Orange County Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve suffered injuries due to another party’s negligence in a traffic collision, reach out to us at (949) 771-4188 for a complimentary consultation to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney that will fight for your rights.

Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs)

1. Distracted Driving:
   One of the top causes of accidents is driver distraction. This is becoming a more prevalent cause in the era of technology and social media. Texting, talking on the phone, scrolling through social media, eating, or engaging with passengers can divert attention from driving, significantly increasing the chance of a crash.
2. Speeding:
   Driving above the speed limit reduces a person’s ability to react quickly to potential hazards and increases the severity of an accident. High speeds shorten the time available to avoid collisions and amplify the impact during crashes. Speeding is not only a cause of accidents, but an amplifier as well.
3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI):
   Operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs impairs critical functions such as judgment, motor skills, and reaction time, drastically raising the risk of an accident. DUIs are a criminal offense in California and are not taken lightly – intoxicated drivers should therefore never get behind the wheel.
4. Reckless or Aggressive Driving:
   Dangerous behaviors such as tailgating, abrupt lane changes, weaving through traffic, running red lights, and disregarding traffic signs or signals greatly elevate the likelihood of a collision.
5. Driver Fatigue:
   Driving while overly tired affects concentration and reaction times in ways similar to drug or alcohol impairment. Fatigued drivers may experience lapses in attention, brief moments of sleep, or poor decision-making, all of which contribute to accidents.
6. Inexperienced Drivers:
   Drivers who lack experience, particularly those who are young or newly licensed, are more prone to making errors, failing to anticipate road hazards and struggling to maintain proper control of their vehicle, increasing accident risks.
7. Wildlife Encounters:
   According to the California State Highway Patrol, about 6,000 vehicle collisions with wildlife occur annually, most involving deer. However, other animals such as livestock, foxes, coyotes, and mountain lions can also cause significant disruptions. Drivers can reduce the risk by staying alert near wooded areas, curved roads with limited visibility, and during dawn or dusk when wildlife is most active.
8. Rubbernecking:
   When an accident disrupts traffic flow, many drivers slow down to observe the scene, often losing focus on the road ahead. This behavior, commonly called rubbernecking, frequently causes rear-end collisions.
9. Vehicle Defects:
   Mechanical problems like brake failures, tire blowouts, and malfunctioning steering systems can cause crashes, especially if the driver is unaware of the issue or neglects routine maintenance.
10. Neglected Vehicle Maintenance:
    Regular car maintenance is essential not only for vehicle longevity but also for safety. Mechanical failures such as brake issues, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions can increase the chances of an accident. If your car fails on a busy highway or requires you to stop on the shoulder, the risk of being sideswiped or involved in another accident rises sharply.
11. Road Design Flaws:
    Many drivers overlook the role of road design in accident prevention. Features like intersection layouts, traffic signals, signage, guardrails, crosswalks, and curves all impact traffic safety. Poorly designed roads or intersections can create hazardous conditions, often requiring in-depth investigations to identify and address these dangers.
12. Road Rage:
    While extreme cases of road rage such as physical altercations or gun violence grab headlines, even milder forms like tailgating, brake-checking, racing to overtake vehicles, or losing patience in traffic can contribute to accidents. Managing frustration and keeping a calm mindset while driving is critical for safety. Remember, no momentary anger is worth risking a serious accident.

What Do I Do If I Am Involved In A Motor Vehicle Accident?

