Alhambra Car Accident Attorney

Free Consultations for Californians in Need​

It’s no secret that car accidents are one of the major causes of injuries in the United States. In California alone, there were 485,866 reported car crashes in 2017 that caused nearly 300,000 injuries. California accounts for 11% of the nation’s auto deaths, and Los Angeles and Orange Counties are some of the most dangerous countries for car accidents in the state. It’s also known that human error contributes to a majority of these accidents.

If you were injured in a car accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim so you can recover damages. To determine whether your claim is valid, call Lara Law Firm. Our Alhambra car accident attorney offers detailed, compassionate service to clients in their time of need. As a smaller law firm, we’re able to give you the personalized service that a larger, busier firm can’t provide. We have the time to sit down with you and truly understand your concerns and legal goals so we can pursue your desired results.

Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

It’s important to discuss your case with an attorney after an accident. Not only can an experienced attorney walk you step by step through the often-complicated legal system, but Lara Law Firm is a true advocate on your side. Unlike insurance companies who are usually looking to save their company as much money as possible. our firm will fight for your best interest every step along the way.

Additionally, many people find that their injuries become more severe in the following weeks after initially sustaining them. If you accept an insurance settlement before you know the full depths of your injuries, you may find your settlement no longer covers all your medical expenses. A lawyer from our firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve and fight to protect your rights.

Contact our team for a free consultation online or by phone at (626) 790-5758 today. Our team is passionate about helping our clients overcome obstacles so they can reclaim their lives after an accident.

Car Accident Statute of limitations

If you were injured in a car accident, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit in California. If you fail to file a claim in this time period, you will most like be unable to not only file but pursue any compensation for your injuries.

If someone dies as a result of the accident, however, families have two years from the date of death. This means that if someone was injured in a car accident and died from their injuries two weeks later, the clock would start from the date of death.

Though two years may seem like a long time, filing and settling a claim can be a lengthy process, too. This is why it’s best to start your case as soon as possible, and to hire a knowledgeable personal injury firm that can handle your case efficiently. Lara Law Firm is available to hear your story and begin the recovery process when you call. Through our years of advocacy, we’ve been able to successfully recover the following damages for clients injured in car accidents:

• Lost wages from missing work
• Property damage, including costs of car replacements and repairs
• Disability
• Emergency medical expenses, including costs of ambulance rides and surgeries
• Future medical costs, including medications, equipment, and physical therapy
• Pain and suffering

Liability Laws After a Car Accident

In the event of a car accident, California follows an “at-fault” rule to determine liability, meaning, the driver who is responsible for causing an accident is also responsible paying damages through an insurance carrier. While determining liability is straightforward for accidents where only one driver is at fault, it’s true that in most accidents more than one party can be found at fault, no matter how small.

An example of “fault” that you may not have considered before would be failing to put on a turn signal or driving slightly about the speed limit. In these cases, an injured driver can still recover compensation through California’s "pure comparative negligence" rule. This rule states that an injured party can still file a claim, but their percentage of responsibility will also be deducted from their overall compensation awarded to them. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault for the accident, the total compensation awarded to you will also be reduced by 10%.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

A variety of factors can contribute to car accidents. Sometimes a defective car part, like faulty brakes, can cause accidents, meaning that the manufacturer of the component can be held accountable for damages. Other times, government entities can be held liable if dangerous or defective roads cause accidents and injuries, as they’re responsible for road maintenance.However, drivers are most often at fault for the accidents that occur on roads and highways. Common causes of car accidents include:

• Speeding: The second most common cause of car accidents, speeding reduces a driver’s response time, meaning they have less time to brake for a road hazard or slowed traffic. Drivers driving at fast speeds are also more likely to lose control of their vehicles, particularly while making turns.
• Distracted driving: Smartphones are now ubiquitous in the United States and are one of the main reasons why distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents. Though it’s illegal to be on your phone while driving, many drivers violate this law and will text, talk on the phone, and consult various apps when they should be focused on the road.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol impairs a person’s cognitive functions, physical coordination, and ability to make sound judgments, all of which a driver needs in order to operate a vehicle safely on the road. Intoxicated drivers are much more likely to indulge in risky behaviors such as speed, run red lights or stop signs, and make sudden lane changes without signaling.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, your health and safety should be your top priorities. Calling for medical attention is essential to ensure that your symptoms are diagnosed and treated, even if you don’t detect any immediate injuries. It’s also important to have as much documentation regarding your accident as possible.

Drivers are usually instructed to take photos of their car damage, injuries, the information of the other drivers involved, and contact information for any witnesses. Obtaining a copy of the crash report, which every officer must file when they respond to the scene of an accident, is also helpful. Our attorney can also help you collect this information when you hire us to represent you.

For in-depth legal services in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese, call our Alhambra car accident attorney at (626) 790-5758. We also meet with clients in Huntington Beach.