PROVING LIABILITY FOR YOUR RECENT ACCIDENT IN LAGUNA HILLS
California is an at-fault (or tort) state when it comes to resolving car accidents, so before securing any type of compensation for the losses you suffered you must be ready to prove the exact cause of your accident. A few common causes of accidents in Laguna Hills leading to legal disputes include:
Inattentive driving. Cell phone use behind the wheel and other types of distracted driving are the leading causes of all vehicle crashes in the country. Your Laguna Hills car accident attorney will know what evidence you need to prove that the other driver was distracted behind the wheel.
Drunk or drugged driving. Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal, and the penalties for conviction depend on the severity of the offense and whether the defendant harmed anyone with their actions. Jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory drug and alcohol counseling are just a few possible penalties a defendant could face, and their penalties automatically increase if they cause severe bodily injury or death with their actions.
Speeding, which not only increases the chances of an accident happening but also the severity of any resulting damages. Excessive speeding could result in a reckless driving charge for the at-fault driver.
Moving violations that disrupt the flow of traffic. Illegal turns, failing to stop at red lights or stop signs, improper intersection movement, and failure to yield the right of way are just a few ways moving violations can cause accidents.
No matter how your recent accident happened in Laguna Hills, you will need an experienced attorney’s assistance to gather the evidence needed to prove liability. If any witnesses saw your accident happen firsthand, their statements will be very valuable to your case. In addition, your Laguna Hills car accident attorney may seek to obtain the at-fault driver’s cell phone records, their vehicle’s computer data, and recordings from nearby traffic cameras to help you firmly establish liability for the accident.
DAMAGES AND COMPENSATION IN A LAGUNA HILLS CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM
Once you prove exactly how your accident happened, the next thing you must do is prove the full extent of the damages that the defendant caused. Under California law, defendants are responsible for all the economic damages they inflicted with their actions, which may include:
Medical expenses for treatment of physical injuries. Car accidents can easily cause severe physical injuries, some of which require extensive long-term treatment and rehabilitative care. A guilty defendant is legally responsible for all medical care you require because of their actions.
Lost income. Your car accident injuries may mean that you cannot work for a long time, leaving you unable to earn income. A guilty defendant must pay for your lost wages during your recovery. If you developed a permanent disability from the accident that prevents you from returning to your job, the defendant would be responsible for repaying the future income you are no longer able to earn.
Damage to property. Your initial auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver may yield compensation for some of your vehicle repair bills, but if your car is a total loss and the actual cash value of the vehicle exceeds the defendant’s insurance coverage, you can include the remainder of your property damage in your personal injury claim.
Beyond these economic damages, the plaintiff in a Laguna Hills car accident case also has the right to claim compensation for their pain and suffering. Nothing limits the pain and suffering compensation in motor vehicle accident cases in the state. Your Laguna Hills car accident attorney will help you determine how to maximize this part of your recovery.
Other variables may influence the total compensation you receive. So, if your accident happened because of illegal misconduct, the defendant may face punitive damages and/or restitution along with their liability for your civil damages. In addition, if you share fault for the accident, this may diminish your recovery. To secure as much compensation as state law allows for your car accident, contact our firm. Having an experienced Laguna Hills car accident attorney represent you in your recovery efforts can help ensure you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you are owed.
CONTACT US TODAY
Zwick Law has years of experience handling all manner of car accident claims on behalf of our clients in the Laguna Hills area, and we’re ready to leverage this experience in your case. It’s natural to have lots of legal questions after an accident caused by someone else, and our goal is to help you approach your recovery efforts with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today to arrange a case review with our team and the legal service we provide.
