Serving clients throughout the state of California
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. With more than 20 years representing injury victims and $3 billion* in compensation recovered for clients, our team brings proven experience to your case. Our California 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. If you’re looking for a California car accident attorney or an auto accident attorney in California, we’re here to help.
Car accident not your fault? Let our skilled accident attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today!
What to Do After a Car Accident in California
- Get to safety (if you can): Move yourself and your vehicle out of traffic if it’s safe, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries.
- Call 911 and ask for help: Request medical assistance and law enforcement so your injuries are documented, and you can receive a police report.
- Get medical care right away: Even if you feel “okay,” symptoms can take hours or days to show up. Follow up with your doctor and keep all records.
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, the roadway, skid marks, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Get names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and witness contact information.
- Protect your claim: Avoid admitting fault, and don’t give recorded statements to an insurance company before you understand your rights. Then contact BD&J for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
Many California crashes involve preventable driver choices or dangerous roadway conditions. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Looking away for a text, GPS, or even “hands-free” tasks can be enough to cause a collision. NHTSA reports 3,308 people were killed in distracted-driving crashes in 2022.
- Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of injuries in a crash.
- DUI: Alcohol and drug impairment can affect judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
- Reckless or aggressive driving: Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage behaviors can put everyone at risk.
Poor road conditions: Potholes, missing signage, inadequate lighting, and construction hazards can contribute to serious collisions.
Common Car Accident Injuries in California
The most common car crash injuries in California 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 or internal bleeding that requires immediate medical attention.
- Cuts and bruises: Even seemingly minor cuts, bruises, and lacerations can require treatment and careful documentation, especially if they become infected, leave scarring, or point to a more serious underlying injury.
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 in California
Our attorney team has extensive experience handling collisions of all types, including:
- Head-on collisions: This is when two vehicles crash front-to-front.
- Intersection 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. If you can’t identify the at-fault driver, your uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help pay for injuries and other losses.
- 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.
How Negligence Is Proven in a California Car Accident Case
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 at which their vehicle is going. If they fail to exercise this care, it can be considered negligence.
BD&J can help you determine if negligence was involved so the responsible party can be held liable. In order to prove negligence, you may need to show:
- The defendant owed a 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 need to prove otherwise 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 California 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, Postmates, DoorDash, construction companies, bartenders, employers, local municipalities, and more. We can also assist with wrongful death claims if your loved one died in the accident.
Protect your rights and your future. Talk to a BD&J injury lawyer now! Available 24/7
Determining How Much Compensation You Can Pursue After a Car Crash
Were you in a car accident? How much compensation can you expect to receive? 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 compensation you might be able to pursue for 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, and the associated coverage limits.
- Ability to thoroughly document the scene of the accident and collect evidence that proves liability.
- The extent of current and future medical treatments, medications, and hospital stays.
- Your attorney’s ability to negotiate a full and fair settlement with insurance agents.
- The time it takes to return to work or the need to find alternate employment after the accident.
- Property damage associated with the accident (vehicles, homes, belongings, etc.)
- The overall impact on your life and family, now and in the future.
Compensation for 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!
Economic damages: Financial losses like medical expenses (surgery, medication, rehab, and future treatment), lost wages, and property damage (repairing or replacing your vehicle and getting you into a rental car in the meantime).
Non-economic damages: Losses that don’t come with a receipt, including pain and suffering and the emotional distress caused by the accident.
Punitive damages: In limited cases involving especially dangerous or egregious conduct, such as DUI, punitive damages may be available to punish and deter the wrongdoing.
With more than 20 years of representing California crash victims and $3 billion* in compensation recovered for clients, BD&J is ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to contact our legal team for the guidance you need through your case!
How Our California Car Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case
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 ensure 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.
How to File a California Car Accident Claim
What happens during a car accident claim? Keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown.
- Collect evidence: Photos, videos, contact information, medical records, a police report, and more will be important for proving what happened and who is responsible.
- Notify insurance: Most policies have a deadline for filing claims, so make sure to check your insurance policy and notify your insurance company of the impending claim.
- Get in touch with a California car accident attorney: Sit down for a FREE consultation with a trusted legal expert for guidance on your case.
- File the claim: Either with your attorney or on your own, fill out forms and submit evidence that shows who is responsible for the accident.
Important deadlines: California’s statute of limitations is generally two years for personal injury claims, but claims involving government entities can have a much shorter timeline. Waiting too long can limit your options.
How long a claim can take: Some cases resolve in a matter of months, while severe injury claims often take longer because your medical team may need time to understand your prognosis and whether you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before settlement negotiations can accurately value your damages.
Dedicated to Pursuing Maximum Compensation for Our Clients
The BD&J team has more than 20 years of experience working on all manner of car accident cases and has won a combined $3 billion* in compensation for clients. Our trusted California car accident lawyers are committed to supporting you and your family during a difficult time and won’t settle for less than what you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being in a car accident?
Prioritize your health and well-being after a car crash and seek medical attention as soon as possible. It’s important to get injuries evaluated as soon as possible to prevent worsening symptoms or permanent damage. This also creates a medical record for the crash.
What caused my 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 reckless driving, such as failure to comply with traffic laws. Collisions can also be caused by dangerous road conditions, adverse weather, and vehicle failure.
Who else could be at fault if it wasn’t the driver?
In cases where accidents are caused by poor road conditions or improper signage, the local municipality could be found responsible. Alternatively, if the accident was caused by a vehicle malfunction, the manufacturer or a mechanic could be liable.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call our car accident lawyers in California today and make sure you get fair compensation.
Do I really need a lawyer after a car accident, or can I handle the claim myself?
No, car accidents do not require legal representation, and sometimes claims are easy to handle on your own if there are few disputes and minor injuries, if any. However, if your accident involves severe injuries, liability disputes, or any other complication, it’s a good idea to talk to a California car accident attorney for a FREE case review.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in California?
Most California car crash law firms don’t charge until they win your case. This is called a contingency fee, where your lawyer is paid a percentage of your final compensation rather than charging an hourly rate. This often works to your advantage because, unlike hourly attorneys that may extend billable hours to increase their paycheck, contingency attorneys must provide the best possible results to be paid for their hours worked.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Yes, California has a comparative negligence law which allows victims to pursue compensation for an accident even if they are partially responsible for the accident. In this situation, your final compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are found to have. If your award is $100,000 but you are found 10% liable for the crash, you can recover a maximum of $90,000.
Will I have to go to court, or can my case be settled out of court?
Filing a lawsuit for a car accident does not automatically mean you will have to go to court. In reality, a vast majority of these cases are settled through negotiations and will not need to go to trial. However, if a trial is necessary, a car accident attorney in California will help you prepare for court and will argue your case tirelessly to get you what you deserve.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
In general, California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the crash. If your claim involves a government entity (for example, a dangerous road condition tied to a public agency), deadlines can be much shorter. Missing a deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage, your own uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. A lawyer can also look for other sources of recovery, such as additional responsible parties or applicable policies.
How long does a car accident settlement take in California?
Some claims settle in a few months, while others can take a year or longer. Timing often depends on how clear liability is, how quickly you complete treatment, and how the insurance company responds during negotiations.
BD&J has more than 20 years of experience and has recovered $3 billion* in compensation for clients. If you need a California car accident attorney, our team is ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Reach out to schedule your FREE consultation today and start pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.
