It is important that you engage a motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles, CA, if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Los Angeles area. Compensation for damages and injuries suffered can go a long way to helping victims recover from their injuries. Also, victims deserve to be compensated for the trouble of having their lives altered by the negligence of others on the road.
A: Each motorcycle accident is viewed on a case-by-case basis, and each accident has different factors that can influence the amount of settlement awarded. The compensation awarded to the victim can vary depending on the severity of the damages and injuries suffered from the accident.
Under California state law, accident victims are eligible to pursue compensation for personal injuries and damages incurred. To give a rough estimate, motorcycle accident settlements in California can range from $20,000 to $80,000.
A: There are several different factors that influence the amount of settlement awarded for accidents that happen in California. Personal injury settlements are often calculated depending on the amount of medical bills incurred, the severity of the injuries sustained, potential loss of income, and any pain and suffering.
Also, the amount of damages, the strength of the evidence presented, and the proof of negligence can play big roles in determining the amount of settlement awarded for personal injuries.
A: Yes, the personal injury settlement awarded is taxed under California state law, but it is not the full settlement amount that is taxed. Only a portion of the awarded settlement is taxed. The part of the settlement that is awarded for the economic losses sustained is taxed. This tax rate is calculated based on the highest marginal tax rate in the state of California. Note that any settlement awarded for compensation of medical expenses is not taxable by the IRS or the state of California.
A: Each personal injury case is different in its own way and will possess certain details that are unique to that case. There are several factors that can influence the length of the personal injury case. For example, if there are witness testimonies that need to be considered or if there are multiple parties with multiple insurance companies involved. Factors like these can add to the complexity and the length of the case. In general, a personal injury case can take anywhere from three to twelve months to resolve.
Motorcycle accidents can be very stressful situations to deal with. No one wishes to have to experience a motorcycle accident, but they are fairly common, especially in the state of California. It is important that victims of motorcycle accidents receive not only the medical care they need but also the financial compensation they deserve to get back to healing properly physically, emotionally, and mentally.
At The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt, our legal team strives to assist individuals all over the state of California with the legal assistance they need to get their cases resolved as quickly as possible. Our team works hard to ensure your case gets the dedication, compassion, and assistance you deserve. Contact our offices today to see how our team can be the winning solution you need.
]]>Possibly, the most significant factor influencing the amount of the possible settlement awarded is the severity of the damages and injuries sustained. For example, back, neck, or head injuries are typically considered more severe than an injury to a limb. Also, if surgery or rehabilitation is required, that can be viewed as severe.
Severity can also be measured based on lost wages. If you were forced to take a significant break from working or if you were forced to stop working altogether as a result of the injuries, then that would have a great effect on the compensation awarded to you.
Damages to your property will also be considered when determining the settlement amount. These damages can include repair costs, replacement costs, and any other damages that resulted from the crash.
Insurance plays a large role in determining the amount of settlement. California law requires all drivers to maintain proper insurance coverage while operating a motor vehicle. There is always the possibility of getting in a car accident with someone who does not have any insurance coverage or with someone who only has a limited amount of insurance coverage.
If you are hit by someone without insurance coverage, it can greatly affect the amount of settlement you could be awarded. It should be noted that there are alternative options available to get the compensation you deserve from the faulty party.
Fault plays a huge role when determining the amount of settlement awarded in car accidents. California is considered a comparative negligence state. This means that each party can be assigned a percentage of the fault of the accident based on their degree of negligent actions. This percentage of fault can directly affect the awarded settlement amount.
All parties involved in the accident should be prepared to answer questions regarding their possible negligence during the negotiation process. This is why it is vitally important that victims engage the counsel of an experienced accident attorney.
It is also important that victims do not speak with any representatives from the involved insurance companies before speaking with qualified legal counsel. It is not uncommon for the faulty party to try to assign a portion of the negligence to the victim during the negotiation process.
A: Each car accident is unique in its own way. The amount of settlement awarded can often depend on a multitude of different factors. Settlement amounts can vary depending on the severity of the damages and injuries suffered in the accident. Victims are eligible to receive compensation for property damage and personal injuries incurred. Car accident settlements in California can range from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the severity of the damages and injuries.
