Irvine Car Accident Lawyer

A car crash can happen at any time, and at the Omofoma Law, our Irvine car accident lawyers are here to help you. We understand that a serious car accident can be confusing and overwhelming, but after you seek medical treatment, reach out to an Irvine car accident attorney to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your auto accident, negotiate with the insurance company, and help you with all aspects of your car accident claim.

Learn more about our services below, and contact us to schedule a free case consultation.

Why You Need an Irvine Car Accident Lawyer To Help You With Your Case

If you have been involved in a car accident in Irvine, you may be dealing with significant medical bills, lost wages, and other challenges. An experienced Irvine car accident lawyer can guide you through the process of seeking compensation, assisting with tasks such as:

• Investigation of the Accident: A thorough investigation can reveal important details about the accident, including who was at fault, what conditions contributed to the crash, and the extent of the damages involved.
• Determination of Liability: Determining who is liable in a car accident can be a complex process involving the analysis of traffic laws, witness testimony, and other evidence.
• Negotiation With Insurance Companies: Insurers are notorious for trying to minimize the payouts they make. A seasoned attorney can negotiate with these companies on your behalf to ensure you get a fair settlement.
• Representation in Court: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your claim.
• Maximizing Compensation: Your attorney can help identify all possible sources of compensation, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.

In short, hiring a lawyer can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a fair and comprehensive settlement after a car accident.

Irvine Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, hundreds of car accidents resulted in injuries or fatalities in Irvine in recent years. This data underscores the importance of driving safely and understanding your rights in a collision.

California Car Accident Laws

California law requires all drivers to carry automobile insurance that reaches a minimum level of coverage for injury or death to one person, additional coverage for injury or death to more than one person, and minimum coverage for property damage (under California Insurance Code §11580.1b). Additionally, California follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, which means that the compensation a victim receives will be reduced by the percentage of his fault in the accident.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Irvine, CA

There are several common causes of car accidents in Irvine and throughout California. Some of these include:

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a severe violation of road safety rules and a significant contributor to car accidents in Irvine and throughout California. Reckless driving behaviors may include:

• Excessive speeding;
• Frequently changing lanes without signaling;
• Tailgating;
• Ignoring traffic signs or signals; and
• Engaging in aggressive driving behaviors.

In such cases, the reckless driver may be held legally liable for injuries or damages caused by the accident. This liability is not limited to vehicle repair costs but can also include medical expenses, lost wages, and even compensation for pain and suffering experienced by the victim.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the primary causes of car accidents in the United States. This negligent driving behavior involves any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system.

If a driver is found to have been distracted during an accident, they can be held liable for the accident and required to pay damages.

Drunk Driving

Despite strict DUI laws and enforcement in California, drunk driving continues to cause significant harm on the roadways. Drunk drivers are a danger to themselves and pose a severe threat to other road users. In California, it's illegal for drivers to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

If a drunk driver causes a car accident, they can be held liable for injuries or damages and may face severe legal penalties.

Poor Road Conditions

Accidents can be caused by poorly maintained or designed roads. This could involve situations where road hazards like potholes or debris, inadequate signage, poorly timed traffic signals, or poorly designed intersections lead to an accident. In these situations, a government entity, such as a city or state agency, may be liable for failing to maintain the roads properly.

It's worth noting that filing a claim against a government entity involves different procedures and shorter filing deadlines, making it essential to have an experienced car accident lawyer handle your case.

Vehicle Defects

Car accidents can also result from vehicle defects. These may involve a fault in the vehicle's brakes, tires, steering systems, or other vital components that lead to a loss of vehicle control. Suppose it can be proven that the accident resulted from a vehicle defect. In that case, the vehicle's manufacturer, distributor, or mechanic who recently worked on the car may be liable for damages.

