Car Accident Attorneys in Irvine

The city of Irvine, California, has seen a troubling rise in the number of car accident fatalities, with approximately 20 deaths reported annually. However, this figure could be significantly higher, considering that these numbers only account for officially reported fatalities. There are numerous other accidents that go unreported, and some victims may succumb to their injuries months after the initial incident, further adding to the grim statistics.

Is the Number of Car Accidents Increasing in Irvine?

Yes, the number of car accidents in Irvine is on the rise. According to recent trends, there is a predicted increase in car accidents with each passing year in this bustling city. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including population growth, higher traffic volumes, and possibly distracted driving.

Why Are Car Accident Fatalities Underreported?

One reason car accident fatalities might be underreported is that some victims may not die immediately at the scene but rather weeks or months later due to complications from their injuries. These delayed deaths are not always captured in initial accident reports. Additionally, some accidents, especially minor ones, may not be reported to authorities, further skewing the data.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Car Accident Fatalities?

Reducing car accident fatalities in Irvine requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes stricter enforcement of traffic laws, public awareness campaigns about the dangers of distracted driving, and infrastructure improvements to make roads safer for all users.

Irvine Car Accident Statistics

• Around 60% of car accidents in Irvine lead to severe injuries that will need medical treatment.
• Rear-end accidents are the number one type of accident that occur in Irvine
• The second most common accidents are side-swipe accidents and rear-end accidents
•  67% of drivers in accidents are injured
•  24% of car accidents result in injuries to pedestrians.

What causes car accidents in Irvine?

There are several causes of car accidents, especially in Orange County. But, the most common causes include:

• Stop-and-go traffic: Orange County is known for having heavy traffic during early mornings and in the afternoons. As thousands of people commute to work and school each day, the stop-and-go traffic is very dangerous, and could lead to rear-end collisions. Friday is considered to be the most dangerous day that experiences the most car accidents during heavy traffic. Many leaving work and school rush to get home, and others may be too distracted to look up and pay attention to the stop-and-go traffic, and may not come to a complete stop which could result in a rear-end collision with the vehicle in front of them.
• Speeding:  Speeding is also the second most common cause of car accidents in Orange County. Speeding could be very dangerous, and could lead to severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. When drivers are speeding, they don’t have enough time to stop or slow down when traffic abruptly changes. Tailgating is also considered dangerous when a driver is speeding, and there’s no safe space between the driver and the vehicle in front.
• Poor weather conditions: Although Orange County has sunshine almost all year round, weather conditions like fog, or overcast, can lead to low visibility. This is especially common during the early morning hours as people commute to work and school.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: although not as common, DUI accidents are also a cause of accidents in Irvine. DUI accidents could not only lead to a potential lawsuit but the driver could also be charged criminally for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Preparing for the Future

After submitting your claim, take these steps to ensure you’re protected moving forward:

• Policy Review: Regularly examine and update your coverage to meet your current needs.
• Emergency Essentials: Equip your vehicle with a comprehensive emergency kit for unforeseen situations.
• On-the-Go Reference: Download our Checklist for Car Accidents and keep a copy in your glovebox for quick access.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does an Irvine car accident attorney cost?

When you’re involved in a car accident, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. One of the common concerns for accident victims is the cost of hiring an attorney. Fortunately, if you need an Irvine car accident attorney, the financial burden may not be as heavy as you might think.

What is the Cost of Hiring an Irvine Car Accident Attorney?

Our Irvine car accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. In simple terms, if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us any fees. This arrangement ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to top-quality legal representation after an accident.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’re wondering whether you need an attorney after a car accident, the answer is likely yes. Hiring an experienced Irvine car accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose a Contingency Fee Agreement?

A contingency fee agreement is particularly beneficial for clients who may already be facing medical bills and other financial pressures following a car accident. With this type of agreement, you can focus on your recovery and receive the necessary medical care without the added stress of upfront legal costs. This allows you to see qualified medical providers and get the treatment you need without worrying about how you’ll pay for it.

How much does it cost to hire an Irvine car accident attorney upfront?

There are no upfront costs when hiring our Irvine car accident attorneys. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.

Can I afford a car accident attorney if I’m already facing medical bills?

