Fountain Valley Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve found yourself in the aftermath of a California car accident, you are most likely feeling uncertain in regard to your future and your own personal finances. You might be facing mounting medical debt for treatment related to injuries, and you may have left your usual means of employment due to disability or necessary recovery time. The dedication and support of a Fountain Valley car accident lawyer can prove to be of paramount importance at this time.

While you may know that the accident was not your fault, you may still need to prove liability in order to recover this essential compensation. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can do just that. Trust the attorneys at Easton & Easton to review the details of your case, determine liability, calculate the value of your damages, and ultimately hold the liable party and the large insurance companies accountable, so you receive the compensation you are due.

Since 1971, the team at Easton & Easton has been helping clients recover after suffering the tragedy of a car accident. We understand how difficult this time can be and how worried you may be about your future health and monetary resources. Medical treatment and debt are challenging things to face on one’s own. Thankfully, you don’t have to. If your accident injuries were caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you are entitled to monetary compensation.

Our Orange County car accident lawyers serve Fountain Valley and all of Orange County.

Top Causes for Fountain Valley Car Accidents

Understanding the cause of your Fountain Valley car accident is the key to unlocking liability. If you and your attorney can determine what caused the accident, you can further discover who the at-fault party is and who you can hold responsible for the injuries you have suffered. California ranks as one of the highest car accident fatality states in the country, meaning these accidents happen every day and affect almost everyone in one way or another. Understanding foundational California car accident laws provides clarity on statutory negligence standards.

If you are injured in a California car accident, it is important that you supply your attorney with all the details you have relating to the potential cause so that liability can be determined and the party responsible can be held to the task of paying you compensation. The most common causes of car accidents in Fountain Valley are listed below:

• Distracted driving. One of the top causes of car accidents across the country is distracted driving. Distracted driving takes place when anyone gets behind the wheel of a vehicle and takes part in an action or behavior that takes their hands from that wheel or their eyes off the road. Common behaviors of distracted driving include texting or using your phone while driving and eating, drinking, or grooming while driving.
• Speeding. When a car is traveling at excessive speeds, it is considered to be a form of reckless driving, and serious accidents can occur. Speeding reduces your reaction time and is one of the leading causes of car collisions in the state. Other forms of reckless driving can include racing, tailgating, or operating your vehicle in an aggressive manner.
• Driving under the influence. When an individual gets behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not only is this behavior illegal, it can cause horrific accidents and may even result in fatalities. Additionally, alcohol and illegal drugs are not the only variables at play in these accidents. Certain over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs can also impair your driving capabilities.
• Weather conditions. When roads are slick with rain, or there are heavy winds, these variables can decrease visibility and your car’s traction, leading to a higher possibility of accidents.
• Road maintenance. When the government bodies or local municipalities in charge of maintaining roadways do not adhere to the requirements of their job, it can lead to poor road conditions such as debris in the roadway, cracked or missing pavement, loose gravel, or potholes, all of which can lead to devastating car crashes.
• Traffic law violations. When an individual violates a traffic law, such as running a red light or stop sign, it can lead to car collisions and subsequent injuries.

No matter what caused your accident, if it was due to another person’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation with the help of a Fountain Valley car accident attorney. Reviewing California car accident reporting requirements ensures mandatory crash paperwork is submitted on time.

What to Do Directly After an Accident

There are several steps you should take after an accident. You should always prioritize your safety. However, certain actions are recommended that can help you protect your legal claim. The recommended steps to take directly after an accident are listed below:

• Call to report the accident. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical services, if needed. Reviewing how long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance in California ensures compliance with strict policy deadlines.
• Gather evidence. Take photographs of the accident scene, the cars involved, and your injuries prior to receiving medical care. You should also collect contact information from drivers and witnesses.
• Seek medical care. Even if you don’t know if you’ve sustained serious injuries, you should head to a local hospital like UCI Health – Fountain Valley for a full medical exam immediately.
• Contact a lawyer. Once you’ve been medically stabilized, your very next step should be to call our office to schedule a consultation.

Why Choose Easton & Easton?

For over 50 years, Easton & Easton has been a leader in personal injury law in the state of California. Our Fountain Valley personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars* for our clients and are ready to devote our experience and resources to the task of assisting you. We can give you access to quality legal counsel and representation and use our knowledge of California laws to work toward recovering the compensation you need at this time. Our experienced lawyer team brings decades of trial experience to complex injury claims.

