Common Types of Car Accidents and Liability Issues in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa is known as the "City of the Arts." Residents and visitors enjoy world-class cultural events, festivals, and venues like the South Coast Repertory and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. In the midst of this lively community, there's a sobering reality: it only takes one traffic accident for a resident to suffer bodily injury or wrongful death. If you or someone dear to you has been harmed in this way, contact a law firm and schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Costa Mesa. Car accident lawyers have the experience to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Costa Mesa car accident attorneys specializing in car crashes can handle various auto collisions, including Uber and Lyft accidents. After being in a wreck, you may experience chronic physical pain, excessive medical expenses, or other accident-related problems.

When this happens, a Costa Mesa car accident lawyer can oversee your insurance claim, negotiate with insurance adjusters for a fair settlement or seek compensation by filing a lawsuit. In any case, your legal team will pursue justice based on the unique circumstances of your injury claim.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Costa Mesa, CA

Traffic accidents come in different forms. Knowing the various auto incidents can help you navigate through Cost Mesa with greater awareness of the potential dangers.

Rear-End Collisions: These crashes occur when one motorist hits the rear end of another vehicle. This often occurs in congested traffic situations where there's a constant stop-and-go movement. Many car accidents result from individuals driving too close or engaging in distracted driving.

T-bone Collisions: This car accident happens when the front end of a vehicle impacts the driver or passenger side of another vehicle, forming a T-shape.

Multi-vehicle Pileups: These collisions involve two or more vehicles crashing into one another. Factors leading to these crashes include poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, or ice.

Single-vehicle Accidents: In a single-car accident, no other driver is involved. The driver often crashes into a fixed object like a lampost or tree. Even in traffic incidents like these, the driver could file an injury compensation claim if a lawyer determines other factors caused the accident, such as poor road maintenance or a vehicle defect.

Hit-and-Run Incidents: A hit-and-run happens when a driver crashes into another motorist and flees the scene without providing any contact information or aiding the injured party.

If you have been injured in a collision, you can file an insurance company claim or a civil lawsuit for your injuries and losses. Orange County car accident lawyers can provide legal guidance on pursuing personal injury claims for various motor vehicle accidents.

Common Types of Injuries From Auto Accidents in Costa Mesa

Serious accidents are a traumatic experience for everyone involved. Among the most life-changing results of the incidents are severe injuries like the following:

Head and brain injuries
Neck and spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Internal injuries

If you've been involved in a car accident, reach out to a personal injury attorney. They can handle all the legwork needed to pursue the maximum compensation for injuries. With their help, you can focus on your recovery.

The Steps to Take After a Crash

A car crash is a stressful, overwhelming event. Here are the recommended actions victims can take following a motor vehicle incident:

Check for injuries
Move to a safe location
Call the police
Exchange information
Take photos or video of the scene
Gather witness information
Seek medical attention
Consult a Costa Mesa car accident lawyer

Liability and Comparative Negligence Laws in Costa Mesa

Every time you hit the road, there's a risk. Road accidents can occur in a split second. The involved parties must cope with injuries, damages, and emotional anguish in the aftermath. Fortunately, victims with personal injury cases have the right to hold the at-fault party financially liable for the damage they have caused.

In personal injury law, liability means someone is legally responsible for the accident that caused the injuries. This is why having a car accident lawyer by your side can help determine liability and seek fair compensation on your behalf.

What's Comparative Negligence?

California is a pure comparative negligence state. What would this mean for you if you were the Costa Mesa car accident victim? Simply put, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can recover a portion of compensation for the damages you incurred, according to California law.

Here's an example: Let's say Oliver is driving through the intersection of Newport Boulevard and 17th Street on his way to lunch, and he gets sideswiped by a speeding truck driver. If Oliver was looking at his smartphone at the time of the traffic accident, he coulc be considered to be partially at fault.

In the event of a personal injury lawsuit, the court can award Oliver reduced damages. Let's say the damages amount to $100,000. If the judge or jury determines he's 30% responsible for catastrophic injuries from the accident, he will receive $70,000 in compensation.

The Facts About Filing a Lawsuit in Costa Mesa, CA

Personal injury lawsuits are an option when serious accident victims can't get fair compensation from the negligent party or insurance company voluntarily. Filing a suit doesn’t necessarily mean you will have to go through a civil trial, however. Most personal injury matters, especially car accidents, resolve in settlement negoitations or meditations prior to the trial ever taking place.

In California, you have two years to file a claim, starting from the date of the incident. To receive compensation for the at-fault party (defendant), your car accident attorney must prove the defendant was responsible for your bodily, emotional, or financial losses.

Proving Negligence in Costa Mesa

A personal injury lawsuit is a civil action a car wreck victim (plaintiff) files to recover damages from the defendant. A successful claim requires that you meet all four elements of negligence listed below:

Duty of Care: The defendant has a legal responsibility to act with reasonable care to avoid causing harm.
Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to exercise the duty of care due to negligent or intentional misconduct.
Causation: The defendant's breach of duty is the direct cause of your injuries or damage.
Damages: The emotional distress, physical harm, or lost wages you suffered from the defendant's actions are referred to as damages.

Getting Help from a Costa Mesa Car Accident Lawyer

A plaintiff can win a personal injury case when negligence is proven. They can then receive compensation to cover costs ranging from medical bills and expenses to property damage. If you're thinking about filing a lawsuit, contact an auto accident lawyer. Most offer free consultations, and they can help you determine which legal option is best for your personal injury case.