Yes. The contingency fee structure allows you to afford legal representation without worrying about upfront costs or legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.

Do I need an Irvine attorney for my car accident?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Irvine, you might be wondering whether you need an attorney to help with your case. The answer isn’t straightforward, but understanding the legal landscape can help you make an informed decision.

Can I handle my car accident claim without a lawyer?

Yes, you can handle your claim independently, but it’s advisable to hire an attorney if you want to ensure that you receive fair compensation and aren’t taken advantage of by insurance companies.

What does an attorney do in a car accident case?

An attorney handles all legal aspects of your case, including filing paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and representing you in court if necessary.

What percentage does an attorney take in a car accident case?

The percentage taken by an attorney in a car accident case can vary. Typically, it ranges from 33% to 40% of the recovered amount, but this can be discussed in detail during your initial consultation.

What Happens If We Don’t Win Your Case?

In the unfortunate event that we are unable to recover compensation for you, you won’t be responsible for paying attorney’s fees. This “no recovery, no fee” approach underscores our commitment to your case and ensures that we are fully invested in achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Legally, you are not required to have an attorney to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your accident. You can represent yourself and take on the legal process independently. However, it’s important to recognize that the person or entity you are filing a lawsuit against will almost certainly have legal representation. Whether through their insurance company or a personal attorney, they will have professionals dedicated to minimizing their liability.

Why You Should Consider Hiring an Attorney

Going up against an experienced attorney, or even a team of attorneys, can be daunting, especially if you are also dealing with medical treatments and the emotional aftermath of the accident. Handling complex legal paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, and understanding the nuances of personal injury law can be overwhelming for someone without legal training.

Hiring an experienced Irvine car accident attorney can provide you with several advantages:

• Legal Expertise: A seasoned attorney understands the intricacies of personal injury law and can navigate the legal system on your behalf.
• Focus on Recovery: By letting an attorney handle your case, you can focus solely on your recovery without the added stress of legal proceedings.
• Maximizing Compensation: Attorneys are skilled negotiators who can help you secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

The Importance of Legal Representation

The decision to hire an attorney should not be taken lightly. If you’re up against an insurance company with deep pockets and experienced lawyers, having an attorney on your side can level the playing field. They will ensure that all necessary legal documents are filed correctly and on time, allowing you to concentrate on healing and moving forward.

Why should I hire Heidari Law Irvine attorneys?

• We have decades of experience representing clients from Irvine, through all different types of car accidents
• We have skilled knowledge of Irvine and California laws and regulations to build a strong case
• Our experienced trial attorneys are not afraid of taking your case to trial in the event that we do not settle with the other party. Not all attorneys have trial experience, which is why you should take the time to speak to your attorney through an initial consultation to determine if they’re the right fit for you
• Our qualified car accident lawyers work on a contingency, which means that our clients do not pay any costs until and unless we are successful

Common Irvine car accident injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations
• Bruises
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Internal organ damage
• Disfigurement
• Scarring
• Amputations

What should I do if I have been involved in a car accident in Irvine?

We always recommend the below steps after being involved in an accident in Irvine. Make sure that you follow through with each step, since it will be very important when filing a lawsuit and getting compensated.

1. Call 911 if you believe that you need immediate medical treatment.  Besides emergency medical services, a police officer may also show up to the scene to draft a traffic accident report. 
2. Move out of the way from any other oncoming vehicles. For example, if your car accident occurred on the freeway, make sure that you stay out of the way of oncoming vehicles, or open your emergency lights so other vehicles could slow down.
3. If you did not call 911 for immediate medical services, you should still see a doctor to get imaging to see if you have any broken bones or fractures. Some injuries, such as nerve damage injuries, may not also be visible from the outside, that is why we recommend that you speak to a medical provider after your car accident as soon as possible. 
4. Call our highly qualified Irvine attorney to schedule a one-on-one consultation. 

What types of evidence will I need for my Irvine car accident lawsuit?

Each car accident is different from the others, which is why we recommend that you first speak to our qualified Irvine attorneys. Below are some pieces of evidence that could build a strong case:

•  Medical records
•  Police accident report
•  Photos of your injuries
•  Photos of the accident scene