Car Accident Lawyers in Irvine, California

What are car accidents?

With more teenagers and younger adults attracted to driving cars at a younger age, there has been a rise of car accidents in Irvine, CA. In fact, Irvine had nearly 900 car accidents that lead to injuries or fatalities. Unfortunately, car accidents can happen on roads as well as highways. If you were injured in a car accident in Irvine because of another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation.

What are some common causes of car injuries in Irvine?

• Driving while using smartphones: as technology has increasingly been integrated into modern transportation, many accidents occur with cars due to distractions. Similarly, drivers can be in danger of accidents if they are not aware of their surroundings due to technology use
• Driving past the speed limit: Many cars on the road and freeways go past the speed limit. As a result, they may not be able to slow down in time for other cars in their lane.
• Driving under the influence: Drivers can be impaired due to alcohol use or other drug use. Over the past few years, almost 50 car accident fatalities in Irvine were due to impaired driving. Recently, with the legalization of Cannabis in many states, there has been a rise in DUI. It is important to note that even if a drug is legalized, does not permit drivers to operate a vehicle under the influence.
• Road obstacles: There can be a lot of unexpected obstacles on the road such as animals and debris. Swerving to go around these obstacles can turn the vehicle over or lead to collisions with other nearby vehicles.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving often leads to unintended accidents as the vehicle goes out of control. Reckless driving can include unnecessarily weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating. It is the driver’s responsibility to determine if they are capable of driving, especially if they feel fatigued or emotionally unstable.
• Poor weather and road conditions: Traction on roads is important for cars as they can slip out of control. Similarly, poor road conditions can lead to debris flying upwards or spin the car out of control. Some of the hazards that a driver can encounter are potholes, uneven payment, and barriers/items on the road.
• Vehicle malfunction and defect: Cars, just like any other motor vehicles, are prone to manufacture defects and recalls. While it is important to follow recall notices, it is the manufacture’s responsibility to notify owners of the defect and provide remedy of the issue.

While these are only some of the common causes for injuries, there are many other cases that can qualify under personal injuries.

How much does insurance matter in Irvine, CA?

Under California Vehicle Code §16056, all drivers are required to have insurance for their vehicle. Often referred to as the “15/30/5 coverage,” drivers need at least a minimum of a three-part coverage

1. $15,000 for injury or death to one individual
2. $30,000 for injury or death to more than one individual
3. $5,000 for damage to property

It is important to have your insurance accessible in case you are involved in an accident.

Our Irvine Personal Injury Lawyers Represent Clients In The Following Practice Areas:

• Brain Injury
• Bicycle Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Electric Scooter
• Electric Bike
• Hotel, Resort & Vacation Injuries
• Truck Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Medical Device Injuries
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Premise Liability
• Slip and Fall Injuries
• Turo Accidents
• Uber/Lyft Accidents

What damages are covered under Car injuries in Irvine, CA?

Unfortunately, car accidents can be life-threatening. Common damages that you may have suffered from includes, but are not limited to

• Medical bills: Medical treatment can be expensive and often times are not one-time treatments. As a result, compensation can include both past and future medical treatment. Medical treatments also can mean rehabilitation, equipment, and medication. Some of the common injuries include:
  1. Broken bones: collision from a car, even if the car was driving at the speed limit, is enough to break bones in a pedestrian’s legs, arms, etc. It can take several weeks to even months to recover. In severe cases, victims can suffer permanent disabilities and disfigurement from amputations and burns.
  2. Spinal cord injuries: spinal cord injuries lead to many motorcyclists to lose the ability to control certain parts of their body. Specifically, a spinal cord damage below the waist can lead to the inability to move body parts below the waist. If victims are fortunate enough with the treatment, they may be able to go through rehabilitation but for many victims, they may never be able to walk again.
  3. Brain trauma: car accidents often cause cyclists to fall on their head or skull with extreme force. Even with proper protective gear on, collisions and injuries at fast speeds can be fatal. While minor injuries can include small fractures, it can lead to serious injuries such as facial disfigurement, physical or cognitive impairment, and death.
  4. Internal bleeding: While many injuries can be easily identifiable, some are not that obvious. Collisions can lead to internal organs or blood vessels to rupture. If not treated immediately, it can lead to organ failure.
• Expenses: If there were costs that were out of pocket, it can be included for compensation
  1. While it can be unfortunate, some pedestrians will not survive their injuries. As a result, expenses for burials and funerals can be filed.
• Emotional and psychological distress: There can be emotional and psychological pain/suffering due to the injury. Compensation can include these damages for the pain and suffering that was experienced from the injury and post-injury. Furthermore, some injuries can have lasting impacts, such as a permanent scar or losing the ability to walk, which can be hard to recover emotionally.
• Loss of wages or earnings: injuries can prevent an individual from working, thus losing their main sources of income or wage.
• Loss of Consortium: This can include one’s ability to have children or depravation of relations due to injury

Evidence that can be collected and used to prove at-fault driver’s negligence

There are several pieces of information that can be helpful to the case. For instance, it is important for the drivers/passengers to call the Irvine police for an accident report. This allows a physical and official record of the accident that proves the incident took place. Additionally, this can confirm that the injuries were from the recorded accident.

Furthermore, it is helpful to take pictures of your injuries, the scene of the accident, as well as any other damages that are relevant. Within those pictures, include a copy of the at-fault driver’s license, his/her insurance card, and the license plate. Contact information can be vital to reach out to eyewitnesses as they can confirm any claims you made about the accident and injuries.

Additionally, even if there were only minor injuries, it is important to visit a doctor to have a medical evaluation. The doctor can determine any injuries that are present and caused by the accident and can record what treatments are required.

What should I do if I have suffered from car injury in Irvine, CA?

If you are in need of medical assistance, seek immediate medical attention. If you are able to collect any evidence at the scene of the injury, take as many photos/videos and physical evidence as detailed above.

Under California Vehicle Code §1600, if property damages exceed $1,000 and/or you suffered any personal injury, you are required to report the accident to DMV within 10 days of the accident. Specifically, you file a SR-1 Form which details who was involved in the accident and contact information, such as address and phone number, of the involved parties. Additionally, the form details information such as driver’s license and insurance of involved drivers.

Be sure to report the incident to the police or public agency in charge so that they can file an incident report. You can also request security footage that captured the incident and the surrounding areas.

We highly recommend that you contact Alipour Law Group for expert legal assistance at (949) 997-9999 before signing documents or making any statements. Our Irvine personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you with car accidents in Irvine.

Car Accidents Resources:

• Distracted Driving Accident
• Drunk Driving Accident
• Head-On Collision
• Hit and Run Accident
• Multi-Vehicle Accident

Frequently Asked Questions for Our Auto Accident Attorneys in Irvine, CA