Orange County Car Accident Attorney
Following a car accident, victims will have dozens of questions floating through their heads and no answer in sight. Bentley & More LLP can answer most of your questions during an initial consultation or while handling your accident claim. The legal process is full of complexities, and you should focus on healing – not trying to decipher legal issues.
The financial toll of a crash is also overwhelming, leaving victims with many stresses, including immense medical expenses. That is where an experienced Orange County car accident attorney with Bentley & More LLP can help you. We will handle the legal process so you can get the compensation you need.
Why choose Bentley & More LLP
Our team works closely with clients to address their individual needs. We fight for your rights and will seek the maximum compensation available for your claim. We have exhaustive resources available to invest and prove your case. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis and have expert witnesses ready to address any unique challenges. Negotiation is the key to getting you the compensation you seek, but we are prepared to draft and file a lawsuit when necessary. We know all the deadlines and relevant laws that apply to your case.
We take attorney referrals as well. Contact our office for guidance if you have a solid but complex case. Working with an experienced attorney, we can get the best possible outcome for the injured victim. We have extensive experience handling car accidents in Orange County and can handle the nuances of dealing with insurance companies. Cases with life-altering consequences are harrowing and complex, but we strive to offer the best resources and representation available.
Understanding Car Accidents in Orange County
Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, causing physical harm, emotional distress, and financial burdens. In Orange County, car accidents are, unfortunately, an everyday occurrence. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), More than 12,500 car crashes occurred in Orange County in one recent year, resulting in 17,400 injuries and fatalities combined.
Types of Car Accidents
There are several types of car accidents that can occur in Orange County, including:
- Rear-end collisions: These are the most common type of car accident, accounting for over one-third of all crashes. They often occur due to sudden stops or distracted driving.
- Head-on collisions: These car accidents are the most deadly type of car accident, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. They typically happen when a driver crosses the center line or drives the wrong way on a one-way street.
- Side-impact collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents, these occur when one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. They often happen at intersections and can cause significant injuries to the occupants of the struck vehicle.
- Rollover accidents: These occur when a vehicle flips over, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Rollovers often occur when another driver sideswipes, clips, or collides with a vehicle, causing it to lose control.
- Hit-and-run accidents: These occur when one driver flees the scene of an accident, leaving the other driver or pedestrian injured or stranded. Hit-and-run accidents can complicate the process of seeking compensation and justice.
The most dangerous Orange County roads
Driving is a privilege and a responsibility, and with so many drivers around Orange County, the roads are inherently dangerous. Heavy traffic is common, especially in tourist areas.
The three most dangerous roads in Orange County for car accidents are:
- Ortega Highway
- Beach Boulevard
- Laguna Canyon Road
While a crash can occur on any roadway, these locations are notorious for having a high volume of motor vehicle accidents—Ortega Highway saw 212 accidents in just four months. Motor vehicle accident Statistics are shocking for these roadways, and our team is familiar with the factors that make these roads dangerous. We fight for those who dangerous drivers injured in Orange County.
Most common causes
Car accidents are common in Orange County, and with so many happening daily, some trends present themselves. Knowing the common causes of car accidents does little for victims to prevent them, but it can help them seek justice after someone else causes a crash.
The top cause of car accidents in the O.C. include:
- Speeding
- Running a red light or stop signs
- Road rage
- Distracted driving
- Dangerous lane changes
- Drowsy driving
- Vehicle defects
- Driver error
- Parking lot accidents
Car accident victims can suffer life-changing injuries due to reckless drivers. Other drivers consciously violate the law or participate in reckless behaviors and must face the consequences. Their insurance companies should cover their liability when they injure you, and our Orange County car accident lawyers know how to seek the financial recovery you need.
Common Injuries in Orange County Car Accidents
A serious car crash can transform your life in an instant, resulting in devastating injuries that require extensive medical treatment and result in substantial lost wages. At Bentley & More, our Orange County car accident attorneys have helped countless victims recover compensation for both immediate and long-term injuries.
Some of the car accident injuries we commonly see are:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Motor vehicle accidents frequently cause concussions and more severe brain injuries that can result in permanent cognitive changes and require ongoing medical care. Even a seemingly minor head injury can have life-altering consequences. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in the U.S.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Car accidents are a top cause of spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis requiring lifetime care and rehabilitation. These catastrophic injuries often lead to substantial medical bills and the need for extensive lifestyle modifications.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The violent forces car accidents generate can cause multiple fractures that may require surgery and extended physical therapy to heal properly. Recovery often means significant time away from work and ongoing medical treatment.
