Irvine Car Accident Lawyer
Irvine Car Accident Attorney
At Bentley & More LLP, we are here to help if you need an Irvine car accident attorney by your side. We have extensive resources at our disposal, and we know what it takes to stand up to at-fault parties and help clients recover the compensation they are entitled to.
Why Partner with an Irvine Car Accident Attorney at Our Law Firm?
When you’re involved in a serious auto accident that results in significant injuries or property damage, the aftermath can be overwhelming. In such situations, it’s crucial to have experienced and dedicated legal representation to guide you through the process of seeking compensation and protecting your rights.
When you partner with a compassionate car accident lawyer at Bentley & More LLP, you gain:
1.Personalized Attention
At Bentley & More LLP, our auto accident lawyers prioritize building strong relationships with our clients. We will take the time to listen to your story, understand the impact the accident has had on your life, and identify your needs and concerns. By working closely with you, we can develop a legal strategy that addresses your specific situation and goals.
2.Knowledge in car accident cases
Our team of personal injury lawyers have experience handling a wide range of car accident cases, from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions. We have a deep understanding of the legal process, the tactics used by insurance companies, and the evidence needed to build a strong car accident case on your behalf.
3.Unwavering advocacy
Insurance companies often prioritize their own interests over those of accident victims, and they may attempt to minimize or deny your car accident claim. At Bentley & More LLP, we are not intimidated by aggressive insurance carriers. We are prepared to stand up for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
4. Commitment to Compensation
Our goal is to help you recover the compensation available for your injuries, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and consult with experts to build a compelling argument for the full extent of your damages.
5. Support
Beyond legal representation, we offer support to help you navigate the challenges that follow a serious car accident.
When you choose Bentley & More LLP, you can have confidence that your case is in capable hands. We combine personalized attention, legal skills, and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident, contact an Irvine car accident attorney to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Irvine
Get Medical Care
In the aftermath of a car accident in Irvine, getting medical help should be your top priority, even if you feel unharmed. Many car accident injuries, such as internal bleeding, concussions, or nerve damage, may not be immediately apparent. Seeking prompt medical attention can help identify and treat these hidden issues before they worsen.
While visible scrapes or bruises may seem trivial at first, it’s common for additional symptoms to manifest in the days following the accident. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help confirm that any underlying injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
Keep Your Medical Records
Keeping detailed records of the medical bills and care you receive after the accident is crucial. These documents can serve as valuable evidence when building a car accident case to pursue compensation for your injuries and associated expenses.
Prioritize Your Health
Your health should be the primary concern, and you should never hesitate to seek medical attention due to financial considerations. Be proactive in advocating for your well-being by clearly communicating your health concerns to your healthcare provider.
Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments are equally important, not only for monitoring your recovery progress but also for providing additional documentation. Regularly consulting with your doctor helps make sure that your healing process is on track and that any complications are promptly addressed.
Remember, taking prompt action to prioritize your health and meticulously documenting your medical care may improve your chances of receiving the compensation you need for the injuries sustained in the car accident.
How Much is My Car Accident Claim Worth in Irvine?
After a car accident, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. It’s only fair that you receive compensation for all that you’ve endured. But determining the value of your car accident claim can be complicated.
At Bentley & More LLP, our skilled Irvine car accident attorneys have extensive experience calculating and pursuing maximum compensation for our clients. We’ll evaluate every way the accident has upended your life to ensure your claim accounts for:
- Medical Expenses – From ambulance fees and hospitalization to future treatment costs, we’ll cover every necessary medical expense related to your injuries.
- Lost Income – Whether you missed work during recovery or suffered disabilities preventing you from your previous job, we’ll pursue compensation for all lost wages and diminished future earnings.
- Property Damage – We’ll make sure the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle is covered.
- Pain and Suffering – The physical and emotional trauma of an accident can be life-altering. You deserve compensation for ongoing pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Disability/Disfigurement – If your injuries have caused permanent disabilities or disfigurements, additional compensation may be available.
Every claim is unique, with nuances only an experienced car accident attorney can identify. Our team will evaluate your full circumstances to calculate and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Insurance Companies and Claims: The Process After a Car Accident
Following a car accident, your top priority should be your health and well-being. However, it is also essential to approach interactions with insurance companies cautiously, as their goals may differ from your own.
As profit-driven businesses, insurance companies have a responsibility to their shareholders to maximize earnings. While they may express concern for your well-being, their primary objective is to protect their financial interests. Consequently, they may try to reduce or reject car accident claims to maintain higher profits.
To help protect your rights, it’s wise to consult with a Fort Smith car accident attorney before talking with your insurance company, particularly if you have personal injuries. Your car accident lawyer can handle the claims process on your behalf, representing your interests while you focus on your recovery.
