Costa Mesa Car Accident Lawyer

Costa Mesa Car Accident Attorney

Costa Mesa boasts a wide range of transportation for residents, consisting of sidewalks, bicycle routes, buses, trails, and roads and freeways for drivers. However, the natural congestion that comes with commuting often leads to accidents. If this happens, working with a Costa Mesa car accident lawyer is key to staying protected.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Costa Mesa, CA

A family law firm composed of sibling attorneys Peter and Janice, the Corrales Law Group has been protecting Californians since 2012. Our personal injury attorneys know the significance of excellent legal representation.

Many either can’t access or afford these services, and the team at Corrales Law Group prides itself on helping those who need it most. We offer free consultations to new clients and in-home visits to those living with disabilities.

Common Costa Mesa Car Accidents

With its central location in Orange County, Costa Mesa has major highways running in and around town. San Diego Freeway (I-405), Corona del Mar Freeway (SR-73), and Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) see thousands of drivers daily.

Because of the normalcy of driving as a method of transport, drivers tend to make simple mistakes that can end up costing lives.

While no one can control how another commuter drives, we can be more cautious of our own driving. Some common, and avoidable, causes of car accidents include:

• Driving under the influence. In 2021, 3% of all California drivers killed in crashes tested positive for drugs in their system. In 2023, there were 1,355 fatalities due to drunk driving.
• Distracted driving. With the common use of navigational phone apps, distracted driving has led to more accidents in recent years. Distracted driving can include texting, eating, talking on the phone, and even changing a music station on the radio. While doing these may not seem like a big deal, 3,275 Americans died due to distracted driving in 2023.
• Speeding. In 2022, Costa Mesa saw 648 fatalities due to car crashes, and 106 were due to speeding. Speeding makes a driver’s reaction time slower, making accidents highly likely. On highways, speeding is common and yet easily avoidable.

For those involved in a crash, knowing what to do next is imperative to your health, safety, and legal protection.

Costa Mesa Car Accident Laws

Under California law, drivers in Costa Mesa who do something careless or break traffic laws are considered negligent if it results in a car accident. During a car accident case, the California court uses a comparative negligence system to determine fault.

In car accidents, oftentimes the injured party played a role in the accident. Courts understand this and will still allow an injured person to seek compensation for their experience. However, if the courts find you partially at fault for the accident, your final settlement amount will be reduced.

For example:

• If a car hit you while you were running a stop sign, you may be assigned 40% at fault for the incident.
• If the driver was speeding excessively at the time of the incident, they may be found 60% at fault.
• If you were awarded $100,000, it would be reduced by your percentage of fault to a final amount of $60,000.

Many other states that operate under this system require that the injured party not be found more than 50% at fault for the incident. If they are, they can’t receive any compensation. However, California allows injured parties to pursue compensation even if they’re found to be 99% at fault for the crash.

To prove driver negligence and fault, extensive evidence is required. To gather this evidence and protect your rights, you’ll need to act quickly after a crash happens.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it’s vital to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may take longer to start showing symptoms. Even if injuries do not appear present, seeking medical advice can help ensure this is part of any future legal procedures.

Contact 911. Under California law, if a car accident injures or kills someone, it has to be reported within 24 hours. This report can be made to the California Highway Patrol.

You’ll then want to take photos and videos of:

• The accident site
• Any damage to vehicles or other property
• Any visible injuries

An accident scene can be disturbed quickly, making it important to take photos as soon as possible. Then, collect the contact and insurance information of all parties involved in the incident. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the crash happen.

Then, seek legal counsel. It’s essential to hire a car accident lawyer after an accident happens. They’ll help ensure your rights aren’t violated at any point during your case. With their help, you’ll start collecting evidence in support of your legal claim.

Different Types of Evidence in a California Car Accident Case

The aftermath of a car accident can feel chaotic and overwhelming, especially if you’re facing a major injury. Knowing what to do beforehand can help you avoid making any mistakes after an incident happens.

During this time, don’t apologize to the other party or admit any fault in the accident. Avoid posting about the accident on social media until your case is resolved. Doing any of this can damage your future case.

Along with the photos and videos, proof of fault in a car accident can include:

• Copies of the incident report
• Copies of medical records
• Surveillance footage of the incident
• Dashcam or traffic footage of the incident
• Eyewitness statements
• Professional car crash expert testimony

Then, with the help of your lawyer, you’ll file your claim with the court to start your legal case. After an accident happens, it’s normal to feel angry towards the other party for causing you pain and damage to your car. Seeking compensation is your legal right.

While it can’t take away the physical or emotional trauma resulting from the incident, it can help make your present and future more bearable to face.

FAQs About Costa Mesa, CA Car Accident Laws

What’s the Statute of Limitations for Filing My Car Accident Claim in Costa Mesa?

In Costa Mesa, car accident claims have a two-year deadline for filing. However, the deadline changes depending on your specific case. For example, if the incident involved a government vehicle, such as a police car, the deadline is only six months from the date of the incident. While this may seem long, it’s important to file promptly, as evidence like witness memory can fade. If you don’t file within the proper deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case.

What Do I Do if the Other Party Refuses to Share Their Contact or Insurance Information With Me?

If the other party refuses to share their contact information or insurance information, it is important to stay calm and let the police handle it for you. After calling 911 to report the incident, officers can collect the other driver’s information on your behalf if the driver won’t cooperate with you directly. Don’t argue with the other driver, as it can escalate things and make the situation worse.

What Do I Do if I Was Involved in a Hit-and-Run?

If you were injured during a hit-and-run, you’ll need to call 911 right away to report it. Get the contact information of any witnesses, as their testimony can help law enforcement track down the driver. Your insurance policy may be able to provide compensation through uninsured motorist protection. You’ll then need to seek a lawyer for your case, as having them present during insurance company meetings is vital to your protection. You can still seek compensation after a hit-and-run case.

What Types of Damages Can I Seek During a Car Accident Case?

There are two main types of damages that a car accident survivor can seek in their legal case. These are called economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are anything that has a price tag, such as medical bills and loss of income. Non-economic damages are for more subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Your lawyer will be able to help you calculate the amount of compensation to seek during your case.

Should I Speak With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

You can speak with the other driver’s insurance company. However, even with good intentions, insurance companies are looking for any reason to avoid paying. Only provide the insurance adjuster with basic facts about the incident. It can help to write down notes before the meeting. Avoid speculating about the cause of the incident or admitting any fault. Having your attorney present to handle your statement can help protect your legal rights.

Contact a Costa Mesa Car Accident Lawyer

If you are in a car accident, don’t wait to seek the help you need. At the Corrales Law Group, our team is ready to put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Whether it is representing you in litigation or simply communicating on your behalf with insurance companies, we ensure our clients have the tools they need to successfully navigate the challenges they face after a car accident.

Contact our team today to schedule your first free consultation. Our team can assist clients in both English and Spanish.