1. Dial 911 and request medical assistance if necessary.
2. Provide an accurate and complete statement to the police and other authorities responding to the call. It’s important to communicate any injuries and property damage sustained, and to recall what transpired leading up to the accident.
3. Take photos and videos of everything. This includes damage to the vehicles, drivers licenses, insurance, and registration.
4. File a police report. If officers are called to the scene, they can assist. Under California law, one must file a police report within 24 hours of a car accident.
5. Speak to witnesses and get their contact information. This will greatly assist in supporting your claim. Send a confirmation text to the witnesses to ensure you have their correct phone number.
6. Visit a doctor immediately.
7. Call us at (949) 771-4188 – we will evaluate your claim for free and can direct you to the proper medical providers for treatment.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Claims

Filing a claim is essential to get you compensated. Below are some common types of MVA claims:

Car Accidents

From distracted driving and DUI incidents to reckless lane changes and speeding, car accidents happen for numerous reasons. The reality is that over 90% of motor vehicle accidents are caused by human error. Multi-vehicle crashes, such as rear-end or T-bone collisions, and single-vehicle accidents caused by drowsy or reckless driving are common. No matter the type of accident, consulting a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Accidents

Accidents involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be complex due to differing insurance policies depending on whether the driver was actively transporting passengers, or whether the driver was logged into the app, among other considerations. It is imperative to have an attorney representing you given the challenging nature of these kinds of claims.

Pedestrian Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents with pedestrians generally involve serious injuries, and they are on the rise. Pedestrian deaths have reached a 40-year high in the United States. Every day, 20 pedestrians are killed by a moving vehicle, with even more being critically injured.

Truck Accidents

Truck drivers must adhere to strict federal safety regulations. However, the demands of the job, including stress and fatigue, can lead to accidents. Nationally, there are over 170,000 truck accidents every year. Given their significant weight—up to 80,000 pounds—trucks can cause devastating injuries and vehicle damage during collisions.

Motorcycle Accidents

No state is home to more motorcycles than California. In 2022, there were over 802,500 motorcycles registered by the state. Unfortunately, motorcyclists face a heightened risk of severe accidents, often leading to catastrophic injuries and costly medical bills. Every year, there are over 10,000 motorcycle accidents in California, resulting in over 500 fatalities.

Bicycle Accidents

Given the weather and active lifestyle afforded to Southern Californians, bicycling alongside motorists for recreational or commuting purposes is commonplace. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), approximately 12,600 cyclists are killed or injured each year. By their very nature, bicycle accidents with motor vehicles can pose serious injuries for the cyclist.

Common Auto Accident Injuries

Car crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. Some of the most frequently seen injuries include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is often caused by a sudden, unexpected impact to the rear of the vehicle. The violent movement of the head and neck can result in muscular and ligament damage. Neck injuries can be immensely painful for the victim for an extended period of time.
• Back and Spinal Injuries: This includes herniated discs and spinal cord damage which can lead to permanent paralysis, numbness, and limited mobility.
• Chest Injuries: The blunt force trauma of a collision can cause broken ribs, a collapsed lung, or internal bleeding.
• Head Injuries: These range from lacerations and fractures to traumatic brain injuries. Often times, when an airbag is deployed, the driver may suffer a broken nose and other facial injuries.
• Psychological Injuries: Emotional distress is common for those involved in a car collision. This may result in the inability to sleep, PTSD, depression, or anxiety getting behind the wheel again. Medical studies conclude that nearly one-third of all those involved in a car accident suffered from some sort of psychological injury for as long as a year following the collision.

Insurance Policy Limits

California law requires minimum insurance coverage. Beginning in 2025, these mandatory insurance minimums were increased to:

• $30,000 for injury or death of one person
• $60,000 for injuries or deaths involving multiple people
• $15,000 for property damage

Your attorney can assist in recovering compensation that exceeds these limits if needed. Note that often times, the at-fault driver will have insurance policy limits above the state minimums.

Why Hire a Lawyer?

Insurance companies are in the business of denying or limiting your claim. Having an attorney advocating on your behalf greatly improves your success rate. According to the Insurance Research Council, 85% of all insurance payouts went to victims who were represented by an attorney. Victims represented by an attorney received settlements nearly 3.5 times higher than those without legal representation.

An experienced car accident attorney will:

• Handle all negotiations with the insurance companies and liable parties
• Collect evidence to establish fault and damages to get you compensated
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please contact us at (949) 771-4188  for a free consultation with a car accident attorney. We have a Zero Fee Guarantee, so you don’t pay until your case is settled or a judgement is reached.