Pasadena Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can happen to anyone, including the safest drivers. A car accident in Pasadena, California, can cause severe injuries to victims, which may result in considerable financial losses due to medical bills, property costs, and other accident-related expenses. When another party’s negligent actions caused your damages, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation. However, doing so with no legal guidance may be a challenge. California’s personal injury laws are complex, and a misinterpretation might cost you your entire settlement. By hiring a Pasadena car accident attorney, you can be confident that they will do everything possible to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

What Causes Car Accidents in California?

With more vehicles on the road, car accidents in Pasadena are all too common. Various factors can contribute to car accidents and understanding what may cause a crash is just one way you can keep yourself safe on California roadways.

• Distracted driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. Drivers can easily be distracted by eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to other passengers. However, most drivers are distracted by their cell phones. California prohibits using cell phones while driving. Yet, texting while driving causes thousands of crashes each year.
• Drunk driving: Despite the known dangers of drunk driving, people continue to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Alcohol impairs a person’s judgment, depth perception, and ability to focus. Additionally, it delays their reaction time to other vehicles or dangerous road conditions.
• Speeding: Driving at high speeds is dangerous because drivers have less time to react to traffic, weather, and road conditions. Speeding may also lead to high-impact collisions, resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
• Improper turns: Stop lights, turning lanes, and turn signals are to help prevent accidents. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore the basic rules of the road and make improper turns. Examples can include turning without signaling, illegally turning at red lights, or turning at a stop sign without completely stopping.

You must always be aware of your surroundings when driving in Pasadena. Even though you are taking all steps to keep yourself safe, other drivers may not be as considerate. Be alert for erratic stopping, excessive speeding, and swerving between lanes. If you notice any of these signs, stay away from the vehicle and report the driver to law enforcement when it is safe to do so.

Common Types of Car Crashes in Pasadena

Auto accidents in Pasadena can come in various forms, including head-on collisions, rear-end crashes, or side-impact accidents. Understanding what accident you were involved in may help your attorney prove liability.

• Head-on collisions: Frontal impact collisions happen when one vehicle leaves its lane and collides with another going in the opposite direction. While these accidents are rare, they are more likely to occur in rural and suburban areas with no median separating traffic. Additionally, drunk drivers usually cause these crashes.
• Rear-end crashes: When a driver tailgates the vehicle in front of them, a rear-end crash may occur. These accidents are common in heavy traffic areas and may result in a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles.
• Side-impact accidents: Also known as T-bone accidents, these collisions occur when one vehicle hits another at a perpendicular angle, forming a “T” shape. They often happen at intersections.

What Should I Do Following a Car Accident in California?

The steps you take immediately after your car accident will influence the rest of your claim. One of the first things you should do after a crash is check for any injuries. If there were any injuries, you must report the collision to the police. However, calling law enforcement may help your claim as cops provide a fair and unbiased report of the crash and determine who was responsible.

While you wait for the police to arrive, you should take photos of the accident scene. Photos can prove the extent of damage to your vehicle. A Pasadena car accident attorney may also use the photos to prove the other driver was at fault. Photographing your injuries might also be beneficial.

Always exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to write down their name, contact information, and insurance policy information. If there are any witnesses to the crash, obtain their name and contact information.

Injuries Resulting from a Pasadena Car Accident

Injuries from a car accident in Pasadena can range from minor to severe, depending on the accident and impact location. In general, common injuries resulting from a car crash include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Cuts and bruises
• Whiplash
• Spine injuries
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Following your car accident, you should seek medical care. Even if you feel well or show no external injuries, a doctor can perform a complete check-up and diagnose any internal injuries. Seeking medical aid may also benefit your injury claim. Insurance representatives tend to interpret not going to the doctor as you exaggerating your injuries, making it easier for them to deny your claim.

Compensation You May Receive for Your Car Accident Injuries

The compensation you may receive for your car accident injuries depends on various factors, such as accident and injury severity. After thoroughly reviewing your case, a car accident attorney may be able to recover damage for the following losses:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage costs
• Physical therapy
• In-home rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering

Remember, it is never a good idea to accept a low settlement offer, or no settlement offer, from the insurance company representing the at-fault party. Insurers will use tactics that may deny or reduce your claim. Even saying “I’m fine” can have a detrimental effect on your case. Do not risk losing the compensation you need to cover accident-related costs by communicating with insurers directly. Instead, contact an injury attorney in Pasadena to protect your interests.

Wonder How Much Time You Have To File An Injury Claim With Your Insurance?

Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Pasadena

If you were recently in a car accident in Pasadena, California, do not hesitate to contact the car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys have the skill and experience necessary to bring the responsible party to justice. Call or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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