Car Accident Attorney in Burbank

Car Accident Attorney in Burbank – Free Strategy Session

With over 140 car accidents occurring in Burbank every day, navigating the aftermath of a car crash can be overwhelming. Whether the cause is reckless driving, distracted driving, or speeding, managing the legal challenges requires professional assistance. An experienced car accident lawyer in Burbank will fight for your rights and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable. At My Rights Law, we are committed to providing expert legal representation and helping you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

Ready to speak with a Burbank car accident attorney? Contact us now at (747) 201 4248 or contact us online.

What You Need To Know About Car Accidents

Car accidents happen in an instant, and the consequences can be life-altering. According to the World Health Organization, car crashes cause approximately 1.19 million deaths each year. Understanding the causes, potential injuries, and legal implications is crucial to navigating the aftermath. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender bender or a major collision, being aware of your rights and knowing how to proceed is key to recovery.

Common Causes of Car Accidents:

Distracted Driving

Whether it’s texting, using a GPS, or simply eating while driving, distractions are a leading cause of car crashes. In 2020, over 324,000 people were injured in accidents caused by distracted driving.

Speeding

Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of accidents. Drivers who exceed the speed limit are more likely to cause accidents due to their inability to react quickly to sudden changes in road conditions.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major risk factor. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 37 people die each day in alcohol-related crashes, or one person every 39 minutes.

Extreme Factors

Weather conditions, vehicle defects, and human error can all contribute to accidents. It’s important to be cautious and regularly maintain your vehicle, such as checking tire pressure and ensuring your brakes are in working order.

Regardless of the cause, it’s important to seek legal counsel after an accident to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. A skilled attorney will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

What you should do after a car accident

Taking the right steps after a car accident can help protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do:

Ensure Your Safety:

Move to a safe location and check for injuries. Even if you don’t feel hurt, some injuries may not be immediately obvious. Be sure to check for signs of trauma.

Call Emergency Services:

Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if the injuries seem minor, seek medical attention immediately to avoid long-term complications.

Exchange Information:

Obtain names, contact details, and insurance information from all involved parties, including witnesses. This information will be vital in filing claims and establishing liability.

Document the Scene:

Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant road conditions. This documentation can be key evidence in your claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company:

Report the accident to your insurer and consult your attorney before discussing the accident with any insurance company representatives to ensure you’re properly protected.

What you should not do after a car accident

While it’s clear what steps to take after a crash, it’s also important to avoid certain actions that could harm your claim:

Admit Fault

Never admit blame at the scene of the accident. Even if you think you were partially at fault, avoid making any statements that could be used against you later.

Delay Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms right away.

Neglect Documentation

Failing to document the scene and gather necessary information can hurt your claim. Collect all medical records, repair bills, and communication with insurers.

Accept Early Settlement Offers

Insurance companies may offer early settlements to minimize their liability. Always consult with your attorney before agreeing to any offers.

Should you hire a lawyer for your car accident?

While minor accidents may seem manageable without a lawyer, consulting with an experienced car accident attorney in Burbank is essential, especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries or damages. A skilled attorney will guide you through the process and ensure you understand your rights. If you’re dealing with significant injuries, hiring an attorney is crucial for obtaining the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, pain, and suffering.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents often result in serious injuries, some of which can have long-term effects. Here are some common injuries:

Whiplash

This neck injury occurs when the head jerks back and forth, often leading to pain and stiffness.

Broken Bones and Dislocated Joints

Accidents can cause broken bones or dislocated joints, which require immediate medical treatment.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A TBI can range from mild concussions to severe injuries, leading to cognitive impairments and long-term care needs.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, requiring extensive rehabilitation and medical care.

Internal Injuries

Internal bleeding or organ damage may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.

Deep Cuts and Bruises

Even if superficial, cuts and bruises should be treated promptly to avoid complications.

Emotional Trauma

Car accidents can cause emotional distress, including anxiety, PTSD, and depression, which require support and care.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Document your injuries and treatment to strengthen your case for compensation.

Questions to ask before hiring a lawyer

If you’ve been in a car accident in Burbank and are looking for legal representation, it’s important to ask the right questions before hiring a car accident lawyer. With so many lawyers available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, asking the following questions can help ensure you find the best attorney for your case:

What is Your Experience with Car Accident Cases?