A: When it comes to back and neck injury cases from a car accident, each case is viewed on a case-by-case basis. The main factors that can influence the amount of the settlement include the severity of the injuries, the amount of insurance coverage, and whether or not the victim was partially at fault for the accident. Back and neck injury settlements can range very widely, from $2,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the factors outlined above.
A: Settling a claim from a car accident in California can vary depending on how complex the case is. Each case contains its own specific details that can add to the complexity. These details can include the number of parties involved, the number of insurance companies involved, the differing amounts of insurance coverage, and the cooperation of the faulty parties. In general, a car accident claim can be settled and finalized in as little as six months or as long as several years.
A: As is the case with most injury settlements, whiplash settlement amounts depend largely on the severity of the injury. If the injury is considered minor, then the settlement amount can range from $5,000 to $25,000. For more severe cases, the settlement amount can break into the $100,000 range. Victims who suffer from whiplash injuries can pursue compensation for physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and property damages.
Once again, the settlement amount largely depends on the severity of the injuries and the complexity of the case.
Car accidents can have lifelong impacts on all parties involved. Driving is often one of the most dangerous activities that we do on a day-to-day basis. When you are involved in an accident it can quickly make you feel lost and overwhelmed. Thankfully, there is a team of experienced California attorneys who have helped hundreds of individuals navigate through this unfortunate situation.
The legal team at The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt has faithfully served the Los Angeles area and surrounding communities for over 24 years. Our legal team understands the complexities that California state and local laws can present to individuals. Our firm stands to provide the help that individuals need.
If you have been involved in an auto accident in the Los Angeles area and you need guidance on the next steps, contact our offices today to see how we can provide assistance. Our team has extensive experience successfully settling car accident claims with positive results. We can offer an initial consultation so we can discuss your specific needs.
]]>It’s important to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after you have had an accident in Los Angeles. They can help prove fault for the accident, file a car insurance claim against the at-fault driver, and build a personal injury case for you if necessary. However, while you cannot always anticipate the actions of other drivers on the road, you can limit your risk of causing an accident by knowing the highest-risk areas in Los Angeles.
According to the most recently available accident data for Los Angeles, a few of the most dangerous intersections are:
These are just a few of the most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles. Not only is the downtown area extremely busy with traffic at nearly all hours of the day, but many of these intersections include multiple lanes and traffic patterns that are confusing for drivers who are new to the area.
A few of the most common causes of accidents at these intersections include speeding, moving violations such as running red lights, illegal turns, and driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
The first steps you take following a car accident in Los Angeles are very important. State law requires that you call 911 to report any accident that results in property damage, bodily injury, or death, and you must remain at the scene of the crash until first responders arrive. You should seek medical attention immediately, even if you think you only suffered minor injuries. You may have been hurt worse than you realize because some injuries aren’t immediately noticeable.
Once you have resolved the immediate aftermath of your accident, you should reach out to a California car accident lawyer as soon as possible. If another driver is directly responsible for causing the accident, you can file a claim against their auto insurance policy to seek compensation for your damages. However, if they do not have insurance or they do not have enough coverage to fully compensate you, you will need to file a personal injury claim.
An experienced attorney can be crucial not only for constructing your case but also for maximizing your recovery. You may have grounds to claim more compensation than you realize, and the right attorney can help streamline and maximize your receipt of compensation for your damages. The sooner you connect with an attorney, the more time they will have to work on your case.
A: Proving fault for your recent car accident is an essential first step in recovering your damages. You must identify the driver who caused your accident and prove how they caused it before you can recover any compensation. It’s possible for one or more parties to share fault, and an experienced car accident lawyer will know what evidence you will need to establish fault in your case.
A: Yes, it is possible to settle a car accident case privately as long as both parties agree to negotiate a settlement. Most personal injury cases filed are settled privately because this allows the parties involved to resolve their case more quickly and more quietly than litigation would allow. However, if the parties cannot negotiate a settlement, the case will need to go to trial.
