Cases We Handle
Car Accident Attorneys
Helping Car Accident Victims in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Throughout California
Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.5 million people are treated in emergency departments for car accident injuries each year. In 2019, there were 3,606 fatal car accidents in California, resulting in 3,898 deaths.
When car accidents are caused by the negligence of another, victims have the right to seek compensation for their damages. At Pearson Specter, LLC, we understand the many challenges you are facing, and we are here to help. Our car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of auto accident claims, and we have a proven track record of success. We know how to fight back against insurance companies and other large corporations, and we are prepared to take your case as far as it needs to go to secure the maximum compensation you are owed.
If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident, contact our firm at (231) 456-7890 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in Los Angeles.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you protect your health and your right to recover compensation. Here are some steps to take after a car accident:
- Check for injuries: If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, call 911 immediately. If you are not seriously injured, move to a safe location and out of the way of traffic.
- Call the police: Even if the accident is minor, it is important to call the police and report the accident. The police will create an accident report, which can be used as evidence when filing a claim.
- Exchange information: Get the names, contact information, and insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident. You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Take pictures: Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you do not think you were seriously injured, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Seeing a doctor will ensure that your injuries are diagnosed and treated, and it will also create a record of your injuries, which can be used as evidence when filing a claim.
- Report the accident to your insurance company: You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, you should not provide a recorded statement or sign anything until you have spoken to an attorney.
- Do not admit fault: Even if you think you may have been partially at fault for the accident, you should not admit fault to anyone at the scene. Fault is often difficult to determine, and you may not have all the facts. Admitting fault can hurt your chances of recovering compensation.
- Do not accept a settlement offer: The insurance company may offer you a settlement shortly after the accident. However, this settlement is likely far less than what you are owed. Do not accept a settlement offer without first speaking to an attorney.
- Contact a car accident lawyer: An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. In many cases, car accidents are caused by the negligence of another. When this is the case, victims can seek compensation for their damages. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. According to the CDC, approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in distracted driving accidents each day. Distracted driving occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off the task of driving. Common examples of distracted driving include texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, using a GPS, and adjusting the radio or other controls in the vehicle.
- Drunk driving: Drunk driving is another leading cause of car accidents in the United States. According to the CDC, 29 people are killed in drunk driving accidents each day. In 2016, 10,497 people were killed in drunk driving accidents, accounting for 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Drunk driving is illegal in all 50 states, and those who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be held liable for any resulting damages.
- Speeding: Speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal car accidents in the United States. Speeding is not only illegal, but it also reduces a driver’s ability to react to dangerous situations and increases the severity of injuries in the event of an accident.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving is a broad term that encompasses a variety of dangerous driving behaviors. Some examples of reckless driving include tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, running red lights and stop signs, and failing to yield the right of way.
- Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving is a form of reckless driving that involves a driver engaging in dangerous behaviors with the intent to harm others on the road. Some examples of aggressive driving include speeding, tailgating, running red lights and stop signs, and making unsafe lane changes.
- Weather conditions: Weather conditions can make driving more dangerous. Rain, snow, ice, fog, and high winds can all increase the risk of a car accident. Drivers have a duty to adjust their driving to account for weather conditions. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting damages.
- Defective auto parts: Sometimes, car accidents are caused by defective auto parts. When this is the case, the manufacturer of the auto part can be held liable for any resulting damages. Some examples of defective auto parts that can cause car accidents include defective tires, defective brakes, defective airbags, and defective ignition switches.
- Poorly maintained roads: Sometimes, car accidents are caused by poorly maintained roads. When this is the case, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road can be held liable for any resulting damages. Some examples of poor road maintenance that can cause car accidents include potholes, missing or broken traffic signs, missing or broken guardrails, and inadequate lighting.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which can be life-threatening. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward. Whiplash is a common car accident injury, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
- Broken bones: Broken bones are another common car accident injury. Broken bones can be extremely painful and may require surgery to repair.
- Head injuries: Car accidents can cause a variety of head injuries, including concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures. Head injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical treatment.
- Back injuries: Car accidents can cause a variety of back injuries, including sprains, strains, herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae. Back injuries can be extremely painful and may require surgery to repair.
- Internal bleeding: Car accidents can cause internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Internal bleeding is not always immediately apparent, and it may take hours or even days for symptoms to appear.
- Internal organ damage: Car accidents can cause internal organ damage, which can be life-threatening. Internal organ damage is not always immediately apparent, and it may take hours or even days for symptoms to appear.
