Types of Car Accidents in California
The type of injuries you sustain depends on the type and manner of the car accident. Common types of crashes include:
- Head-on collisions, which are among the most devastating types of collisions that can result in serious and life-threatening bodily injuries
- Rear-end accidents, which are among the most common and can result in whiplash
- Side-impact collisions, which can occur at intersections and result in a range of injuries depending on where the vehicle was struck
- Roll-over accidents, which are less common but can result in head and neck injuries
- Sideswipe accidents, which are less common and occur when one of two or more vehicles traveling parallel with each other swipes the side of the other vehicle
- Blind spot accidents, which are less common and occur when one vehicle fails to spot another vehicle while changing or merging into another lane
The type of car accident can indicate liability for property and bodily damages. It's important to remember, though, that accidents can be complex events, and so though the type may initially and seemingly indicate fault, a thorough investigation can be conducted for a clear understanding of where liability falls.
Car accidents occur every hour of every day. They are one of the most common sources of personal injuries. Drivers responsible for the accident can be liable for damages, whether that's personal bodily injury or property damage. Insurance payouts that are fair and adequate can cover the costs of some damage, but sometimes, it's not enough. When it's not enough, you may need a personal injury lawyer who has specific experience with car accidents.
At The Law Office of Shawn Golshani | Shawn Gol Law, P.C., our car accident attorney in California can help you with your personal injury claim to help ensure you receive just and fair compensation. Contact us online or at (310) 900-0809 to schedule a Free Case Evaluation about your car accident case today.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Los Angeles
Injuries sustained from car accidents can range anywhere from minor to fatal. The types of immediate bodily injuries involved in personal injury claims can include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and cuts
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries which may include symptoms like sensitivity to light
- Chronic pain
- Radiculopathy which can be from a pinched nerve in the spinal column
Some injuries can be serious and life-threatening. Bodily injuries – regardless of their severity – can be compensable if you are the victim of the accident. In some cases, psychological, mental, and emotional injuries can also be compensable.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
Car accidents happen due to many reasons. Typically, causes can be grouped into three categories: drivers, vehicles, and environment.
Drivers
- Intoxicated driving (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, illicit drugs)
- Distracted driving (e.g., eating, texting, disciplining children)
- Drowsy driving or falling asleep while driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Decision error (e.g., driving too fast for the conditions, misjudging another driver's actions)
- Recognition error (e.g., inattention)
- Performance error (e.g., overcompensation, poor directional control)
Vehicles
- Tires/wheels-related
- Brakes-related
- Steering/suspension/transmission/engine-related
- Manufacture defects
Environment
- Slick roads (e.g., ice, loose debris)
- Glare
- View obstructions
- Signs/signals
Some crashes are the direct result of one driver. Aside from crashes caused by drivers, vehicles, or environmental conditions, there are other reasons that don't fall within these categories. For instance, pedestrians can sometimes be the cause of an accident. In other circumstances, the cause cannot be determined.
When the cause of an car accident is easily identified, liability may be identifiable. More complex car accident cases, however, may require the insight of an experienced car accident attorney or the knowledge and expertise of expert witnesses, occasionally.
Benefits of Filing a Personal Injury Claim in California
After a car accident, insurance companies may investigate the cause of the wreck to see who was at fault. They may then offer to cover the victim's expenses. Insurance companies, however, are usually for-profit entities. They make money by bringing in premium payments and increase profit margins by minimizing the amount of money they pay out in settlements.
When an insurance company offers a settlement, that offer may not represent the true value of fair compensation a victim deserves. Victims can be compensated for their:
- Medical bills, past, and future
- Property damage
- Lost wages, past, and future
- Reduced earnings
- Pain and suffering
- And sometimes losses stemming from a wrongful death of a close family member
Sometimes, insurance settlement offers may cover some expenses incurred to date. Sometimes the settlement will also include lost wages.
By hiring a lawyer and pursuing a fair recovery, accident victims can fight for what they deserve.
Contact an Car Accident Lawyer in California Today
Car accidents can be straightforward or complex. Regardless of which, you can speak to an car accident attorney. At The Law Office of Shawn Golshani | Shawn Gol Law, P.C., we work hard for our clients to help them obtain fair and just compensation. Contact us using our online form or by calling us directly at (310) 900-0809 to schedule a Free Case Evaluation today.