A: State law requires drivers to call 911 and report any car accident that results in significant property damage, bodily injury, or death. Failure to do so can lead to fines and other penalties, so if you are unsure whether you need to report an accident in Los Angeles, you should err on the side of caution and report it. Do not leave the accident scene until the police arrive and allow you to go.
A: Hiring an attorney to help you with your recovery efforts following a car accident in Los Angeles can make every facet of the recovery process easier to manage, and you will be more likely to maximize your case award with their assistance. Your attorney can help gather evidence to prove fault, file your auto insurance claim, and build a comprehensive personal injury suit when insurance can’t fully cover your damages.
A: The majority of attorneys representing personal injury cases accept clients on a contingency fee basis. When you have a contingency fee agreement with your attorney, they will only take a percentage of your final case award as their fee, and only if and when they win your case. There is no fee if they cannot obtain compensation for you. Some attorneys charge by the hour, so always verify an attorney’s billing policy before hiring them.
The team at Amendt Law is ready to help you recover from your recent accident in Los Angeles. Our firm has successfully resolved many car accident claims for past clients in the area, and we are ready to leverage our experience and resources for you in your impending case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and find out how we can help.
]]>If you or a family member has recently suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney is the ideal resource to consult to determine your recovery options. State law views bicycle accidents just like all other vehicle accidents, meaning you likely have grounds to file a claim for compensation against an at-fault driver’s auto insurance, and if this does not fully cover your losses, you can proceed with filing a personal injury claim against them.
Reports from the City of Los Angeles and various independent studies conducted by publications such as the LA Times, BikingInLA, and other media outlets state that bicycle accidents are on the rise in the Los Angeles area. In fact, Bicycling.com recently called Los Angeles the most dangerous city in America for bicyclists. Los Angeles County itself has reported more bicycling deaths in just the county limits than many other entire states have reported in similar timeframes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that about 1,000 bicyclists are fatally injured in crashes throughout the country each year, and there are more than 130,000 serious injuries from bicycle accidents reported each year as well. In 2021, in just Los Angeles County, there were 1,813 bicycle accidents reported involving 27 deaths. 2022 reported similar numbers with 26 bicycle accident deaths in the county, and 2024 is proving to remain on track with these numbers, indicating very little has been done to reduce the rate of fatal bicycle accidents in Los Angeles County. Since 2016, there has been an average of 36 bicycle accident deaths per year, with 2019 reporting the highest death toll with 42 deaths.
Knowing the risks you face while biking can help you remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you or a loved one suffers a bicycle accident because of the actions of another party, it is vital that you consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible who can help determine your most viable options for recovery.
A: If you believe another party directly caused your recent bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you have the right to seek accountability and compensation for your damages with a claim against their auto insurance, followed by a personal injury claim if their insurance cannot fully cover your damages. Success with any personal injury case requires proof that the defendant directly caused your claimed damages and proof of the full extent of those damages.
A: If a motor vehicle driver hits and kills a bicyclist, the victim’s family would have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. This is a type of civil suit similar to a personal injury case, but it focuses on the damages suffered by the victim’s family. The at-fault driver not only faces civil liability for wrongful death and all associated damages, but they could also face criminal charges depending on how they caused the accident.
A: There may not be a strict law requiring you to hire legal representation for your bicycle accident, but the right attorney can help maximize your chances of winning your case and recovering appropriate compensation for your damages. Your attorney can manage all your case proceedings for you so you can recover from your injuries with peace of mind. They are also likely to uncover channels of compensation that you may not have realized were available to you, enhancing your case award far beyond what you could have managed on your own.
A: There is a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in California. This time limit starts on the date an injury occurs, and while two years might seem like enough time in which to file your case, it is always advisable to start the process as soon as possible. It will take time to gather the documentation needed to prove the full extent of your damages, and evidence is most reliable when it is collected as fresh as possible.
A: The majority of personal injury attorneys accept clients on a contingency fee basis. When you have a contingency fee agreement with your attorney, they will only take a fee after they win your case, and their fee will be a percentage of all the compensation they recovered for you. There is no fee if the attorney is unable to recover compensation for your damages, so this billing policy allows you to approach your case without fear of paying your attorney more in legal fees than they are able to recover in compensation for you.