- Burns: Car accidents can cause fires, which can result in severe burns. Burns can be extremely painful and may require surgery to repair.
- Amputations: Car accidents can cause severe injuries that may require amputation. Losing a limb can be extremely traumatic and can have a significant impact on a person’s life.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Car accidents can be extremely traumatic, and many people who are involved in a car accident develop PTSD. PTSD is a mental health condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the accident.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?
Many people who are involved in a car accident want to know how much their case is worth. However, it is impossible to determine the value of a car accident claim without first reviewing the details of the case. The value of a car accident claim will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injuries, the cost of the medical treatment, the impact the injuries have on the victim’s life, and the amount of insurance coverage available.
That being said, there are some general guidelines that can help you understand what your car accident claim may be worth. According to the CDC, the average cost of a non-fatal disabling injury is $61,600. The average cost of a fatal car accident is $1.4 million. However, these figures only take into account the cost of medical treatment and lost wages. They do not take into account the cost of pain and suffering, which can be significant.
When you choose Pearson Specter, LLC to handle your car accident claim, we will fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed for all your damages, including but not limited to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles have extensive experience handling all types of car accident claims, and we know how to accurately calculate the value of your claim. We will fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed, and we will not settle for less than you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Every state has a statute of limitations, which is a law that sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit. In California, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation.
There are some exceptions to the statute of limitations. For example, if the car accident resulted in the death of a loved one, you have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the car accident was caused by a government entity, you must file a claim with the government within six months of the accident. If the government denies your claim, you have six months from the date of the denial to file a lawsuit.
It is important to consult with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. An attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations that applies to your case and ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed on time.
How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right car accident lawyer is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Here are some tips to help you choose the right car accident lawyer for your case:
- Experience: Car accident claims can be complex, and you need a lawyer who knows how to handle these types of cases. Look for a car accident lawyer who has extensive experience handling all types of car accident claims.
- Reputation: The reputation of the car accident lawyer you choose is important. Look for a lawyer who has a proven track record of success and who is well-respected in the legal community.
- Resources: Car accident claims often require a significant amount of time and resources. Look for a car accident lawyer who has the resources necessary to handle your case.
- Communication: You will likely be working closely with your car accident lawyer for several months or even years. Look for a lawyer who is a good communicator and who will keep you updated on the progress of your case.
- Comfort: You should feel comfortable with the car accident lawyer you choose. Look for a lawyer who is compassionate, understanding, and who you feel you can trust.
At Pearson Specter, LLC, we have a proven track record of success and have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients. We have the resources necessary to handle even the most complex car accident claims, and we are committed to providing each and every client with the personalized, one-on-one attention they deserve. We know how to fight back against insurance companies and other large corporations, and we are prepared to take your case as far as it needs to go to secure the maximum compensation you are owed.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Car accident claims can be complex, and it is important to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. At Pearson Specter, LLC, we have extensive experience handling all types of car accident claims, and we know what it takes to win. When you choose us to handle your car accident claim, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to determine who was at fault. We will gather all available evidence, including the police report, any available video surveillance footage, and any available witness statements. We will also consult with accident reconstruction experts and other experts as needed to help us build the strongest possible case.
Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles will handle all the paperwork and legal documents, and we will keep you updated on the progress of your case. We will aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to secure a favorable settlement, and we will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the insurance company is not willing to make a fair offer. We know how to fight back against insurance companies and other large corporations, and we are committed to helping you recover the full, fair compensation you are owed.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Pearson Specter, LLC, we know how to win car accident cases, and we have a proven track record of success. We have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients, and we are prepared to fight for you. Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles are available 24/7, and we offer free consultations. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any legal fees until we win your case.
Contact us online or by phone at (231) 456-7890 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in Los Angeles.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
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"This Is A Title Testimonial"
If you ever need for an attorney, call Pearson Specter! They helped me through every step of a very uncomfortable process. While I hope I never need to go through anything like that again, I can tell you if I do, they will be my very first call.- Author T.Valencia, CA -
"If you ever need for an attorney, call Pearson Specter! They helped me through every step of a very uncomfortable process. While I hope I never need to go through anything like that again, I can tell you if I do, they will be my very first call."- Nancy K.
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"We lost faith in an insurance company who owed us money and Pearson Specter restored our faith. Everyone here is so polite and they go out of their way to help. They're amazing people!"- Addison W.
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"I definitely recommend Pearson Specter. I really could have not dealt with insurance companies, get all the medical attention that I needed, and get a good settlement from the insurance parties without their help and expertise!"- Mario T.