Internal Injuries
Vehicle accidents can cause severe internal trauma and bleeding that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. These injuries often require emergency medical intervention and careful monitoring.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash and other soft tissue damage can cause chronic pain and limited mobility, despite insurance companies often trying to minimize these claims. These injuries may require extensive physical therapy and pain management.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond physical injuries, car accident victims often endure significant physical pain and emotional suffering that can persist long after the initial recovery. Our experienced car accident attorneys fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your pain and suffering, including your physical and emotional trauma.
Psychological Trauma
Many car accident victims experience anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional challenges that deserve the same attention as physical injuries. These psychological effects can significantly impact daily life and should be included in your personal injury claim.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, some auto accidents result in fatal injuries. If you’ve lost a loved one in a car crash, our experienced car accident attorneys can help pursue a wrongful death claim to secure justice for your family.
At Bentley & More, we understand how these serious injuries impact every aspect of your life. Contact our Orange County car accident lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your injury claim. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Determining fault in car accidents
Our attorneys consider three elements when assessing fault: vehicle, driver, and environment. The facts of the accident will determine who should be responsible.
When evaluating the car, a manufacturing or design defect can contribute to an accident. If that is the case, then you must hold the part manufacturer or maintenance company responsible for their actions.
The environment is more than just the weather conditions. Environment relates to road maintenance and defects. Signage and other factors can also contribute to your accident. When the hazardous driving environment contributes to your case, you can hold a government agency responsible for your losses.
Lastly and most often, the basis of fault is another driver’s actions. The at-fault driver was negligent somehow – therefore, their insurance company is responsible for your losses. Every case is different, and you must have an Orange County car accident lawyer to assess fault and liability.
Let us handle the insurance companies
Insurance companies often employ sophisticated tactics to minimize or deny legitimate car accident claims. Directly communicating with insurers without an experienced Orange County car accident attorney can seriously jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
Protecting their company’s profits is the primary goal of insurance adjusters, whose performance is often measured by minimizing payouts. If an insurer for the at-fault party contacts you after a car accident, they may:
- Request recorded statements that could be used against you
- Pressure you to accept a quick, lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries
- Question your medical treatment or suggest you’re receiving unnecessary care
- Dispute liability or claim your injuries existed before the auto accident
- Delay processing your insurance claim hoping you’ll give up
- Misrepresent your policy coverage or rights
At Bentley & More, our Orange County car accident attorneys understand how insurance companies operate because we’ve dealt with them for decades. When you work with our legal team, you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or accepting less than you deserve. Our experienced car accident lawyers handle all the communications and negotiations to obtain maximum compensation for all our damages and losses.
Insurance companies also know which law firms are capable and willing to take car accident cases to trial if they refuse to settle fairly. As established trial lawyers in Orange County, California, Bentley & More’s reputation for courtroom success motivates insurance carriers to offer higher settlements faster. But if they don’t, we’re fully prepared to argue your case before a judge or jury.
Insurance claim negotiations
The insurance adjuster is seeking more information and ways to minimize your claim. They will take advantage of your vulnerable position and try to get you to accept a low offer. Never accept any settlement amount without our legal guidance.
When you hire our car accident lawyers in Orange County, we will calculate your losses so you know exactly how much you deserve. Then, when the insurance company comes with a minimal offer, you will know to reject it. We can provide additional evidence to support your claim and prove the severity of your injuries and losses.
Our negotiating skills shine when we fight for our clients against insurance companies. We will know what your case is worth and aren’t backing down. We will negotiate until we receive a fair offer, and if the insurer does not offer enough, we will not hesitate to take them to court.
Uninsured and underinsured motorists
While all drivers should carry insurance, some choose not to, which is illegal and puts others at risk. When the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you can file a claim with your uninsured motorist’s policy. The caveat is you must have this provision in your policy since it is not standard.
The coverage will pay for property damages, medical bills, and car repairs within your policy limits. Getting uninsured motorist coverage can still be an uphill battle, and you must discuss your options with an experienced car accident lawyer in Orange County.
Sometimes, the other driver has insurance, but it is insufficient to cover your medical bills and other losses. Your insurance policy may pay for the remainder of your losses in these cases. We can help with negotiations, whether with the insurer of the at-fault party or your own UM/UIM coverage.