The team at Amendt Law has many years of handling all types of vehicle accident claims in Los Angeles, including bicycle accident claims. We know how damaging these incidents can be and the many questions you are likely to have in the aftermath of this type of accident. The sooner you reach out to our team, the sooner we can explain your options for recovery and the more time we have to build a solid case for you. Contact Amendt Law today to schedule your consultation with our team and learn how we can help you in this challenging situation.
]]>A Los Angeles personal injury attorney is an invaluable asset in this situation. The right attorney can not only help their client prove liability for their damages but also maximize the compensation they obtain for those damages. If you plan to pursue any type of personal injury claim in Los Angeles, investing in legal counsel you can trust will pay off tremendously in several ways.
The foundation of any personal injury case is actual harm or some kind of measurable loss resulting from another party’s negligence or illegal misconduct. The objective of a personal injury claim is for the victim to prove fault and secure the compensation they need to become as whole again as possible after being injured by another party’s actions.
A plaintiff in a personal injury claim can seek compensation for all economic losses the defendant inflicted with their negligence or misconduct. For most plaintiffs, these economic damages are likely to include property damage, medical expenses, and lost income.
Property damage is straightforward and can include the cost of repairing or replacing any of the plaintiff’s property that the defendant damaged or destroyed. When it comes to medical expenses and lost income, the plaintiff has the right to claim not only compensation for immediate losses but also the future economic impact of the defendant’s actions. For example, if you had a catastrophic injury that requires extensive ongoing treatment, the defendant is responsible for both immediate and future medical expenses you incur from their actions. Similarly, if your future earning power has been degraded from the personal injury you suffered, the defendant is responsible for your lost future earning capacity.
Beyond economic losses, the plaintiff can seek recompense for the pain and suffering they experienced due to the incident. If the plaintiff suffered any type of permanent harm from the defendant’s actions, their pain and suffering compensation could form a sizeable portion of their total recovery. If the defendant caused the personal injury through some illegal misconduct, the defendant could also face punitive damages and/or restitution alongside their liability for the plaintiff’s claimed damages.
Ultimately, if you have grounds to file a personal injury claim against another party, it behooves you to seek out a personal injury attorney you can trust to represent you. The right attorney is an invaluable asset in any personal injury case because they can streamline your recovery substantially, helping you uncover channels of compensation you may have otherwise overlooked.
A: On average, victims of car accidents caused by other drivers are able to recover about 1.5 times their total economic damages. The right attorney is an invaluable asset in any car accident case because they can help their client maximize their initial auto insurance claim settlement before building a personal injury case on their behalf. You could be entitled to more than you expect, so it is vital to reach out to reliable legal counsel as soon as possible after any car accident.
A: The total value of any personal injury case hinges on the overall severity of the victim’s damages. State law allows the personal injury case plaintiff to seek full repayment of all economic losses they suffered because of the defendant’s negligence or misconduct, and the plaintiff may also claim compensation for their pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can provide an estimate of your case’s potential value if you win.
A: There is no limit on pain and suffering compensation in most personal injury claims, so this could form the bulk of a plaintiff’s recovery if they suffered a serious injury. An attorney may calculate pain and suffering for their client based on the overall severity of the injury and the long-term effects it will have on their client, or they may base their calculation on the time it takes the client to reach maximum medical improvement from the injury.
A: When a defendant is clearly liable for a personal injury, it benefits them to seek a swift settlement with the plaintiff and minimize their legal expenses. Settlement can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your claim and the quality of your legal counsel. If your case proceeds to litigation for any reason, this will take much longer and may not yield the results you expect.
A: The majority of personal injury attorneys accepting cases use contingency fee billing. This makes legal counsel more accessible to those who need it most. With a contingency fee agreement, the client only pays a fee to their attorney if and when the attorney wins their case. The attorney’s fee is a percentage of the final case award, and the client keeps the remainder. If the attorney is unsuccessful with a claim for any reason, the client pays nothing.