Experience matters, but it’s crucial to ensure the lawyer has handled car accident cases specifically. Ask about their track record, including settlements and trial experience.

How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Handled?

Car accidents vary, and you need a lawyer familiar with the specific circumstances of your case. Ask about their experience with cases like yours, including truck accidents, severe injuries, or fatalities.

What is Your Success Rate in Obtaining Settlements or Verdicts for Your Clients?

A successful lawyer will be able to provide statistics on their success rates. This will give you an idea of how likely they are to secure a favorable outcome for you.

What are Your Fees and Payment Structure?

Make sure you understand how the lawyer charges for their services. Some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case. Always clarify their payment structure upfront.

How Will You Communicate with Me Throughout the Process?

Clear and consistent communication is vital. Ask how often you will receive updates on your case and who you’ll be communicating with. Ensure that you’ll be kept in the loop throughout the legal process.

The Legal Process and Time Frames

When dealing with a car accident case, it’s crucial to understand the steps and timeframes involved to ensure your expectations are met. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the legal process with your Burbank car accident attorney:

Initial Consultation

Scheduling a consultation with your lawyer is the first step in the process. During this meeting, you’ll discuss the details of the accident, your injuries, and potential legal actions. The attorney will outline the steps they’ll take to represent you and work towards a favorable outcome.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once you’ve retained an attorney, they’ll begin investigating your case by collecting evidence. This includes gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs from the accident scene. If necessary, your attorney may consult with experts to strengthen the case. The duration of this phase depends on the case’s complexity.

Filing the Lawsuit

Your lawyer will file a lawsuit by submitting a complaint with the court. This document will include a detailed description of the accident, the damages you’ve sustained, and the legal grounds for the lawsuit. Keep in mind that California law typically allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, so be sure to act within that timeframe.

The Discovery Phase

Once the lawsuit is filed, the discovery phase begins. Both sides will exchange information, documents, and evidence, which may involve depositions, interrogatories, and document requests. The length of this stage will vary depending on the complexity of the case and cooperation between both parties.

Mediation and Settlement Negotiations

Before proceeding to trial, mediation or settlement negotiations may occur. This allows both sides to reach a resolution without a lengthy trial. Having an attorney present during negotiations ensures that your interests are properly represented and that any agreement is fair.

Trial

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial. During the trial, both parties present their evidence, question witnesses, and make their arguments in front of a judge or jury. After the trial concludes, the judge or jury will decide the outcome.

Compensation You Can Recover After an Accident

After a car accident, victims are entitled to compensation to cover the financial, physical, and emotional impacts of the incident. Below are the types of compensation you can expect to recover:

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to tangible losses that are easy to calculate. These include:

Medical Expenses

Compensation for medical expenses covers emergency treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any other related medical care. Be sure to keep all bills and records to substantiate these expenses.

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you’re entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not only current lost income but also potential future earnings if the injury impacts your ability to work long-term.

Property Damage

Compensation for property damage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident. Keep receipts and repair estimates to ensure proper reimbursement.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover intangible losses that are more subjective, such as:

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can vary depending on injury severity and recovery time.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injury prevents you from enjoying hobbies and activities, you may receive compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.

Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium refers to the impact the injury has on your relationships, particularly with your spouse or family members, including emotional and physical companionship.

3. Punitive Damages

If the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.

Why You Need to Hire a Burbank Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a skilled Burbank car accident lawyer is essential to ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Here are some reasons why it’s important to have an attorney by your side:

Knowledge of Local Laws

A Burbank car accident attorney is well-versed in California traffic laws, which are critical for building a solid case and navigating the legal process effectively.

Experience with Local Courts

Experienced lawyers know how local courts operate. They are familiar with court procedures, judges, and legal personnel, which can streamline the process and improve your chances of success.

Network of Experts

Car accident lawyers often have access to a network of specialists, such as accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals, who can provide valuable insight and support for your case.

Contact for a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Attorney in Burbank

Don’t let the legal process overwhelm you. Contact us for a free consultation with a trusted car accident attorney in Burbank. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call now to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards justice!

FAQS About Car Accident Charges

Ready to speak with a Burbank car accident attorney? Contact us now at (747) 201 4248 or contact us online.