Car Accident Lawyer​s in Laguna Beach, CA

With the number of cars and automobiles driving around in the State of California there are sure to be accidents. In 2016 there were over 3,000 fatalities in automobile accidents alone and that number is rising year after year. Injuries are more even more numerous. One of the most serious injuries from automobile crashes are neck and spine injuries which could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the costs of living with a spinal cord injury can be as high as $1,064,716 in the first year alone. The Foundation notes that these costs don’t include losses in wages, productivity, and fringe benefits. Spinal cord injury can result in permanent and life-long disability, but these aren’t the only injuries that car accident victims can experience. Traumatic brain injury can result in life-long disability and impairment. Back injuries, internal injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from a car accident can also lead to serious losses. The Laguna Beach car accident lawyer at Chudleigh Law, P.C. may be able to assist you and your family with the legal process and help you seek damages for your losses.

Even when a driver takes all the necessary safety precautions, there are still many factors that can lead to a car accident.

Distracted Drivers.

One of the most common causes of car accidents in Laguna Beach, California is distracted drivers. Unfortunately, mobile phones and texting have resulted in an increase in car accidents. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a short amount of time, they may not see a motorist turning in front of them, or slowing for traffic. Every year in California thousands of car accidents are caused by drivers making a turn in front of an oncoming motorist that they didn’t see. However, in 2015, there was only 1.01 death per 100 million miles traveled in California.

Drunk Driving.

The California Office of Traffic Safety or OTS lists Alcohol-Impaired Driving, Drug-Impaired Driving as a common cause of accidents. It is important for all motorists to be aware of a driver that is driving erratically. If you believe you see an impaired driver, call 911 to report it. If the other driver in your car accident was drunk, you may have additional options when it comes to seeking damages and a recovery for your medical bills and losses. For example, you may be able to seek money from crime victims’ funds. You may also have a more straightforward car accident claim with the negligent driver, because drunk driving is a clear factor involved in determining negligence.

Left Turn Accidents and Failure to Yield.

Drivers failing to yield to oncoming motorists by making a sudden left turn in front of them, can endanger themselves and others around them.

Speeding.

Speeding is a leading cause of all types of motor vehicle accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to see and react to changing conditions on the road and increases the time and distance required to stop. Higher rates of speed lead to greater impact and more severe injuries in the event of a collision.

Improper Lane Change.

A driver increases their chances of hitting a motorist if they make a sudden lane change without checking their “blind spot”. Cars are becoming smaller, and lower to the ground than previous automobiles, making it easier for drivers to be in their blind spots.

Dangerous Road Conditions.

Potholes, gravel, debris, and wet roads can all increase motorists’ chances of losing control. Adding speed to dangerous road conditions is a recipe for disaster.

Sudden Stops and Heavy Traffic.

Rear-end collisions are super common on the highways in California when the speed of traffic can go from 65 MPH to 0 MPH with little to no warning. When a driver is following too closely to another, a rear-end collision can result in serious neck injuries and trauma. Always allow sufficient room for stopping while traveling through traffic.

Automobile Defects.

If a car part is defective, it can cause a driver to lose control and result in an wreck through no fault of the driver.

No matter the cause, any auto accident can lead to serious consequences for the driver and passengers involved. Broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, and permanent scarring, and even wrongful death can result from an auto accident. If you have been seriously injured from an auto accident in California, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and property damage. Dan Chudleigh is a Laguna Beach car accident attorney and is ready to help you. Contact Chudleigh Law, P.C., a car accident attorney in Laguna Beach, California if you have been seriously in injured in an automobile accident. 

MOTORISTS ARE NOT USUALLY AT FAULT.

DETERMINING FAULT CAN BE DIFFICULT FOLLOWING A CRASH

It can sometimes be challenging to determine who was at fault following a car accident. If you are not sure who was at fault for your car accident, have questions about your rights, or if you are being blamed for an accident you don’t believe is your fault, reach out to Chudleigh Law, P.C., a car accident law firm in Laguna Beach, California today. We can review your case and determine who may be to blame for the crash.

All drivers have a duty to follow the traffic laws, and to use reasonable care when driving. When someone fails to use reasonable care, and causes an accident, they will be found negligent and will be liable to you for your injuries and property damage. However, the process of finding another driver negligent may require evidence or a court case. The car accident lawyers at Chudleigh Law, P.C. in Laguna Beach, California may be able to assist you. 

