Car accident lawyer Newport Beach

What is the Car Accident Statute of Limitations in California?

California law mandates a deadline for plaintiffs to sue someone for careless or wrongful acts. The law sets the maximum amount of time parties have to file a claim regarding their traffic collision. Times vary based on the severity of the offense and jurisdictions. If a traffic accident, for example, happens and results in severe injuries the statute of limitations would be two years after the accident occurred in California. This policy not only regulates how quickly insurance companies should act, but also prevents a future accusation toward the defendant. If a lawsuit is not filed or a settlement is not reached in that time frame you will be unable to move forward. You might question, why should you know the statute of limitations? If you are not paying careful attention to the timeline, you are at risk of missing out on compensation if you do not file in time.

10 Things You Shouldn’t Do After a Car Accident
There are 10 things you should try to avoid after getting into a car accident. At the time of impact, you may feel overwhelmed, scared, nervous, or panicked. Whether you were responsible or a distracted driver collided their vehicle into yours, try to compose yourself. What you say and do can impact your claim. We list 10 of the most common mistakes and reasons why each step is so crucial in the state of California.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Auto accidents can have serious repercussions. From a single car to multiple collisions, everyone involved should be aware of how to seek emergency help, file a report, and pursue legal consultation if necessary. If you or your loved one was injured a dedicated attorney can manage major components of your case to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. In this article, we walk you through steps you should take. If you were responsible, not acknowledging the damage caused can have serious legal ramifications.

California Car Accident Laws
In the state of California, there are laws in place to safeguard any person(s) that were injured in a car accident due to the negligence of someone else. The laws regulate tort-auto insurance policies and timeline for when a claim or lawsuit should be filed. The tort-based insurance is a system where the driver at fault is responsible for paying the victim for damages caused and medical expenses. California is also a comparative fault state. In some cases, if you file a claim while bearing partial responsibility in the car accident, any damage amounts can be reduced by the amount of fault. Car accident-based laws can be complicated to understand, but a specialized attorney will help you through the process.

Car Accidents Caused by Cell Phone Use
There are many reasons why you should avoid cell phone use behind the wheel. In the state of California, you cannot physically hold and use a cell phone while driving. While the state rules it safe to use it in a hands-free manner, the driver is limited in exactly what they can do. Drivers over the age of 18 can utilize voice commands, speakerphone, or GPS/navigation. Although it is strongly discouraged there is some leeway to the strict rule. As a driver, your primary concern should be the safety of fellow drivers, passengers, and yourself. Despite constant and wide-spread warnings about the dangers of driver cell phone use, people do it anyway resulting in life-threatening accidents.

 T-Bone Accident Lawyer in Newport Beach
The likelihood of getting life-threatening injuries following a T-bone accident is much higher than a rear-end accident or fender bender. These accidents can happen at intersections, on highways or among heavy traffic when a driver loses control of his or her vehicle. When discussing car crashes, most experts agree T-bone accidents are some of the most serious. Under California’s negligence laws, you can file a claim against the reckless or liable driver for injuries and damages caused. Fortunately, hiring a T-bone accident attorney can help you recover substantial compensation.

Rear-End Accidents
Looking to learn more about rear-end accidents? A rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle does not stop fast enough, crashing into the one in front of it. For the unexpecting victim, a rear-end collision can result in whiplash. Common factors that contribute to a rear-end crash are distracted driving, speeding, or tailgating. 

Fault in Rear-Ending Accidents
When a rear-end accident happens, the tailing-driver is normally at fault, but it can be subject to change. For example, a driver may not be at fault for auto-accidents caused by wet driving conditions from snow or rainy weather, which can cause one’s car to skid and collide because of reduced traction. It’s also common for liability to be shifted towards the front driver if they suddenly slam on their brakes for no reason. If you are planning on filing a case, be sure to provide thorough documentation of the accident because evidence is crucial to determining liability.

Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and runs are accidents in which a vehicle hits a person or their property, and the driver leaves the scene instead of following proper protocols. While most go unreported, it is unwise to evade the premises where the accident occurred. 

Instead, you should (1.) check on the injured victim and file a report, (2.) leave contact information if you damaged someone’s property (ex. Their car). We list several topics that break down fault, penalties, and next steps. The consequences of fleeing can be severe. Understanding your rights in the event of a hit and run accident can further protect you when filing a legal claim.

Whiplash Injuries: The Basics
Do you think you might have whiplash? If you were in a recent car accident, there’s a chance you may be undiagnosed. Whiplash symptoms can be delayed, or you can experience instant pain when your head moves forward and backward with great force. We break down the warning signs of whiplash if you sustained injuries due to the negligence of someone else. Understanding the symptoms and how to detect the injury can help your claim if you decide to pursue legal action.

Do Minor Vehicle Accidents Need to Be Reported?
Were you in a small accident or “fender bender?” Generally, everyone involved walks away with minimal injuries, but what constitutes ‘minimal’ can be debated. The outcome of minor vehicle accidents could be a dent, small scratch, or broken taillight to name a few. It can happen from a rear-end accident (low speed), tapping a car while reversing in the parking lot, parking or getting bumped by a distracted driver. 

All car accidents should be reported – and our attorneys can walk you through the steps.

Steps to Take After an Uber/Lyft Accident
What happens when a regular drop off turns into a devastating collision? There is a lot at stake for the driver and passenger. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you should be aware of post-accident responsibilities and your rights. Uber and Lyft give little guidance on how to best handle a car accident in the interest of the driver. Most riders in this situation feel just as hopeless, especially regarding insurance follow-ups with a ride-hailing company. We offer a few helpful tips to get you on the right track following a rideshare accident.

Car Accident FAQs
If you were in traffic, on the side of the road, turning through an intersection and it resulted in a car accident you may have questions. Accidents cannot be predicted. However, we can prepare you for such unique situations. Read our FAQ to learn more about car crash claims and settlements.