Best Car Accident Lawyers in Orange

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Orange, California?

  The City of Orange's police department non-emergency contact number is (714) 744-7444.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Orange, California?

  Copies of reports are available at the Records Bureau counter between 8 AM and 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Reports will only be issued to parties involved in the incident. You must present a valid form of identification to obtain a copy of any reports, and there may be a fee. Online requests for police reports are also available.

• How is negligence established in an Orange City auto accident claim?

  A vehicle accident injury claim in Orange must prove the four fundamental elements of negligence using accessible evidence:

  • The plaintiff's counsel must first identify and prove that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
  • The plaintiff's counsel must prove the defendant breached this duty of care, which involves showing that the defendant was distracted, intoxicated, or committed a moving infraction that caused the collision.
  • The plaintiff must prove all negligence-related damages, including medical bills, property damage, and accident-related pain and suffering. If the crash forced the plaintiff to miss work, they should present documentation of their lost income.
  • The plaintiff's counsel must prove the defendant's negligence caused the plaintiff's damages.

• Is there a deadline for Orange City vehicle accident claims?

  Yes. California law, which applies to Orange, limits personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits to two years from the accident. Under section 335.1 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, you have two years from the date of the underlying accident or incident to initiate a civil case seeking a legal remedy (compensation) for "injury or death of an individual caused by the negligent act or negligence of another." The majority of personal injury claims are governed by the "negligence" liability theory (which is synonymous with "neglect" as used in section 335.1).

• What areas in Orange City are deemed accident-prone?

  The most hazardous crossroads in Orange City is the Orange Crush Interchange (I-5/SR-22/Orange Freeway interchange), where Santa Ana 5, Garden Grove 22, and Orange 57 freeways intersect. This freeway interchange is reportedly one of the nation's most complex highway interchanges. It provides 34 pathways, including onramps, offramps, and perhaps one of the sharpest left-turning routes you've ever driven on. According to the Land Use Database, at least 629,000 autos pass daily on 66 lanes and across 13 bridges.

• What happens if a hit-and-run driver cannot be located following a car accident in Orange City?

  It is prohibited in California to leave the scene of an accident where someone has been injured before emergency personnel arrives. A driver who fled the scene of a collision may face criminal charges if apprehended. A hit-and-run driver's conviction does not mean the case is over. If the motorist is found to have driven recklessly or negligently, the injured person may file a claim for compensation in Orange for their losses.

• What happens if you get involved in a car accident in Orange City without insurance?

  Accidents caused by drivers without insurance can have severe repercussions. In addition to the fines and penalties, you may be responsible for medical expenditures and repair costs. Instead of filing a claim with your insurance company, the other party can sue you in court. Furthermore, you may be held liable for extra damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical procedures. When this happens, you'll need to contact a lawyer in Orange City. Addditionally, if you are injured in an accident that you caused and do not have insurance, you may be unable to receive compensation for your own injuries and financial losses.