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Call Us (866) GO-SEE-SAM
If you've been injured due to someone's negligence or ill intent,
we'll aggressively seek compensation on your behalf.
In 2020, despite widespread lockdowns and decreased traffic volume in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, deaths caused by traffic accidents in the US rose 4.6% to 28,190 fatalities by the fall, according to the Associated Press. And in the first six months of 2020 alone, the National Safety Council estimated that the death rate increased 20% compared to the same time period in 2019. With stay-at-home orders in place through much of the year, why were deaths from car accidents continuing to rise? Preliminary data from the National Highway Safety Administration suggests that while fewer drivers took to the road amid lockdown measures, those who did were prone to more risky driving-such as speeding and less seatbelt use-and experienced more fatal crashes.
Los Angeles is no exception to grim statistics on car crash injuries and fatalities. Through mid-May in 2020, L.A. saw almost as many deaths from traffic collisions as there were from homicides (86 and 89, respectively). The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 91,462 Angelenos killed or injured in car accidents in 2018. Of those collisions, 7,389 involved alcohol and 6,363 involved pedestrians.
In 2019, Los Angeles recorded 134 pedestrian fatalities from car accidents-about one every two and a half days. Statewide, according to data published by the California Highway Patrol in 2017, a fatal or injury-causing car crash was reported on average once every three minutes. California car accidents in 2017 totaled 197,146, with 193,564 resulting in injuries and 3,582 proving to be fatal.
Even with the Vision Zero safety initiative in place aiming to eliminate all traffic injuries and deaths by 2025, Los Angeles roads remain a hazardous and rife with challenges for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified some common issues contributing to car accident statistics:
No matter how many safety precautions you take, living in Los Angeles puts you at greater risk for experiencing an automobile accident. If you have been injured in a car accident and are facing the prospect of medical expenses, loss of wages from long or short-term disability, and the intimidating process of dealing with insurance companies and healthcare providers while negotiating a settlement, the experienced car accident injury lawyers at Dordulian Law Group are here to help. Our dedicated attorneys have more than 25 years of experience helping accident victims reach the very best compensation settlements. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your individual situation, alleviate your worries, and establish a relationship as a trusted ally that will fight vigorously on your behalf. Rest assured knowing that you will not be responsible for any legal fees until we have secured compensation for you.
There are a few different types of personal injury claims that you may file depending on the type of situation you’ve experienced. With the help of your Torrance, CA, personal injury lawyer, you will determine which claims you should pursue in compliance with California law. Let’s look at the differences between special, general, wrongful death, and punitive damages.
You may file what are known as special compensatory damages for any economic hardships resulting from experiencing a car accident, which will go towards medical bills and the cost of any medical care you may need to receive in the future. Special damages are meant to cover the costs that accumulate when you are too injured to work, or that are otherwise a detriment to your economic well-being. They can include rent, mortgage payments, and even costs associated with relocation arrangements you’ve had to make because of your injury.
General compensatory damages are those which you can collect for experiencing hardships of the non-economic variety, including “pain and suffering” and “mental anguish”-both broad terms that cover more abstract misfortunes like diminished quality of life and even psychological trauma directly resulting from the accident. These types of serious but less tangible damages can be harder to litigate, which is why having a highly qualified DLG personal injury attorney in your corner is the key to getting the full compensation you deserve.
Covering costs ranging from funeral expenses to medical expenses incurred before a loved one’s death, wrongful death damages may apply in certain circumstances in which the bereaved is compensated after the loss of an important person. Punitive damages are rare and in a class of their own; a California court may find that a car accident victim is owed punitive damages in cases where the defendant’s behavior is extraordinarily atrocious or reprehensible, such that they were knowingly reckless with the potential to cause harm.
Dordulian Law Group’s personal injury lawyers have the experience to get you the damages you deserve after you’ve been in a car accident, and will guide you through any and all of these extremely difficult circumstances. Our attorneys are intimately familiar with the complexities of California personal injury law and uphold a shared commitment to prioritizing the continued well-being of our clients. Learn about our services with a free consultation today by reaching out to us at (310) 504-1911.
Ready to file a claim and pursue justice through a financial damages award? Our expert attorneys are available online or by phone now.
First thing’s first: timing is everything when it comes to seeking compensation after a car accident in Torrance, CA. So you’ve handled filing an accident report with the proper city agency-what do you need to know about filing a car accident insurance claim? California has strict statute of limitation laws that apply to personal injuries, and we can pair you with a skilled attorney who understands what it takes to get your case before a judge. Per the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) 335.1, you must file any legal action within two years of an accident that pertains to personal injury or death resulting from the wrongful actions or neglect of another party. (The two-year time frame under California personal injury law also has a special exception for automobile accidents-you actually have three years to file a lawsuit after a car accident resulting in property damage, but the statute of limitations for personal injury claims still expires after two years.)
That two-year window can slip away in the aftermath of a harrowing car accident that causes serious physical and emotional harm to you or your loved ones. The right personal injury lawyer will understand what’s required in your unique circumstances and will be able to act immediately while you take the time you need to heal.
