Laguna Beach Car Accident Lawyers
Laguna Beach is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist destinations in California.
However, like every city that attracts so many visitors, Laguna Beach has to contend with car accidents that could be deadly. According to the latest (2021) reports from California’s Office of Traffic Safety, among cities with a similar population as Laguna Beach, it was one of the highest where victims of a car accident were killed or injured.
Laguna Beach also had one of the highest numbers of speed-related crashes. And many people suffer accidents that damage their property (cars, motorcycles, or buildings). These accidents could be overwhelming, and if you’ve been in one as a tourist or as a Laguna Beach local, you may be confused about how you should respond. The good thing is that in Laguna Beach, the driver responsible for the accident must also compensate you for any injuries or property damage you’ve suffered.
You must get a Laguna Beach car accident lawyer who can negotiate your settlement with the insurance company to help you during this process and ensure you are not under-compensated.
What To Do If You’ve Been Involved In A Car Accident In Laguna Beach
Since car accidents often involve pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists in Laguna Beach, here’s what to do if you’ve been involved in any accident that a car is party to.
Stop
Failure to stop after an accident in Laguna Beach could make you guilty of a hit-and-run offense under Cal. Veh. Code §§ 20001 and 20002. If you fail to stop for an accident that causes death or injury, you will be guilty of a felony.
But if the accident only causes property damage, you will be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Remember that this requirement to stop is constant, even if your accident is with a parked vehicle.
If you can’t find the owner of the parked vehicle, you must leave your name and address on the car and inform the Laguna Beach Police Department (LBPD).
Assess the accident
Examine the accident scene to determine if anyone has been injured.
If so, remain there and immediately call 9-1-1 to report the accident. Wait for police officers and other first responders to arrive.
If you find no evidence of injury on yourself or the other party, move the vehicles to the side of the road – provided they can be driven safely. If you believe the property damage exceeds $1,000, you can call police officers at the scene.
Gather evidence
Evidence is necessary for the success of any insurance claim. So, you need to gather evidence of the accident at the scene. Take pictures and videos of any injuries and property damage you may have sustained.
If there were eyewitnesses to the accident, get their names and phone numbers or address. If they are willing to give signed or recorded statements on the spot, collect them.
Exchange information
If you are not too injured to move, calmly exchange relevant information with the other party. This is a legal duty imposed by Cal. Veh. Code § 16025.
That section requires drivers to exchange names, current addresses, license numbers, and vehicle identification numbers.
Drivers will also need to exchange proof of financial responsibility, usually in the form of the name and address of their insurance company with their insurance policy number.
Get yourself checked out
Even if you believe you have not been injured in the accident, it is crucial to get a medical checkup as soon as possible.
This checkup ensures you have not sustained any internal injuries that become evident after you make your claim.
Report the accident
While you may not have to report minor accidents, you must report major ones. In California, major accidents are those that cause death, injury, or property damages over $1,000.
Cal. Veh. Code § 20008 requires drivers to report these accidents to the LBPD or California Highway Patrol within 24 hours, while § 16000 asks drivers to report major accidents to the DMV within ten days.
How Does Local Law Enforcement Handle Car Accidents in Laguna Beach?
Laguna Beach has an impressive, specially trained motor unit responsible for responding to and investigating traffic accidents.Their investigations could significantly strengthen your claim, mainly when it establishes another party as responsible for the accident.
The investigating officer will record the conclusions of this investigation in a police report on your accident, and you can obtain a copy of these reports in Laguna Beach by visiting the police department between 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. or any day of the week.
Alternatively, you can email records45@lagunabeachcity.net to request a copy. But note that you’ll have to pay a $15 fee with both methods.
If the police did not investigate an accident on the scene, and you need to file a report in Laguna Beach, call (949) 497-0701 ext. 2.
How Can A Car Accident Lawyer in Laguna beach Help?
Experienced Laguna Beach lawyers will help you with the following after an accident:
Investigate
After carefully analyzing the facts of your accident, a Laguna Beach car accident lawyer will determine if you have everything necessary to make a successful claim.
Suppose aspects of your potential claim are not backed with the appropriate evidence. In that case, they can further investigate the accident to gather the necessary evidence.
Comply
These expert lawyers will also help you comply with anything you need to comply with – either state laws or aspects of your insurance policy.
They can report accidents on your behalf or obtain official reports about the accident you’ve been in. This way, you can focus on recovering from your accident without having to worry that your settlement may be at risk.
Negotiate
Expert lawyers are also skilled negotiators. They employ these skills in negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you get the settlement you deserve.
Having your lawyer handle all communication with the insurance company is generally also better. Why? Because the insurance company will be less inclined to unnecessarily devalue your claim since a lawyer means you can sue at any time.
Your lawyer will also be able to maintain objectivity to ensure the best deal when communicating with the insurance company.
How Much Is My Laguna Beach Car Accident Claim Worth?
There is no set amount for a car accident claim’s worth. Some accidents are settled for as low as $2,0000, while others go as high as $6 million. The exact worth of your claim will depend on:
The type of accident: In California, accidents involving only property damage settle for an average of $5,000, while accidents resulting in injury or death settle for an average of $20,000.
Gravity of injury: More severe injuries will mean a higher claim because settlement should compensate for anything spent on diagnosis, procedures, and prescriptions.
Extent of repairs: The claim for a fender-bender will not be worth as much as the claim for, say, a t-bone accident that damaged the entire left side of your car.
Fault: California practices a pure comparative negligence system that means each party will only be responsible for the proportion of the accident they caused. This practice means if you were responsible for 30% of the accident, your claim would be worth less than if you were not at all responsible.
Contact the Accident Helpers Today
If you or someone you know has recently been in a car accident, don’t battle the aftermath alone - reach out to us today.
At The Accident Helpers, we provide you with unfettered access to the best Fontana car accident lawyers who have won remarkable settlements for their clients in the past and will be willing to do the same for you.
