Costa Mesa Car Accident Lawyer
Skilled Car Accident Attorney in Costa Mesa, CA
Accidents happen in the blink of an eye and can change your life forever. From Harbor Boulevard to Newport Boulevard to Bristol Street and every road in between, including the highly congested areas of Interstate 405 and State Route 55, car accidents can cause financial stress with medical bills, lost wages, damaged vehicles, and worrying about what is going to happen next. A Costa Mesa car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights.
Our Commitment to Clients
At Bentley & More LLP, we take pride in learning what makes each of our clients unique and how they came to need our services. Representing consumers and employees all over California, our firm prides itself on tailoring your legal plan to fit your needs. Our personal injury lawyers in Costa Mesa can help you in your car accident case to know your options.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Costa Mesa
California has car accident laws that allow injured parties to seek compensation after a motor vehicle accident based on who was at fault. Negligence is one of the most common legal theories used in car accident claims. A negligent driver is a person who fails to use reasonable care when driving and causes harm to another person.
Traffic can become heavy around Costa Mesa due to its proximity to freeways, commercial centers, and attractions. Intersections around South Coast Plaza, The CAMP, The LAB Anti-Mall, and along the John Wayne Airport corridor are commonly congested with traffic. The following are some common causes of car accidents:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Tailgating
- Driving while intoxicated
Congestion can cause more rear-end accidents along Interstate 405 and State Route 55, while the intersections along Harbor Boulevard and Bristol Street tend to see many accidents with vehicles making turns. In California, traffic fatalities declined by about 11%, from 4,539 in 2022 to 4,061 in 2023. In 2021, 50.3% of all drivers who died in car accidents tested positive for legal and/or illegal drugs.
California’s Car Accident Reporting Requirements
There are certain reporting requirements that you must follow after being in a collision. California law requires drivers to follow California Vehicle Code § 20008 when there are injuries or deaths as a result of the crash.
This law requires the accident to be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Drivers may also have to report the accident to the DMV if a person is injured or killed in the accident or if there is enough property damage. Reporting the accident allows the incident to be on record and helps to preserve information that can be used later on if you need to file an insurance claim or legal claim.
How Fault Is Determined After a Car Accident
Figuring out who was at fault after a collision can be one of the most important factors in a car accident claim. Insurance companies, Costa Mesa car accident attorneys, and judges look at how an accident occurred and whether anyone drove negligently.
They can review police reports, photographs of the scene and surrounding area, witness testimony, video surveillance, damage to vehicles, and accident reconstruction reports. Your cell phone records or your car’s data may also be used to determine what occurred moments before the crash.
Liability can play a large role in how much compensation you can recover from a claim. Because of this, it is crucial to preserve as much evidence as you can following an accident.
Comparative Negligence in California
California adheres to a pure comparative negligence system. What this means is that you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for causing the accident. If one driver is deemed 80 percent at fault for an accident and the other driver is 20 percent at fault, the injured party can have their compensation reduced by their percentage of fault. Essentially, this allows a judge or insurance company to decide who was at fault and what percentage they were at fault.
Hire a Costa Mesa Car Accident Lawyer
There can be many legal and insurance-related issues that surround car accident claims. From who was at fault for the accident to what your insurance covers, these questions can come up during your claim. Since every accident is different, you may want to hire a car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and what you can do following a collision in California.
FAQs
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in California?
Most car accident lawyers in California work on a contingency fee basis. This means they get paid only if you recover compensation in a settlement or verdict. Their fee is typically a percentage of the recovery they secure. Costs and fee structures vary by law firm. Always discuss the fee agreement in detail during your consultation before proceeding.
Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident in California?
When two cars collide, investigators look at the facts of the collision to determine which driver acted negligently. Evidence such as police reports, witness testimonies, photographs of the scene and damage, traffic camera footage, and damage to vehicles can all be examined. California is a comparative negligence state, so both parties can be found partially at fault and responsible for damages.
Can Tendonitis Be Caused by a Car Accident?
Yes, tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendons and can occur after a car accident. If your tendons are injured, stretched, or overextended during a collision, you may experience pain and damage. Symptoms of tendonitis can appear days or weeks after an accident as swelling develops. Common areas affected by tendonitis after a car accident are the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees.
Why Should You Never Admit Fault in a Car Accident in Costa Mesa?
It is never advisable to admit fault to anyone at the scene of an accident in Costa Mesa. Even if you believe you were at fault, there could be other factors that show you were not completely at fault. Witnesses, traffic signals, weather conditions, and other information could shift the blame to the other driver. Stick to the facts and let the insurance companies and police decide who was at fault.
Bentley & More LLP Is Here for You
At Bentley & More LLP, we understand how serious a car accident can be. We can help you on the legal side so you can focus on recovery. Contact us today to get started.
Tustin, CA Car Accident Resources
- What Is the Statute of Limitations in a Car Accident Claim in California?
- How long does a car accident settlement take in Orange County?
- What to Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault in California?
- Who Pays Medical Bills in a Car Accident?
- How Much to Expect from a Car Accident Settlement in California?
- What Happens When a Car Accident Exceeds Insurance Limits?
- Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Car Accident
- How Much Should You Ask for in a Car Accident Settlement?
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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