Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen in a split second, but the effects of that accident can last a lifetime. You may have suffered a serious bodily injury, loss of income, your ability to engage in activities, emotional distress, or have to endure daily pain and suffering. The California legal system is complex, and unfortunately, insurance companies and other parties will do everything in their power to minimize the value of your personal injury claim. At Tim Dominguez Injury Law, we understand the legal complexities and potential factors that influence the value of your case and settlement. If necessary, our firm is willing and able to take your case to trial, and hold those responsible for your accident accountable. Our Irvine car accident lawyer, Tim Dominguez, protects the rights of the injured and helps the injured people of Orange County recover not only from their injuries but also recover their lives.

Top 10 Causes of Car Accidents in Orange County

Unfortunately, car accidents are common, in fact, there are hundreds of thousands of accidents per year across the country. Car accidents are so frequent that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) treats motor vehicle safety as one of its primary concerns given the threat it presents to our country. Car accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States and especially dangerous in popular areas like Orange County California.

One of the most significant factors in a motor vehicle accident case is understanding how and why the crash happened. Injured victims of auto accidents have a right to justice and compensation for their injuries and losses if the other driver who caused the crash acted carelessly. Our Irvine car accident attorney has represented the injured people of Orange County for years by demanding compensation from the negligent parties. Below are some of the most common causes of car accidents that we see at Tim Dominguez Injury Law. 

1. 1. Distracted Driving
   2. Drunk Driving
   3. Speeding
   4. Reckless Driving
   5. Hazardous Weather
   6. Running Traffic Signals
   7. Driving at Night
   8. Vehicle Defects
   9. Tailgating
   10. Wrong-Way Driving & Illegal Turns

Financial Compensation You Can Recover After A Car Accident

It’s only natural for your mind to race and stress about the million different scenarios following a car accident. Believe it or not, data suggests that the average person will be involved in 3-4 car accidents during their lifetime. For most people, medical bills are usually at the top of their minds. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s carelessness, you’ll spend time getting medical treatment and healing. For more severe injuries you’ll likely also have to tolerate a great deal of physical pain and emotional suffering. In addition to the physical pain, you must also deal with medical bills, phone calls from insurance claims adjusters, quotes from auto body shops, missed time at work, lost wages, and much more. Although an Irvine car accident attorney may not be able to undo the pain and suffering you’ve sustained, they could make moving forward easier with a fair and sizable personal injury settlement. The most common forms of financial compensation you can recover after a car accident in Orange County are seen below.

 Hospital Bills

If you require any physical or mental medical treatment after a car crash, the negligent party may be liable for the bills. This includes the costs of medical treatment such as surgeries, therapy, medication, consultations, ambulance fees, medical accessories, permanent disabilities, and other medical expenses. As we know, hospital bills can quickly add up, luckily an experienced car accident attorney in Irvine, CA can make sure you and your family do not have to worry about these expenses.

Property Damages

Following a car accident in Orange County, the at-fault party will also have to pay for any property that they damaged. In most cases, this includes the costs to repair your damaged vehicle or completely replace the vehicle if it was deemed to be totaled by an auto body shop. This can also include materials or possessions that were in the car and destroyed from the accident.

Lost Wages

This form of compensation refers to both past and future lost wages. An example of this would be the money you lost because of missing time from work to attend medical appointments, physical therapy, recovering from your injuries, etc. This also includes damages from your inability to perform your work or earn promotions due to your injuries or disabilities caused by an accident. The lasting consequences of a car accident can be devastating, but a skilled Irvine car accident lawyer will make sure that any and all scenarios are considered and have been included in your estimated lost wages.

Pain And Suffering

After an accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the physical pain, emotional anguish, distress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), lost quality of life, loss of companionship, and more. The pain and suffering caused by serious car accidents in Orange County can be devastating, and you may be owed compensation for having to endure it. For more information about your potential personal injury case, call Tim Dominguez Injury Law to speak with our Irvine car accident lawyer.

Punitive Damages

Although punitive damages are not common in typical car accident cases, you could potentially qualify for a punitive damage award against the defendant in certain scenarios. Punitive damages are a particular category of compensation for some personal injury cases. But it’s important to note that punitive damages are not compensatory. Instead, punitive damages are awarded for the sole purpose of punishing the defendant for their negligence and wrongdoing. An Irvine car accident attorney can help you understand what your claim could be worth and the best way to pursue legal action.