Amendt Law has years of experience representing clients in all types of personal injury cases, and we would like to put this experience to work for you. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney you can trust with your case.
]]>Truck accidents happen due to many of the same causes as all other vehicle accidents, but they are also vulnerable to additional risks due to their size and weight. Some of the most commonly cited causes of truck accidents in the Los Angeles area include:
These are only a few of the ways that truck accidents can happen. If you or a family member experiences this type of accident, the first challenge you face when it comes to recovering your losses is proving the exact cause of the accident and identifying the driver responsible for causing it. The right attorney can make this much easier, helping you gather evidence and witness testimony you may need to firmly establish liability for the damages. Once you have proven fault, you can proceed with claiming compensation for the losses you suffered.
A: The most commonly reported cause of commercial truck accidents in the state is truck driver error. Truck drivers must complete specific certification requirements and possess adequate experience to handle their job duties. However, truck driver error can cause accidents in many ways, from speeding to distracted driving to failure to manage their commercial vehicle correctly in specific situations.
A: It is possible for one or more parties to bear fault for a commercial truck accident. Fault may fall to one driver if their actions are entirely responsible for the accident, and it is possible for the fault to rest with more than one driver. An experienced attorney can assist you in gathering whatever evidence you may need to accurately identify the party or parties bearing fault for a recent truck accident.
A: California law requires all drivers to have auto insurance, including commercial truck drivers. If a truck driver is responsible for causing an accident, an injured driver may file a claim against their auto insurance policy. However, if their insurance cannot fully cover the victim’s losses, a personal injury suit will be necessary to ensure the victim’s full recovery.
A: If you have lost a family member in a fatal truck accident, you would have the right to file a wrongful death suit against the driver responsible for causing the accident. A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim in some ways, but this type of civil suit focuses on compensating the victim’s family. An experienced attorney is an invaluable asset if you intend to file a wrongful death claim for any reason.
A: It’s possible for the driver who caused your recent truck accident to face jail time, depending on how they caused the accident. If they were simply negligent, criminal charges are unlikely, but they will face liability for the damages they caused. However, if they caused the accident through any illegal action, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or reckless driving, they face liability for damages caused to others as well as criminal prosecution from the state.
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating vehicle accidents that anyone can suffer. If you have experienced this type of accident, you need legal counsel you can trust to guide you through the aftermath. Amendt Law has the experience and resources you need on your side for a truck accident claim in Los Angeles, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about how we can help you recover.
]]>A car accident attorney in Pomona, CA, can assist you in determining the most viable path to recovering compensation for your damages. Most car accident victims will need to file auto insurance claims against those responsible for their accidents, and navigating any insurance claim filing process will be much easier with an attorney’s assistance. When insurance cannot fully compensate you for your damages, you will need to prepare a personal injury claim to recover the remainder of your claimable losses.
Your attorney can assist you in gathering the evidence needed to prove how your recent accident happened. For most victims, this evidence will include traffic camera footage, cell phone data, vehicle computer data, and testimony from eyewitnesses. Some of the most common types of car accidents each year include:
These are only a few examples of the types of car accidents that commonly occur each year. Accidents can happen in many ways, and liability changes depending on the unique situation of the collision. Regardless of how your recent accident happened, it is important to know the value of trustworthy legal counsel as you seek compensation. The right car accident attorney can be a tremendous asset when it comes to the insurance claim filing process and a subsequent personal injury claim.
Throughout the country, distracted driving consistently ranks as the top-cited cause of all vehicle crashes each year. Texting while driving is an especially dangerous form of distracted driving as it requires the driver’s vision, hands, and attention when they should be focused on operating their vehicle safely. A car accident attorney can help their client gather the evidence needed to prove a driver was distracted when they caused their accident.
Car accidents happen in many ways but rear-end collisions are the most common type of car collision. These accidents happen when one driver slams into the rear of another driver’s vehicle. In most cases, the driver behind is found to be at fault for this type of collision, as drivers are expected to leave room between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them in case the leading driver slows or stops unexpectedly.
