Palmdale-Lancaster
Car Accident Attorneys
Advocating for Car Accident Victims in Palmdale and Lancaster
Over 155,000 people live in Palmdale and almost 160,000 people call Lancaster home. As more and more people move to these two cities, auto accidents and pedestrian accidents seem to be on the rise. If you are in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a major accident or sustained serious injuries or losing a loved one in a car crash, the last thing you likely want to do is fight with the insurance company for the fair compensation you deserve for your car or your bodily injuries.
The insurance companies know this and so, they will contact you shortly after the crash and offer a quick lowball settlement. While it is tempting to accept the offer to get the whole ordeal over with, doing so will likely result in forfeiting your right to full damages. Oftentimes, individuals settle their claims for $1,000-3,000 when their claim is really worth north of $25,000 or much more, depending on your injuries and property damages.
Insurance companies will never make a fair settlement offer. A Palmdale Lancaster car accident attorney will negotiate on your behalf so you recover maximum compensation and will guide you through the personal injury claim process, without any obligation by you to pay for the claim UNLESS and until your settlement. As such, there is no downside in having an experienced auto accident attorney represent you. Basically, if the attorney does not collect you will not owe them a dime.
Car accidents in Palmdale happen on an unfortunately frequent basis. Through no fault of their own, drivers and passengers can suffer serious injuries. At Oaks Law Firm, our experienced auto accident attorney protects the rights of victims and their families. We help you get the total amount needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages.
Whether it involves negotiating an insurance settlement or taking your case to court, our Palmdale/Lancaster car accident lawyer fights to recover maximum compensation. As national trial lawyers, we are ranked among the top personal injury firms by the National Law Journal. For personalized legal service and professional representation, contact our local car accident attorney today.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Palmdale-Lancaster?
The immediate aftermath of a motor vehicle collision is stressful, confusing, and even overwhelming. Knowing the right actions to take—and what you need to avoid—to protect your legal rights and your interests. Here are four important steps to take after an automobile accident in Palmdale or Lancaster:
- Stop Your Vehicle, Call the Police: Safely bring your vehicle to a stop. Call the police to report the accident. Having a police report is crucial as it provides an official record of the incident and helps establish who is at fault. You can report the crash to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or another local/state agency.
- Get Medical Attention for Any Injuries: All car accident injuries require immediate medical care from a licensed physician. If you were hurt in a crash, you need to see a doctor. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you do not see a doctor after a crash in Palmdale or Lancaster, you may be prevented from bringing a personal injury claim at all.
- Document the Cause and Severity of the Crash: California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident jurisdiction. The more evidence you have, the better. Collect and document as much information as possible at the accident scene, including photographs, contact details from witnesses, and other key information.
- Contact a California Auto Accident Lawyer: Insurance companies are not on your side. Before you provide any statement to an insurance adjuster, be sure to consult with a top-tier California auto accident attorney. You need a lawyer who has experience handling motor vehicle accident claims in Palmdale and Lancaster.
Laws that Govern Car Accidents In Palmdale Lancaster
In California, you must present property damage and/or a bodily injury claim, after a car accident, so that you are able to collect for your damages. IF the responsible party’s insurance does not offer what your claim is worth, then you must file a lawsuit to collect for your damages. You have a right to do this and you should not feel guilty for wanting to collect your damages.
The tort laws of the state will govern your car crash claim. There are three important items to be aware of when involved in a car crash or when dealing with an insurance company. If you do not know the law and make a mistake with your claim, it could bar you from claiming any compensation at all. Below are three important laws to be aware of:
Insurance limits: Under California law, all motorists must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. The minimum policy is $15,000 per individual and a total of $30,000 for each accident. This may NOT be all the insurance the other may have. These limits are not always enough to fully cover the cost of injuries. When that is the case, you can file a lawsuit against other negligent parties, to cover your damages and/or dig deeper to see if there are more policies to look into. Aside from the above, there may be ways of accessing more insurance policies for your case. This is why it is best to have an attorney handle the case for you.
Comparative negligence: In some states, accident victims cannot recover compensation if it is found they contributed to the accident. In California, the opposite is true. California follows pure comparative fault laws, so even if you were 99 percent at fault for the crash, you can still claim one percent in damages. That being said, your recovery will be reduced based on your degree of negligence. For example, imagine that you were found at fault for 40 percent of a crash and you sustained $20,000 in damages. You could be held liable for 40 percent of your own damages, our $8,000.
At-Fault Standard of Liability: California operates under an “at-fault” system in auto accident liability cases. The party responsible for causing an accident—driver, trucking company, or otherwise—is liable for the damages incurred. Notably, insurance companies play a pivotal role in this aspect of the claims process. While they do not make the final determination of fault, insurers are heavily involved in the investigation. It is crucial that all serious crashes in Palmdale and Lancaster are thoroughly investigated by a top attorney.
Statute of limitations: One of the most important laws to know about car accidents in Palmdale Lancaster is that you have only two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit to protect your rights and to seek compensation for your injuries. This is known as the statute of limitations and if you do not file your lawsuit before that time limit expires, you will likely be barred from recovering any damages at all. Be proactive: Consult with a top Lancaster-Palmdale auto accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash.
The above are just a few of the most important laws that will govern your car accident claim or lawsuit. A Palmdale Lancaster car accident attorney can advise on the many laws and help you navigate the claims process without any hassle or without any out-of-pocket costs to you.
