Tustin Car Accident Lawyer

Most drivers experience at least one car accident during their lifetimes, and many are fortunate to only experience minor fender-benders and low-speed collisions resulting in relatively mild damage. Unfortunately, others are not so lucky and experience life-changing injuries, expensive economic damage, and a host of other losses. If you’ve found yourself in this position, a Tustin car accident lawyer can help.

When damaging car accidents happen in California, state law dictates that whoever causes these incidents is responsible for all damage to others. This may sound straightforward, but it is crucial to understand the value of legal counsel you can trust in this type of claim.

Compassionate Legal Counsel for Tustin, CA, Car Accident Cases

Easton & Easton has a team of Tustin personal injury attorneys you can trust for effective legal representation after a car accident you did not cause.

When another driver’s negligence or intentional misconduct behind the wheel results in a devastating accident, the victim has the right to seek compensation for their losses and accountability for the defendant’s actions. In addition, they have a better chance of reaching positive outcomes in their cases when they have experienced legal counsel advising them on California car accident laws.

Benefits of Legal Counsel After a Car Accident

It can be very difficult to navigate the recovery efforts you must attempt after a car accident if you do not have experienced legal counsel advising you. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Tustin can make a significant difference in protecting your rights. While it may be technically possible to handle an auto insurance claim and even file a personal injury claim on your own, you are unlikely to reach the same quality results that an experienced Tustin car accident attorney could have secured on your behalf.

When you choose the attorneys at Easton & Easton to represent you in any type of Tustin car accident claim, you can have responsive legal counsel readily available to assist you with any unexpected complications that arise during the insurance claim process or in the initial filing of a personal injury claim.

In addition, an experienced legal team knows how to uncover all available channels of recovery to help you understand the average car accident settlement in California and secure full compensation, and their counsel can significantly streamline your recovery efforts. Easton & Easton provides client-focused and compassionate legal representation to Tustin drivers injured by the negligence and misconduct of others.

Ultimately, any car accident victim is likely to face many challenges in their efforts to secure compensation for the damage they’ve suffered. If you or a loved one is struggling with painful injuries and mounting economic pressure in the aftermath of an accident caused by another driver, we can help you hold them accountable for their actions and the damage they caused.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen for a wide range of unpredictable causes, often with very little warning. Understanding the primary causes of car accidents in California is key to establishing liability. The determining factor as to whether you have grounds for legal recourse in response to a car accident is whether another party caused the crash. If so, you have the right to seek accountability through an insurance claim and a personal injury action, if necessary. Some of the most common causes of car accidents that generate complex legal battles are listed below:

• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is the leading cause of all car crashes in Tustin and throughout California each year. While it may seem difficult to prove how a defendant was distracted behind the wheel, the attorneys at Easton & Easton have the professional resources and experience necessary to identify the evidence you need to prove fault and hold the distracted driver appropriately accountable.
• Drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol is both illegal and dangerous. Any driver who causes an accident due to intoxication behind the wheel would be charged with DUI and face enhanced penalties if they caused serious harm. Additionally, the victim would have the right to file a civil suit for damages.
• Speeding. Speeding increases the severity of resulting injuries as well as the chance of an accident happening in the first place. When a driver speeds, they significantly reduce the time and space they have to slow down or stop to avoid a collision.
• Moving violations. Any disruption of the flow of traffic can startle drivers and cause serious accidents. Running red lights and performing illegal turns are common examples of moving violations that cause accidents.
• Defective vehicles and parts. When accidents happen due to mechanical issues, product manufacturers could be liable for damage if their product is unreasonably dangerous and/or defective and harms an end user.
• Intentional misconduct behind the wheel. This includes tailgating, swerving aggressively, or attempting to intimidate other drivers. These actions can lead to reckless driving charges and civil liability for drivers who cause accidents this way.

No matter how your recent accident happened, you need reliable and experienced legal counsel on your side if you want to obtain positive results in your claim. Proving fault is essential for an insurance claim and a personal injury claim filed in response to a car accident. However, this is often more difficult than many victims expect.

