Auto accidents are among the major problems in the United States, with California reporting 4161 deaths in 2021. Despite these statistics, car accidents continue to increase as no one plans to have an accident though some are avoidable. Unfortunately, while you may expect the person responsible for the accident to take responsibility, this is not always the case. This is even worse when they do not have insurance. Hence, knowing what to do at the scene of the accident and afterward through recovery is critical in this unexpected and stressful event. This is why our attorneys at Avaness Law are here to help.
What are the Leading Causes of Auto Accidents in Burbank?
According to the Forbes accident statistics for 2023, the following are the leading causes of auto accidents:
- Speeding
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued drivers
- Inexperienced drivers and teenagers behind the wheel
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights
- Failure to adhere to traffic signals and signs
- Improper turns
- Wrong way driving
- Unsafe changing of lanes
- Defective vehicles or vehicle parts
What to Do After an Auto Accident
Gaining your composure after an auto accident is necessary to protect yourself. This includes reflecting on your actions and speech, especially when recording a statement with the police. As much as possible, avoid making conclusions on matters you have yet to see or hear. Some of the things you should do after a car accident include the following:
- Call the Police: Call the police and wait for them at the accident scene. The police will capture important details about the accident, including who was at fault and the proceedings. You should get a copy of this report, which our attorneys will use to pursue your claims.
- Take Photos: Use your smartphone to take photos of your damaged car and the accident scene. This evidence will be useful for your lawyer and insurance company to determine an appropriate amount of compensation for your losses. You should also take pictures of visible cuts, injuries, and bruises.
- Talk to Witnesses: Talk to any accident witnesses you can and get their names and contact information. Their testimony may be useful in the pursuit of a personal injury claim.
- Get Medical Attention: While you may think you have only sustained minor injuries in the crash, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. You may have suffered serious internal injuries that will not present immediately. Failing to seek medical attention negatively impacts your claim with the insurance as they will assume your injuries are not serious. After treatment, keep all your medical records, as they will be a valuable source of evidence for your claims.
- Hire an Attorney: Finally, while you can pursue the claim yourself, it is certainly not advisable. Most insurance companies are reluctant to disburse any money for their client’s negligent behavior, and they may offer you far less than you deserve. Therefore, it is prudent to hire an experienced lawyer to improve your chances of fair compensation. Talking to an attorney before an insurance representative is advisable as you may omit or give information that may backfire on you later. Our experienced attorneys at Avaness Law will gather the evidence surrounding your accident and work to get you the highest possible compensation.
What Injuries Warrant Filing an Auto Accident Claim in Burbank?
Injuries from an auto accident can impact your life, with some being permanent, affecting your future. Serious injuries will call for extensive surgeries and treatment, and what seems like a minor injury can become severe in a matter of days after the accident. Hence, you should never take auto accident injuries lightly but seek medical attention. These injuries include:
- Bruises, abrasions, and lacerations
- Amputations
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Neck injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Emotional trauma
Can I Pursue a Legal Claim for the Loss of a Loved One in a Car Accident?
Losing a loved one through an accident caused by another driver’s negligence is tragic, and that loss will impact your family indefinitely. You will also have to deal with the financial implications of that loss, including funeral and burial costs and the loss of financial support on which you had relied to survive.
With fatality rates increasing over the years in Burbank, you can pursue a claim if you believe your beloved one died due to negligent driver action. Proof of negligent behavior looks at the following elements:
- Duty of care to other drivers
- Breach of duty of care
- The breach resulted in the accident
- Damages sustained resulted from the breach
Pure Comparative Negligence in an Auto Accident in California
California uses a comparative negligence system to award auto accident victims their damages. Comparative fault in an auto accident will occur when the parties in an accident are partially at fault. In such a claim, you can recover damages against the party more at fault, but the corresponding percentage will reduce this recovery to your liability. While this rule controls the judge awards, your insurance adjuster can negotiate before you get to the civil courts, in which case, your ability to negotiate counts.
Getting Help From Avaness Law
Given the complexity of an auto accident claim, having an experienced lawyer from Avaness Law is the best way to secure your future. After your accident, your insurance company may call you before you get in touch with a lawyer. At the time of this communication, you may lack some important information, affecting your coverage for your injuries and damages. This can leave you in a financially difficult position, which is why getting in touch with our lawyers as soon as possible is advised.
Our auto accident lawyer will represent you by assessing the police reports, medical reports, and the evidence surrounding the accident. With these factors in mind, they will advocate for the compensation you deserve to ensure you focus on recovery. Contact us and secure your appointment.
