If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in California, turn to the experienced personal injury professionals at MI ABOGADO ®. We will help you hold any and all negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoings and will fight aggressively so you can see justice and maximize your settlement. You deserve to be compensated for your losses.
Why Choose the Car Accident Attorneys at MI ABOGADO®
MI ABOGADO® is a personal injury law firm that has served over 250,000 clients with a 96% success rate and recovered millions for clients. We have been recognized by prestigious organizations for our accomplishments. Through experience, we understand that after an accident, dealing with insurance companies is the last thing anyone needs. Recovery should be the priority.
Why clients choose to work with MI ABOGADO®:
- We’ve recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients
- We’ve helped over a quarter of a million accident victims
- 96% of our cases are resolved with a successful outcome for our clients
- We work with a trusted network of medical professionals so clients get the best care
- We are timely, responsive, and fight relentlessly for our clients
- We are committed to right by our clients so you can focus on recovery
The MI ABOGADO® Commitment to Clients
That’s why if you become a client, we make it our mission to take care of everything else. We have a network of trusted medical professionals to ensure you get the best care. We take pressure off your shoulders whenever possible. We provide timely, responsive support and advocacy, and fight relentlessly for the maximum settlement.
Lead Attorney Javaheri founded MI ABOGADO® as a boutique firm to provide better service by limiting caseloads. This ensures availability and responsiveness for every client. We believe better service is better than just being big.
California Car Accident Statistics
Driving or riding in a car is a necessary part of most Californians’ daily lives. Car accidents in California are unfortunately common, with around 200,000 occurring each year. California has a reputation for having some of the worst traffic in the nation for a reason. Car accidents can lead to catastrophic, even fatal injuries in the worst of cases, but even minor fender-benders can do a significant amount of damage and leave even the most experienced drivers shaken.
What to Do After a Car Accident
While, following a car accident, you should be focusing on your recovery, the reality is you’ll probably have to spend much of your time contending with insurance companies. These companies are in the business of maximizing their profits and minimizing their payouts. With dedicated teams of investigators and lawyers, they will find any way to undervalue your claim and minimize your settlement. That’s why it’s vital that you seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney who will aggressively fight for you and your best interests.
The Los Angeles personal injury law firm MI ABOGADO® has represented over a quarter of a million clients just like you in their personal injury cases and boasts a stellar 96% success rate. We have experience representing clients in a variety of car accident cases. Plus, we only get paid if you do, and won’t ask for any fees upfront. We are ready to start fighting for you, your best interests, and your future today. It is our mission to maximize your rightful settlement so you can see justice for your losses.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
By far, the most common cause of car accidents in California is a result of driver error. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in California include:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Impaired driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Failing to obey traffic signals or road signs
- Improper turning or lane-changing
- Tailgating
- Road rage or aggressive driving
- Objects in the road
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Objects falling from vehicles
- Roadway defects or road construction
- Young drivers
- Vehicle defects
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents in California
Car accident injuries can vary greatly depending on the severity of the accident, but all victims deserve just compensation for their losses. Severe accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, even fatalities, but victims can be gravely harmed in minor accidents, too. Plus, most victims of car accidents also suffer emotional harm.
The injuries that most commonly occur after a car accident include:
- Lacerations, scrapes, and cuts
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Whiplash injuries
- Internal injuries
- Tissue damage
- Back and spinal cord injuries, sometimes resulting in paralysis
- Head injuries, including skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries
- Permanent disabilities and impairments
- Mental and emotional traumas such as anxiety conditions and PTSD
The Laws Governing California Car Accidents
Car accident law in California can be very confusing and difficult to navigate without the guidance of a seasoned personal injury attorney. The statute of limitations in California is two years from the date of the accident or from the date you discovered your injuries.
The first step in any personal injury case is establishing negligence. Unlike in common conversation, negligence has a very narrow and specific definition in the law. To demonstrate negligence, you must prove four factors:
- The driver owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle with reasonable caution and obey traffic laws.
- The driver “breached”, or failed to meet, that duty of care.
- The driver, by breaching that duty, caused the accident.
- Your injuries and other losses were a result of that accident.