California law requires you to prove fault for your accident, and the driver who caused it is liable for your damages. You can claim compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, and any other losses caused by the at-fault driver. Your recovery is likely to require an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, and if you cannot fully recover your losses, you will need to file a personal injury claim as well. An experienced car accident attorney can assist you in determining the optimal path to recovering compensation for your recent accident.
Technically, no, there is no requirement for you to hire legal counsel if you intend to pursue legal action against the driver who caused your accident. However, you are more likely to maximize your total compensation with trustworthy legal counsel advising you. Your car accident attorney can make every aspect of your recovery process easier and more likely to generate the results you hope to see.
The time you may require to fully recover from your accident hinges on the severity and scope of your damages and whether the at-fault driver accepts responsibility for causing the accident. It’s possible to resolve some car accident cases within a few weeks, while others will take much longer to resolve. If you can resolve your claim with insurance alone, it may not take long if you hire a good attorney to represent you, but if you need to file a personal injury suit, this will take longer.
Amendt Law has years of professional experience representing victims of car accidents. We know the various legal challenges you are likely to encounter as you seek compensation for your damages, and we know how to maximize your recovery. If you are ready to learn how an experienced team of car accident attorneys can empower your recovery, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our firm.
]]>If your parked car is hit, there are steps you want to take to gain the compensation you deserve. If you see the accident, you should try to get the information you need from the other driver. If you didn’t witness the accident, here is what you should do:
Hitting a parked car, causing property damage, and leaving the scene with no identification is considered a hit-and-run. If you hit a car and there’s no one in it, it’s in your interest to find the owner of the car. You want to show them your license and vehicle registration and give them valid contact details. If you’re unable to locate them, leave them a note that describes the situation and gives your phone number and name. The other driver will then use this information to file a claim with your insurance provider to cover the damage you caused.
If you leave without providing any information, you are guilty of a hit-and-run. In order to convict you of this, it must be proven that you:
California law classifies this type of hit-and-run as a misdemeanor. Penalties include up to six months in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.
Call the police department. Whether the other driver is still present or not, a police report is useful evidence. If the driver isn’t there and didn’t leave any contact information, then a hit-and-run crime has occurred, and you certainly need a police report. The police department may also assist in gaining access to security footage.
Yes. A hit-and-run occurred when you were involved in a car accident while driving, caused damage to another person’s property, knew that you were in that accident and caused damage, and willingly failed to stop or give information to the owner of the property. If you caused damage to a parked car and left without providing identifying information, you may be charged with a hit-and-run misdemeanor.
If you are able to file a claim with the at-fault driver, it’s unlikely your rate will increase. If you can’t find the other driver and have to file with your insurance provider, this may impact your insurance rates. Working with a car accident attorney may help find the at-fault driver or prove that you were not the cause of the accident.
Even if a car is parked illegally, hitting a parked car is considered careless and negligent driving. You and the other driver both share fault for the accident. Because California operates under pure comparative fault, you can still file a claim for damages even if you were 99% responsible. However, those damages are reduced by the same amount. If you hit an illegally parked car, both you and the other driver can file for damages with each other’s insurance providers.
Being a victim of a hit-and-run can be scary, but know that working with a qualified attorney can right the damages you’ve suffered. Contact Amendt Law today to see how our attorneys can help you find the at-fault driver and negotiate a claim settlement.
]]>If you drive in the Los Angeles area, reviewing recently published accident statistics can make you more aware of the risks you face on the roads in the area. Accidents may happen unexpectedly, but regardless of how an accident occurs, the victim must know their options for legal recourse that can help them recover. Amendt Law is a team of experienced attorneys who have helped many past clients secure appropriate compensation for car accident damages, and we can put this experience to work in your accident case.
2022 was one of the deadliest years for traffic fatalities in Los Angeles, with 312 people dying in fatal crashes in the city. This was the highest yearly death toll for vehicle crashes in 20 years, a 5% increase from 2021’s fatal accident total and a 30% increase from 2020’s fatal vehicle accident rate. In 2021, there were more than 40,000 vehicle crashes reported in Los Angeles County alone, making the area one of the most dangerous for drivers throughout the state.
