Car Accidents

To get around southern California, most people rely on driving. Due to the sheer number of cars on the road and frequency with which we drive, the likelihood of being involved in an accident is high. These collisions often lead to serious, and costly, injuries for victims. Coping with those costs, while also trying to focus on your recovery, can be daunting. Consulting a knowledgeable Orange County car accident attorney at the Serendib Law Firm as soon as possible following a crash can make the difference in protecting your legal rights. If you, or a loved one, has been injured in a motor vehicle collision, you may be entitled to compensation from the party responsible. Our lawyers offer seasoned and compassionate legal representation for victims and family members who have lost loved ones because of a car crash. If you have questions about your options in the aftermath of a serious motor vehicle accident, please contact our office to consult with an attorney today.

Victims who suffer serious injuries in a car accident may be entitled to damages from a responsible party. To recover such compensation, victims may pursue a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or take legal action in court by filing a personal injury lawsuit. California law requires at-fault drivers to bear the responsibility of costs associated with a victim’s injuries. To show fault legally, a victim, or plaintiff, must show that the other driver acted negligently. Proving negligence can sometimes be complicated and having the help of a southern California car accident attorney is important in making sure your legal rights are properly asserted.

Negligence can be shown in two ways, depending on the circumstances of a collision. ‘Negligence per se’ refers to actions that are negligent ‘as a matter of law.’ This applies when a driver has broken a law that has been enacted to keep others on the road safe, such as driving under the influence of alcohol. More commonly, a plaintiff in a personal injury suit must establish the elements of general negligence. This requires a showing that the defendant has breached a duty of reasonable care owed to the plaintiff and caused that plaintiff’s injuries which resulted in damages.

Common causes of car accidents that indicate negligence include:

• Drivers distracted by their phones
• Tailgating, or other aggressive driving practices
• Excessive speeding
• Drivers failing to yield the right of way

Once negligence is established, plaintiffs can be awarded damages in the form of past and future medical costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and in some cases, compensation for pain and suffering.

Even if you are partially responsible for causing a crash, an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer at the Serendib Law Firm can assist you in receiving compensation from any other at-fault party. In California, the amount awarded to an injured victim is offset by the degree of which they are found liable. For instance, a victim who is found to be 60% negligent may still recover 40% of the damages they incurred from another negligent party. After being injured in a car accident, the main focus should be seeking immediate medical attention to make sure your injuries are treated properly. However, it is also important to consult an injury attorney as soon as possible. California’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of your injury. If you miss this deadline, your suit may be barred.

At the Serendib Law Firm, we are dedicated to making sure our clients receive comprehensive and experienced legal representation throughout the duration of their case. Our car accident lawyers help victims throughout Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. If you’ve been injured, or lost a loved one, in a devastating car accident, we can assist you in pursuing the proper claims against those responsible for your harm. Please contact our office at 1-800-LAW-8225 (800-529-8825) or online to find out more about our legal services.