Common Reasons Car Accidents Happen In Palmdale, California
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), close to 90,000 car accidents in Los Angeles County happen each year. Considering traffic along State Routes 14 and 138, as well as other major roads intersecting our area, car accidents in Palmdale pose serious risks to residents.
While adverse road, weather, and traffic conditions may play a role in auto accidents, the underlying cause is usually negligence on the part of other drivers. Negligence is a legal term under California law that means taking actions that put others at risk or failing to take reasonable precautions. Common examples of negligence in auto accidents in Palmdale/Lancaster include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on cell phones, or engaging in other activities that divert attention from the road.
- Driving while impaired, involves alcohol, recreational drugs, or prescription medications.
- Failing to yield, following too closely, and other aggressive driving behaviors.
- Running red lights and stop signs, is a common cause of auto accidents in intersections.
- Speeding and going too fast for conditions, increases the risk of rollover accidents and other types of crashes.
Whether you are severely injured by a drunk driver, distracted driver, or other types of negligence, our car accident attorney at Oaks Law Firm helps you hold those at fault accountable.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Visually minor car accidents are common in Palmdale Lancaster and so, many people are unaware of the catastrophic injuries a crash can cause even with a “minor” car crash. The most common injuries that form the basis of car accident claims are as follows:
- Concussions, Head injuries, and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disabilities
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Bone fractures
The above injuries can be debilitating and extremely painful to recover from. A car accident claim can help you recover damages that will offset the financial burden of your injuries and help you recover for pain and suffering, current and future medical care, loss of income and loss of earning capacity, to name a few.
Compensation Available In A Car Accident Claim
No one can determine what your car accident claim is worth without first fully reviewing the facts of the case, knowing the extent of your injuries, and the current and future medical expenses. It is important to know that a Palmdale Lancaster car accident attorney can advise on the full damages available in your car accident case, which may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Accommodations for a temporary or permanent disability
- Past and future lost wages
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The above are very common types of damages, but your case may include other damages, as well. For example, if you suffered catastrophic injuries due to a drunk driver, you may be able to claim punitive damages. These damages are not meant to make you whole against after your accident but rather, they are intended to punish the negligent party and deter them from acting with gross recklessness in the future. Also, your spouse may be able to recover damages for injuries you sustained and your spouse or children may be able to recover damages if they witnessed the car crash.
Our Palmdale/Lancaster Car Accident Attorney Gets You Compensation For Personal Injuries
Even a seemingly minor car crash can result in serious injuries. At Oaks Law Firm, we help you get compensation. Common types of personal injuries suffered by clients in cases our Palmdale car accident lawyers handle include:
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash and herniated discs.
- Broken bones, often involve multiple complex fractures.
- Concussions and other types of head or brain injuries.
- Deep cuts or crushing injuries, cause loss of limbs and damage to internal organs.
- Injuries to soft tissues, such as muscle or tendon sprains and tears.
- Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis.
If you are involved in a car accident in Palmdale/Lancaster, notify the police and seek medical care immediately, regardless of the severity of the crash or your symptoms. Not taking these steps could jeopardize your health and your right to fair compensation.
Our Experienced Car Accident Attorney In Palmdale Lancaster Will Help You Claim Full Damages
You may be eligible to recover any damages through a car accident claim but do not start the entire process off on your own.
Our Palmdale Lancaster car accident attorney at Oaks Law Firm will guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and other legal services to ensure you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve with no out-of-pocket costs to you. Call our personal injury law firm today at 877-539-5366 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation with our Palmdale car accident lawyers. We are here for you, and we listen.
For Maximum Compensation, Get Our Palmdale/Lancaster Car Accident Attorneys On Your Side
Under California law (Civil Code Section 3333) you are entitled to hold at fault drivers accountable when their actions leave you suffering serious injuries. Our experienced auto accident lawyers act as a strong ally on your side, helping you recover maximum compensation.
In many car accident cases, liability insurance the at-fault party has in place can help cover some of your costs. As a local car accident attorney, we can negotiate with the insurance company involved to get you the best possible settlement. If insurance is unavailable, fails to cover your costs, or there are multiple drivers at fault, we can guide you through the process of filing a car accident lawsuit. A personal injury settlement in this type of claim often includes the following types of financial compensation:
- Economic damages, covering property losses, medical care, and lost income.
- Non-economic damages, providing reasonable compensation for your pain, suffering, and any lost enjoyment in life.
- Exemplary damages, which is an additional amount we can push for under California personal injury law in cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly willful and negligent.
Most auto accident claims are defended by insurance companies. Unfortunately, the big insurers are focused on resolving these cases for less. They want to pay out as little as possible to injured victims and their families. At Oaks Law Firm, our Lancaster-Palmdale car accident lawyers go above and beyond to help our clients secure the maximum compensation.
Injured In A Car Accident In Palmdale/Lancaster? Contact Oaks Law Firm Today
As a personal injury law firm with decades of experience, you can count on our Palmdale/Lancaster car accident attorneys to help you recover maximum compensation in your claim. Our national trial lawyer provides personalized service and professional legal representation to injured car crash victims and their families. To find out how we can help in your case, call or contact us online today. You can count on Oaks Law Firm when it matters most. From our Lancaster office, we handle motor vehicle accident claims in Palmdale and throughout the surrounding region in Los Angeles County.
(877) 539-5366
Recovering the Damages You Deserve
If someone else is to blame for your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for the full amount of damages you've suffered. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, as well as pain and suffering. You must bring forth your claim within one year of the accident date. Not filing your case within one year will bar you from recovery.
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