A car accident need not be severe in order for you to be eligible for financial compensation. Minor car accidents are often also compensable. Any car accident that results in financial loss or injury due to negligence or even human error may result in a personal injury lawsuit and a damages award. In many cases, someone who is distracted, speeding, or intoxicated may be responsible for such accidents. Laws in California are established to protect injured victims and allow them the opportunity to seek compensation in civil court after a car accident.
While a car accident can involve straightforward circumstances, such as another vehicle failing to come to a complete stop, there are other types of accidents that are more difficult to investigate and ultimately prove in a personal injury claim. Hit and run accidents, for example, typically require an investigation to uncover the identity of the at-fault driver. A multi-vehicle accident is another scenario that will likely require assistance from a proven Riverside car accident lawyer to uncover the root cause of the crash and demonstrate how liability is distributed among the various drivers.
Road rage accidents may involve serious criminal charges, but that type of driver is likely to also be liable in civil court for any damages caused. If a work vehicle is responsible for your accident, an experienced member of our team may seek damages from the employer of the driver and/or the company that owns the vehicle. At Dordulian Law Group, we can also file claims against responsible government agencies if they deny your right to compensation.
Our experienced attorneys can help you pursue a financial award for your personal injury case. Contact us online or by phone for a free consultation today.
If you suffered any type of injury – including physical and psychological/emotional – or endured financial loss as a result of a car accident, you likely have a valid claim for financial compensation. Your DLG Riverside car accident lawyer will need to clearly demonstrate that another entity caused your accident and injuries, whether due to negligence, malfeasance, or general human error. As California is a comparative fault law state, even if you may still be eligible for financial compensation even if you were partially at-fault for the accident.
Although there is never a guarantee that a lawsuit will be successful after a car accident, suffering injury or financial loss is often an excellent prerequisite for determining whether or not you have a valid claim. The extent of those injuries or financial losses will help in determining the types of damages we are able to pursue on your behalf, and the amount of compensation you may ultimately receive. Consult with a member of our legal team at Dordulian Law Group to learn more about your rights as a victim. During your free consultation, one of our attorneys will better explain how your circumstances and ensuing evidence may help in leading to successfully recovering significant financial compensation.
Never assume that you can or cannot sue for compensation without first speaking with a qualified, experienced, and dedicated personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled cases such as yours. Allow your DLG car accident lawyer to assess the facts of the claim and provide a general estimate for how much your case may be worth.
Schedule an appointment online for a free consultation today, or call us directly to speak to our top-rated, expert car accident attorneys.
Yes. If criminal charges are filed following a car accident case, the case generally proceeds to a Superior Court of California’s Criminal Division. A criminal case is litigated by a prosecuting attorney on behalf of the state (i.e. a Deputy District Attorney for your specific county). Compensation for damages such as medical bills or pain and suffering are not sought in criminal cases. If a defendant (the at-fault party involved in the car accident) is convicted of a crime related to the collision, the ruling will not affect your civil claim.
A civil case is a separate matter where the goal is to help ensure the accident victim is made “whole” by compensating him or her for any financial losses or injuries. In a civil case, you can recover compensation for any injuries or losses sustained during and after the accident. Civil claims related to car accidents generally do not proceed to a trial. In most cases, accident victims are able to settle out of court in an effort to save time and reduce costs. However, at Dordulian Law Group we never settle unless it is in the best interest of the client. Unlike settlement mills (mega firms that you see on TV and billboard advertisements), we are always prepared to take a case to trial if it means ensuring you receive the maximum financial damages award you deserve. We approach each case with an individualized strategy that will help you achieve the best possible outcome for your claim.
The burden of proof in a civil lawsuit is much lower than that of a criminal lawsuit. In a criminal claim, you must demonstrate fault “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In civil cases, you must demonstrate that fault is “more likely than not” to have occurred. At DLG, car accident cases are assigned an experienced Riverside lawyer who, together with Chief Investigator Moses Castillo, will collect evidence related to your claim, interview witnesses, and coordinate with anyone involved in the accident. To help shore up your case and make the argument as compelling as possible, it is advisable that car accident victims gather any relevant evidence at the scene. This can include photographs of any physical damage to the vehicles, photos or videos of any injuries, medical records, witness statements, etc. If you are seriously injured, you may wish to ask someone you trust to assist with these important steps.
Your attorney will work to demonstrate the facts of the incident, and prove “more likely than not” that the other driver violated a duty of care which led to the accident. Additionally, your attorney must demonstrate that you were injured on the day of the accident (medical records or receipts for doctor’s visits will be utilized). Finally, your experienced DLG Riverside car accident lawyer will help explain how the defendant’s violation of said duty of care caused your accident or injuries.
Some injuries are obvious at the accident scene. In such cases, an ambulance should be called and you should go to the hospital immediately for treatment. Broken bones, head injuries, lacerations, bruising, hearing damage, or visual impairment can occur as a result of a car accident.