Common Injuries in Tustin Car Accidents

The type of injuries you sustain, and their severity, could vary depending on the circumstances of your accident. High-speed accidents and those in which drivers or passengers were not wearing seatbelts tend to lead to the most severe injuries. When a vehicle strikes someone on foot, consulting a Tustin pedestrian accident lawyer can help address catastrophic impact damages. Some common car accident injuries are listed below:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Sprains and strains
• Whiplash

Some car accident injuries, like whiplash, typically heal on their own within a few weeks. Others, such as spinal cord injuries, can cause lifelong disability. In these cases, your Tustin car accident attorney can help you obtain compensation for the projected cost of future medical care and lost wages in addition to what you have already paid.

Establishing Liability for a Car Accident in Tustin

California’s fault rule means that you must prove liability for your recent accident before you can secure any compensation through insurance or a civil claim. Most car accident disputes arise from acts of negligence, or failure to exercise reasonable care in certain situations. Some are the results of intentional and/or illegal misconduct behind the wheel, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or speeding.

While the majority of accidents are caused by driver error, there are some cases where other third parties hold some or all of the liability for car crashes. For motorcyclists caught in multi-vehicle collisions, a Tustin motorcycle accident lawyer can assist in establishing liability against negligent drivers or manufacturers. In cases where mechanical failures contributed to the crash, the vehicle manufacturer, parts manufacturer, or a mechanic who installed a defective part or performed a repair incorrectly can be held liable for damages.

If a poorly maintained road or inadequate signage led to the crash, the municipal authority responsible for road maintenance may be to blame. On interstates and highways, that’s the California Department of Transportation. On surface streets, it’s the City of Tustin’s Public Works Department. The statute of limitations for filing claims against municipal authorities is just six months, so don’t delay finding an attorney to help you with your case.

California also upholds a pure comparative fault law that might come into play in any car accident case in which liability isn’t immediately clear. Depending on how it happened, multiple parties might share fault for a car accident. In the event a plaintiff is found partially responsible for causing their claimed damages, state law requires they lose a percentage of their final compensation equal to their percentage of fault in the incident.

For example, 10% comparative negligence in a million-dollar personal injury claim would amount to the plaintiff losing $100,000 of this case award. Even a slight comparative fault can have a tremendous impact on the final outcome of any car accident claim, so it’s wise to have legal counsel you can trust to help you counter any claims of comparative liability from the defendant.

Damages and Compensation in California Car Accident Claims

Any car accident can be a life-changing experience for those involved; unfortunately, many accidents result in a host of damage. State law permits you to seek full compensation for all the economic losses the defendant caused you to suffer, both immediate and future. Their auto insurance may cover some of these losses, but it is unlikely for a minimum coverage policy to fully compensate for the damages resulting from a serious accident.

The first step in recovering from a car accident is identifying the driver responsible, and once you have proven fault, you can file a claim against their auto insurance policy.

California insurance minimums require drivers to carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person with a minimum of $60,000 total accident liability coverage, and they must have at least $15,000 in property damage liability coverage. If a driver causes an accident, their insurance should cover the victim’s losses up to the limits of their policy’s terms.

Unfortunately, dealing with insurance adjusters can be tremendously difficult, and most insurance companies look for every justification they can find to deny a claim or offer the smallest settlement possible. Your Tustin car accident attorney can be invaluable in securing as much compensation as possible through the at-fault driver’s insurance. If it isn’t enough to fully compensate your losses, you can proceed with a personal injury claim.

Damages in Your Personal Injury Claim

State law permits the plaintiff in a personal injury case to seek compensation for all the medical treatment they require to recover from the injuries the defendant caused immediately after their accident and in the future. When injuries are severe enough to keep the victim from working, they may not only have grounds to claim compensation for lost wages but lost future earning capacity as well.

