A car accident is a traumatic event that can change lives in a matter of moments. Motor vehicle collisions are a prevalent cause of injury and death in the United States, and California is no exception. In 2022, 17,734 people were injured and killed in automobile accidents in Orange County alone, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Jacoby & Meyers is a group of Orange county personal injury attorneys that specializes in automotive accident cases. We can help you navigate the unexpected challenges that come with car accidents, from serious injuries and expensive medical bills to vehicle repair costs. We will make sure that you understand your legal rights and options as you navigate this difficult time.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers as Your Orange County Car Accident Attorneys
- We offer free initial case consultations. We have 14 conveniently located law offices throughout California. We have extremely flexible appointment scheduling, with availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are happy to come to you if you are too injured to travel.
- With more than 50 years of experience and $2 billion in settlements won for our clients, we beat the competition. We have been voted California’s #1 Personal Injury Firm five years in a row.
- Our lawyers are experts in serious motor vehicle accidents. As your attorneys, we will help you handle your property damage with an insurance company and set you up with appropriate treatment for your health and well-being.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no fees unless we win your case. If the car insurance company denies liability or coverage, we will not charge you anything for our services during your Orange County car accident case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Orange County
California is a fault car accident state. This means the driver or party at fault for causing the motor vehicle collision in Orange County will be held accountable. You can file a claim against this person’s insurance provider rather than seeking coverage from your own insurance policy.
Determining the cause of the car crash is one of the first steps toward achieving justice. Common car accident causes in Orange County include:
- Distracted driving or texting while driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Reckless or aggressive driver behaviors
- Inexperienced or elderly motorists
- Violated traffic laws or ignored signs
- Defective or poorly maintained vehicle parts
- Adverse weather conditions affecting road safety
- Infrastructure issues specific to Orange County, such as heavy tourist traffic
At Jacoby & Meyers, we are equipped to handle all types of motor vehicle accidents in Orange County, including rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, head-on collisions, hit-and-run accidents, and uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Orange County
After getting into a car accident in Orange County, do your best to remain calm and remember to take the following steps:
- Pull over in a safe place and check for injuries.
- Contact law enforcement and file a police report.
- Gather evidence, such as photos of the crash scene, witness contacts and driver information.
- Seek immediate medical attention at a local Orange County hospital.
- Notify your insurance company and file a claim against the at-fault party.
- Consult with a car accident attorney before accepting any settlements.
Do not admit fault for the car accident, post about the crash or your injuries on social media, or rush into a fast insurance settlement.
Determining Liability in Your Car Accident Case
Under California’s fault law, the person responsible for paying for an accident is the one who caused the crash. This could be the other driver for careless or reckless acts behind the wheel. It could also be a third party, such as an employer, company, vehicle manufacturer or the government.
Determining liability typically takes an analysis of relevant information and evidence, such as:
- Police accident reports and traffic citations against one of the drivers that prove a violated traffic law or reckless driving behaviors.
- Testimonies from eyewitnesses who saw the accident take place or can comment on the erratic driving of one of the drivers.
- Car accident reconstruction diagrams made by experts after assessing the crash scene, vehicle damage, surveillance footage and official photographs.
The collection of evidence is vital for proving a car accident claim in California. An attorney from Jacoby & Meyers can immediately go to work on preserving key evidence for your claim, such as by issuing subpoenas and letters of preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange County Car Accident Claims
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Potentially. While a simple car accident case (e.g., one that does not have serious injuries or a liability dispute) can typically be handled without an attorney, if you encounter any challenges after a crash that is considered minor, it is worthwhile to contact a lawyer.
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
A fast settlement that does not encounter any issues may be achieved in around three to six months, on average. If your case needs a longer investigative period, involves a liability dispute or gets rejected initially by an insurance company, expect a longer legal process. A car accident case that has to go to court in Orange County could take one year or longer, depending on the availability of a court date.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance on your own car insurance policy, you can rely on your provider to pay for what the at-fault driver cannot by filing a first-party claim. Otherwise, you may be able to sue the driver directly or hold a third party responsible, depending on the circumstances.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California uses a pure comparative negligence rule that gives accident victims the right to receive partial financial compensation even if they are at fault for the accident. If you are assigned a percentage of fault for a car crash in Orange County, your settlement or judgment award will be reduced by a corresponding amount.
Contact Our Orange County Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Jacoby & Meyers, we do what we do because we believe everyone deserves justice. If a careless driver or another party is at fault for causing your recent Orange County car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your legal rights and options.
We are the only practice dedicated to personal injury with proven success when it comes to the most serious car accident cases. Call (866) 254-0607 to get in touch with the law office closest to you. We will help you arrange a free consultation at your earliest convenience.
Orange Office
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Orange
500 N State College Blvd, Orange, CA 92868