These injuries often range in severity depending on the circumstances of the accident, and certain victims might ignore ostensibly minor injuries. However, failing to seek medical attention and undergo a thorough examination after a car accident can be a recipe for disaster that leads to significant consequences in a short period of time. Seemingly minor injuries can quickly worsen, and without a medical examination on the day of the accident to corroborate your version of events, proving your case can become more challenging (and your ultimate damages award could be impacted accordingly). One such injury that commonly results from car accidents – particularly rear-end collisions – is whiplash.
Whiplash can manifest via a number of symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, neck or shoulder pain, etc. This type of pain could spread to your arms, making it difficult for you to work. Additionally, head injuries like concussion or TBI (traumatic brain injury) might devolve into debilitating headaches, cognitive difficulties, severe mood swings, or even a loss of consciousness. A severe collision with forceful impact can cause spinal damage, and the result may be partial or total paralysis. At DLG, we have seen and successfully handled virtually every type of car accident imaginable – from the most minor fender bender to the most severe rollover crash or T-bone collision. Accordingly, we understand how important it is for injured victims to seek immediate medical care following a car accident of any kind. Regardless of how you feel, it’s always best to undergo a physical examination and err on the side of caution.
California law stipulates that personal injury cases must be filed no later than two years after the date of the accident. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if a government agency is involved (and a six month statute is therefore in effect). But in most personal injury cases, a two-year statute of limitations applies. This means that you must file an official claim no more than two years after the date the accident occurred.
In the event of a car accident fatality, eligible surviving family members must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the victim’s death, as outlined under California Code, Code of Civil Procedure – CCP § 377.60.
The value of a car accident lawsuit can depend on a number of factors. Arguments for damages must be accompanied by evidence. At DLG, we utilize experts such as retired LAPD Central Traffic Division Detective, Moses Castillo, on all cases to ensure every piece of critical evidence is recovered. When you arrange a consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers, be sure to ask for a general estimate concerning the overall value of your car accident claim.
At Dordulian Law Group, our Riverside car accident lawyers have recovered over $100,000,000 for our injured clients. When we pursue a case, we seek to recover all relevant damages, including medical expenses incurred by the injured victim after the accident. With the help of your Riverside personal injury lawyers at DLG, we will work to determine which claims you are eligible to pursue in compliance with California law. Some of the damages that you may be able to recover after a car accident include:
– Special compensatory damages may be sought for any economic hardships resulting from a car accident. These damages will go towards medical bills and the cost of any healthcare you may require in the future. Special damages are meant to cover the costs which accumulate in the event that you are too injured to work (or your economic well-being is affected). Examples of special compensatory damages that may be recovered following a car accident may include: rent, mortgage payments, and even costs associated with relocation arrangements due to an injury.
– General compensatory damages are those which can be collected due to hardships of the non-economic variety, including “pain and suffering” and “mental anguish.” These broad terms cover more abstract misfortunes like diminished quality of life and even psychological trauma directly resulting from a car accident (e.g. post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD). These damages can be harder to litigate, which is why having a highly qualified DLG personal injury attorney in your corner can help ensure you recover the full compensation you deserve.
– Wrongful death damages may include costs ranging from funeral expenses to medical expenses incurred before a loved one’s death, and can apply in certain circumstances in which the bereaved is compensated after the loss of a loved one.
– Punitive damages, although rare and in a distinct class, can apply in certain car accident cases. A California court may find that a car accident victim is owed punitive damages in cases where the defendant’s behavior is reprehensible. Such an example might include knowingly operating a vehicle recklessly with the potential to cause harm.
Dordulian Law Group’s Riverside car accident lawyers have the experience and dedication to secure you any and all damages deserved after a car accident. We will guide you through these extremely difficult circumstances with care and compassion. Our attorneys understand the complexities of California personal injury law, and uphold a shared commitment to prioritizing the continued well-being of every client in need.
An insurance policy might begin to cover some of your expenses, but each policy is unique, and many carry a maximum value that could be exceeded by a single accident that leads to extensive injuries. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely do everything in their power to fight you and our legal team at DLG in an effort to pay as little as possible. Relying on an insurance policy is not a sensible or advisable method for attempting to recover adequate compensation after a car accident. When you work with Dordulian Law Group, you can be confident that you will receive genuine client support, as well as a guarantee that our top-rated team will fight for maximum compensation after your car accident.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, California experiences 9.1 deaths per 100,000 citizens every year, and the state sees 1.36 deaths per 100 million miles driven. Only Texas experiences more car accident deaths every day. In 2019, 1131 people were killed on the dangerous roads and highways throughout California. Sadly, many of these fatalities had been wearing seatbelts. Urban areas account for nearly 70% of motor vehicle accident deaths every year.
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Do you have a case? Let's find out.
Do you have a case? Let's find out.
Call Dordulian Law Group today at 951-336-0011 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards a complete recovery – both physically and financially – after an unfortunate car accident.
Founded by Samuel Dordulian after many years of service as a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County, DLG is a renowned advocate for victims. We work tirelessly to protect the rights of every client that requires our services.
We are here to provide exemplary, top-rated, and professional legal representation and support during this difficult time in your life. Reach out to us 24 hours a day 7 days a week with any questions. We’re ready to fight to recover a maximum financial damages award for your car accident claim.
When you suffer a car accident injury, think D-L-G.