Proving that a defect caused an accident can be challenging and often requires expert testimony, underscoring the importance of hiring a seasoned car accident lawyer.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents in Irvine

Due to their violent and sudden nature, car accidents can result in various injuries. The extent of these injuries can vary depending on various factors, including the speed at which the collision occurred, whether or not seatbelts were worn, the size and type of vehicles involved, and the angle of impact. Some of the most common types of injuries suffered in car accidents include:

• Minor Injuries: These may include cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Even though they might appear insignificant initially, it's important to seek medical attention, as some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately but could become serious if left untreated.
• Whiplash: This is a common injury in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head and neck are forcefully and rapidly thrown backward and forward, stretching the neck muscles and ligaments.
• Broken Bones: The force of a collision can lead to broken or fractured bones. The most commonly broken bones in car accidents include the ribs, arms, legs, wrists, and ankles.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries occur when the head experiences a sudden trauma, such as a blow or jolt, leading to damage to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can vary in severity, ranging from mild, characterized by a brief change in mental status or consciousness, to more severe, which involves an extended period of unconsciousness or memory loss.
• Internal Injuries: Car accidents can cause internal injuries such as internal bleeding or organ damage. These injuries can be life-threatening, and they require immediate medical attention.
• Psychological Injuries: The mental trauma caused by a car accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Regardless of the type of injury, accident victims must seek medical attention immediately following a car accident, even if they feel fine. Some injuries may not present symptoms directly but can become severe or life-threatening if not promptly treated. Plus, a medical examination provides vital documentation that can be used in a personal injury claim to link the accident to the injuries sustained.

Steps To Take After a Car Accident

Some of the steps you should follow after a car accident include:

A. Ensuring Safety and Seeking Medical Attention: First and foremost, ensure that you and any other parties involved are safe. If anyone is injured, dial 911 immediately and patiently await the arrival of medical assistance.

B. Collecting Evidence at the Accident Scene: If it is safe to do so, gather evidence at the scene, including photographs of the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be crucial in establishing what happened and who was at fault.

C. Contacting the Authorities and Filing an Accident Report: Always call the police after an accident, even if the damage seems minor. A police report can serve as valuable evidence for your claim.

D. Gathering Information From Witnesses: Get the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses to the accident. Witness statements can help support your version of events.

Liability and Negligence in Your Irvine Car Accident

In California, the person at fault for causing a car accident is responsible for compensating anyone injured or whose property was damaged. Determining fault often involves determining who was negligent, which means failing to take reasonable care to avoid causing injury or harm to others.

Statute of Limitations for Filing Car Accident Claims in Irvine, CA

California's statute of limitations for this type of lawsuit is generally two years from the accident date. If you don't file your lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to sue and recover compensation.

Types of Compensation in Car Accident Cases

In a car accident case, a victim may be entitled to several types of compensation. These awards, also known as damages, are meant to help the injured person recover and manage the repercussions of the accident. They are generally categorized as follows:

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable monetary losses that have been incurred as a direct result of the accident. They include:
  • Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical care related to the accident.
  • Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work or reduce your work hours, you can claim compensation for the income lost during that period.
  • Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries are so severe that they impair your ability to earn in the future, you can seek compensation for lost earning capacity.
  • Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you could be reimbursed for repair or replacement costs.
• Non-Economic Damages: These damages are not easily quantifiable as they deal with subjective losses suffered by the victim. They include:
  • Pain and Suffering: This covers the emotional distress a victim endures due to the accident.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying day-to-day activities and hobbies that you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for this loss.
  • Emotional Distress: This encompasses the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, and any resulting sleep loss.
• Punitive Damages: Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim. Instead, they punish the liable parties involved for particularly severe conduct. We can see if your case is eligible for punitive damages.

Remember, the specific damages available and the amount of compensation you may receive can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of your case. An experienced car accident attorney can help evaluate your situation and guide you through the legal process.

Contact Omofoma Law To Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Irvine Car Accident Lawyer

You don't have to face this challenging time alone if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident. Contact the dedicated Irvine car accident attorneys at Omofoma Law to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you navigate this difficult process and fight for your deserved compensation.

Irvine, CA Car Accident FAQs

We will always take the time to answer your questions before we move forward. Some of the most common questions people ask include: