Best Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Ana

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Santa Ana police station is (714) 245-8049.

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

  To obtain a copy of the accident report, you may coordinate with the Santa Ana Police Department's Records Division at (714) 245-8600. You will need to have been the person to file the police report or be directly involved in the accident. A valid picture ID and payment for the applicable fee are also required.

• Do I have the right to handle my car accident claim in Santa Ana by myself?

  Yes, you have the right to file your own car collision claim in Santa Ana, but retaining a legal team to handle it for you can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Attorneys know and understand the evidence required, the statute of limitations, and specific California laws, such as the pure comparative negligence doctrine. They also have expertise in case valuation and settlement negotiation, which are crucial in recovering maximum compensation.

• Who will be held accountable if I get hurt in a car collision involving Uber or Lyft vehicles in Santa Ana?

  In Santa Ana, the Uber or Lyft driver will be held liable for personal injury damages if they caused the crash. However, liability will depend on the following factors:

  • If the rideshare driver has a passenger or is picking one up during the accident, commercial coverage would be a minimum of $1 million.
  • If the rideshare driver has the app turned on and is waiting for a customer, coverage may reach up to $100,000.
  • If the rideshare driver has the app turned off, coverage would be restricted to their personal insurance.

• Who can I sue if I get injured in an auto accident in a Santa Ana construction zone?

  You can sue the government unit or private company that established the construction zone in Santa Ana, especially if they failed to provide adequate warnings for approaching motorists. On the other hand, if sufficient warning signs have been put in place and you failed to adjust your speed, then you will be responsible for property damages and injuries.

• How much will it cost me to hire a car accident lawyer in Santa Ana?

  Lawyers charge around 30% to 40% of your settlement award. The percentages they would take from your settlement depend on the complexity of the injuries and the time it took to resolve your case. Attorneys do not require retainers for most of their personal injury cases. They instead work on a contingency basis, meaning you will only pay them if they are successful in obtaining compensation for you.

• What are the most dangerous intersections in Santa Ana?

  Santa Ana’s most dangerous intersections include 17th Street & Fairview Street, Bristol Street & McFadden Avenue, and Civic Center Drive & Lacy Street. Santa Ana is one of the three most populated cities in Orange County. This means it often experiences high volumes of vehicles which causes traffic congestion and collisions at intersections.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.