As each case is unique, so is our approach to negotiating your claim. We can review the details of your car accident in order to determine cause and liability, calculate the value of your potential settlement by taking into account all damages, and ultimately negotiate with the at-fault party. We can work with their legal team and the insurance companies involved to reach an agreement that is both fair and just.

When negotiations aren’t successful, we’re prepared to take your case to court.

Common Injuries Suffered in California Car Accidents

Car crashes can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity. Some individuals may walk away from a car accident with minor scrapes and bruises, while others may not walk away at all. Understanding what is the most common injury in a car accident in California helps victims evaluate medical records and legal options. The more severe your injury, however, the higher the value of your potential settlement. The most common injuries seen in California car accidents are listed below:

• Whiplash. This injury is caused by the sudden jerking or motion of the head and can result in neck pain, headaches, and chronic stiffness of the muscles.
• Broken bones. The impact that often occurs in car accidents can lead to fractures or bone breaks. Common bones broken in car accidents include ribs, limbs, or facial bones, and all require immediate medical attention.
• Back or spine injuries. One of the more serious car accident injuries is any that affects the spine or back. Damage to your spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis in the worst of cases, while at other times, you may find yourself suffering from chronic back pain for the rest of your life.
• Head injuries. Another of the most severe car accident injuries includes an injury to the head. Traumatic brain injuries, the most common of head injuries in accidents, can lead to concussions or severe brain damage, which could affect your overall cognitive function.
• Internal injuries. In some accident situations, you may not physically feel your injuries, but that does not mean you are not suffering from harm. In some cases, individuals may experience internal injuries such as internal bleeding, damage to organs, and nerve damage. These injuries can be potentially life-threatening if not treated, which is why it is wise to be checked over following an accident, even if you do not feel hurt.
• Psychological trauma. In many car accident cases, even if you are not physically harmed, you may still walk away with emotional or psychological trauma. Conditions suffered could include anxiety, depression, emotional distress, or mental anguish, all of which can impact your overall well-being for years to come.

Proving your injuries usually requires providing a combination of medical records, medical imaging, and testimony from your doctors. You may also need to hire an expert witness to testify on your behalf.

Proving Liability in a Car Accident Claim

Car accident laws require plaintiffs in these cases to prove that another party’s negligence or intentional act was responsible for causing their damages. This requires showing the four elements listed below:

• Duty. Drivers owe a duty of care to other road users.
• Breach. When someone drives negligently or recklessly, it violates that duty of care.
• Causation. If the reckless driving directly caused or contributed to your accident, that proves causation.
• Damages. Your accident must have led to actual damages for you to file a claim successfully against the liable party.

In most cases, the party found primarily liable for an accident is one of the drivers involved. However, that’s not always the case. Other potentially liable parties are listed below:

• Municipal authorities. If your accident was caused by poor road conditions or inadequate signage on a surface street, the Fountain Valley Public Works Department may be partially liable. If these issues contributed to an accident on the freeway, the California Department of Transportation may bear some of the responsibility.
• Vehicle manufacturers. If one of the cars involved in the crash had a defect that contributed to causing it, you may be able to file a claim against the vehicle’s manufacturer. This is particularly critical in commercial vehicle collisions handled by a dedicated truck accident attorney.
• Parts manufacturers and mechanics. If the vehicle was recently repaired and a faulty part subsequently caused an accident, the parts manufacturer may be held liable. If it was an improperly performed repair that was to blame, you could file a claim against the mechanic who performed it.

Even if you held some of the blame for the accident, you shouldn’t let that stop you from seeking compensation from other liable parties. Thanks to the landmark case Li v. Yellow Cab Co., California courts now use a standard of pure comparative negligence to determine who is eligible to file personal injury claims. Under this standard, you can file a claim as long as you were less than 100% to blame for the crash that caused your injuries.

You should note, however, that the percentage of fault you are assigned for the accident can directly impact your final settlement amount. Your final settlement may be decreased by an amount commensurate with the percentage of liability you were determined to hold for the crash. In other words, if you were supposed to get a $100,000 settlement, but you were 30% at fault, your settlement may be decreased by 30%, as well, so you would receive $70,000.

What Damages Are Available in a Car Accident Injury Claim?