Types of Car Accidents in Orange County

The kind of accident you were involved in is critical and provides important details for your personal injury claim. There are many different types of car accidents that occur in Orange County, California; however, there are a few accidents we see more than others. Our qualified Irvine car accident attorney, Tim Dominguez, has an established track record of winning cases for clients injured in these types of accidents, as well as many others.

Head-on Collision

Although this devastating type of car accident only represents a small percentage, head-on collisions are the most destructive type of accident and account for more fatalities than any other type of auto accident. Head-on collisions are so violent due to the speed at which the vehicles collide with one another. Additionally, the impact of a head-on collision is twice as powerful as a collision between a moving and stationary car.

Rear-End Accident

Roughly one-third of all rear-end accidents happen when one car trails another car too closely while not paying attention. These accidents are constantly caused by distracted drivers. Some of the common types of distracted driving include rubbernecking, talking on the phone, arguing with passengers, and texting while driving. Although rear-end accidents are the most common car accident, they can also be the most intense. In some cases, rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. Due to the sudden and unforeseen impact, many rear-end accident injuries can be significant and demand immediate medical attention.

Side-Impact Collision (T-Bone)

Side-impact collisions are often referred to as “T-bone” accidents. These kinds of car accidents frequently ensue at intersections when one car runs a red light or does not yield the right of way to another vehicle. It’s typical for those hit on the side of their vehicle to suffer severe or potentially life-threatening injuries.

Vehicle Rollover

There are typically two types of rollover car accidents: tripped and untripped. The majority of rollovers are tripped accidents that happen when a vehicle slides sideways, and crashes into another object, causing it to flip over. Conversely, untripped rollovers are more common in truck accidents. Untripped accidents often involve top-heavy vehicles such as semi-trucks, 18 wheelers, or other commercial vehicles. These accidents generally transpire when the driver swerves to avoid an object, and their top-heavy body combined with the vehicle’s momentum causes the driver to lose control and rollover.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents In Orange County

It’s common knowledge that the shear force that an auto accident exerts on those involved can cause a number of different injuries. Although more intense car accidents tend to be the source of more extreme injuries, what many don’t know is that even low-impact collisions, like a fender bender, can greatly injure motorists too. Being able to comprehend the various types of car accident injuries can help you and your Irvine car accident lawyer when determining the number of damages and compensation you are entitled to. Some of the most common injuries associated with car accidents include the following:

• • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash
  • Scrapes, cuts, and bruises
  • Neck injuries

Auto Insurance Requirements in California

Like all other states, California has certain auto insurance requirements that are law. This means that all motorists must carry the minimum insurance or face the prospect of fines. The minimum amounts of insurance required by California law include the following:

• • $15,000 – for injury or death of one person in one accident
  • $30,000 – for all injuries or deaths suffered by two or more people in one accident
  • $5,000 – for property damage

Car Accident Statistics In Orange County

Despite the state of California’s best efforts to prevent auto accidents, they still happen from time to time. When they do, their damage can vary anywhere from a small rear-end accident to a head-on collision resulting in wrongful death. Due to there being so much at stake, communities and their governments do everything they can to keep the roads safe and free of accidents. The city of Irvine, California is no different. With a population of over 300,000, Irvine is one of the most populated cities in Orange County. Although this can be beneficial for a number of different reasons, it also means that car accidents in Irvine are much more likely than in a small town outside of Orange County.

Orange County Intersections With The Most Auto Accidents

Orange County, as well as other popular geographical areas in the US, is especially prone to car accidents. Busy and congested intersections are a big cause for car accidents in Orange County, however, some intersections are more dangerous than others as revealed by a recent traffic study. The table below shows the total number of accidents from 2015-to 2019.

Irvine Car Accident Statistics

The city of Irvine, CA in particular is no exception when it comes to car accidents. Thankfully, the vast majority of car accidents in Irvine are not fatal, however, this does not mean there are no fatalities or life-altering injuries. The fact is, any auto accident is serious, regardless of whether it’s a light fender bender or a devastating head-on collision. Injuries of any kind can often be avoided if the at-fault driver took the necessary precaution that is expected of any driver on public roads. 

