Newport Beach Car Accident Lawyer

Newport Beach Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents tend to leave lasting scars, both emotional and physical, on those who survive. It’s natural to have complex emotions after a crash. Seeking compensation is your legal right as a California resident. A Newport Beach car accident lawyer can help you navigate the entirety of your personal injury case.

Even if your accident seems straightforward, having an experienced attorney ensures that no detail is overlooked and that your rights are protected from the very beginning.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer That Locals Rely On

At Corrales Law Group, sibling attorneys Janice and Peter have helped hundreds of California clients get the compensation they deserve. Our team understands the barriers that make it difficult for vulnerable communities to access competent legal care. We’re dedicated to representing those who need it most.

We offer free consultations to residents of Newport Beach and surrounding towns. We also offer in-home consultations for those living with a disability, and Spanish services for those who are more comfortable speaking in their native language.

Let our team take care of your legal case so you can focus on rest and recovery.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Newport Beach

With only three access points into the city, Newport residents use Coast Highway, SR-55, and SR-73 for daily commuting. Jamboree Road, MacArthur Boulevard, and Irvine Avenue are major roads for commuters within the city, with thousands of residents driving daily.

The average Newport Beach resident had an average daily commute of 23.9 minutes in 2023, making the chance of an accident statistically high. In 2021, there were 500 victims of accidents in Newport Beach, both those injured and those who passed away.

Under California law, everyone has to obey traffic laws and act with care while operating a vehicle. When someone acts carelessly or breaks traffic rules, it’s called acting with negligence.

California Car Accident Laws

During a car accident, there’s typically not only one guilty party who contributed to the crash. California courts understand that even victims may have played a part in the crash, but it doesn’t bar them from seeking compensation.

Even if the filing party is found to be 99% at fault for the crash, they can still seek compensation. However, their final settlement award will be reduced by their percentage of fault in the crash. For example:

• If you weren’t wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, you may be found to be 10% at fault for the accident and resulting injuries.
• If the other driver hit you while running a stop sign, they may be found to be 90% at fault.
• If your final settlement amount is $100,000, it would be reduced by 10%, making your final settlement $90,000.

It’s important to hire a car accident lawyer to help you during this time. They’ll be able to factor in your estimated percentage of fault and use that to calculate a maximum compensation request.

To determine guilt in a car accident case, courts use a comparative negligence system to assign percentages of fault. To do this, they rely on the evidence provided during a case.

Types of Evidence to Bolster a Car Accident Claim in California

Providing courts with extensive evidence during your case is key to winning. Your lawyer will be able to help you understand what to collect, and even be able to help you gather some of it. Evidence can vary depending on the specifics of your case, but can include:

• Visual evidence. This includes photos and videos of the crash site, skid marks, property damage, any visible injuries you sustained, and damage to your vehicle or other personal belongings.
• Official documentation. This includes copies of the police incident report and your medical records, including both initial and follow-up treatments.
• Witness statements. Eyewitness testimony can support your version of events. Your lawyer can help contact and record any witness statements to further back your claim.
• Recorded footage. This can include dashcam recordings from your vehicle or a witness’s car, as well as surveillance or traffic camera footage from nearby businesses, homes, or intersections.

This evidence should be secured as soon as possible. Car crash sites are cleaned up quickly, and witness memories can fade. Those wanting to seek compensation have a two-year deadline for filing. If you fail to file your case, the court will likely dismiss your case and bar you from compensation.

Types of Damages Recoverable in a California Car Accident Case

The amount of compensation victims can request is calculated based on the damages they’ve suffered as a result of the crash. There are two main types of damages a person can request:

1. Economic damages. These damages are easy to calculate, as they’re based on the monetary loss the filing party has suffered. This includes medical bills, such as rehabilitation services and medical aid devices. It also includes any property damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings, like a damaged cell phone. You can also file for lost wages due to missing work from injuries.
2. Non-economic damages. These damages are more subjective and vary person-to-person. They’re based on the emotional losses incurred after the accident, such as pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive damages are a unique type of damages that can be requested in certain cases. They’re awarded to victims in cases where the guilty party acted with extreme malice or carelessness, such as intentionally breaking the law or extreme drunk driving. It’s used by courts to further punish bad behavior and deter any similar actions in the future.

The Corrales Law Group has been able to secure substantial settlements for our clients. Recently, we helped win a $1,600,000 settlement for a client suffering from post-concussive syndrome after their crash. Not all settlements are equal, however. The payout depends on how severe the injuries and property damage are, as well as how much fault each party has in the crash.

Even so, our smaller settlements are still life-changing for our clients. We’ve helped secure $250,000 for a recent client who was involved in an auto crash, as well as $500,000 for a pedestrian case.

No matter the scale, our clients are able to use their settlement to make their present and future more bearable to face. You deserve a brighter future after suffering through a car accident in Newport Beach.

FAQs About Newport Beach, CA Car Accident Laws

What Do I Do Right After a Car Accident Happens?

After a car accident, your health and safety are the top priority. Call 911 to get medical attention, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may take a while to present symptoms. Take photos and videos of the crash site, your injuries, and property damage. Collect the contact and insurance information from the other driver involved in the crash. Get the contact information from any witnesses. Then, hire a car accident lawyer to represent you.

What Do I Do if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you have a few options you can pursue for compensation. You can open a personal injury claim against them in court for causing the crash and injuries. You can also pursue compensation under your personal insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist protection. This type of coverage pays for any injuries incurred due to an uninsured driver. No matter the avenue you pursue, working with a lawyer will help protect your legal rights.

What Happens After I Report the Accident to My Insurance Company?

After you report the crash to your insurance company, you’ll need to wait until they follow up with you about it. This can sometimes take up to 15 days. When they contact you, they may want you to give them a recorded statement about the crash or answer questions under oath. To determine the worth of your vehicle’s damage, an insurance adjuster will inspect your car to create an estimate for your compensation.

Am I Allowed to Speak With Insurance Companies Without My Lawyer Present?

You can speak to insurance companies without a lawyer with you, but do so cautiously. It can be helpful to write what you plan to say before meeting. Insurance companies aren’t on your side and are looking to avoid paying. Only provide them with basic facts about the crash. Don’t speculate about what caused it or admit fault. If they ask you for a recorded statement or to answer questions under oath, wait until your lawyer is there with you.

Choose an Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm Today

Since 2012, Corrales Law Group has represented California residents when they need it most. Our firm was built on the foundation that all people deserve efficient legal services. Reach out to our Orange office today to schedule your first appointment. We offer free consultations and free in-home consultations to those living with a disability.

You don’t need to go through your car accident case alone. The Corrales Law Group is here to help. Our team takes pride in guiding clients step by step, offering compassionate representation that focuses on achieving the most favorable outcome for your future.