California Car Accident Lawyer
California Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents can happen in many different ways, and any car accident has the potential to be a damaging and life-changing experience. If you or a family member recently sustained injuries in a car accident, it is important to understand California’s laws for resolving these incidents, your options for seeking compensation for your losses, and the value an experienced California car accident lawyer can provide to your case.
Representing Car Accident Claims Throughout California
The team at Easton & Easton has years of professional experience helping car accident victims throughout California recover from these damaging incidents. Our firm approaches every case we accept with the goal of helping our client recover as much as possible in the most efficient possible manner. With our help, you can recover with peace of mind, knowing your legal affairs are in capable hands.
Your recovery from a car accident will likely begin with a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. This can be more challenging than it appears at first, but our firm has confronted all the major insurance carriers on behalf of our clients, and we know the tactics they use to try to evade liability for victims’ damages. We also know how to build comprehensive personal injury suits in California on behalf of our clients when insurance won’t cover their losses.
Whatever your case requires, trust the team at Easton & Easton to provide ongoing support through each step of your case, from proving fault for your accident to ensuring fair compensation for your damages under all applicable California accident laws. The evidence you will need to prove fault for your accident may be very difficult to secure before long, so it is vital to seek out legal counsel you trust as quickly as possible after your accident.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
The majority of the car accidents reported throughout California each year are the result of driver negligence, and this can take many forms. The most common types of driver negligence responsible for accidents throughout the state include distracted driving, speeding, and moving violations like running stop signs or red lights. Accidents also commonly occur from illegal misconduct, such as intoxicated driving.
In some types of accidents, the fault is clearer than it is in others. For example, if one driver hits another driver from behind, the driver responsible for a rear-end collision is almost always at fault for this type of accident. However, if the driver ahead braked suddenly without a good reason, or if their brake lights were faulty because they did not have them repaired, liability can come into question. This is just one example of how car accident cases can be complicated.
Every driver in California has a duty of care to follow posted traffic signals, yield the right-of-way when appropriate, and operate their vehicle responsibly and attentively. If another driver caused an accident with you, it is natural to wonder how you can prove they are liable for your damages. An experienced California car accident lawyer can review the details of how your accident happened and assist you with building your case.
Understanding Auto Insurance in California
California law requires every driver to have auto insurance that meets basic coverage requirements for property damage and bodily injury. When a driver causes an accident, their insurance will pay for the resulting damages. However, it does not mean you can rely entirely on auto insurance to recover from your accident, nor will dealing with insurance companies be easy.
It is wise to consult a California car accident lawyer before attempting to file your claim in California, even if you know for sure that the other driver is liable for the accident. Insurance companies will usually push back against claims for coverage in whatever way they can, sometimes operating in bad faith. The right attorney can help to ensure your claim is handled fairly and that you receive a fair settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.
If you encounter any unexpected complications with your auto insurance claim, or if the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier attempts to unfairly deny your claim, you will have legal counsel you trust to help you resolve these issues and recover compensation for your losses. Once you have recovered as much as you can through insurance, or if the at-fault driver does not have insurance, filing a personal injury suit can help ensure the fullest possible recovery.
Building a Personal Injury Case for a Car Accident in California
A personal injury case is a civil suit in which an injured plaintiff attempts to prove fault for their losses and hold the at-fault defendant accountable. Success with any personal injury case in California will require the plaintiff to prove who caused the accident, how they caused it, and the full extent of the resulting damages. The plaintiff must also be ready to prove the defendant is solely responsible for their claimed damages and that they did not result from any other cause.
You will need various forms of evidence along with witness testimony in order to build an effective personal injury suit in California. The right attorney will be invaluable for this as they will know what types of evidence you will need and how to recover it as quickly as possible. It is important to start building a personal injury suit right away because some of the evidence you may require may not be available to collect for very long.
Easton & Easton can assist you in building every aspect of your claim, from gathering the evidence needed to establish liability to helping you determine what damages you are eligible to claim. We are often able to uncover avenues of recovery that our clients have initially overlooked. With our assistance, you can be confident that you have a team of legal advocates determined to maximize your recovery.
Claiming Compensation for a Car Accident in a Personal Injury Case
Success with your personal injury case will mean the ability to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages the defendant caused. Economic damages are any direct financial losses you incurred because of the defendant’s actions. These might include medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, and lost income if you are unable to work for an extended time due to your injuries.
It is important to understand that your economic damages can also include projected future losses. If you require ongoing medical treatment for a serious injury, or if you will not be able to return to work in the future due to the severity of your injury, you can claim compensation for the medical care you will need in the future and for the income you are no longer able to earn.
