Best Car Accident Lawyers in Lompoc, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number of the Lompoc Police Department is 805-736-2341.

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

  Contact the Records Unit at (805) 681-4180 to find out if an SBSO report is available before making a request for a copy. Depending on the report's complexity, it typically takes seven to 10 days for the deputy to finish it, have it authorized by the Sergeant, and then submit it to the records unit.

• What are the common causes of car accidents in Lompoc?

  Lompoc's most frequent causes of car accidents include distracted driving, driver fatigue, intoxicated driving, speeding, aggressive driving, and bad weather. Texting, talking on a cell phone, rubbernecking, and tweaking technology are examples of distracted driving activities typically leading to accidents in the area. Fatigued driving often leads to vehicles drifting, fluctuating road speeds, and poor judgment. Speeding shortens the time needed to avoid a collision and increases the chance of colliding. Aggressive driving behaviors include tailgating, flashing their lights, failing to yield, disobeying traffic signals, and acting rudely or aggressively.

• What is the most dangerous road in Lompoc?

  Eight miles of Harris Grade Road, popularly known as the old Highway 1, connect the valleys of Lompoc and Los Alamos. Compared to the newer Highway 1, it is far more dangerous, steeper, narrower, slower, and slower. This is notorious for having blind corners that lead to car accidents. When drivers are distracted from the road by the beautiful scenery, accidents can result. Recently, semitrailers longer than 30 feet were prohibited from using this stretch of the roadway due to safety concerns.

• What are the possible damages you can recover from a car crash in Lompoc?

  Medical expenses, lost wages or income, non-economic damages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and property damage are typical forms of compensation for vehicle accidents in Lompoc. If you have been injured in any way, contact a car accident attorney who can provide you with legal guidance and check your options for possible claims.

• What should you do following a car accident in Lompoc?

  After a car accident, it is important to exchange information with the other parties involved, record details of what happened and how it happened, and call the police in Lompoc. Get the names and contact details of any witnesses, seek immediate medical attention, and report the collision to your own insurance company. Then, speak with a car accident lawyer to be able to pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party.

• Should you hire an attorney for a Lompoc car accident?

  Yes. Car accident attorneys battle for the legal rights and compensation victims are entitled to. They are skilled in examining insurance plans, haggling with insurance providers, resolving claims, and taking cases to court. To establish guilt or negligence on the part of the other driver, they investigate every avenue for compensation and collaborate with experts to show the full amount of the damages. In cases where the defendant's conduct was extreme, punitive or exemplary damages may sometimes be granted, in addition to compensatory damages for a Lompoc vehicle accident.

• 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.