Irvine Personal Injury Attorney
No matter how cautious you are in your daily life, accidents occur when you least expect them. A personal injury can transpire anywhere, from the highway in the form of a damaging car crash to a grocery store that has slippery floors. Whether you have been in an accident that is minor or one that is more severe, you deserve to be compensated for the resulting losses if you or a loved one have been left with injuries. The California claims process can be overwhelming, which is why it is crucial for accident victims to seek the professional help of an Irvine personal injury lawyer who has experience helping clients build a strong claim.
Our team of personal injury attorneys and case managers at Benchmark Injury Law understand that handling a personal injury claim on your own can leave a person feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their next steps. Filing a personal injury claim in Irvine, California, may feel overwhelming, but you do not have to go through the process on your own. Our trusted attorneys are here to provide you with personalized legal services and the experienced representation you deserve. It is our goal to build a strong relationship with our clients so that we may help them pursue the maximum possible amount in compensation owed to them.
Common Injuries Suffered by Accident Victims in Irvine, California
After severe personal injury accident, victims are often left with damaging injuries that may result in costly expenses as they recover. Some of the most common injuries suffered by accident victims include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Back, neck, and spine injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken or fractured bones
- Crushed limbs
- Loss of limbs
- Severe burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
Victims of personal injury accidents may be able to pursue damages for physical, emotional, and psychological injuries that they have suffered as a direct result of the accident.
What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Accidents in California?
A personal injury accident can occur in many different scenarios. Some of the most common personal injury cases in Irvine, California, include the following:
Car Accidents
A few typical causes of car accidents in Irvine include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inexperienced driving
- Driving while drowsy
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, over six million car accidents occur every year.
Motorcycle Accidents
While motorcycles may be an exhilarating form of transportation, they can also be dangerous. Whether an accident occurs as a result of lane splitting or hazardous material catching one of the wheels in the road, victims may be left with life-altering injuries when a motorcycle crash occurs.
Medical Malpractice
When a medical professional such as a doctor or nurse acts negligently, their actions may result in injuries or even death. If you have suffered an injury as a result of medical malpractice, you deserve to be compensated for your losses.
Slip-And-Fall Accidents
While a slip or fall may not outwardly appear to be a serious accident, this type of personal injury can be severe and often leave victims with head trauma or serious back injuries. These accidents can occur as a result of slippery floors, spilled liquids, uneven walkways or broken sidewalks.
Work Accidents
A work accident can occur whether or not you work in an environment that is deemed dangerous. Whether you work as a truck driver, on a construction site, or in an office building, you may fall victim to an accident.
What to Do After a Personal Injury in Irvine, California
While the moments following a personal injury accident can be overwhelming and confusing, your next steps may significantly impact your safety and the success of your claim. A few steps you can take to protect yourself after a personal injury accident include the following:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After being involved in an accident, it is essential to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible. Some severe injuries may be invisible or seem minor immediately following your accident. However, if they are left untreated, they may worsen significantly. A medical professional can promptly diagnose and treat your injuries, protecting you from further harm. Waiting to see a doctor may also negatively impact your claim. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the insurance company may try to assert that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Gather Evidence From the Scene of the Accident
In order to successfully prove liability after an accident, your attorney must build a strong claim supported by evidence. Collecting evidence from the scene of your accident may significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. One of the first things to gather at the scene is the other party’s contact and insurance information. A few other essential pieces of evidence to collect include the following:
- Photos of the scene of the accident
- Photos of any vehicles or hazardous conditions
- Photos of your injuries
- Video footage of the accident
- The clothes and shoes you were wearing
- Witness statements and contact information
The evidence above can help your lawyer establish the negligent party’s liability so you can recover damages for your injuries and other losses.
Report Your Accident
Following your accident, it is imperative to report the incident to the appropriate authorities. One of your first steps after being injured should be calling the police. The police will make an objective report of the accident, including evidence and contact information of all parties. Reports often serve as essential evidence during personal injury cases. If you were injured in a car accident that resulted in death, bodily injury, or expensive property damages, you are also required to report it to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the accident.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
In the wake of an accident, starting the complex claims process on your own can seem daunting. While many accident victims assume the insurance company has their best interests in mind, they often offer them the lowest amount possible for their injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help take the stress off your shoulders and will fight for justice on your behalf. At Benchmark Injury Law, our team of Irvine personal injury lawyers and case managers understand the ins and outs of California law and are ready to help our clients achieve the best possible outcome for their cases. We take a unique, values-based approach to every case and will consider your specific needs as we fight for your rights and interests.
What Damages Are You Eligible For After a Personal Injury Claim?
After suffering injuries as a result of an accident in Irvine, California, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your injuries. The amount you are qualified to collect will depend on the specific details of your claim. Some damages you may be eligible to recover include the following:
- Medical expenses: Accident victims may recover compensation for the medical bills, doctor’s visits, and treatment costs that they incur as a result of their injuries and recovery process.
- Lost income: If a victim’s injuries prevent them from working, they may be compensated for all present and future lost income.
- Property damage: The victim should be compensated for the cost of replacing or fixing any damaged property that resulted from the accident.
If you are unsure of what damages you may be eligible to collect, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help by going over the details of your case.
Get Help From an Irvine Personal Injury Lawyer
Suffering an injury in an accident can leave victims feeling overwhelmed as they try to decipher their next steps. To get help building a strong personal injury claim, contact an Irvine personal injury attorney. We have a unique and values-based approach to helping clients in California. Our team is dedicated to developing strong relationships with clients, prioritizing client service, and emphasizing the individual needs of a client to deliver the best possible results.
Our trusted team of personal injury attorneys and case managers at Benchmark Injury Law are proud to help clients in Irvine, California, pursue the financial compensation they deserve for the losses they have suffered. Our legal team is dedicated to providing the passionate representation that you deserve. To schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Irvine personal injury lawyers, fill out our contact form or call (949) 504-9031.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Damage Caps In California Personal Injury Lawsuits?
With a few exceptions, there are generally no “caps” for a personal injury lawsuit in California. For example, if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, there is no “cap” to the amount of damages that you may receive. Instead, the amount of your damages (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.) is subject to reasonable proof.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim In Irvine, CA?
All types of personal injury claims in California are subject to the “statute of limitations.” The statute of limitations is the time period in which you must resolve your claim, or file a lawsuit against the responsible party, in order to preserve your rights to pursue your claim. If you fail to do either of these before the statute of limitations, your claim will be barred – in other words, you lose the right to pursue your claim.
Depending on the type of claim you have, the statute of limitations will vary. Commonly, for cases such as motor vehicle accidents, or slip/trip and fall cases, for example, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury. The statute of limitations can get tricky – you should consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to verify the statute of limitations for your specific case.
How Do You Calculate Pain and Suffering Damages?
The law states that there is no fixed standard which exists for deciding the amount of pain and suffering damages. This is good news: the law is flexible, and can adapt to each case, which will have unique harms and damages. You will not be put into a box or an algorithm as far as the type or the amount of your damages.
However, on the other side of the coin, the lack of a fixed standard can make proof of damages tricky, and highly subjective. It is important to discuss your unique harms and damages with a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in all aspects of personal injury, including trials, to develop a strategy to best prove the amount of your damages.
