California Car Accident Lawyer

Located on the West Coast of the United States, we know California for its beautiful landscapes, bustling cities, diverse culture, and laid-back attitude. However, the state is also notorious for its high rates of car accidents, particularly in congested urban areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.

Major highways such as I-5, I-10, and I-405, plus city roads like Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway, and El Camino Real, often fill with fast-moving vehicles and aggressive or inexperienced drivers.

California's personal injury claims process is available if a driver's reckless actions caused you injury. With the help of an experienced car accident lawyer, you can seek compensation for the costs and damage you experienced due to your accident.

A California car accident lawyer from Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, can explain the process and help you take the next steps. Call us at 833-552-7274 (833-55-CRASH) for your free no-obligation consultation. 

Why Choose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, for Your Car Accident Claim?

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, our experienced legal professionals work tirelessly to provide the best possible customer service and legal representation to car accident victims. Though most claims end in settlement, we are experienced litigators willing to fight for the best possible outcome, even if that means going to court.

We cannot promise your results, but we have extensive experience in personal injury law, and our past results showcase our work ethic and determination.

Here are just a few: 

• A $1 million settlement for a wrongful death claim after a father died in a rideshare vehicle.
• A $1,150,000 settlement for a client who required multiple surgeries after a motorcycle accident.
• A $220,000,000 award for a client who sustained severe injuries from a T-bone accident.

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, you can count on our integrity and communication from your initial case evaluation to the conclusion of your case. We will ensure you have all the information to decide whether to accept a settlement or move to litigation. Our experience with car accident claims can be your greatest asset as you fight for justice.

Car Accidents in California: A Common Danger in America's Most Populous State

With a population of over 39 million, California is home to about 12 percent of people in the United States. It's no surprise, then, that accidents happen in high numbers.

According to the California State Transportation Agency, there were more than 30,000 fatalities within an 11-year period, with an additional 100,000 people experiencing serious injuries on California roads. Unfortunately, the trend is on an upward climb, with pedestrians and bicyclists seeing the greatest year-over-year increase in deaths and serious injuries.

A recent analysis found that 27 percent of accidents in California involved drunk driving, and 28 percent involved speeding.

It also revealed the most dangerous roads in the state, including: 

• Interstate 15
• Interstate 80
• Interstate 5 
• Interstate 215
• Bear Valley Road

How Much Is a California Car Accident Case Worth?

Whether you experienced a crash on I-5 or in downtown LA, you might wonder how much your claim is worth. Unfortunately, Google will not always provide a good answer because there is no standard formula for the valuation of car accident claims.

In fact, this is one of the most common questions we hear during free case evaluations because it is such a nebulous topic. While there are best practices for calculating the value of a claim, experienced car accident lawyers approach every case with fresh eyes and a fresh perspective since no two accidents or sets of injuries are the same. That means every case will receive a custom review and estimate.

A few of the factors we evaluate to determine your claim's worth include:   

• The amount of insurance the at-fault party has.
• The severity of your injuries and long-term prognosis.
• Who was at fault for the accident and whether anyone shares it.

These are just the basics. Settling on a value and crafting a demand letter that reflects the compensation you deserve is nuanced and takes time. Do not accept the valuation an insurance company gives you. Go straight to a lawyer to ensure the value of your claim is appropriate. 

What Compensation Can You Seek?

The total value of your claim will likely include several types of compensation.

These include coverage for damages such as:

• All medical expenses associated with the accident, including (but not limited to) ambulance transport, hospitalization, healthcare services, prescription medications, physical therapy, and more.
• Lost earnings and earning capacity for the work you missed and the work you may never again perform.
• Property damage, including repairs to your vehicle and other personal items damaged in the crash.
• Pain and suffering.

Your car accident lawyer will take far more into account than just the receipts from your hospital visit when they value your claim. The consequences of a crash often go well beyond the dollars and cents you have to pay for doctor's visits and medical treatment. Every disrupted minute of your life builds a stronger claim. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents in California

When valuing a claim, your lawyer will also consider the type of car accident and the at-fault driver's negligence.

