Dedicated to Obtaining Maximum Compensation for Our Clients
Thousands of people are injured in car accidents on a daily basis. Car crashes are some of the most common causes of serious injuries. If you or a family member have been injured in an auto accident in California, BD&J is here to help. Our Los Angeles accident attorneys understand how challenging it can be to pursue justice when you are dealing with medical bills, health complications, missed time at work, and the emotional and physical exhaustion of being involved in an accident. That is why we are here to help.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Common car crash injuries include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury usually caused by a sudden jerking motion. It’s most often seen in rear-end collisions.
- Broken bones: Bone fractures can happen in any part of the body but are particularly common in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are common in severe accidents. These are especially serious since they potentially lead to long-term cognitive issues.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity, and may require extensive therapy to manage.
- Internal injuries: High-impact crashes can cause damage to internal organs that require immediate medical attention.
- Cuts and bruises: While usually minor, these injuries can still be painful and may require medical treatment to prevent infection.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, you might need medical attention right away. Our experienced car accident lawyers in California can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and recovery.
Types of Car Accidents We’ve Handled
Our attorney team has extensive experience handling collisions of all types, including:
- Head-on collisions: This is when two vehicles crash front-to-front.
- Intersections accidents: Collisions at intersections are often caused by running red lights or failing to yield.
- Hit-and-run accidents: This is when a driver leaves the scene without providing contact information or assisting the injured parties. This can complicate the claims process.
- Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions often happen when following too closely or driving distracted.
- Sideswipe accidents: Sideswipes happen when two vehicles travel side-by-side and make contact. This can result in loss of control and even subsequent crashes.
- Multi-vehicle pileups: Complex accidents usually involve multiple cars and can cause serious injuries and property damage to many people.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident Claim
The outcome of many car accident lawsuits hinges on the legal theory of negligence. Negligence occurs when a person or entity behaves in a careless manner that results in injury or harm to another person. Under the law, a person is required to exercise reasonable care whenever they are driving a motor vehicle, essentially staying aware of any pedestrians, road obstacles, or other drivers. In addition, they are responsible for controlling the speed their vehicle is going. If they fail to exercise this care, it can be considered negligence.
If you are dealing with catastrophic injuries that have caused you pain and suffering, as well as other damages following a car accident, BD&J can help you determine if any negligence was involved so the responsible party can be held liable for any of the damages. We can also assist with wrongful death claims if your loved one died in the accident.
Proving this negligence can be complex, requiring that you show:
- The defendant owed duty to the injured party (plaintiff)
- The defendant breached this duty in some way
- That breach specifically caused the victim’s injuries
- The harm could have been reasonably predicted based on the negligence
- The victim suffered actual damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.)
Depending on the case, the defendant may be automatically presumed negligent and will be required to prove otherwise if they wish to avoid paying damages. For example, if they were in clear violation of driving laws, whether due to drunk driving, right-of-way violations, or something similar.
Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers can not only hold the negligent party responsible, but also thoroughly assess your case to determine if there were any third parties that may have led to the accident, such as Uber, Lyft, Postmastes, Doordash, construction companies, bartenders, employers, and more.
Determining What Your Case is Worth
When it comes to a personal injury settlement after a car accident, you likely want to know what to expect. The answer depends on numerous factors and there isn’t an average settlement for a car accident case. Once your attorney knows the details of the case, they can better determine what your case might be worth and help you pursue the highest possible settlement. There are several factors that will likely impact the value of your claim. These include:
- The type of insurance policy each party holds
- Ability to document the scene of the accident to prove liability
- Your current and future medical expenses
- Your attorney’s ability to negotiate a full and fair settlement
- How able you are to work after the accident
- Property damage associated with the accident
- The impact on your life, now and in the future
Pursuing Damages in Your Car Accident Case
There are 4 types of damages that we can help you obtain after your involvement in a car accident:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for surgery, medication, rehab and any future medical treatments needed after the accident.
- Lost wages: If your injuries keep you out of work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income, including future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: These are for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: This is for repairing or replacing your vehicle and getting you into a rental car in the meantime.
We can help you get the results that you want and need. Don’t wait to contact our legal team for the guidance you need through your case!
What Our Los Angeles Car Accident Law Firm Can Do for You
Here is what you can expect when you work with BD&J Injury Lawyers:
- Assess your case: We start by evaluating the details of your accident to determine the strength of your case and identify the potential compensation you may be entitled to.
- Identify your damages: We can help you collect your medical records, insurance paperwork, property appraisals, and more to strengthen your claim to damages.
- Determine the cause: Our team conducts a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements and surveillance footage.
- Make a case for negligence: We build a strong case by proving the other party’s negligence or fault, which is essential for securing compensation in car accident claims.
- File your claim: Our attorneys handle all the paperwork and legal formalities required to file your claim to ensure everything is done correctly from the start.
- Defend you in court: We represent you in court and in settlement negotiations, advocate for your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
- Negotiate settlements: We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages and losses. Our reputation and track record of success ensures your claim is taken seriously.
- Provide free consultation: Our firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case, answer any questions, and provide the information you need to move forward.
What happens during a car accident claim? Keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown.
What Caused Your Car Accident?
Reasons for car accidents typically fall into one of two categories: Those caused by driver error and those not caused by driver error. Driver error accidents typically occur due to negligence on the part of the vehicle operator or failure to adhere to traffic laws.
Some common factors that can often lead to car accidents include:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving (talking/texting on the phone)
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Dangerous road conditions
- Adverse weather conditions
- Vehicle failure
