Glendale Car Accident Lawyer

Types of Auto Accident Injuries

Getting into a car crash can cause many types of injuries, from minor cuts and muscle strains to paralysis and traumatic brain injuries. Some of the most common auto collision injuries are:

Head Injuries

Facial injuries, including broken bones and lacerations, are common head injuries. Whether it’s a concussion, traumatic brain injury, or even a broken skull, head injuries can cause extensive damage, including death.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash occurs when a sudden impact forces the head back and forth very quickly, causing strain to the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Whiplash can cause severe spasms that lead to numbness in the arms, pain in the neck, and headaches. Symptoms of whiplash can last for years, even with proper treatment.

Shoulder and Arm Injuries

The impact of an automobile collision can dislocate or fracture a person’s shoulder or arm. Individuals may also suffer from chronic pain originating from their shoulders or arms.

Brain Injuries

Brain injury can result from direct, blunt force or being shaken violently in an auto accident. A blow to the head or whiplash can cause bleeding in the brain and other serious injuries.

Leg, Knee, and Foot Injuries

The force of a car accident can cause leg fractures, knee sprains, foot injuries, and other damage to lower extremities. Fractures and other serious injuries to the legs and feet can make it difficult for a victim to walk for months or years after their accident.

Back Injuries

A sudden jolt from an accident may damage a victim’s back, neck, or spine. A herniated disc is one example of an injury caused by whiplash from a rear-end collision. Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent paralysis or death.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and contusions that affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in various parts of the body. While some soft tissue injuries heal relatively quickly, others require extensive medical care and physical therapy to resolve.

Psychological Injuries

Car crash victims often experience psychological effects besides physical injuries. These conditions can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.

Talk to a Glendale Car Accident Injury Lawyer about Your Injuries

You may wish to discuss the extent of your injuries following an auto accident with your lawyer once you have received treatment from your doctor and followed up with your treatment plan.

How to File Your Car Accident Claim in California

You must notify your insurance company as soon as possible, regardless of liability in a California car accident. Insurance adjusters are trained to offer you an initial settlement that may not cover all your injury and property damage expenses.

If your claim is complex, you may require a larger settlement. Your lawyer can review your insurance policy limits and help you determine if you can settle your claim within these limits or if you will need to file a lawsuit.

Car Accident Policy Limits in Auto Insurance

Policy limits are the maximum an auto insurance company is required to pay under a policy. The minimum coverage for car insurance is:

• $15,000 for an injury or death to one person
• $30,000 for injuries or death to more than one person
• $5,000 for property damage

For instance, if you are injured and your claim is worth $30,000, the insurance company only pays up to $15,000. An attorney can help you recover compensation for your remaining costs for medical treatments or repair bills for your damaged car.

Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts

Every accident is different, and the more serious it is, the higher the settlement. Cases involving paralysis, disfigurement, or permanent injuries result in the highest compensation, while smaller settlements are awarded for sprains and broken bones.

Car Accident Settlement Payouts

In cases of accident-related injuries, the average US settlement is $29,700. The type and severity of the injury influences the amount you’ll receive. For example, an average California payout for back and neck discomfort is $10,885.

• Car accident victims who do not have significant injuries received an average of $8,200.
• Claimants will receive roughly $3,000 in compensation for minor car accidents.
• Rear-end collisions may result in a settlement amount of $20,000 to $30,000.

Getting the Best Car Accident Settlement

Your total car accident settlement is calculated from the amount of damage to your car, your covered and out-of-pocket medical expenses to date, and an estimate of your future medical bills.

Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity can also affect the total settlement amount. You need to talk to an attorney about the facts of your accident to get the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident

Working with an accident attorney is vital if you want to receive compensation after your crash. A lawyer will help your case by:

• Advising you of your legal rights and protecting your interests during the entire claim or lawsuit process.
• Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties involved in the case on your behalf.
• Ensuring you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. They can help you gather the evidence necessary to prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.
• If the negotiations fail, a lawyer can take your case to court when necessary.

Contact a Car Accident Injury Attorney in Glendale, CA

At Shirvanian Law Firm, our goal is to get your life back on track by getting you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, call our office toll-free at (877) 809-4223 today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.

With our No Fee Guarantee, you pay no out-of-pocket expenses until we’ve reached a judgment or settlement in your case.

Our law offices are located in the communities of Glendale, Bakersfield, Sacramento, and Riverside.

FAQs:

What to do after a car accident that is not your fault?

Report the accident to the police and state only what happened from your perspective. Avoid apologizing or speculating. You can have a police report to hold the other party responsible for damages.

What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident?

Your insurance company has to pay for the claim if someone else drives your car and has an accident. Your record will reflect the claim.

How much can someone sue for a car accident?

There is no set amount you can seek in a car accident settlement. Victims of car accidents can sue for their full damages.

When to get an attorney for a car accident?

Hiring an attorney is important after you suffer serious injuries in an accident. If your claim involves multiple vehicles or commercial drivers, such as truck drivers and rideshare drivers, a lawyer can help you navigate the legal system to file a claim.

How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. If you did not discover your injury until after the accident, it is one year from that date.

How long does it take to get a car accident settlement?

Since every case is unique, a settlement can happen quickly in a simple collision, but complex cases take longer. Your lawyer may ask for more compensation from the insurance company when negotiating your settlement, which can delay the settlement. Your lawyer may also need additional time to gather evidence and file police reports to determine liability and calculate your settlement.

References:

U.S. Motorcycle Registration Estimates in 2020 (by State):
https://www.statista.com/statistics/191002/number-of-registered-motorcycles-in-the-us-by-state/

Insurance Requirements:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/insurance-requirements/

Statute of Limitations
https://www.courts.ca.gov/9618.htm?rdeLocaleAttr=en