Unfortunately, some car accidents cause catastrophic injuries that result in permanent disability. When commercial vehicles are involved in serious collisions, working with a Tustin truck accident lawyer is essential to navigate complex corporate liability. It can be very difficult for the average person to accurately assess the full scope of the long-term damage they face in the aftermath of a serious accident. When you choose a Tustin car accident attorney from Easton & Easton to represent you in your recovery efforts, we can gather the documentation necessary to prove the full extent of your immediate and future damages.

In cases involving tragic fatalities, a Tustin wrongful death lawyer can help surviving family members seek full legal compensation. A Tustin car accident claim plaintiff can also seek compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced. This may sound difficult to put in numerical terms, but an experienced Tustin car accident attorney can provide helpful guidance when it comes to getting you fairly compensated. Some of the factors that can influence how much compensation you receive for pain and suffering are listed below:

• The severity of your injuries.
• How long it takes you to heal.
• The overall value of your economic damages.
• Your age.
• The presence of psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
• The medical documentation regarding your injuries and treatment.

Your attorney can use a combination of medical records, medical imaging, personal pain journals, and expert witness testimony to establish the extent of your injuries. They can also determine how much emotional distress and mental anguish you have suffered throughout the healing process and beyond.

The attorneys at Easton & Easton have years of experience helping Tustin-area clients through very demanding car accident claims. We’re ready to help you reach a positive outcome for your impending recovery efforts.

Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims

You have two years to file most personal injury claims in California under California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. These include car accidents. Understanding how long it takes to settle a car accident claim in California can help you plan your recovery steps effectively. However, you have a much shorter deadline to file an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver. For a good chance of success in all the recovery efforts you pursue after your accident, it is imperative to seek legal counsel from an experienced Tustin car accident attorney as soon as possible.

What to Expect if Your Case Goes to Trial

If the liable party’s insurance company makes you a fair offer that your lawyer agrees covers 100% of your damages, you may not need to go to trial to resolve your car accident claim. If, on the other hand, the insurer is refusing to offer full compensation for your injuries, car accident laws allow you to file a legal claim at the Superior Court of Orange County’s Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West in nearby Santa Ana.

Going to court to resolve a legal claim can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to. Having your lawyer by your side every step of the way is an invaluable advantage. Knowing what to expect may also reduce your stress level. Here are the steps you can expect your case to follow:

• Initial claim filing. Your attorney can file your initial claim for you. It should describe what happened and explain the claim’s legal basis. Once the claim is filed, the defendant can then be served.
• Discovery. The discovery period allows attorneys for both you and the defense to exchange vital information and evidence. Your attorney may need to file written interrogatories, document requests, or depositions to unearth evidence for your case.
• Motions. Pre-trial motions can include motions to exclude evidence or for summary judgment.
• Mediation. While California does not require mandatory mediation in car accident cases, it may be required if a judge orders it. In these cases, mediation is not binding. You’re not required to accept the suggestions and can still take your case to trial.
• Jury selection. Jury selection may seem like a minor detail, but experienced trial attorneys know that it’s an important part of the process. The jury’s composition can significantly influence the case’s outcome, so your attorney must identify any biases or preconceptions that could negatively impact your chances of success.
• Opening statements. Opening statements give both attorneys the chance to outline the facts of their cases. Your attorney can describe the injuries you’ve suffered and explain what types of evidence may be used to prove what happened and the extent of your damages.
• Witness testimony and evidence. Both attorneys also get the chance to present evidence and witness testimony to support their clients’ cases. Your attorney should go first and may call you to the stand if you’ve decided it’s a good idea to testify on your own behalf. Other witnesses can include people who saw the accident, doctors, and expert witnesses.
• Closing arguments. Closing arguments allow the attorneys to draw conclusions from the evidence and witness testimony already presented. Your attorney should summarize the evidence, connect it to your claim’s legal basis, and explain why the jury should find in your favor.
• Verdict. The jury is then given time to deliberate in private on the case. When they are finished, they must return to the courtroom and issue a verdict. If they rule in your favor, you’ll also find out how much compensation you’ll receive. If they rule against you, you cannot receive anything.

As you can see, going to trial comes with a certain amount of risk. If you do not know whether it’s worth the risk, you should speak with your attorney regarding your options for resolving the claim outside of court.

