commuter traffic going into Los AngelesThe average American commuter spends approximately 54 hours a year in traffic, and since 2008, road congestion has increased by up to 3%. Because of the increase in vehicles on the road, it’s unsurprising that there are more car accidents than ever before. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a car crash occurs every 13 minutes in the U.S., and the average driver will crash their car approximately four times during their lifetime.

Even if you’re a good driver, you can’t predict the actions of other drivers. You could be the most watchful and careful driver out there, and a negligent driver could still cause an accident that changes your life in an instant.

If you’re injured in a car accident, you may be overwhelmed by expensive medical bills and lost income if you need to take time off work. During your recovery, you may be bedridden or incapacitated for a while, unable to follow your daily routine or participate in the sports and hobbies you enjoy most. So, it’s essential to contact the skilled car accident attorney team at Case Barnett Law. We have the experience to help our clients obtain a fair recovery.

San Clemente Car Accidents

California has many busy roads and highways; each year, the Golden State sees approximately 500,000 car accidents. In 2021, San Clemente saw the most car accidents in August, December, January, and May; human error and negligent driving caused most of these accidents.

Common Causes of San Clement Car Accidents

  • Distracted driving. The number one cause of car accidents in the U.S. is distracted driving. Any behavior that takes your attention from the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving is considered distracted driving and can be used as proof of negligence in a personal injury claim.
  • Drunk driving. Driving under the influence was the number one cause of car accidents. However, the rise in distracted driving and successful anti-drunk driving campaigns moved it out of the number one spot. Still, alcohol-related car accidents have increased by approximately 35% since 2011.
  • Aggressive or reckless driving. Aggressive driving can include swerving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and road rage. Aggressive drivers purposely act in an unsafe manner and disregard the safety of others on the road.
  • Speeding. Speeding motorists don’t have enough time to respond to changes in traffic patterns or to a braking car in front of them.
  • Running red lights. Speeding up to make a yellow light often means a driver runs a red light. A motorist runs a red light approximately every 20 minutes in urban areas, and over 150,000 pedestrians, motorcyclists, and motorists are injured yearly by someone who runs a red light.

After a San Clemente Car Accident: Obtaining Fair Compensation

When you’re injured in a car accident, you may assume that the at-fault party’s insurance company will act in good faith and fairly compensate you for your losses. However, that’s often not true. Their primary goal is to pay out as little as possible. Even if it’s evident that the driver responsible for your crash was negligent, the insurance company will do all it can to deny or delay your claim and minimize the compensation you deserve. An adjuster who calls may seem to be on your side, but they might be offering false sympathy to trick you into taking a lowball settlement or saying something you shouldn’t that will negatively impact your case.

Benefits of Hiring a San Clemente Car Crash Attorney

  • Gathering evidence. Collecting evidence to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence is critical to your personal injury claim. The skilled auto accident attorney team at Case Barnett Law knows the evidence needed to win your case, including video footage, eyewitness testimony, and medical records. They may also use testimony from special investigators and reconstruction specialists.
  • Valuing your claim. After being injured in a car accident, most people worry about the medical bills they’ll face and the income they will lose if they aren’t able to work. However, your compensation should include more than the obvious financial losses. You may have transportation costs traveling to rehabilitation appointments, and you may have experienced significant pain and suffering. The personal injury attorney team at Case Barnett Law will evaluate the monetary value of your claim or lawsuit to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
  • Helping you avoid mistakes. A car crash attorney will explain why you shouldn’t talk with the insurance company. Instead, letting your attorney handle all communication with them would be best. An insurance adjuster may ask you for a recorded statement or request all of your medical records. While these requests might seem harmless, the insurance company will likely use your words and medical conditions that have nothing to do with the accident against you later. Additionally, your attorney will advise you not to discuss your injuries, as an adjuster may misrepresent your words as an admission of guilt. 

A car crash attorney will know when the insurance company offers you a lowball settlement and advise you not to accept an early payout. You’ll likely get this offer when you’re vulnerable and in the hospital. Your attorney understands that the initial settlement offer might cover your basic medical expenses, but you may need extended care as part of your recovery.

Because the end goal of the insurance company is to save as much money as possible, they will never try to give you a fair settlement. An attorney will handle all communication with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.

 

Possible Recoverable Damages After a California Car Crash

  • Lost wages, including raises, bonuses, and loss of future earnings
  • Medical costs associated with the accident and any future medical costs
  • Future care needs, such as physical therapy
  • Property damage
  • Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or ramps
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Pain and suffering
Case C. Barnett
Costa Mesa Personal Injury Attorney practicing in child injury law, car accident injuries and elder abuse law