San Clemente Car Accident Lawyer
San Clemente Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents are a common enough occurrence across the state of California. These unfortunate circumstances happen every day, and many individuals can find themselves facing life-altering injuries as a result. If you have suffered injuries in a California car accident that occurred through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to seek monetary compensation. With the legal assistance of a San Clemente car accident lawyer, you can work to get back on your feet.
Since 1971, the firm at Easton & Easton has been assisting clients to recover following car accidents. We understand how terrifying these circumstances can be. You may be facing mounting medical debt while being unable to return to work and pay your bills. You might support a family and wonder how you will be able to continue to do so while recovering from your injuries. However, hope is not lost. Our attorneys are here to help you recover financially.
Suffering a car accident should not endanger your personal finances as it has already endangered your physical health. It’s time to file a claim to recover the damages you have suffered due to the negligent or reckless behavior of another party. Do not let the big insurance companies bully you into silence. Instead, stand tall with the full force of Easton & Easton’s personal injury attorneys at your back.
Defining a Car Accident in San Clemente, California
Car accidents can cause severe forms of physical and emotional trauma for victims and their families, not to mention situations of serious financial hardship. One of the leading causes of car accidents in San Clemente, California, is driver error. Almost every case will boil down to some form of human-made mistake that could have been avoided or prevented. The most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving, when a driver takes part in an action that causes them to take their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. These actions can include texting or operating a phone while driving, eating or drinking and driving, grooming and driving, reaching for something in the vehicle, interacting with passengers, or adjusting the radio or temperature controls.
- Reckless driving, when a driver takes part in an action that causes them to drive in a reckless or foolish manner, such as speeding, tailgating, racing, or operating a vehicle with aggression or road rage. All of these actions can cause drivers to have a slower reaction time, which can lead to devastating and potentially fatal accidents.
- Driving impaired, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Not only is doing so illegal, it can lead to some of the most fatal or otherwise physically devastating accidents. Illegal substances such as cocaine or methamphetamine and alcohol are not the only factors involved in these cases. You can also drive impaired while taking certain over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs.
- Poor road maintenance, or cases when the local government bodies or municipalities are reckless or negligent over the care of the roads in their jurisdictions, can lead to accidents. Uncleared road debris, potholes, loose gravel, or cracked and missing pavement can all lead to accidents. In these situations, you may have the ability to file a liability claim against these parties.
- Weather, or instances of heavy rain or stiff wind, in which drivers can lose control of their vehicle and spin off the road or into the lanes of oncoming traffic, causing serious accidents.
- Malfunctioning components, or pieces of the car that were not properly tested or test results, were ignored when these parts hit the open market. In these cases, injured parties may seek a liability claim against the manufacturers and designers of these malfunctioning or defective car parts.
It is vital that you uncover the exact cause of your car accident in order to determine which party to hold liable. Your attorney from Easton & Easton can work to do just that, including reviewing all available evidence and launching their own investigation to uncover further evidence to support your claim of liability. Your attorneys will also want to review your injuries in order to determine the amount of compensation you may be awarded in your claim settlement.
The most common kinds of injuries seen in car accident cases are:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Amputations or loss of limbs
- Cuts, bruises, or lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Concussions
- Severe burns
- Road rash
- Facial trauma or eye injuries
- Disfigurement or scarring
Your attorney can look over these potential injuries and use them to show how you suffered specific damages that qualify you to seek compensation.
Compensation Available in Car Accident Cases
Calculating the potential maximum amount of compensation that you can receive in your car accident claim is one of the main jobs of your attorney. You have the right to seek several forms of damages in a car accident claim, including the following:
- Economic damages. These damages are those which can be assigned a tangible, monetary value. They often include items such as present, past, and any future anticipated medical costs for treatment of your injuries, any lost wages or income you have suffered or any loss of your earning ability or ability to work due to disability, and any tangible damages to your vehicle that will be in need of repair or replacement.
- Non-economic damages. These damages are those that offer a higher degree of difficulty when it comes to trying to assign them an actual monetary value. These can include damages for emotional or mental trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, pain and suffering, loss of the enjoyment of life, or loss of consortium. In order to recover these damages, an attorney is vital.
- Punitive damages. Few car accident claims will include punitive damages, but when they do, the overall value of your claim can increase significantly. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the liable party for any actions deemed to be excessive or particularly egregious. In punishing the liable party, the hope is that it will keep the liable party from taking part in these actions in the future.
- Wrongful death damages. When an individual is killed in a car crash, certain close members of their family, such as their parent, child, or spouse, have the ability to file a claim for wrongful death damages. This can include economic damages such as lost wages or medical debt that was incurred before the death of the individual or funeral or burial costs.
What to Do Following a Car Accident
Finding yourself in the aftermath of a car accident can be a terrifying place to be. You are likely to act out of instinct, but it is vital that you stay as calm as possible and work to follow certain steps, including:
- Stay calm and move yourself to a safe place off the roadway. At this time, check yourself and other passengers from your vehicle for injuries. Call the police and any necessary medical services.
- Receive medical attention and report the accident to the responding police. It is important that no matter the exact nature of the accident, you do not admit to or discuss fault.
- If you are physically able to do so, it is wise to gather evidence from the scene of the accident. This can look like taking photographs and videos of your injuries, the injuries sustained by others in your car, and the accident itself. You will want to capture any skid marks, road conditions, or malfunctioning traffic lights that might have led to the accident’s occurrence.
- You will then want to exchange information with the at-fault party and any potential eyewitnesses, and then you should contact an attorney.
FAQs
How Long Can It Take to Settle a Car Accident Injury Claim?
It can be difficult to offer an exact timeline as to how long it might take to settle a car accident in California. This is due to the fact that there are several variables often involved in these cases, which can influence the overall time frame. These variables can include the severity and nature of your injuries and how long it may take to heal, the cooperation of all parties involved, and the availability of the courts.
What Types of Car Accidents Can Happen in California?
There is a wide range of car accidents that occur in California. The most common include head-on collisions, where the front ends of two vehicles make an impact; rear-end collisions, where the front end of one vehicle makes an impact with the back end of another; rollover accidents, sideswipe accidents, T-bone accidents, and multi-car pile-ups.
How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Charge for Their Services?
It is understandable that many car accident victims are concerned about how much an attorney might charge for their services. Because each case and each attorney is different, it can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how much most attorneys charge. However, there are several factors that impact all final costs, such as the overall complexity and duration of the case and the experience of your attorney.
Who Can Be Liable for a Car Accident?
There are several parties who may be held liable for a car accident, depending on the exact cause and nature of the accident. These parties may include other negligent drivers, the employers of these drivers, the actual owners of the vehicle, government bodies or municipalities, alcohol servers, and the manufacturers or designers of defective car parts.
Speak with a Professional Car Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a San Clemente car accident, the team at Easton & Easton is here to help. Contact our offices today to learn more information on our services and schedule your initial consultation.
Your Story Is Important To Us.
CALL US SO WE CAN HEAR IT.

“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!