Auto Accident Lawyer In Burbank, CA

Injured in a Car Accident?

Rideshare accidental car

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.

VEHICLE ACCIDENTS ARE THOSE THAT INCLUDE:

Very often, accidents produce a variety of injuries, some of which may not be obvious right away. That is why it is important for you to have an experienced lawyer who has your interests at heart and who will connect you with the medical specialists you need.

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:

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.

CALIFORNIA LAW

You must file a vehicle accident claim within two years from the date your accident happened, which is the same as general personal-injury suits.

Because California is a “fault” state, insurance companies won’t award damages unless someone is shown to be at fault for the accident to have happened in the first place.

Additionally, California has a “pure comparative-negligence” rule. This means that even if an accident is partially your fault you are still able to pursue compensation for your injuries from the other at-fault party.

Documenting Evidence After an Accident

As a rule, you can present a stronger case if you take gather all your evidence.

What should you document: 

  • Snap photos of any injuries and property damage
  • If you can, take pictures of the scene of the accident (including any debris, nearby traffic lights)
  • Any expenses paid out of pocket (medical bills, prescriptions)

Should You Get An Attorney After A Vehicle Accident?

It’s true, you are not required to have a lawyer represent you against an insurance company. But the reality is, insurance companies hire experts, investigators and other professionals to protect their bottom line. Without an attorney protecting your interest, the insurance company will take advantage of you and pay you as little as possible.

An attorney can evaluate the true worth of your claim and will work to ensure you receive the full financial award you deserve. Even after the attorney’s fee is deducted, you will end up with more money in your pocket than if you didn’t hire a lawyer. And better yet, we will ensure that you properly heal and recover from all your injuries by referring you to specialist that can treat you on a lien basis.

Financial and Medical Recovery

If you or a loved one has been injured (or if your loved one died) in an vehicle accident, you may be able to recover financially for your injuries. Types of monetary compensation available in a accident claim include:

  • Medical Expenses
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Property Damage
  • Vehicle’s Diminished Value
  • Punitive Damages
  • Lost Wages
  • Emotional Distress
  • Loss of Consortium: Your spouse is compensated for the loss of your moral support, help around the house and physical intimacy.

If you have been involved in an accident or lost a loved one in an vehicle collision, please contact the skilled team at Avaness Law. Our experienced Burbank Personal Injury Lawyers have a wealth of experience helping victims of accidents.

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.

WE ALSO OFFER THE FOLLOWING PRACTICE AREAS:

Frequently Asked Questions For Our Burbank Auto Accident Lawyers

What should I do if I’m involved in an auto accident in Burbank?

If you’re involved in an auto accident in Burbank, California, you should immediately seek medical attention if necessary, exchange insurance information with the other driver(s), call the police to report the incident, and take photos of the damage.

Who is liable for damages in an auto accident in Burbank?

Liability for damages in an auto accident in Burbank is determined by the laws of California and the specific circumstances of the accident. It can depend on factors such as who caused the accident, whether either driver was breaking traffic laws, and more.

How can I get compensation for my injuries and damages if I’m involved in an auto accident in Burbank?

If you’re involved in an auto accident in Burbank and suffer injuries or damages, you can pursue compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, negotiating a settlement, or taking legal action in court.

What should I do if the other driver doesn’t have insurance in an auto accident in Burbank?

If the other driver involved in an auto accident in Burbank doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation by filing a claim under your own insurance policy, if you have uninsured motorist coverage. You can also consider taking legal action against the other driver directly.

What should I do if the other driver leaves the scene of an auto accident in Burbank?

If the other driver leaves the scene of an auto accident in Burbank, you should immediately call the police to report the hit-and-run. Try to obtain any identifying information about the other driver and their vehicle, and provide that to the police. Your insurance company may also be able to provide some coverage for your damages in this situation.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident in Burbank?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is typically two years from the date of the accident.

Can I file a claim for damages if I was partially at fault for a car accident in Burbank?

Yes, even if you were partially at fault for a car accident in Burbank, you may still be able to recover damages. In California, the doctrine of comparative negligence applies, which means that damages can be apportioned based on the degree of fault of each party.

Do I need to hire a lawyer if I was in a car accident in Burbank?

While it is not required to hire a lawyer after a car accident in Burbank, it can be helpful to have an experienced attorney on your side to ensure that your rights are protected and to help you recover the maximum compensation possible. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

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