Coachella Valley Car Accident Attorney

Over $50 Million Recovered for Clients

While California is the nation’s populous state, that unfortunately also means that there is a higher number of motor vehicle accidents than in many other states. In 2014 alone, there were 162,000 reported collisions resulting in injuries, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. There are many reasons why drivers get into auto accidents, most of them owed to human error.

Those who are negligent in their driving should be held responsible to prevent them from making similar mistakes in the future. If you’ve been injured in any way by a negligent driver, our Coachella Valley car accident attorney can represent you in your claim. Christopher C. Vader PC is dedicated to achieving justice for clients through attentive service and strong advocacy. We can seek full and fair compensation for you to recover from your injuries – and to ensure that the at-fault driver learns from their actions.

Liability Laws After a Car Accident in California

After a car accident occurs, California adheres to an “at-fault” rule to determine who is liable for any following damages. This means that the motorist responsible for causing an accident is the one responsible for paying damages, through an insurance carrier. This at-fault system is directly opposite a no-fault liability system which some states follow. A no-fault state states that each party must file a claim with their own insurance regardless of who is responsible for causing the accident. At-fault states allow more opportunities for injury victims to file a personal injury claim.

While this law is straightforward in situations where only one driver is responsible for causing an accident, many accidents that occur involve the fault of more than one driver, no matter how small the other driver’s involvement was. For example, the injured party may have been driving a little bit above the speed limit or failed to put on a turn signal. In these cases, an injured driver can still recover compensation from the more negligent party through California’s “pure comparative fault" rule. This rule says that an injured party can still file a claim against the negligent party however, whatever percentage of responsibility they are found to be responsible for will be deducted from the overall compensation awarded. For example, if you are found to be 15% at fault for the accident, the total compensation awarded to you will also be reduced by 15%.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen anywhere and for a variety of reasons, though there are some common driving habits that can greatly increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Common causes of car accidents resulting in injuries include:

• Impaired driving: According to the Office of Traffic Safety, more than a quarter of traffic deaths in California have occurred in alcohol-related accidents. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs often have a difficult time focusing on the road. Their reaction times tend to be slower, meaning they may brake or swerve too late, and their inattention can cause them to drift over onto opposing traffic. Drunk drivers have also been known to fall asleep at the wheel.
• Speeding: Speeding is one of the leading causes of severe car accidents, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, as driving over the speed limit can reduce driver reaction times and increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Because speeding involves more energy, accidents may also result in more catastrophic injuries.
• Distracted driving: Due to the increase in cell phone usage over the past ten years, distracted driving is more common than ever with drivers texting and taking calls when they should be focused on the road. Distracted drivers may miss important traffic signals and may not notice slowed or stopped traffic ahead.
• Reckless driving: This kind of driving involves a failure to adhere to road laws, and can include failing to signal before changing lanes, changing lanes suddenly, failing to look at blind spots, and more.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Whether it’s a T-bone accident, rear-end collision, or some other kind of car accident, the resulting injuries can be devastating and expensive to treat. Common injuries suffered in a car accident include:

• Burns
• Cuts and bruises
• Sprains and fractures
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord and neck injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Whiplash

Even a symptom as slight as a headache can be an indication of underlying brain damage. No matter how minor your injuries may seem, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after your accident.

When to Get a Car Accident Lawyer

Car crash victims require the assistance of attorneys to ensure the preservation of crucial evidence, the collection of timely witness testimony, and the meeting of important deadlines that they may not be aware of. Following a car accident, evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, or surveillance footage can quickly disappear or be destroyed. Attorneys understand the significance of preserving this evidence to strengthen the victim's case. Similarly, obtaining witness statements promptly is crucial as memories can fade or details can be forgotten over time. Attorneys have the expertise to gather witness testimony effectively, ensuring valuable information is documented and preserved. Additionally, there are legal deadlines and procedural requirements that victims may be unaware of, such as filing insurance claims or initiating legal action within a specific timeframe. Attorneys help car crash victims navigate these deadlines and ensure all necessary steps are taken in a timely manner to protect their rights and maximize their chances of obtaining fair compensation.

Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

After a car accident, it’s important to gather enough evidence to support a potential personal injury claim. Many individuals who are injured are overwhelmed and too flustered to take photos and gather witness testimonies, and rightfully so. A car accident lawyer can revisit the scene, interview witnesses, and collect any doctor’s reports as well as crash reports documented by authorities. Our lawyer has more than 20 years of experience recovering damages for clients, which include:

• Medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, and more
• Lost wages and lost income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

With over $50 million recovered for past clients, we can be trusted to pursue full compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies will try to evade liability, which is why it’s important you have a strong case backed by hard evidence.