WHAT IF THE DRIVER THAT HIT ME DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE?

If the driver that caused the accident does not have insurance, or does not have sufficient insurance coverage to pay for your injuries, then your own insurance company will usually have to pay for your expenses. Even though they are “your” insurance company, if they have to pay the bills because an uninsured or underinsured driver was at fault, they will work their hardest to pay you as little as possible. It is important if you are in an accident that you talk to a Laguna Beach auto accident lawyer before giving a statement to an insurance company. Insurance companies are for profit entities, and are always trying to maximize profits by minimizing the payment of claims. A Laguna Beach car wreck attorney can negotiate on your behalf, to ensure you get full and fair compensation. The state of California has a strict statute of limitations for filing injury lawsuits, so do not delay in seeking help for your injuries. Chudleigh Law, P.C. is a car accident lawyer in Laguna Beach, California that may be able to help you file your case in time. 

WHAT WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR AFTER A CAR WRECK?

The at-fault driver’s insurance will pay up to its policy limits for the following expenses after a motorcycle crash in California.

Damages to Automobile (Property Damage). Your car may need repairs, or could be totaled. Either way, the insurance should settle your property damage claim quickly so you can get back on the road.
Medical Bills. It is important to keep track of all your medical bills so all expenses are accounted for when calculating your damages.
Ambulance Bills. If you were not at fault, your ambulance bill will be considered. Physical Therapy and or Chiropractic Treatments. These ongoing treatments will be considered by the insurance companies. It is important not to have a “gap” in treatment, because insurance companies will argue the treatment after the gap was not reasonable or necessary.

Psychiatric Treatment For Mental Trauma From An Accident. If you have been in a serious auto accident, you may suffer post traumatic stress disorder. Seek treatment from a professional if you are suffering from severe anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, or uncontrollable thoughts about the accident.
Surgeries and Hospital Bills. Surgical bills can become the most substantial expense after an accident. The insurance companies will pay up to the policy limits for your necessary surgeries.

Lost Wages. You will be reimbursed for lost income from missed work due to the accident. Keep track of you missed work, and make sure you have your doctor make a note validating your injuries and reason for being unable to work for a specific amount of time.

Pain and Suffering. Pain and suffering is a considered a non-economic damage, but is certainly a valid form of damages.

Loss Of Enjoyment of Life. If you are unable to perform the same daily activities that you enjoyed prior to the accident, like running, playing tennis, or even walking for an extended period of time, this will be considered in the calculation for total damages.

If you have health insurance, you can receive treatment through your normal medical providers. If you don’t have health insurance, many health providers can provide medical services on a lien, so you only have to pay for the medical bills after you get paid from the insurance company. Have questions about the insurance claim process or your rights after a car accident in Laguna Beach, California? Reach out to Chudleigh Law, P.C., a car accident law firm in Laguna Beach, California today. 

DO I HAVE TO FILE A LAWSUIT AFTER AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT?

A Laguna Beach car accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit if needed. The state of California has a strict statute of limitations for filing injury lawsuits, so do not wait to contact an attorney if you have been in an accident. If the insurance company is not willing to pay a reasonable amount for medical bills, then a lawsuit will likely be filed, which will allow an attorney to conduct discovery and a full investigation into the accident. Taking a car accident case to trial can take years, and most cases will settle prior to going to trial. However, Chudleigh Law is prepared to take your car injury case to trial if necessary to get you full compensation for your injuries.

WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD TO PAY AN ATTORNEY?

Chudleigh Law accepts car accidents, and other personal injury cases, on a contingency fee. This means that Chudleigh Law will pay for all filing and court fees, discovery and investigation costs, and does not charge a fee unless you get paid for your injuries. This allows anyone, regardless of their financial situation, to get the best legal representation possible without paying an hourly attorney rate.

The road to recovery after a serious car accident is a long one. Lasting injuries can take not only a physical but also an emotional and financial toll on anyone. No one should have to represent themselves properly in court, and go up against an experienced insurance defense attorney because they can’t afford an attorney. Don’t travel this road alone and prolong your suffering after an accident. Get an experienced attorney that is ready to represent you. Laguna Beach car accident lawyer Dan Chudleigh will gladly provide you with a no-obligation case review. He can travel to you anywhere in Laguna Beach to discuss your case. Call (949) 504-5000