Maximizing Your Car Accident Compensation
Every car accident case is unique, and determining the true value of your personal injury claim requires thorough investigation and expert analysis. At Bentley & More, our experienced car accident attorneys work diligently to help car accident victims recover compensation for all the damages and losses they’ve suffered. Types of recoverable damages include:
Medical Bills and Healthcare Expenses
- Current and future medical treatment costs
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment and devices
- In-home care services
Our Orange County car accident lawyers work with healthcare providers to arrange medical treatment on a lien basis, meaning you can receive necessary care without upfront costs. We understand that medical bills add up quickly after a car crash, and we fight to ensure the negligent driver’s insurance carrier covers all your healthcare expenses.
Long-Term and Future Damages
Our Orange County car accident attorneys work with medical experts and life care planners to calculate future expenses:
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Future surgeries and procedures
- Long-term rehabilitation needs
- Home modifications
- Lifetime care costs for serious injuries
Lost Income and Career Impacts
A serious car accident often results in substantial lost wages and career setbacks. Our legal team documents all forms of income loss:
- Missed work time for medical appointments
- Sick leave and vacation time used
- Lost bonuses and benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Business losses for self-employed victims
For self-employed car accident victims, we use tax returns, business records, and expert testimony to prove lost income claims. Our experienced car accident attorneys understand how to demonstrate income losses for all employment situations.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain and emotional trauma are significant components of most car accident cases. We help prove these non-economic damages through:
- Medical documentation of physical pain
- Mental health treatment records
- Impact on daily activities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Property Damage
Beyond vehicle repairs or replacement, we pursue compensation for:
- Personal property damaged in the crash
- Rental car expenses
- Diminished vehicle value
- Custom vehicle modifications
- Transportation costs
Proving Your Car Accident Case’s Value
Every car accident case requires thorough investigation and documentation to establish its true value. Our legal team gathers police reports, interviews witnesses, collects medical records, and works with accident reconstruction experts to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence.
To strengthen your car accident case, Bentley & More LLP collaborates with medical specialists, economic experts, and life care planners. These professionals help demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs, ensuring no aspect of your claim is overlooked.
Our experienced car accident attorneys also analyze all possible insurance coverage sources, including the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and any applicable umbrella policies. This comprehensive approach helps maximize your potential compensation.
Bentley & More handles all aspects of your case on a contingency fee basis. We advance all case costs, manage insurance company negotiations, and prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This thorough preparation often motivates insurance carriers to offer fair settlements sooner.
Contact our legal team for a free consultation to discuss your car accident claim. Don’t let the insurance adjuster undervalue your injuries – let our experienced car accident attorneys fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Cost of hiring an Orange County car accident lawyer
Our lawyers in Orange County work on a contingency fee. They will receive a percentage of your final settlement, depending on case length and the resources they use.
The fee structure is in the initial representation paperwork you sign. The percentage can vary from pre-litigation, litigation, and trial. During an initial consultation, you can ask about these fees and if they will increase if your case goes into litigation.
You don’t pay attorney costs out of pocket, so you never have to worry about whether you can retain our personal injury lawyers.
Settlement versus trial
When injury victims file claims, a resolution can be possible through trial or settlement proceedings. Some people are unfamiliar with the terms, risks, and benefits of each. Most claims will resolve during settlement negotiations if the insurance company is fair and your attorney can prove vital elements of your claim. Accepting or declining an offer is your decision, but your lawyer will advise you on the merits of all offers.
Our car accident lawyers work to get the best outcome possible. Sometimes that involves filing a personal injury lawsuit and gearing up for trial. The probability of going to trial often depends on settlement offers and how far apart they are from the compensation you need. When choosing an attorney, find one with trial experience. Choose Bentley & More LLP.
Call an Orange County car accident lawyer immediately
Greg Bentley & Keith More, Car Accident Lawyers
Car accident victims must move swiftly in Orange County to protect their rights. There are strict deadlines and many legal processes to go through. Reach out to a Orange County personal injury lawyer. You’re facing the physical consequence of an accident and have enough on your plate. If a car accident injured you or took the life of a loved one, contact us at Bentley & More LLP to speak with our Orange County car accident lawyers immediately. Start with a free consultation to review your case.
Client Testimonial
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Bentley & More for the past 5-6 years. Their drive and compassion to earn great results for their clients is obvious to everyone who works with them.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with the firm to help serve their clients.” – Nicole S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Bentley & More LLP – Orange County Office
Phone: (949) 870-3800