Although you may feel you have an ironclad case and wish to take legal action alone, it’s important to bear in mind the shared fault laws in the state of California. Shared fault laws add a layer of complexity that could hurt your chances of receiving the maximum damages you are entitled to, or even your chances of winning your case if it is determined that you hold partial responsibility for the car accident. Our qualified attorneys can help you avoid such pitfalls by helping you navigate every intricacy of a daunting course of legal action. You can avoid a shared fault ruling and secure the most of your owed damages by relying on our team to prove the other party is solely at fault for the injuries you’ve sustained.
You’ve seen the most popular auto insurance companies on TV and around the web, and their advertising slogans and jingles are probably lodged somewhere in the back of your mind without you even realizing it (like a good neighbor, State Farm is there, and you can probably hear the words “Liberty, Liberty, Liberty”). But unless you’ve been in a car accident, you may have never considered how filing a claim with an auto insurance provider can affect your insurance premiums. Personal injury attorneys have experienced all of the major insurance companies at some point, and Dordulian Law Group knows exactly what types of tactics each one uses to ultimately prioritize their own worth over that of their customers. Our lawyers have extensive experience navigating this system and securing maximum settlements by helping you negotiate with auto insurance companies. If you’ve been the victim of an accident, we will be by your side to fight for you.
The average premium annually in the state of California-which ranks among the top 10 most expensive states for buying car insurance-is about $1,868. But when you’re shopping around for the right auto insurance company, you’ll want to consider not just the price of the premium and deductible but also how much coverage you’ll receive and how the company handles the claims of its customers who have had the unfortunate experience of being in an accident. This is where customer satisfaction rankings come in handy. You also must decide how much insurance you will need (the minimum requirements in California include a combination of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage). Bare-bones insurance coverage (i.e. the minimum required by law) might seem like the most economic option, but in order to save under this plan you’ll need to never get into a car accident. There are recommended ratios of per person/per accident/property damage that can help you start off on the right foot.
What if, in the most unfortunate of circumstances, your entire family is involved in an accident and hospitalization is required? Costs for medical treatment could range way outside of your policy limits. You should know that there are specific add-ons to your coverage that must be offered to you through your insurance company called uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and underinsured motorist (IUM) options. This is just another element to consider when you’re considering the pros and cons of buying coverage that’s low-cost, the best protection, or some combination thereof.
In the already unpleasant situation of having to file a claim with your auto insurance company after a car accident, the last thing you want is to be presented with an offer that isn’t fair and undervalues the costs you’re now facing. Dordulian Law Group has the necessary experience to come to your aid in such situations where your insurance company insists that their low, unfair offer is the best you can come by.
You can and should contact our experienced attorneys immediately, before you even have an offer, to allow us to advocate for you right off the bat. Yes, in a perfect world the insurance companies would always have your best interests in mind, but fair settlements are unfortunately not a given in reality. Our respected personal injury attorneys help hundreds of automobile accident victims every year reap the figures they’re rightfully entitled to based on their unique circumstances, not the insurance companies’ shareholders or bottom lines.
Contact our top-rated team of expert personal injury attorneys online or by phone today to pursue justice and secure a financial award for damages.
If you’re one of the six million people in the US annually who experiences a car accident-from fender benders to collisions causing serious injury or even death-you’ve probably considered whether you should hire a personal injury lawyer to recoup damages and protect your rights under the law. If you’re the victim of a collision, before you decide to go it alone and take on an insurance behemoth flanked by its own lawyers, the best course of action is to consult with an experienced attorney at Dordulian Law Group, because not all personal injury law firms are what they seem.
Firms you see advertised on TV might fit the description of a “settlement mill”-a personal injury firm that generates business and ropes in new clients primarily through advertising (and therefore frequently opts for quicker, lower settlements to pay its ad bills).
DLG values its client base, comprised largely of word of mouth recommendations and referrals from other satisfied clients. We reject the ‘mill mentality’ and are not afraid to take a case to trial if it means securing the maximum damages for our clients, assuring no money is left on the table.
Dordulian Law Group clients have recovered more than $100 million for their injuries. With more than two decades of experience, our attorneys have encountered firsthand the many types of injury cases that victims must navigate in order to put their lives back together and avoid financial ruin. You have nothing to lose by calling us today at (310) 504-1911 to set up your free consultation. We’re here to answer all of your questions and assume the burden of your filing needs so we can fight to get you the settlement you deserve.
Client Review
“I was rear-end by a careless driver, and I was stressed and hurt. Attorney Samuel Dordulian and Dordulian Law Team was highly recommended. He was emphatic, informative, and answered all my questions and concerns. Every step of the way, there was constant communication. He was thorough and kept me informed. In addition, his team is exceptional and helpful. Thank you for your amazing service. I highly recommend him.”
Zachary Q.
If you have experienced a personal injury or sexual assault incident, we are here to help you pursue justice and recover financial compensation. Schedule a free consultation below to explore your legal options.
