Brentwood Car Accident Attorneys
If you are suffering from catastrophic injuries sustained in a car accident, you need Biren Law Group. Since 1977, our legal team has prepared compelling insurance claims. We work with car accident scene experts to thoroughly investigate complex crash scenes. We also use computer models to reconstruct the accident and determine who was at fault.
When you work with our auto accident lawyers, you can trust that we will explore every aspect of your case to ensure you recover the maximum level of compensation for your injuries and losses.
Why choose Biren Law Group to handle your car accident case?
- We’ve won over half a billion dollars for accident victims like you
- We have over 80+ years of collective car accident experience
- You won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case
- We’ll start your case with a free consultation
Were you hurt in an auto accident? Give Biren Law Group a call at (310) 774-0078 or contact us online for a free review.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
Although most car accidents are caused by human error, the other driver may not be the only one to blame for your injuries. Car accidents can also be caused by defective auto parts, a defective vehicle, or even a dangerous roadway design.
We handle many different types of motor vehicle accident claims, including those that involve:
- Distracted driving accidents – Because of modern technology, drivers are often distracted by cellphones, emails, texting, GPS devices, etc. Modern technology also provides evidence that would not have been available in the past, which helps our legal team prove that the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident.
- Tire blowouts – Tire manufacturers do not always hold to industry standards of quality and safety. When this happens, tires can fail, resulting in serious or even fatal auto accidents. We have experience in holding tire manufacturers accountable for faulty processes, poorly manufactured products, and bad design.
- Dangerous roadways – Roads that are poorly designed or maintained can contribute to accidents. We know what to look for to determine if there is a defect with the roadway that was a cause of the accident. We evaluate every aspect of your accident to hold all parties who acted inappropriately responsible.
- Whiplash injuries – This may be the most common injury sustained in car accidents, especially rear-end accidents. However, whiplash can be much more severe than many people expect. You should not jump to resolve your automobile accident until you are certain that you did not sustain substantial injuries.
According to the California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, the state of California has a two-year timeline. This means you have two years to file your claim before you lose your legal right to file along with your right to recover compensation.
There are some exceptions to this law, which can cause the time you have to file to change. An auto accident attorney from our firm can inform you if you meet any of these circumstances.
Common Causes of Car Accidents & Who’s At Fault
Understanding the common causes of car accidents is crucial for both preventing collisions and determining who may be at fault when they occur.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. This includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in any behavior that diverts attention from the road. When a driver’s focus is not on driving, the risk of accidents significantly increases.
Determining Fault: In cases of distracted driving, determining fault often relies on evidence such as phone records, witness statements, and police reports. If a driver was engaging in distracting activities at the time of the accident, they may be held responsible.
Speeding
Excessive speeding is a major contributor to car accidents. Driving above the speed limit reduces the time a driver has to react to unexpected situations, increases stopping distances, and intensifies the impact in case of a collision.
Determining Fault: Speeding violations are typically documented in police reports, and evidence such as skid marks or the severity of impact can help establish if excessive speed was a factor in the accident.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving encompasses a range of dangerous behaviors, including aggressive driving, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic. Such actions significantly raise the risk of accidents.
Determining Fault: Eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and the behavior of drivers involved can help establish reckless driving as a factor. Traffic violations and police reports are also critical pieces of evidence.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making accidents more likely to occur.
Determining Fault: DUI cases are often determined by the results of breathalyzer or blood tests, eyewitness accounts, and police reports. If a driver is found to be under the influence, they are typically considered at fault.
Poor Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can contribute to car accidents. Reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces make it challenging for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.
Determining Fault: Weather-related accidents may not always have a clear at-fault party. However, drivers are expected to adjust their driving to the prevailing conditions. Failure to do so could result in shared fault or negligence.
Running Red Lights & Stop Signs
Disregarding traffic signals and signs is a common cause of intersection accidents. Running red lights or stop signs can lead to T-bone collisions or side-impact accidents.
Determining Fault: Traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and police reports are crucial in determining whether a driver ran a red light or failed to stop at a sign.
Fatigue
Fatigued driving is a serious safety concern. Exhausted drivers may experience impaired reaction times, reduced alertness, and an increased likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel.
Determining Fault: Statements from the involved drivers, witness accounts, and sometimes, cellphone records can help establish whether fatigue was a factor in the accident.
Poor Road Conditions
Inadequate road maintenance, potholes, or a lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents. Government entities responsible for road upkeep may be held liable in such cases.
Determining Fault: Establishing fault in cases of poor road conditions may involve investigations into the history of maintenance, reports of previous accidents at the location, and expert testimony.
Importance of Getting Medical Attention After a Crash
One of the most important steps you should take after being in a car crash is seeking medical attention.
Car accident victims often avoid seeking medical help because they feel that nothing is wrong and that they are fine to go about their regular activities. Keep in mind, however, that injuries can take hours, days, or even longer to show symptoms. It is better to be evaluated as soon as possible than to wait too long and risk an even more serious injury.
Seeking immediate medical attention also means that you will have documentation of your injuries. You will have proof that you sustained an injury as a result of the crash, which you can use to strengthen your car accident claim.
It is not uncommon for insurance companies to try to get out of paying a policyholder, or to diminish the value of the claim, by asserting that there was no injury. Having a medical record can be used as proof against this argument.
We help clients find the best medical experts to treat serious injuries like:
Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be a distressing experience, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. While it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and safety, it’s equally important to avoid making common mistakes that could potentially harm your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages.