In addition to economic damages, you will also have the right to seek compensation for pain and suffering, which auto insurance does not cover. Your attorney can help you determine a suitable amount to seek with your claim based on the overall severity of your damages and whether you suffered any permanent harm. Generally, more serious injuries that result in permanent damage tend to result in more pain and suffering compensation.
In the event your accident was the result of illegal misconduct like drunk driving, the defendant is likely to face criminal penalties in addition to their liability for your damages. This could complicate your case in several ways, but it could also open the possibility of collecting more compensation in the form of restitution or punitive damages. Your attorney can explain what to expect if your accident was the result of the defendant’s illegal misconduct.
Resolving Your Car Accident Case in California
Working with an experienced California car accident lawyer will dramatically increase your chances of success with all of the recovery efforts you attempt after your accident. Easton & Easton can help you navigate the auto insurance claim filing process and resolve any disputes raised by the insurance company. Once you recover as much as you can through insurance, we can assist you with a personal injury claim to enhance your recovery if possible.
Our team can help you settle a personal injury case through private negotiation, or we can represent you in courtroom proceedings if litigation is required to resolve your case. There are potential benefits and possible drawbacks for either option, so we take time to evaluate what resolution method would suit our clients’ interests the most. Our goal is to help you resolve your case quickly so you do not have to wait longer than necessary for the compensation you need.
You can rely on our team to answer any questions that arise throughout your case and to address unexpected complications with any aspect of your recovery efforts. We can confront an insurance carrier for you, build a cohesive personal injury suit, and do everything necessary in order to ensure your recovery. We have helped many past clients navigate difficult car accident cases, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you.
FAQs
How Do I Prove Fault for a Car Accident in California?
You can prove fault for a car accident in California using various forms of evidence. Your California car accident lawyer may look for traffic camera footage from around the scene of the crash, the police report from the accident, and various forms of digital evidence. Witness testimony will also be invaluable to your case. Your attorney can identify witnesses and secure their statements in support of your claim.
What Happens if I Was Partially at Fault for My Car Accident?
If you were partially at fault for your car accident in California, the state’s pure comparative fault rule would apply, and you will have a fault percentage assigned. Once you complete your case, this percentage will be deducted from your case award to reflect your shared fault for causing the accident. The higher your fault percentage, the more you will lose from your case award, so it is vital to minimize the fault assigned to you as much as possible.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File an Auto Insurance Claim in California?
You do not need to hire a lawyer to file an auto insurance claim in California, but having legal counsel on your side will make the entire process much easier. You can confront the insurance company with confidence, and they will be more inclined to process your claim efficiently and in good faith when they see that you have legal representation. Having the right attorney increases your chances of maximizing your claim settlement.
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth in California?
The value of your car accident case in California will depend on multiple variables. If you can prove another driver directly caused the accident, they are liable for vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and lost income resulting from the accident. Additionally, you can hold them accountable for projected future economic losses like lost earning capacity as well as your pain and suffering. Your attorney can estimate the total value of your case.
What Will It Cost to Hire a California Car Accident Lawyer?
The cost to hire a California car accident lawyer will be based on your case award if you choose Easton & Easton as your legal counsel. We take all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees to hire our firm, and we only charge a fee if and when we secure compensation for you. Our contingency fee will be a percentage of the total amount recovered, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Easton & Easton has helped car accident victims across California navigate their legal affairs in the aftermath of damaging accidents, and we are ready to apply our vast professional experience to your car accident case. If you believe another party is responsible for injuring you or a family member in a car accident, we can help. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with an experienced California car accident lawyer and learn how we can assist with your recovery.
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“We look for the human story behind every injury or wrongful death. We prepare our cases for trial; reaching out to the jury with the most compelling evidence possible for the best verdict possible. Insurance companies know this and come to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. Call us to see how we can turn your story into fair compensation.”