In 2018, 18 car accident fatalities occurred in Irvine, CA alone, and even more shockingly was 80% higher than the previous year. Although Irvine has kept its accident fatality rate lower than the California average every year since 1991, there are still devastating accidents that occur. It’s always important to remember that any car accident fatalities represent a threat to the community as a whole, and if you or someone you love has been affected, we highly recommend consulting with a skilled Irvine car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Worth Getting A Lawyer For A Car Accident?

Through the process of reporting, documenting, and negotiating a car accident claim in California, you can get the best possible outcome with the help of a dedicated auto accident attorney. It’s best to hire your lawyer sooner rather than later. By having a strong legal team in your corner from the start you’ll be able to avoid any major mistakes. Not to mention, there are precise deadlines for filing any personal injury claims, which vary from state to state. An Irvine car accident attorney can provide exhaustive and aggressive legal representation to maximize your compensation and help you secure justice for your injuries.

How Much Does A Orange County Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Instead of an hourly fee charged by other law firms that take on different types of cases, Tim Dominguez Injury Law works on a contingency fee basis. Essentially, this means you don’t pay us a dime unless we win and recover money for you through your case. There’s no risk to calling our office and having a discussion with our qualified Irvine car accident attorney. During your free consultation, we’ll talk with you about your accident and determine the best steps forward.

What To Do After A Car Accident?

After a car accident in Orange County, it’s crucial that you first identify the degree of your injuries and any passengers’ injuries in your car. If you or anyone else in the crash was injured, even if it was minor, we highly recommend that you dial 9-1-1 and ask for emergency medical and police assistance at the scene of the accident. Assessing your injuries instantly after an auto accident can be challenging, especially when your adrenaline is surging through your body. This is why we suggest calling an ambulance, regardless of the severity of your injuries, any time you’re involved in a car accident. Once you have taken all safety precautions and have been medically evaluated, you should then follow these steps:

• • Seek and accept medical treatment
  • Report the crash
  • Exchange information with the other driver(s)
  • Stay safe at the scene
  • Cooperate with law enforcement
  • Document accident information
  • Notify your insurance company
  • Contact an Irvine car accident attorney

What Compensation May I Be Entitled To After A California Car Accident?

Personal injury victims in a car accident in Orange County, CA may be entitled to financial compensation. Common examples of what a victim could recover in a motor vehicle crash case include the following:

• • Past pain and suffering from the date accident until the date of payment
  • Future pain and suffering from the date of payment until the expected date of death
  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Lost future earnings if unable to work the same job as before the crash and you need to take a pay cut
  • Loss of consortium or relations with a spouse, but also society with other family members like parents or children
  • Costs for home or vehicle modifications
  • At-home nursing care
  • Medication bills
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages in very rare and exceptional cases
  • Wrongful death expenses, and
  • Other damages that our car accident lawyer could recover for you.

Can I Settle A Car Accident Claim Without A Lawyer?

It is possible to settle a car accident claim on your own, without the help of an attorney. However, there are many ways that your claim could lose value or be completely devalued due to common mistakes that can be made when trying to settle a motor vehicle case on your own without the guidance of an experienced car accident lawyer. Some of these pitfalls include making an admission (explicitly or implicitly) of fault or partial fault when you were not actually at fault, making a mistake while giving a recorded statement, not seeking the appropriate medical care or undergoing long gaps in medical treatment, lack of knowledge on how to obtain compensation for lost wages and other losses, accruing tow yard fees, lack of knowledge on how insurance policies work and what type of benefits you might be entitled to (such as a rental car or loss of use), inexperience with the state disability system, lack of knowledge about claim deadlines, and many more pitfalls. Because of all of these potential issues, it is best to, at the very least, consult with an experienced personal injury and car accident lawyer to ensure you make the best decision possible.

Contact An Irvine Car Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Irvine, it’s critical to find an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Insurance companies often take advantage of drivers who were in accidents and may manipulate you into receiving less compensation than you actually deserve. Don’t be a victim twice, contact Tim Dominguez Injury Law today to receive a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you. Our qualified personal injury attorney can help you get the financial support you need following a serious accident. Call our office today at (800) 575-6529.