Highland Car Accident Lawyer

Highland Car Accident Attorney

A car accident can turn your life upside down in the blink of an eye. A crash can lead to painful injuries, damage to your vehicle, and financial questions and concerns. Between hospital visits, time away from work, and negotiations with insurance companies, recovery can seem like an uphill battle. An experienced Highland car accident lawyer can help you rebuild your life and secure the compensation you deserve.

Whether your accident occurred on the 210 Freeway, Highland Avenue, or a local intersection, Easton & Easton has the resources and experience to help guide you through the legal process. We take the time to listen to you and learn about your situation, then thoroughly investigate the accident and advocate for your rights, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery after a serious car crash.

Trusted Highland Car Accident Lawyer

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Attorneys with Easton & Easton are known throughout San Bernardino County for successfully helping car accident victims recover fair compensation. Our family law firm is rated by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience in personal injury law.

We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of clients throughout Southern California, and we are known in Highland for our commitment to thorough preparation, compassionate representation, and a proven track record of successful results.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Highland

In Highland, drivers face a daily risk of injury in car accidents on congested roadways. The 210 Freeway, Baseline Street, and Highland Avenue are particularly hazardous, as drivers on these roads face a higher risk of being involved in a collision. Causes of motor vehicle accidents include distracted driving, speeding, unsafe turning, and failing to yield.

Rear-end collisions and crashes at intersections are common on roadways with high commuter traffic. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that more than 15,000 injury and fatal crashes occurred in San Bernardino County, and over 200 in Highland in 2022. Serious injury or death can result when drivers engage in preventable behaviors behind the wheel, such as texting while driving or running red lights.

If negligence causes a serious injury, a Highland car accident attorney can investigate the crash and assist the victim in their claim for fair compensation for their medical and financial recovery.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

The moments following a collision can be chaotic. There are important steps you can take, however, to ensure your safety and help strengthen your claim. Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical assistance. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic and exchange contact, driver’s license, and insurance information with the other driver. Document the scene of the crash by taking photos of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.

Call the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, which patrols Highland, to get a police report. See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you think you’re not injured. Symptoms of an injury may not be apparent for several days or even weeks. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help create documentation to support an insurance or injury claim later.

Understanding Fault and Liability in California Car Crashes

In California, a pure comparative negligence law is followed. This means that if you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover, but your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your degree of responsibility. For instance, if you are determined to be 20% responsible for a $100,000 claim, you can still collect $80,000.

Insurance companies will use police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence like skid marks or surveillance footage to try to assign fault. Determining liability, however, can be complex, and insurance companies may try to shift blame to reduce their payout. A knowledgeable Highland lawyer can work to make sure the evidence is properly presented and that fault is assigned fairly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

The Role of Medical Evidence in a Car Accident Claim

Medical records are among the most influential pieces of evidence in a car accident case. Visiting a doctor immediately following a crash establishes a causal link between your injuries and the collision.

Diagnostic reports, treatment plans, and physical therapy notes can document the severity and duration of your injuries. Periods of time with no medical treatment can weaken a claim and allow insurance companies to exploit the lack of documentation to challenge the cause of your injuries.

Highland has access to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and St. Bernardine Medical Center for trauma and orthopedic services to victims of motor vehicle crashes. An organized system of record keeping can ensure that all costs and symptoms are tracked and can be used when negotiating for just compensation.

How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims

One of the first people you may speak with after a car accident is an insurance adjuster. Insurance companies will often contact victims immediately following an accident, but their priority is paying out as little as possible.

After a crash, an adjuster may ask you for a recorded statement, pressure you to accept an early settlement, or ask you about your medical bills and treatment. It is important to know that you are not obligated to accept or sign anything before reviewing it. Insurance companies often use intimidation tactics to save money, not to assist you in your recovery.

A Highland car accident attorney can speak to insurance adjusters on your behalf, make sure all your medical expenses are accounted for, and negotiate for fair compensation. It is beneficial to have an advocate who can balance the playing field and prevent an insurance company from taking advantage of you while you recover.

Recoverable Damages After a Highland Car Accident

Highland car accident victims can typically recover two types of damages, economic and non-economic. Economic damages include medical bills, lost income, vehicle repair, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages are used to compensate an injured person for their pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

When an accident results in long-term disabilities, a victim may also be entitled to future medical treatment or a reduced ability to earn a living. Each case is unique, and it is crucial to thoroughly document your injuries, expenses, and recovery to accurately calculate the claim amount. An experienced attorney can assess your losses and work to secure the full amount of damages you deserve to recover from a serious collision, physically, emotionally, and financially.

FAQs

What Should I Do if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If an uninsured or underinsured driver causes your accident in Highland, you can still seek financial recovery through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance. This insurance covers medical expenses and other losses when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough (or any) coverage. An attorney can assist you in making a claim under your policy and in holding your insurer accountable for paying the full policy benefits to which you’re entitled.

How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in California?

In California, state law requires that you report any auto accident that caused injury or death or more than $1,000 in property damage to the California DMV within 10 days of the crash. You are also required to file a report with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department if your accident caused injuries or major property damage. Promptly reporting your accident can help protect your rights and ensure your claim is properly documented.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Didn’t See a Doctor Right Away?

You can still file a claim if you didn’t see a doctor immediately after the accident, but it may be more challenging to prove your injuries. Insurance companies often question claims when there is a delay in medical treatment. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Visiting a doctor as soon as discomfort begins and keeping detailed medical records can still help demonstrate that the crash caused your injuries and protect your right to compensation.

What if the At-Fault Driver Was Working at the Time of the Crash?

If the other driver was working at the time of your accident, their employer may be partially to blame. Delivery or company vehicle accidents are common examples of when this may be true. An employer has a responsibility to hire safe drivers and properly maintain their vehicles. Your lawyer can investigate the driver’s employment status and company policies to see if both the employee and employer can be found liable.

Contact a Highland Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can cause long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial hardship for Highland residents. With the right legal help, you can protect your rights and seek fair compensation for your losses.

A Highland car accident lawyer from Easton & Easton can manage the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and work with you to help you recover after a serious car crash. Contact our team now to set up a consultation and hire a car accident lawyer today.

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Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer | Costa Mesa Auto Accident Attorney | Catastrophic Injuries

“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…

Sara McClelland

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…

Caila Dean

Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…

Lisa Bluemel

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…

Sofia Sanchez

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…

Dan Campbell

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…

Kyle Keith

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…

Logan Ross

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

Ashlee A.

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.

Jeffrey N.

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!

Mark B.

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.

Vamsi P.

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!

Jennifer P.

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.

Claudia C.

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

Linda M.

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!

Ericka P.