Accident data from various government sources and independent organizations can help drivers understand the risks they face on the road. These reports can also help drivers know the behaviors that would be most likely to result in them incurring liability for other drivers’ damages. While you cannot always predict how other motorists will behave around you in Los Angeles, you can uphold your own duty of care to drive responsibly, so you do not incur liability for someone else’s damages.
All Los Angeles drivers must be aware of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents so they can lower their risk of causing one. According to the most recent accident data from various sources, a few of the most common causes of motor vehicle crashes in Los Angeles include:
No matter how a motor vehicle accident happens, the at-fault driver will face civil liability for any damages they cause as well as potential criminal prosecution. Therefore, determining the cause of your recent accident will be an important first step in securing the compensation you need to recover your losses.
Any car accident has the potential to cause one or more serious injuries. A few of the most commonly reported car accident injuries in the Los Angeles, CA area include broken bones, facial and dental injuries, and injuries to the internal organs. In addition, drivers are likely to suffer many minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises from a crash, even at low to moderate speeds.
Soft tissue injuries can also occur from any car accident. A soft tissue injury is any injury to the muscle, ligaments, or tendons of the body. For example, whiplash is very likely whenever a crash occurs, and this condition is characterized by damage to the soft tissues in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Catastrophic injuries are likely to occur whenever a car accident occurs at high speed. Traumatic brain injury is the most commonly cited fatal injury in Los Angeles and throughout the state. This type of injury occurs whenever crash impact forces damage the victim’s brain. While some people who suffer traumatic brain injuries are able to make nearly full recoveries, others are not as fortunate and suffer a host of medical complications from these incidents. They can also develop permanent disabilities.
State law requires every driver to have auto insurance, but the state has the highest rate of uninsured and underinsured drivers in the country. When another driver has caused an accident with your vehicle, you can file a claim against their insurance, but if they do not have insurance, you will need to proceed directly to a personal injury claim if you want to hold them accountable for the damages they caused.
An experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney can help an injured driver file an insurance claim and maximize their claim settlement. While all insurance companies are legally required to handle claims in good faith, every claim they pay to settle diminishes profits. Unfortunately, this encourages some insurance company representatives to engage in unethical tactics to coerce injured claimants into accepting the lowest settlement offers possible. They will also look for any justifications to deny claims entirely, often leaving claimants wondering how they can secure the compensation they are rightfully owed.
When a car accident victim has experienced legal counsel on their side, they are far less likely to encounter any bad faith handling of their insurance claim. The right attorney can help a client file their demand letter to an at-fault driver’s insurance company, review the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, and ensure that their client receives the fairest possible settlement from the insurer.
Whether you could not file an insurance claim against an uninsured driver or your claim did not yield full compensation for your damages, you may need to prepare for a personal injury case against the defendant. Under state law, the plaintiff in a personal injury case can seek compensation from the defendant for:
Thousands of accidents occur in Los Angeles County each year, many of them resulting in serious injuries and some resulting in fatalities. If you experienced an accident and you know that another driver is to blame, the team at Amendt Law is ready to assist you in your recovery efforts.
The fatal vehicle accident rate in the state is relatively close to the national average, but Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous areas for driving due to the sheer number of motorists on the road at any given time. Over the past few years, traffic accidents and fatalities have surged in Los Angeles and across Los Angeles County. Therefore, all drivers in the area and anyone visiting Los Angeles for business or pleasure should use caution at all times and drive defensively to lower their risk of experiencing an accident.
It is impossible for any driver to accurately anticipate the actions of other drivers around them at all times. As a result, even the most experienced and cautious drivers can suffer tremendous injuries in accidents that occur unexpectedly. While you may not be able to do anything to reduce the risk of another driver causing an accident with you, you can take steps to reduce your own risk of causing an accident. Regular vehicle maintenance, defensive driving, and careful attention behind the wheel are just a few ways you can reduce the chances of facing liability for another driver’s damages.
