Car Accident Lawyers in Irvine, California

What are car accidents?

With more teenagers and younger adults attracted to driving cars at a younger age, there has been a rise of car accidents in Irvine, CA. In fact, Irvine had nearly 900 car accidents that lead to injuries or fatalities.

Unfortunately, car accidents can happen on roads as well as highways. If you were injured in a car accident in Irvine because of another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation.

What are some common causes of car injuries in Irvine?

• Driving while using smartphones: as technology has increasingly been integrated into modern transportation, many accidents occur with cars due to distractions. Similarly, drivers can be in danger of accidents if they are not aware of their surroundings due to technology use
• Driving past the speed limit: Many cars on roads and freeways exceed the speed limit. As a result, they may not be able to slow down in time for other cars in their lane.
• Driving under the influence: Drivers can be impaired due to alcohol use or other drug use. Over the past few years, almost 50 car accident fatalities in Irvine were due to impaired driving. Recently, with the legalization of Cannabis in many states, there has been a rise in DUI. It is important to note that even if a drug is legalized, does not permit drivers to operate a vehicle under the influence.
• Road obstacles: Drivers may encounter unexpected obstacles, such as animals and debris. Swerving to avoid these obstacles can cause the vehicle to roll over or collide with nearby vehicles.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving often leads to unintended accidents as the vehicle goes out of control. Reckless driving can include unnecessarily weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating. Drivers are responsible for determining whether they can drive safely, especially if they feel fatigued or emotionally unstable.
• Poor weather and road conditions: Traction is important because cars can slip out of control. Similarly, poor road conditions can cause debris to fly up or spin the car out of control. Some hazards a driver can encounter include potholes, uneven pavement, and barriers/items on the road.
• Vehicle malfunction and defects: Cars, like any other motor vehicle, are prone to manufacturing defects and recalls. While it is important to follow recall notices, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to notify owners of the defect and provide a remedy for the issue.

While these are only some of the common causes for injuries, there are many other cases that can qualify under personal injuries.

How much does insurance matter in Irvine, CA?

Under California Vehicle Code §16056, all drivers must have insurance for their vehicle. Often referred to as the “15/30/5 coverage,” drivers need at least a minimum of a three-part coverage

• $15,000 for injury or death to one individual
• $30,000 for injury or death to more than one individual
• $5,000 for damage to property

Keep your insurance accessible in case you are involved in an accident.

What damages are covered under Car injuries in Irvine, CA?

Unfortunately, car accidents can be life-threatening. Common damages that you may have suffered from include, but are not limited to

• Medical bills: Medical treatment can be expensive and often is not a one-time treatment. As a result, compensation can include both past and future medical treatment. Medical treatments can also include rehabilitation, equipment, and medication. Some of the common injuries include:
  1. Broken bones: collision from a car, even if the car was driving at the speed limit, is enough to break bones in a pedestrian’s legs, arms, etc. Recovery can take several weeks to several months. In severe cases, victims can suffer permanent disabilities and disfigurement from amputations and burns.
  2. Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries lead many motorcyclists to lose the ability to control certain parts of their body. Specifically, a spinal cord damage below the waist can lead to the inability to move body parts below the waist. If victims are fortunate enough with the treatment, they may be able to go through rehabilitation but for many victims, they may never be able to walk again.
  3. Brain trauma: car accidents often cause cyclists to fall on their head or skull with extreme force. Even with proper protective gear, high-speed collisions and injuries can be fatal. While minor injuries can include small fractures, it can lead to serious injuries such as facial disfigurement, physical or cognitive impairment, and death.
  4. Internal bleeding: While many injuries are easy to spot, some are not. Collisions can lead to internal organs or blood vessels rupturing. If not treated immediately, it can lead to organ failure.
• Expenses: If there were costs that were out of pocket, it can be included for compensation
  1. While unfortunate, some pedestrians will not survive their injuries. As a result, expenses for burials and funerals can be filed.
• Emotional and psychological distress: There can be emotional and psychological pain/suffering due to the injury. Compensation can include damages for the pain and suffering experienced from the injury and afterward. Furthermore, some injuries can have lasting impacts, such as a permanent scar or losing the ability to walk, which can be hard to recover from emotionally.
• Loss of wages or earnings: injuries can prevent an individual from working, causing them to lose their main sources of income or wages.
• Loss of Consortium: This can include one’s ability to have children or deprivation of relations due to injury

Evidence that can be collected and used to prove at-fault driver’s negligence

Several pieces of information can help the case. For instance, drivers and passengers should call the Irvine Police Department to file an accident report. This creates a physical, official record of the accident that proves it took place. Additionally, this can confirm that the injuries were from the recorded accident.

Also, take pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, and any other relevant damage. Within those pictures, include a copy of the at-fault driver’s license, his/her insurance card, and the license plate. Contact information can be vital to reach out to eyewitnesses as they can confirm any claims you made about the accident and injuries.

Additionally, even if the injuries are minor, it is important to see a doctor for a medical evaluation. A doctor can identify any accident-related injuries and document the required treatment.

What should I do if I have suffered from car injury in Irvine, CA?

If you need medical assistance, seek immediate medical attention. If you are able to collect any evidence at the scene of the injury, take as many photos/videos and physical evidence as detailed above.

Under California Vehicle Code §1600, if property damages exceed $1,000 and/or you suffered any personal injury, you are required to report the accident to DMV within 10 days of the accident. Specifically, you file an SR-1 Form, which details who was involved in the accident and contact information, such as address and phone number, of the involved parties. Additionally, the form details information such as driver’s licenses and insurance of involved drivers.

Be sure to report the incident to the police or public agency in charge so that they can file an incident report. You can also request security footage that captured the incident and the surrounding areas.

We recommend contacting Alipour Law Group for expert legal assistance at (949) 997-9999 before signing documents or making any statements. Our Irvine personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you with car accidents in Irvine.

Car Accident Resources:

• Distracted Driving Accident
• Drunk Driving Accident
• Head-On Collision
• Hit and Run Accident
• Multi-Vehicle Accident
• Parking Lot Accident
• Rear-End Car Accident
• Rollover Car Accident
• T-Bone Car Accident

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Frequently Asked Questions for Our Auto Accident Attorneys in Irvine, CA