Best Car Accident Lawyers in Anaheim Hills, CA

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns in Anaheim Hills, call (714) 765-1900.

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

  To request a copy of a traffic accident report in Anaheim Hills, call the Records Bureau of the City of Anaheim at (714) 765-1990. The office can be reached Mondays through Sundays between 6:00 AM and 6:30 PM.

• Can you sue Uber for a car accident in Anaheim Hills?

  You may sue Uber for an accident in Anaheim Hills, but it would be difficult to sue Uber directly if one of their drivers, who is considered an independent contractor, is at fault for causing your injuries. In this case, you will have to file a suit against the driver to recover damages from their own insurance policy. While Uber drivers are independent contractors, they are covered under the company’s $1 million commercial insurance policy for accidents.

• Can you sue on behalf of your child who was injured in a car accident in Anaheim Hills?

  As minors are not allowed to bring lawsuits on their behalf in Anaheim Hills, you can put forward the claim for damages in place of your child. However, you won’t be considered a party to the suit and won’t be entitled to any recovery. The child’s settlement funds or damage awards are often placed in blocked accounts, which they may access in full once they turn 18. Any other access to the funds will require a court order.

• Who will be held liable if your child was injured because of a defective car safety seat in Anaheim Hills?

  If your child sustains injuries in Anaheim Hills while using defective child restraint systems, such as safety seats or another product designed to protect while riding a vehicle, you can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. This is regardless of whether the harm to your child was entirely caused by or aggravated by the defective product.

• Is there a deadline for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident in Anaheim Hills?

  Victims of car accidents in Anaheim Hills generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent driver, following California’s statute of limitations for personal injury. If a car accident victim misses this time window, they will lose the opportunity to recover the compensation they deserve.

• Are the victims required to appear in court if they file a car accident claim in Anaheim Hills?

  In most occasions, car accident victims in Anaheim Hills will not have to go to court, as most auto accident claims are resolved through settlements with insurance carriers. However, if the insurance company or the at-fault parties don’t cooperate with the victim’s legal team or make it difficult for the victim to secure fair compensation, it may be necessary for the accident victim to take the case to trial and therefore appear in court.

• 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.