California uses the fault system for resolving car accident cases, meaning the driver at fault for a crash assumes liability for all the resulting damages. All drivers are required by state law to have auto insurance that provides bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. Therefore, if another driver hits you, you can file a claim against their auto insurance policy to seek compensation for the losses they inflicted. However, if this is not enough to fully repay your damages, you would need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
If you have recently lost a member of your family in a fatal car accident caused by a specific driver, State law allows you to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. This type of civil suit is similar to a personal injury claim in several ways, but it will require the assistance of an experienced wrongful death attorney if you want to reach the best possible outcome as swiftly as possible.
While no law requires you to hire legal counsel after a car accident in Los Angeles, doing so will significantly improve the results you reach in all of the recovery efforts you pursue. Your car accident attorney can help file your auto insurance claim and maximize your claim payout, and if this is not sufficient to fully cover your losses, you will need their help to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Reliable legal counsel is an invaluable asset for any injured driver in Los Angeles.
Amendt Law has helped many Los Angeles area drivers overcome the damages inflicted by others. Whether your recent accident occurred because of negligence behind the wheel or any form of intentional misconduct, it is crucial that you have an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer so you can reach the best outcome possible in your recovery efforts. Contact Amendt Law today and schedule a consultation with our team to learn more about the professional legal services we provide.
]]>As they assess the damage the other driver caused, one of the most common questions a person in this situation is likely to have is how much compensation they could secure through an insurance claim. They are also likely to wonder about additional or alternative recovery options when insurance is not an option. Unfortunately, California has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the country. There is no guarantee that the driver who caused the accident will have adequate insurance coverage to fully compensate the victim’s losses.
If another party recently caused a motor vehicle accident and injured you, this is a personal injury, and every personal injury case in California will involve economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are the direct financial effects of a personal injury, and the victim usually proves these damages with appropriate documentation. If another driver injured you in an accident, the economic damages they are likely to owe you include:
Aside from these economic losses, plaintiffs in car accident claims can also recover noneconomic damages, namely pain and suffering. The defendant who caused your recent car accident is liable for the physical pain and emotional suffering they caused. The exact amount you can claim hinges on the severity of the injuries you suffered and the future complications they will cause.
Most claimants’ attorneys will multiply claimed economic damages by a factor of one to five to reflect the severity of their clients’ conditions. This could potentially form a significant portion of your final case award when you have the right attorney handling your case.
California law allows the victim of any personal injury to seek full repayment of all the economic losses that they suffered from the incident. When it comes to car accidents, their recovery is likely to entail an insurance claim followed by a personal injury claim, and there are many factors that determine the total value of a car accident claim. On average, plaintiffs in these cases can secure roughly 1.5 times the total amount of their economic losses. Your attorney can provide an estimate of how much you could potentially recover if you succeed with your claim.
California law does not limit pain and suffering compensation in personal injury cases with the single exception of medical malpractice cases. This means that there is no limit on the amount of pain and suffering compensation you can seek from the defendant responsible for your accident. However, the amount you seek should be realistic and reflective of the severity of your experience. Your attorney can help you determine a suitable amount based on the severity of your damages and whether you face permanent harm of any kind from the incident.
Most personal injury attorneys in California accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there is no upfront cost to hire them for legal representation. The client does not pay any ongoing legal fees during the case, and they pay nothing at all if the attorney is unable to secure a settlement on their behalf. When the attorney wins their case, the client pays a percentage of their final case award as their legal fee. This ensures they receive the bulk of the total case award and that the cost of representation does not overshadow the final recovery they obtain.
It is understandable for any car accident victim in California to wonder whether they really need to invest in legal counsel, especially considering the damages they sustained. However, hiring an attorney you can trust is a sound investment in your own future when you assess the immense positive impact their counsel can have on your recovery efforts. It is always worth having trustworthy legal representation to help you through any type of civil claim for damages in California.
Amendt Law has the experience necessary to handle the most complex personal injury claims in California, including those generated by motor vehicle accidents. We are not afraid to face down powerful insurance carriers on behalf of our clients, and our goal is maximum client recovery in every case we accept. If you are ready to learn more about your legal options for recovering from your recent car accident, contact Amendt Law today to schedule a consultation with our firm.
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