Orange County is one of the busiest areas of the state, and car accidents happen in many ways every day throughout the area. If you drive in Orange County, it is vital to know the most dangerous roads and intersections so you know where to use the most caution. It’s also important to know the value of working with a seasoned California car accident lawyer if another driver causes an accident with you in Orange County.
Hot Spots for Accidents in Orange County
New accident reports are released each year from various government agencies and other organizations, notifying the public of the emerging accident trends and the biggest risks they face on the road. According to the most recently available data for Orange County, the three most dangerous stretches of road in the area include Laguna Canyon Road, Santiago Canyon Road, and the Ortega Highway.
These three roads report higher than average accident rates in Orange County. It is important for all drivers to remember that accidents can happen very suddenly for countless possible reasons. However, the traffic patterns of Orange County make a few intersections inherently more dangerous than others. A few of the most dangerous intersections in the area include:
- Bristol Street and Campus Drive in Newport Beach
- MacArthur Boulevard and San Joaquin Hills Road
- San Miguel Drive and Avocado Avenue
- Harbor Boulevard and Adams Avenue
- Newport Center Drive and Civic Center Drive
Using extra caution in these areas can potentially reduce your risk of causing an accident. However, you cannot always account for how other drivers around you might behave. When another driver has caused an accident with you anywhere in Orange County, it is vital to consult a California car accident lawyer as soon as possible to determine your most viable legal options for recovering your damages.
A few of the most common causes of car accidents in Orange County include speeding, intoxicated driving, distracted driving, and moving violations. While most accidents happen from negligence, it is also common for accidents to happen from illegal misconduct. Your car accident lawyer can guide you through the process of holding them accountable and maximizing your recovery.
Recovering From Your Accident in Orange County
California law requires all drivers to have auto insurance, and filing a claim against an at-fault driver’s policy is the first step you face in your efforts to recover as fully as possible from the accident you experienced. However, insurance alone may not fully cover your damages. In this situation, you need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
The attorneys at Easton & Easton have years of experience helping clients throughout Orange County with their legal efforts following serious car accidents. You’re likely to have many pressing legal concerns in the aftermath of an accident someone else caused, and we are ready to guide you through your recovery efforts. The sooner you contact our team, the more time we have to work on your case.
FAQs
Q: Is California a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
A: No, the state upholds the fault system for resolving car accidents. This means the driver at fault for causing an accident absorbs liability for all resulting damages. Before you are able to secure compensation for your damages, you will need to prove fault for the accident. Various forms of evidence may be essential to your case, and an experienced California car accident lawyer is the ideal asset to have on your side to help you recover.
Q: What Happens if a Driver Does Not Have Auto Insurance?
A: State law requires every driver to have car insurance, but the state also reports a very high rate of uninsured drivers. If the driver who caused your recent accident in Orange County does not have auto insurance, you will need to file a personal injury claim against them to recover your losses. If you have uninsured motorist coverage in your own policy, it may enable you to recover some initial compensation before filing your civil suit against the at-fault driver.
Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Orange County?
A: If you intend to file a personal injury claim in response to any vehicle accident in Orange County, you must do so within the two-year statute of limitations. This time limit starts on the date your accident occurred, and if you do not file your claim within this time limit, you will lose the chance to recover compensation from the defendant. It is always advisable to start the claim filing process as soon as possible after any personal injury in Orange County.
Q: Do I Need an Attorney to File a Personal Injury Claim in Orange County?
A: It is technically possible for you to file a personal injury claim without hiring legal counsel, but this is very risky for several reasons. You could miss court filing deadlines, make procedural errors that delay your claim’s progress, or unintentionally settle for less compensation than you legally deserve. Having an attorney increases your chance of success and your chance of maximizing your total recovery.
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A: The attorneys at Easton & Easton accept personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay upfront or ongoing legal fees for our firm’s representation. We take a percentage of the final case award we secure for you, and only if we win your case. If we cannot obtain compensation for you, there is no fee at all, so there is no financial risk in choosing our firm to handle your case.
The aftermath of any car accident in Orange County can be difficult to navigate, but the right attorney on your side can make this process much easier. The attorneys at Easton & Easton are ready to help you explore your options for legal recourse after another driver has injured you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a California car accident lawyer you can trust with your recovery.
ES