the contact, insurance, and vehicle information of all parties involved. Be polite but avoid admitting fault or making statements about the cause of the accident.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, crash scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This evidence can help support your claim.
- Speak to witnesses: If there are any witnesses, collect their names and contact information. Their statements can support your case.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, be sure to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not present symptoms immediately. Medical records will also be essential for your claim.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance provider but avoid admitting fault or providing unnecessary details.
- Consult a car accident lawyer: Contact a Beverly Hills car accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
An auto accident attorney can guide you through the process of filing a claim and help you pursue financial compensation.
Contact a Beverly Hills Car Accident Attorney Today
A car crash can have significant physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages can add up quickly.
At Omega Law Group, we understand the emotional and physical toll these experiences can take. By partnering with our car accident attorneys in Beverly Hills, you can focus on your recovery while we pursue damages on your behalf.
The legal team at Omega Law Group can help you navigate your personal injury claim and recover the maximum compensation. Schedule a free case evaluation today to learn how we can help.
