Brentwood Car Accident Lawyer

Representing Victims of Vehicle Collisions in Brentwood, CA

When you are injured in a car accident, you will be facing a number of difficult decisions. Should you see a doctor? Should you file a claim with your insurance company? If so, what should you say? And, how do you know if you are entitled to financial compensation? At Biren Law Group, our Brentwood car accident attorneys have been helping accident victims and their families for more than four decades. We can answer your questions, and we can help you make informed decisions about protecting your legal rights.

What to Expect When You Choose Biren Law Group

If you would like to speak with one of our experienced car accident lawyers in Brentwood, CA, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation at (310) 896-4345 today.

Common Types of Car Accidents

A car accident, also known as a traffic collision or car crash, occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or stationary object. These incidents can result in varying degrees of damage to the vehicles involved, injuries or fatalities to passengers, pedestrians, or animals, as well as property damage.

Here are some common types of car accidents:

• Rear-end collision: This occurs when one vehicle hits the back of another vehicle. It's often caused by following too closely, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
• Head-on collision: This happens when the front ends of two vehicles collide. It's often one of the most severe types of accidents and can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Side-impact collision (T-bone): This occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle, forming a "T" shape. Intersection accidents commonly result in T-bone collisions.
• Single-vehicle accident: This involves only one vehicle and may include running off the road, hitting an animal or pedestrian, or colliding with a stationary object like a tree or pole.
• Multi-vehicle pileup: This involves three or more vehicles and often occurs on highways or freeways, especially in adverse weather conditions like fog or heavy rain.
• Sideswipe collision: This occurs when the sides of two parallel-moving vehicles make contact. It's often the result of a driver failing to check their blind spot before changing lanes.
• Rollover accident: This happens when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof. Rollovers are often associated with SUVs, trucks, or vehicles with a higher center of gravity and can be caused by factors like excessive speed, sharp turns, or a collision with another vehicle or object.
• Hit and run: This occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without exchanging information or rendering aid. Hit and run accidents can involve any of the aforementioned types of collisions.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can result from various factors, many of which involve human error or negligence. Here are some common causes of car accidents:

• Distracted driving: This is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Distractions can include using a cellphone, texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers while driving.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces the driver's ability to react to hazards, increases stopping distance, and exacerbates the severity of accidents.
• Drunk driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
• Reckless driving: Actions such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, aggressive overtaking, and ignoring traffic signals contribute to accidents.
• Fatigue: Driving while tired or drowsy can impair concentration and reaction time, leading to accidents. Fatigue is particularly dangerous for long-distance drivers and those who do not get enough sleep.
• Weather conditions: Adverse weather such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or high winds can reduce visibility and traction, making it more challenging to control a vehicle and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, or inadequate signage can contribute to accidents by causing loss of control or sudden maneuvers to avoid obstacles.
• Running red lights or stop signs: Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs can lead to intersection accidents, often resulting in T-bone collisions or other types of crashes.
• Inexperienced drivers: Lack of experience, particularly among young or newly licensed drivers, can lead to errors in judgment, poor decision-making, and a higher likelihood of accidents.
• Mechanical failures: Vehicle malfunctions such as brake failure, tire blowouts, steering problems, or engine issues can lead to loss of control and accidents.
• Poor visibility: Driving at night or in low-light conditions without proper headlights, taillights, or windshield wipers can decrease visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
• Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions.

California Car Accident Laws

California follows a fault-based system for determining liability in car accidents. This means the party at fault for causing the accident is responsible for covering the damages. Determining fault involves assessing factors such as driver negligence, violations of traffic laws, and other contributing factors.

California also applies a comparative fault rule, specifically pure comparative negligence. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents is two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, the statute of limitations is typically three years.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Brentwood, and you are experiencing difficulties obtaining the compensation you deserve, contact Biren Law Group today at (310) 896-4345 for a free case evaluation.