Partner W. Douglas Easton
What Our Clients Say
Coming out of my first auto accident as an adult, a very difficult and scary time to navigate and understand, I was so incredibly thankful to have been put in contact with Easton & Easton. I honestly was lost with how to handle paperwork, doctors, medical costs and what next steps were, and from the moment I spoke with Travis Easton and my case manager Katie, my mind was put at ease. They have made the entire process stress free for me as I recovered, and I am so grateful for them and their genuine care for my case. Communication from the start has been fantastic, especially making clear what my expectations for the entire process would look like, and I truly believe they have my best interest at heart. 100% I would recommend their firm for anyone that is needing representation! Read more…
My experience with Easton & Easton has been amazing! Gabriel Mendoza and my case manager Katie have been so helpful and taken so much stress off my plate. They’ve been super informative and honest and given me very clear expectations. They’ve taken such a terrible experience (my accident) and eased my mind about the outcome. I can’t thank them enough!! Read more…
Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…
The Easton & Easton Law Firm is amazing! The entire team is very helpful and caring. They were always there to answer all my questions. They directed me through the entire process and stayed with me every step of the way. This team is outstanding and were wonderful to work with. Because of the tremendous effort they put on my case they were able to win my difficult personal injury case. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to handle my case. They are the Best! Thank you for your patience, professionalism, & guidance! I definitely recommend this firm to handle your case. They go out of their way to fight for your rights. THANK YOU… Read more…
I could not be more pleased with the services provided by the Law Offices of W. Douglas Easton. The senior partner Mr. Easton took the time to meet with me and my wife while I was still in the hospital, where he gave my family hope that there was light at the end of a very long, and very dark tunnel. Matt Easton then worked my case, and because of his dedication, experience and expertise I received a settlement that was larger than I EVER thought possible. It was truly astounding! Matt and the entire team at Easton & Easton looked out for me throughout my recovery, and in the end they gave me my life back. Five stars is not enough. Thanks Matt! Thanks Easton & Easton! Read more…
Brian and everyone at Easton and Easton are simply the BEST at what they do. Brian is thorough, easy to talk to, and truly cares about his clients. If you want a family of attorneys with perseverance and determination to fight for you, give Easton and Easton a call. I am glad I did. Read more…
What an amazing law firm, talk about going above and beyond to make such a painful experience go so well. I have referred a co-worker and a family member to them as well and everyone had such a great experience as I had. Read more…
I can’t say enough amazing things about my experience with Travis Easton at Easton & Easton. Travis and his entire team (Katie, Amy, Dee, Michelle, & Araceli) are phenomenal. It provided me a lot of comfort to know I was being so well taken care of. I was especially impressed that every document for the case was perfectly written and specific to me. Nothing was generic, which shows the level of care and attention they put into each individual case. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend Travis Easton and his firm to anyone going through a personal injury. Travis took a bad situation and made the best of it for me. Thank you again, I’m forever grateful!!
-Allee
Retaining Easton and Easton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From the initial consultation to our final meeting, they were nothing short of exceptional. I was forced to retain their services after firing my previous attorney for not handling the case properly. I dealt with Gabriel and Brian (partner) exclusively throughout the case. They did as promised and were great communicators throughout the entire process. I will recommend them to anyone I know going through a personal injury case. They were ultimately able to untangle the mess caused by my previous lawyer and get a result that I was extremely happy with. Their staff is exceptional as well and provided top notch customer service. Amera was also extremely helpful and easy to deal with as well.
I was in a pretty bad car accident and decided to have Easton & Easton represent me, Travis Easton to be specific. Travis Easton and his paralegal made the whole process effortless. They were so understanding and helpful! The entire thing was a gigantic mess, yet Travis managed to make it run like clockwork. I would HIGHLY recommend Easton & Easton! If you are ever in need of a personal defense attorney Easton & Easton is the firm to represent you!
They are the best law firm in Orange County period. Choosing them to represent me was the best decision of my life.
My life changed in a matter of seconds after a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left me disabled. Brian Easton and his team worked on my case non stop for 3 years and provided me the justice I deserved. I couldn’t have been more content.
I was treated with utmost respect and I felt like I was being represented by a close family member. The responses to my questions were quick and clear. What E & E has done for me is phenomenal.
My sincere thanks to Brian, Matt, Travis, Doug, Gabriel and Amera. They are what they are because of their dedication to provide high quality and professional service to their clients.
Brian Easton and his team, Gabe Mendoza and Amera Hajali, helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I had a significant injury from a car accident, and wound up seeking out Easton & Easton when I was having difficulties getting help from my doctors. The Easton team took a lot of stress off of me while acting as my advocates to help me get the care I needed, and saw my case all the way through to a healthy settlement.
They are the BEST!
I have nothing but good things to say about Easton and Easton. Brian handled my case professionally and communicated with me effectively throughout the process. He made sure that the process was effortless and as hands free as possible. This was super important for my busy schedule. I highly recommend Easton and Easton if you are ever found in a situation that you need an attorney.
I would highly recommend Easton & Easton.
I was rear ended on my home and pushed into a semi-truck. I was not sure how to go about even using an attorney.
Brian, Gab and Amera were so good about helping me thru the process and representing me.
I was able to concentrate on getting myself better knowing they had my back, taking care of the details and keeping me informed along the way
The best Law firm by far. I would highly recommend Easton & Easton, LLP and ask for Gabriel Mendoza and staff. He and his colleagues did and exceptional service. Thank you for everything. Job well done!