Distraction, aggressive driving, or inexperience are often at the root of car accidents, with some of the most common causes including:  

• Speeding
• Improper lane changing
• Tailgating
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Driving while texting
• Drunk driving

Types of Accidents

Just as there are many reasons why accidents occur on California roadways, there are also many types of accidents. Some of these accident types are more likely to result in serious injuries or even death.

Common car accidents include: 

• Rear-end collisions
• Sideswipe accidents
• Head-on accidents
• Rollovers
• T-bone collisions

Any of the above accidents can harm you and your passengers. Car crashes often result in specific injuries, including whiplash, back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and fractures, internal injuries, and even death.

The more severe the crash, the more potential for injury, and your recovery time will likely lengthen. As that time elongates, the overall value of your claim may also increase. 

Taking on the Insurance Company Is Harder Than You Think

Many people believe that the accident that caused their injury was so clearly the other driver's fault that it is an "open and shut" case for which they can easily receive compensation. Unfortunately, attempting to take on the insurance company by yourself will likely result in your claim being devalued or, worse, denied. The process is complex and confusing by design.

Insurance companies are in business to make money by selling premiums, and they do not want to give you a straight path from point A (car crash) to point B (compensation). They attempt to hang on to as much of that money as possible by hiring claims adjusters to evaluate claims against the policies of their insureds and pay as little as possible to resolve them.

When a claimant attempts to navigate the claims process without the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney, the insurance company will commonly use underhanded tactics that attempt to devalue the claim or even eliminate the claimant's right to compensation.

Some of those tactics include: 

• Offering a low settlement with a short deadline and warning the claimant that they must accept the offer by then or receive nothing.
• Getting the claimant to agree to a recorded statement and then asking leading questions to get the claimant to admit fault or give information that contradicts the information they gave to the police at the scene.
• Convincing the claimant that they need to release their entire medical history for the adjuster to evaluate the claim when the adjuster is really just looking for pre-existing conditions that could account for the claimant's injuries.

Never speak to the insurance company on your own. If they reach out to you, refer them to your lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer can handle communications and ensure the insurance company does not try to take your statements out of context or trap you into a lowball settlement. Note: once you accept a settlement, the door closes on all further opportunities to recover compensation.

Car Accident? Protect Yourself With 4 Steps

Taking the right steps after your car accident can help you protect the value of your claim and maximize the compensation you receive.

Here are some steps you can take to protect your claim:

1. Hire a car accident attorney: As the most crucial step to get on the road toward a successful resolution, retain an experienced car accident attorney. Your attorney will protect your rights and handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance company, ensuring they do not take advantage of you.
2. Follow your doctor's treatment plan: It is crucial to follow your doctor's prescribed treatment plan, attend all medical appointments, and complete any recommended therapies or treatments. Failure to do so can lead the insurance company to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that you are not making a good-faith effort to recover.
3. Retain injury-related receipts and bills: Keep all receipts and bills related to your injuries and property damage, including medical expenses, prescription medication costs, and repair or replacement expenses for your vehicle. These documents will be essential in proving the financial impact of the accident.
4. Keep a pain journal: Document your daily pain levels and how your injuries affect your life. That can show your non-economic damages. This can help your attorney argue for higher compensation for pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages.

These are basic but powerful steps. As your attorney dives into the investigation of your case, they may make additional suggestions and ask for more information. Remember, your lawyer is fighting on your behalf, so do not hold back any information that could help them build your case.

Contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, for Your Free Case Evaluation

If a negligent driver caused you or a loved one harm in a car accident, the dedicated team at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, is here to help. With our experience and client-focused approach, we will protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

For a free case evaluation, contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, by calling 833-552-7274 (833-55-CRASH) or completing our online form. Our team is ready to review your case and discuss your legal options. Do not let the insurance company take advantage of you. Contact Dolman Law today, and let us fight on your behalf.

The Dolman Law Group works with local counsel in any jurisdiction outside Florida for the purpose of filing lawsuits in jurisdictions wherein we are not licensed. Thus, we will follow each state's ethical rules to ensure a local attorney is involved.