- Failing to Gather Sufficient Evidence: After a car accident, it’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This includes taking photographs of the accident scene, documenting the damage to your vehicle, and obtaining contact information from any witnesses. By providing solid evidence, you strengthen your case and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
- Admitting Fault: One of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident is admitting fault, even if they are not entirely responsible for the collision. It’s important to remember that fault determination is a complex process, and admitting fault prematurely can significantly impact your chances of receiving compensation. Instead, focus on exchanging information with the other party involved and let the insurance companies and legal professionals handle fault determination.
- Neglecting Medical Attention: Regardless of the severity of the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and a medical professional can assess your condition thoroughly. Delaying medical treatment not only jeopardizes your health but also weakens your personal injury claim. Ensure you keep all medical records and bills as evidence of your injuries.
- Settling Too Quickly: Insurance companies may pressure you to settle quickly, offering a seemingly fair compensation amount. However, it’s essential to remember that their primary goal is to minimize their costs. Rushing into a settlement without consulting an experienced car accident attorney can result in receiving far less than you deserve. Take the time to understand the full extent of your damages and consult with a legal professional who can guide you through the negotiation process.
- Not Seeking Legal Representation: Navigating the legal complexities of a car accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Many individuals make the mistake of not seeking legal representation, assuming they can handle the process on their own. However, an experienced car accident attorney can provide invaluable guidance, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Learn More in a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an auto accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, our Brentwood car accident attorneys can help you secure the compensation you need for your recovery.
To schedule a free consultation with Biren Law Group, call our accident lawyers today.
Car Accident FAQs
How is Property Damage Factored Into My Recoverable Compensation After an Accident?
When your car is damaged in an accident, the insurance company will typically pay to have it repaired. If your car was “totaled” in the accident, meaning it is considered to be a complete loss, the insurance company should pay the actual cash value—which is what it would cost to replace your car with a vehicle of similar type and quality.
Furthermore, if other valuable items were damaged in the crash, such as a computer or bicycle, you can seek reimbursement for the fair market value of that property.
Will My Medical Treatment Be Covered After an Accident?
If you suffered injuries from a car accident, you are entitled to seek compensation for the cost of your medical treatment.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, this may include:
- Your entire hospital stay
- Emergency transportation
- Doctor appointments
- Chiropractor visits
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Medical devices (i.e. braces)
If your injuries require ongoing medical care, such as additional surgeries or physical therapy, you can also seek compensation for the estimated cost of any medical expenses you will incur in the future.
If I’m Unable to Work After My Car Accident, Will I Receive Compensation to Cover My Loss of Income?
After a serious car accident, it is likely that you will need to spend time away from work. Typically, this will result in a temporary loss of income. Or, if your car accident injuries are permanent in nature, you may never be able to work again.
You are entitled to seek damages for both your past and expected loss of income. If your injuries have prevented you from ever returning to work in the same capacity, you can also seek compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Can I Still File a Claim if I Am Partially at Fault?
The short answer is yes. California’s pure comparative negligence law makes allowances for people who share partial blame for their accident to still recover compensation through an insurance settlement or lawsuit.
Whatever percentage of fault is attributed to you from the accident will be deducted from your initial recovery amount. This means that if you were offered a $50,000 settlement but were found to be 10% at fault for the car crash, you would receive a final recovery of $45,000.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?
It’s highly recommended that you report your accident to the police and your insurance company within 24 hours if you sustained an injury. It can look suspicious if you wait to report your accident unless you are hospitalized and unable to do so. If you intend to file a lawsuit against the negligent party, you must do so before the statute of limitations expires.
In California, car accident victims have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim.
In California, Can I Recover Damages for Pain and Suffering?
In many cases, motor vehicle accidents lead to more than just financial losses – emotional distress can also be a serious consequence. If you were injured in the crash, you may be experiencing a great deal of pain and suffering.
When you file a car accident claim, you are entitled to seek compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress. However, this can be difficult to prove without the help of an experienced lawyer.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim For a Low-Impact Car Accident If I Was Pregnant?
While most people think there has to be a major crash for there to be a personal injury case, even minor accidents in which a victim suffers little to no physical harm can give rise to a claim. This is particularly true of low-speed or low-impact collisions involving pregnant mothers.
Car accidents are a major concern for pregnant mothers and their babies, and they can increase risks of complications such as:
- Internal bleeding/hemorrhaging
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Placental abruption
- Emergency C-section
Although higher speeds and more severe crashes can greatly elevate the risks of serious injuries, even minor wrecks involving little to no property damage and little to no visible injuries can be enough to harm a pregnancy. This may include:
- Minor “fender benders” at low speeds
- Parking lot accidents
- Low-speed rear-end collisions
- Low-impact crashes in congested traffic
- Vehicle run-offs/road departure
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident During Pregnancy?
Even if a vehicle appears undamaged after a crash, it does not mean a mother or her baby will be.
Minor trauma from low-impact crashes can result in serious pregnancy-related problems, which is why doctors will often want to conduct a thorough assessment of mother and child, and often continue to monitor their health. This predicament in and of itself can result in a range of physical, financial, and emotional damages for mothers and families.
Examples of issues pregnant mothers and their families may face following a low-speed crash include:
- Doctor-ordered bed rest
- Missed work/loss of income
- The need to file a disability / FMLA claim earlier than expected, which may result in less available paid family leave after the birth of a child
- Increased medical monitoring during the remainder of the pregnancy
- Emotional anguish, anxiety, and fear about the health of a baby
Given the nature of these damages, pregnant mothers who experience only minor physical injuries, injuries unrelated to their pregnancy, or no significant physical injury at all may still have grounds to pursue compensation. The emotional and financial repercussions a mother experiences following an auto accident during their pregnancy may be sufficient cause for action.
