Auto Accidents Overview

949-999-2010

Auto accidents occur every hour of every day and are one of the most common sources of personal injuries. Drivers responsible for causing the accident are bound to be liable for any damages, whether that's bodily injury or property damage. Fair and adequate insurance payouts may cover the costs of some damages, but oftentimes, it's not enough. 

At Williams & Williams, our personal injury attorneys can assist you in filing a solid, well-supported personal injury claim to ensure you receive just and fair compensation for any damages you may have incurred. Contact us online or at 949-999-2010 to schedule a consultation about your case today.

Common Auto Accident Injuries in Irvine

Injuries sustained from auto accidents can range anywhere from minor whiplash to fatal brain injuries. The most common types of bodily injuries we often see in personal injury claims include:

  • Broken bones
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Nerve damage
  • Whiplash
  • Spinal injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Chronic pain

Any and all of the above injuries can be serious and life-altering. All bodily injuries – regardless of their severity – are compensable if you are the victim of the accident. In many cases, psychological, mental, and emotional injuries resulting from the accident are also compensable.

Common Auto Accident Types in Irvine

The type of injuries you sustain depends on the type and manner of the car accident. Common types of crashes include:

  • Head-on collisions: Among the most devastating types of collisions; can result in serious and life-threatening bodily injuries
  • Rear-end accidents: Among the most common collisions; frequently result in whiplash and neck injuries
  • Side-impact collisions: Fairly common; usually occur at intersections and can result in a range of injuries, depending on where the vehicle was struck
  • Roll-over accidents: Less common; usually result in head and neck injuries, as well as lacerations and cuts
  • Sideswipe accidents: Less common; occur when one of two or more vehicles traveling parallel with each other swipes the side of the other vehicle
  • Blind spot accidents: Less common; occur when one vehicle fails to spot another vehicle while changing or merging into another lane

It is important to remember that while the type of car accident (i.e. rear-end accidents) can indicate liability for property and bodily damage, accidents can be complex events. So even if the type of accident may initially and seemingly indicate fault, a thorough investigation must be conducted for a clear understanding of where liability falls. 

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in California

Car accidents happen due to a variety of reasons, which can typically be grouped into three categories: drivers, vehicles, and environment.

Drivers

  • Intoxicated driving (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, illicit drugs)
  • Distracted driving (e.g., eating, texting, disciplining children)
  • Drowsy driving or falling asleep while driving
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Decision error (e.g., driving too fast for the conditions, misjudging another driver's actions)
  • Recognition error (e.g., inattention)
  • Performance error (e.g., overcompensation, poor directional control)

Vehicles

  • Tires/wheels-related
  • Brakes-related
  • Steering/suspension/transmission/engine-related
  • Manufacture defects

Environment

  • Slick roads (e.g., ice, loose debris)
  • Glare
  • View obstructions
  • Signs/signals

Aside from crashes caused by drivers, vehicles, or environmental conditions, there are other reasons that don't fall within these categories. For instance, pedestrians can sometimes be the cause of an accident. In other circumstances, the cause may not be able to be determined. 

When the cause of an auto accident is easily identified, liability will also tend to be easily identifiable. More complex auto accident cases, however, require the insight of an experienced attorney.

Benefits of Filing a Personal Injury Claim in California

While you're not legally required to have a personal injury or accident attorney in California represent you when either making a claim against an insurance company or filing a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident, it can be helpful to do so, especially where you sustained significant injuries as a result of the accident or the other side is arguing contributory or comparative negligence.

It is important to remember that insurance companies are for-profit entities; they make money by bringing in premium payments and increase profit margins by minimizing the amount of money they pay out in settlements.

Often times, insurance companies may offer a settlement that does not represent the true value of fair compensation that you deserve. Hiring a good lawyer can assist you to prepare your claim, including collecting the necessary evidence to prove the other driver was at fault. When allegations of no liability or partial liability are made against you, a good lawyer works to disprove those allegations. They can also help you negotiate a settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses, and when that doesn't happen, they can take the matter to court.

When an insurance company offers a settlement, that offer may not represent the true value of fair compensation a victim deserves. Victims should be compensated for their:

  • Medical bills, past, and future
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages, past, and future
  • Reduced earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • And more

Frequently, insurance settlement offers only cover property damage and medical bills, and only those expenses incurred to date. Sometimes the settlement will also include lost wages, but again, it may only include the wages lost to date and not future wages or loss of earned income. Much of it depends on the rules of your jurisdiction.

By hiring a lawyer and pursuing these other forms of compensation, accident victims can fight for what they really deserve. 

Contact Us Today

Auto accidents can be straightforward or complex. Regardless of which, it is in your best interests to speak to an auto accident attorney in Irvine. At Williams & Williams, our team works hard for our clients to ensure that they obtain fair and just compensation. Contact us using our online form or by calling us directly at 949-999-2010 to schedule a consultation today.

Brown & Williams Is Here for You

At Brown & Williams, we focus on Personal Injury Law and we are here to listen to you and help you navigate the legal system.

Contact Us Today

Brown & Williams is committed to answering your questions about Personal Injury law issues in California.

We offer a free consultation and we'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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