Mission Viejo Car Accident Lawyer

Mission Viejo Car Accident Attorney

The emotional, physical, and financial issues that stem from a car accident in Mission Viejo can be more than overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover. If you or a loved one sustained injuries and other damages in a car accident, it’s crucial that you do not wait to hire legal counsel. An experienced Mission Viejo car accident lawyer from the Corrales Law Group can help you file a powerful claim and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

Your Trusted Mission Viejo Personal Injury Law Firm

Sibling attorneys, Peter and Janice Corrales, created the Corrales Law Group with one mission in mind: to protect the legal rights of California’s most vulnerable communities. For years, we’ve pursued that goal tirelessly. Our team is composed of compassionate and fearless personal injury attorneys with decades of courtroom experience.

We offer free consultations to those living in Mission Viejo and the surrounding California towns. If you have physical difficulties after your accident, our attorneys can travel to your home for your consultation. We also offer Spanish-speaking services to those who are most comfortable communicating in their native language. We’re dedicated to making the legal process as seamless as possible for you, especially when you’re in the middle of recovering.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Mission Viejo

Residents of Mission Viejo frequently use busy highways like the Santa Ana Freeway, the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, and the Foothill Transportation Corridor. In a town of 92,415 people with an average of two cars per household in 2023, the chances of a car crash are high. In 2021, there were 267 victims of motor vehicle accidents in Mission Viejo, both those who suffered nonfatal injuries and those who passed away because of the incident.

After getting into a car accident in Mission Viejo, there are several key steps you should take to protect yourself and your future legal claim. These include:

1. Call 911 to Request Medical Assistance and Law Enforcement. Even if you feel okay, car accidents can often cause internal injuries that are difficult to spot from the outside. Being documented by medical professionals immediately helps give you evidence for your future claim and ensures you’re safe. Plus, calling for law enforcement ensures an official report of the accident is made.
2. Collect Insurance and Contact Information. If you’re able, you should collect contact and insurance information from anyone else involved in the accident. If they refuse to give you their information, avoid arguing with them. They likely won’t change their mind, and it could escalate the already tense situation. Instead, wait for law enforcement to arrive at the scene and collect information on your behalf.
3. Collect Witness Statements. If any witnesses saw the accident occur, you or law enforcement should collect statements to aid with your claim.
4. Take Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene. Taking extensive photos and videos of the crash site, your visible injuries, and any damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings can play a key role in your claim.
5. Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Based in Mission Viejo. It’s crucial that you call a lawyer quickly after your accident to ensure you protect your rights, safety, and future legal claim. A lawyer can advise you on what steps to take and how to talk to insurers.

How California Courts Determine Fault in a Car Accident Case

Using the evidence provided by the parties involved, your Mission Viejo court will give everyone involved in the crash a percentage of fault. This means that the guilty party will only end up paying what they owe, and any compensation awarded to the victim will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if the guilty party was texting and driving when they hit you, they may be assigned 80% at fault. If you were slightly speeding at the time of the crash, you may be assigned 20% at fault. If you’re awarded $100,000, it would be reduced by 20%, making your final compensation $80,000. Your lawyer can help you better understand how your percentage of fault will impact your overall settlement.

FAQs About Mission Viejo, CA Car Accident Laws

What Are the Economic Damages You Can Get From a Car Accident Claim in California?

Economic damages are a type of damage that can be awarded after a car accident in Mission Viejo or throughout California. These damages are calculated based on the financial losses you’ve suffered since the incident. They can include compensation for your medical bills, lost income due to missing work from your recovery, and damage to your vehicle and personal belongings, such as your cell phone or bag.

What Non-Economic Damages Can You Earn After a Car Accident in California?

Non-economic damages in California are another type of damage that can be awarded to the victim of a Mission Viejo car accident. These damages are calculated based on the emotional losses you’ve suffered because of the crash. They can be harder to calculate, but are equally important as economic damages. Non-economic damages can compensate for your pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

When Are Punitive Damages Awarded in a Mission Viejo Car Accident Claim?

Punitive damages are a specific type of damage in Mission Viejo that are awarded in cases where the main offender acted with extreme negligence or malice. For example, if the main offender was drunk or distracted before they hit you, they may have to pay punitive damages as further punishment for their actions. While these damages help compensate the victim, they’re designed to help deter any harmful behavior from happening in the future.

Can I Speak to an Insurance Adjuster After a California Car Accident Without an Attorney Present?

While you can speak to an insurance adjuster without your attorney, it’s vital to speak carefully. It can be helpful to write down what you’ll say before the meeting begins and talk to your lawyer beforehand. Otherwise, it’s in your strongest interest to go into an insurance meeting with your attorney, as they have strong negotiation skills and know common tactics insurers use to lowball victims.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Mission Viejo Today

Reach out to the Corrales Law Group today to learn how our lawyers can help you after a car accident in Mission Viejo. We offer free consultations to new clients at our Orange County office and in-home consultations to clients living with disabilities. The hardest step after an accident is seeking legal representation. We can handle your case from there.