The kind of damages available in a car accident injury claim ultimately depends on the nature and severity of your injuries. Reviewing expectations for the average car accident settlement in California provides context when evaluating financial recovery.  Common forms of compensable damages are listed below:

• Medical bills
• Future anticipated medical costs
• Lost wages
• The loss of your ability to earn due to disability
• Loss of the enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages

In some cases, California courts also issue punitive damages. This is rare in car accidents, but it may be the case if the driver was engaging in a particularly malicious or reckless behavior, such as drinking while driving with a very high blood alcohol content, that the courts want to deter. Unlike economic and noneconomic damages, the primary purpose of punitive damages isn’t to compensate the plaintiff, but to punish the defendant.

Insurance Claims vs. Legal Claims in California

There are two ways you can go about recovering damages. The first step is always to file an insurance claim through the liable party’s insurer. However, these companies are known for offering low claims that don’t cover all of accident victims’ damages. Your lawyer may be able to negotiate a fair settlement for you directly, but if that doesn’t happen, your case could go to court.

Most cases are decided outside of court and never actually go to trial. Many injury victims ask why is my car accident settlement taking so long in California, which often stems from complex carrier negotiations. Trials typically take longer and require higher legal fees than cases resolved in negotiations, and this applies to both sides. Because there is always a possibility that your car accident case may need to be decided in court, you should work with an attorney who has extensive litigation experience, as do the ones here at Easton & Easton.

Car accident cases are heard at the Superior Court of Orange County Central Justice Center, which can be found at 700 Civic Center Drive West in nearby Santa Ana. If your case goes to court, you may be asked by your lawyer to testify as to what happened. Take the time to prepare adequately for court and ask your attorney to explain what you should expect.

How Common Are Car Accidents in Fountain Valley?

There were 229 traffic injuries and fatalities in Fountain Valley in 2023, 44 of which were caused by speeding, and another 23 of which involved alcohol. These are just two of the many forms of driver error and negligence that can cause accidents. If you’ve been in a crash in Fountain Valley, you should hire a car accident lawyer to help you determine liability and seek compensation for your damages.

FAQs

Q: What Are Five Steps to Take Following a Car Accident?

A: There are five steps you should take after a car accident if you are physically able. First, move yourself to a place of safety and check yourself for injuries. Next, call the police and medical services. If you are able to, document the scene through photographs and videos. Exchange contact information with the other involved parties and any eyewitnesses, and do not admit or discuss fault.

Q: Can Mechanical Failure Be Blamed for a Car Accident?

A: Yes, mechanical failure can be blamed for a car accident if you can prove that a mechanical defect or malfunction caused the accident. In these scenarios, the manufacturer or designer of the defective car component may be held liable for the damages you have suffered, especially if safety tests were not properly carried out or results were ignored.

Q: What Causes a Head-On Collision in California?

A: The leading cause of head-on collisions in California is distracted driving. When you drive without your full attention on the road, you can easily drift into the lane of oncoming traffic. A head-on collision occurs when the front of one vehicle makes an impact with the front end of another. These are some of the most serious and even fatal forms of car crashes.

Q: Where Do Car Accidents Usually Happen in Fountain Valley?

A: Car accidents in Fountain Valley usually happen at busy intersections and along high-volume corridors. The San Diego Freeway is known for frequent accidents, but so are smaller roads like Magnolia Street and Warner Avenue. Some of the worst intersections for car crashes include Ellis Avenue & Brookhurst Street, Magnolia Street & Ellis Avenue, Talbert Avenue & Brookhurst Street, Harbor Boulevard & Edinger Avenue, and Talbert Avenue & Bushard Street. These busy thoroughfares also see frequent collisions involving pedestrians facing severe crash injuries.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer With Experience in Fountain Valley

If you have been injured in a car accident in Fountain Valley, Easton & Easton is your trusted legal partner. With our experience, resources, and extensive knowledge of California law, we are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve following an accident you had no fault in. From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, our team is on your side every step of the way. Contact our offices for more information. This applies whether you were injured in a motor vehicle crash or suffered severe trauma while riding a bicycle.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

Fountain Valley, CA Car Accident Legal Resources

• Fountain Valley Police Department – Traffic Bureau & Collision Reports
• Superior Court of California, County of Orange – Central Justice Center
• California DMV – SR-1 Traffic Accident Report Form