How Common Are Car Accidents in Tustin, CA?

The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 317 accident injuries and fatalities in Tustin, CA, in 2023. Of those, 29 involved alcohol. Another 34 involved speeding. The CA OTS does not report on other common causes of crashes, but it’s safe to assume that many of them were caused by other forms of driver error, such as cell phone use and aggressive driving. Cell phone use alone caused 14% of all distraction-related driving accidents in 2024.

FAQs

Q: Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

A: There are several reasons to hire a car accident lawyer. Even if liability for the crash seems perfectly clear, there are countless variables that could arise that you may not know how to address. Additionally, you may not necessarily secure suitable compensation even if you manage to succeed with your civil action. Hiring legal counsel who you can trust makes all your recovery efforts easier to manage and more likely to generate the results you hope to see.

Q: What Is My Car Accident Claim Worth in California?

A: It’s impossible to say what your car accident claim is worth in California without first evaluating the case details. Once you prove fault for the accident, you have the right to seek full repayment of all the economic damage you suffered and appropriate compensation for your pain and suffering.

It’s important to remember you have the right to claim compensation for immediate and future economic damage, and an experienced attorney can be invaluable for accurately establishing their full scope.

Q: What Happens If I Was Partially to Blame for the Accident?

A: If you were partially to blame for the accident in question, prepare to have a fault percentage assigned to you by the judge who oversees your case. You can still recover compensation, but your fault percentage could reduce your final case award. For example, bearing 25% fault means losing 25% of your total compensation. There is no threshold of fault that would bar you from recovery, but if a plaintiff’s fault exceeds the defendant’s, they could face a countersuit.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire Legal Representation for a Tustin Car Accident Claim?

A: The cost to hire legal representation for a Tustin car accident claim varies. Easton & Easton attorneys accept personal injury cases on a contingency basis. This means our clients pay no upfront legal fees or fees if we do not secure compensation for their damage. Once we successfully file your claim, you only part with a predetermined percentage of the final case award as our firm’s fee. This makes it possible for you to still receive an appropriate recovery.

Q: Where Are Car Accidents Most Common in Tustin, CA?

A: Car accidents in Tustin, CA, are most common along major freeway junctions and in busy commercial areas. You should use exceptional caution at the I-5/SR-55 interchange, where high levels of congestion and complex merging patterns make the junction exceptionally dangerous.

Red Hill Avenue and 17th Street are both hotspots for car crashes, as well. In these cases, heavy commercial and commuter traffic and major cross-streets create opportunities for frequent broadside and turning collisions.

Your Tustin Car Accident Lawyers

The Orange County car accident attorneys at Easton & Easton have helped many clients in Tustin and surrounding Orange County cities with their car accident claims. Some have even involved extraordinary damages, unclear liability, and traumatic losses.*

Whatever your case entails, you have a better chance of reaching a positive outcome for all your recovery efforts with the right attorney handling your case. To speak with a Tustin car accident attorney about your situation, contact us and schedule a free consultation with our firm.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

Tustin, California Related Car Accident Resources

• What to Do After a Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault in California
• Why Is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long in California?
• What Not to Say After a Car Accident in California
• California Car Accident Reporting Requirements

Tustin, California Car Accident Legal Resources

• Tustin Police Department – Request a Traffic Collision Report
• Superior Court of California, County of Orange – Central Justice Center (Santa Ana)
• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – District 12 (Orange County)
• California DMV – Driver Injury and Traffic Collision Reporting Requirements (SR 1 Form)
• California Highway Patrol – Request a CHP Crash Report (CHP 190 Form)

About Tustin, California

Known for its historic Tustin Blimp Hangars and charming Old Town, Tustin offers a vibrant, close-knit community in central Orange County. However, heavy commuter traffic along the I-5 and SR-55 freeways leads to frequent car accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Tustin recorded 317 collision injuries and fatalities in a single year. Local authorities continue implementing enhanced traffic enforcement and safety initiatives to protect residents and keep Tustin streets safe for every family.