Refrain from providing any statements or details to your insurance company. Simply inform them that you will be in touch after consulting with an Irvine car accident lawyer. This can help you avoid unintentionally compromising your car accident claim or accepting a subpar settlement offer.
Keep in mind that insurance companies have dedicated teams working to safeguard their interests. By working with an experienced car accident lawyer, you can have a more balanced process and protect your rights throughout the claims journey.
Car Accident Injuries in Irvine
Auto injuries can lead to major setbacks for those involved. More than 200,000 individuals sustained car accident injuries during the latest reporting year of data on file, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Unfortunately, many of the injuries car accident victims in Irvine sustain are severe, and often include the following:
- Spinal cord trauma
- Brain injuries
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Major lacerations or puncture wounds
- Significant burn injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Internal bleeding or internal organ damage
In addition to the physical injuries so often caused by car accidents, our team also recognizes that individuals may sustain significant emotional and psychological trauma caused by an accident. This can include extended feelings of anxiety, fear, sleeplessness, and stress, along with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Our team will work with trusted medical and mental health experts to help adequately assess all injuries that our clients sustain so we can recover full compensation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Irvine
Unfortunately, vehicle accidents in Irvine occur in a wide variety of ways, much like the rest of the state of California. The Office of Traffic Safety specifically points out that the following are common causes of motor vehicle crashes:
- Speeding or Driving Too Fast for the Conditions: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of impact in the event of a collision. Drivers should always adhere to posted speed limits and adjust their speed based on weather, road conditions, and traffic.
- Impairment Caused by Alcohol or Drugs: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a person’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impaired driving is a leading cause of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the roads.
- Failing to Yield the Right of Way: Disregarding right-of-way rules, such as failing to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left or merging improperly, can lead to serious accidents. Drivers must be aware of and follow right-of-way laws to prevent collisions.
- Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign or Other Traffic Signal: Running red lights, stop signs, or other traffic control devices is a common cause of accidents at intersections. Drivers must obey all traffic signals and signs to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.
- Improper Turning: Making improper turns, such as turning from the wrong lane, cutting corners, or failing to signal, can catch other drivers off guard and lead to accidents. Drivers should always use the appropriate lanes and signals when making turns.
- Distracted Driving: Engaging in activities that take a driver’s attention away from the road, such as using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Drivers should minimize distractions and keep their focus on the task of driving.
In addition to these types of driver negligence, other causes of vehicle accidents in Irvine can include collisions with commercial vehicles. If you were in an accident with one, please reach out to our Irvine truck accident attorneys today.
Proving Negligence After an Irvine Car Accident
After a vehicle accident occurs, one of the chief priorities is to determine negligence. Since these accidents are almost always caused by the negligence of one or more drivers on the roadway, determining negligence typically means gathering as much evidence as possible related to the incident to show what happened. This evidence can include photographs taken at the scene of the incident, surveillance from cameras near the scene, statements from drivers and eyewitnesses, and more.
The ultimate goal is to show that an at-fault driver’s actions caused the incident. Every driver on the roadway owes a duty of care to others around them. This duty means that they are required to operate their vehicles safely anytime they get behind the wheel. If a driver proceeds to breach their duty of care in some way, and if this breach of duty causes injuries to another, then it is likely the at-fault driver will be held responsible for the incident. Any of the items mentioned above as causes of accidents could constitute a breach of duty of care.
There are incidents where more than one party could be at fault for an incident, and the state of California uses a pure comparative negligence system to allocate shared fault. This will change how much compensation a person receives, so we encourage you to work with your attorney if you face accusations of shared fault.
Types of Compensation Available for These Claims
There may be various types of compensation available for Irvine car accident victims. At Bentley & More LLP, our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience working with trusted economic and medical experts. We know how to calculate these losses on behalf of our clients.
Economic damages are the calculable losses that Irvine car accident victims are likely to experience after the incident. These losses are calculated by analyzing receipts, bills, invoices, and estimates, and usually include:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Continued hospital and doctor visits
- Any necessary in-home medical care
- Coverage of home and vehicle modifications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medication expenses
- Property damage expenses
Non-economic damages are not as easily calculable as the economic losses just mentioned. These types of damages revolve around less visible types of injuries and expenses. There may not be bills or receipts that can be used to easily calculate the physical and emotional pain and suffering along with the loss of quality of life that car accident victims experience. However, there are methods that an attorney and economic experts will use to help adequately place a dollar value on these damages.
Call an Irvine Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or somebody you care about has sustained an injury or property damage in an accident caused by another driver in the Irvine area, reach out to the team at Bentley & More LLP for help immediately. We want to begin investigating your claim today so we can fast-track the compensation you need to get through this. Our team will negotiate with other parties, but we have no problem taking our case to trial if necessary. When you need an Irvine car accident lawyer, reach out to us for a free consultation of your claim by filling out our contact form or calling us at (949) 264-0226