When a car accident is caused by a defect in the road, it’s also possible to bring a case against the local government, as it is their responsibility to maintain roadways and keep them safe to drive on. When it comes to filing claims against government agencies, however, the law requires that you notify the agency responsible within six months from the date of the accident or discovery of the injury. Similarly, if the accident was a result of a defect in a vehicle, a product liability lawsuit can be brought against the car company, manufacturer, or distributor.
California is an at-fault state, which means you can file a claim against any responsible party who was at least partially at fault. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover for the percentage of the accident that wasn’t your fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and the other driver was 80% at fault, and your claim was worth $20,000, you’d still be able to collect $16,000.
Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney Today
The experienced personal injury team at MI ABOGADO® understands that no amount of money can undo the pain and hardship you’ve endured following a car accident. However, you deserve to see results for your losses, and you deserve to hold any and all negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoings. A settlement won’t undo the damage, but it can help offset your losses and allow you to rebuild your life on the best possible footing.
Lead Attorney Javaheri takes car accident cases personally. His sister was involved in a devastating T-bone accident in her early twenties, and Attorney Javaheri saw firsthand the toll a car crash takes on both the victims and their loved ones and knows the importance of getting justice.
The team at MI ABOGADO® believes that, after a car accident, with medical bills piling up and lost wages at the forefront of your mind, you shouldn’t have to be burdened with upfront attorney’s fees when rightfully seeking justice for your losses. That’s why we promise not to take a penny out of your pocket until we win a settlement for you. We don’t get paid unless you do – it’s as simple as that. Moreover, we offer free, confidential, no-obligation consultations and second opinions. Contact us today so we can get started fighting for you and so you can get your life back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call the police after a car accident?
Yes, it’s important to call the police after a car accident, regardless of the severity. The police will create an official accident report, which can be crucial when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action. Additionally, in California, it is required to report the accident within 24 hours, especially if it involves injuries or fatalities
What should I do after a car accident?
Following a car accident, take these steps:
- Prioritize your safety and that of others by moving to a safe location, if possible.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance for any injuries.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved.
- Document the scene by taking photographs of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any relevant factors.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor, as some injuries may not be
- immediately apparent.
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident.
Consult with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options and potential compensation.
Is California a ‘no-fault’ state?
California is not a “no-fault” state for car accidents. Instead, it follows a “fault-based” system when it comes to determining liability in car accidents. This means that the party responsible for causing the accident is typically held accountable for the resulting damages, including medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.
How do I obtain my car accident report in California?
To obtain your car accident report in California, follow these steps:
- Contact the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident (e.g., California Highway Patrol, local police department, or sheriff’s office).
- Request a copy of the Traffic Collision Report, providing details about the accident, such as date, time, location, and involved parties.
- Pay any required fees, which may vary depending on the agency.
- Allow for processing time, which can range from a few days to several weeks.
Note that some agencies may have online request forms or specific procedures for obtaining accident reports, so it’s essential to check their requirements.
How can I prove liability in a car accident?
Proving liability in a car accident involves establishing that another party was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident and your injuries. To prove liability, you can use the following types of evidence:
- Police reports: These often contain valuable information about the accident, such as the responding officer’s observations and conclusions about the fault.
- Witness statements: Testimonies from witnesses can help corroborate your account of the accident and support your claim.
- Photographs and videos: Visual evidence from the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks, can help establish how the accident occurred.
- Expert testimony: Accident reconstruction experts, engineers, or other professionals can provide insight into the accident’s cause and the responsible party.
- Medical records: These can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and establish a link between the accident and your injuries.
What happens if I am partially at fault?
It is important to consult with a car accident attorney in such cases, as they can help you navigate the complexities of comparative negligence and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you are found to be partially at fault for a car accident, your potential compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. In California, the rule of comparative negligence applies. This means that you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 30%.
Do I need an attorney after a car accident?
While it’s not legally required to have an attorney after a car accident, hiring one can greatly benefit your case, especially if the accident resulted in injuries, significant property damage, or disputes over liability. A car accident attorney can:
- Assess your case and determine its potential value.
- Gather evidence to support your claim and establish liability.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf.
- Represent you in court, if necessary, to advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Consulting with a car accident attorney can provide you with peace of mind and help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Contact MI ABOGADO® for an initial consultation.