Having to handle the fallout of a car accident can be an overwhelming experience and difficult to manage on your own. That’s why an experienced car accident lawyer can really be a valuable ally. Having someone by your side who understands the complexities of car accident law and can apply that experience to your case can only enhance your chances of a successful case. While having a good lawyer can help, knowing what to do after a car accident in Irvine can be just as crucial, if not more so.
Car Accidents in Irvine
When you try to take care of a legal situation on your own, particularly a personal injury situation, you may not get the outcome that you hoped for. A good Irvine accidente de coche abogado doesn’t just oversee your case for you. They offer you consistent support, provide you with quality legal advice, and, above all, approach your case with empathy and compassion. Seeking legal action against a negligent driver can be a good first step toward finding closure and healing.
Irvine is one of the most populated cities in Orange County, which makes it one of the most populated in the entire state. At least six major highways go right through Irvine, and the city is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. That means there may be quite an influx of tourist traffic and consistent highway traffic, both of which often contribute to car accidents on a daily basis.
In 2021, the California Office of Traffic Safety recorded 467 car accidents resulting in injury or fatality in Irvine. This might seem like a smaller number, especially when compared to some of California’s bigger cities, but it is still one that can be reduced by simple driver awareness, among other precautions. If you decide that seeking legal action is the right avenue for you, you should keep in mind California’s prescripción on personal injury claims.
In California, you will generally have two years from the date of your accident to start developing a case. If you cannot file your claim before two years have passed, then there is a likely chance that your case will be denied, your claim will be dismissed completely, and your chance to seek damages will cease.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Irvine
What you do after a car accident will impact the strength of your civil claim when you file your case. It is important that you take the right steps to protect yourself by acting rationally and logically in the face of a chaotic situation. Knowing what to do after a car accident can make a real difference in how you approach the aftermath. Here are some things you can do to protect your claim:
- Mantén la calma: Staying calm after a car accident is not easy. You may have to fight every natural instinct in your body, which could be telling you to panic. Panicking isn’t going to help your case and will likely just make things worse. Do what you can to keep yourself together. Take some deep breaths, keep calm, and start assessing your situation thus far.
- Permanezca en la escena: Whatever you do, you should never attempt to flee the scene of an accident. The resulting legal penalties you could face are not worth it. If you are ever in an accident, you need to remain at the scene and report the accident to the proper authorities, especially if the accident results in injuries or property damage.
- Llama al 911: You need to call 911 as soon as you are physically able to make the call. It is important that you get law enforcement and EMTs to the scene as quickly as you can. Having someone there to take control of the crash site can provide you with a sense of assurance that everything is being handled.
- Compruebe si hay lesiones: If you are ever in an accident, you need to check yourself for injuries as soon as possible. Depending on how bad the accident is, you might be in shock. Shock can prevent you from feeling pain from injuries, at least until it wears off. Be sure to check yourself for wet spots, bloody areas, protrusions, broken bones, and bruising. Then, do the same for any passengers.
- Seek Out a Lawyer: When the time comes to file your claim, you should reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer who can figure out a plan for seeking legal action.
Preguntas frecuentes
How Do I Know If I Have a Strong Case?
There are many ways you can determine whether you have a strong case. Generally, if it is obviously clear that the accident was not your fault or it caused you serious injury, you will have a pretty strong case. Your lawyer can determine the strength of your case in an initial consultation.
Do I Have to Pay My Health Insurance Back After a Car Accident in California?
Generally, you will need to pay your health insurance back after a car accident in California. If your health insurance ends up paying for any medical treatment you need after suffering an accident, it will largely be up to you to reimburse your insurance carrier from your settlement package.
What Happens If You Get Insurance After an Accident in California?
If you buy car insurance after you have already had a car accident in California, then your insurance will not help you with any prior accidents. Your insurance only counts for accidents you have after purchasing the policy. Coverage only counts going forward. If you try to change the dates, you may be charged with insurance fraud.
Who Pays the Deductible in a Car Accident in California?
Generally, it is the driver who is found to be at fault that pays your deductible in a car accident in California. It may take some time to determine fault in a car accident, so you may have to pay your deductible, even if you weren’t at fault. You can try to seek reimbursement for the deductible as part of the settlement.
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Easton & Easton understands the most effective way to represent your interests after a car accident. Póngase en contacto con nosotros to schedule a consultation and learn more.
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