30
YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE
1846+
SATISFIED CLIENTS
500+
SUCCESSFUL LAWSUITS
FREE PERSONAL INJURY
CASE EVALUATION
30
YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE
1846+
SATISFIED CLIENTS
500+
SUCCESSFUL LAWSUITS
TESTIMONIALS
3 EASY STEPS TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY
1
CALL AN
ATTRORNEY
2
GET FREE CASE
EVALUATION
3
LET THE SMART
SUITS HANDLE
THE REST
California Car Accident Lawyers
California Car Accident Statistics
According to the Transportation Injury Mapping System report by Berkeley University of California, there were a total of 16,847 fatalities and serious injuries (FSI) caused by car accidents in 2023. Over the last three years, there was an average of 18,646.3 FSIs in California. Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange County had the highest number of FSIs reported. Speeding remains the main reason why these catastrophic accidents happen, accounting for 4,945 FSIs out of the aforementioned 16,847 cases in 2023. Alcohol-impaired driving was a close second, causing 4,032 FSIs. Driving without seatbelts, drug-impaired driving, and distracted driving were also among the primary causes of these accidents.Most Dangerous Roadways In California
While car accidents can occur anywhere, certain roads tend to have higher numbers of incidents due to factors such as terrain, high traffic volumes, or long stretches of road that may cause drivers to lose focus and track their speed. Be aware of these roadways so that you can exercise extra caution when traveling through these areas and reduce the risk of accidents. According to MoneyGeek, which analyzed data from over 4,452 roads in correlation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, the following are the top 5 deadliest roadways in California:- I-15 between Exit 138 and 139 in Hesperia
- I-80 between Exit 14A and Exit 8A
- I-80 from Exit 15 to Exit 21
- I-5 from Del Paso Road to Railyard Boulevard
- I-215 from Exit 44B to Exit 39
What Should I Do After A Car Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident in California, remain calm. It might be a good idea to refrain from admitting fault or apologizing for the accident. Let the insurance companies and legal process determine liability.Call 911 and Assess Injuries
Assess yourself to see if there are any injuries and tend to them as best as you can. Call 911 and request emergency services so that prompt first aid will be given to help minimize long-term injuries. Even if you feel fine, it may be a good idea to get checked out by medical professionals as some injuries such as internal bleeding, whiplash, or even brain damage may not be immediately apparent. Some insurance companies may refuse to cover the costs of treating these delayed onset symptoms by proving that they are unrelated to your accident. When the police arrive, they will most likely ask you for information so they can file an accident report, which is a document that can help you during a legal proceeding and negotiations with the insurance company. Try to be as accurate as you can with the details that you provide and do not be afraid to say “I don’t know” if you’re uncertain. Avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted or used against you. Afterward, request a copy of the police report. This will strengthen your insurance claim and can help any legal action you may seek later on.Move to a Safe Location
Sometimes, car accidents may result in explosions due to broken fuel tanks, so maintaining distance from the site of the accident is important. If possible, move the vehicles to prevent blocking traffic and turn on hazard lights to notify other drivers of what’s happening in front of them.Exchange Information
Talk to the other party involved by getting their information, including their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Gather information regarding the damaged vehicles because all this data will be used by your insurance provider and your car accident attorney when you file for compensation.Gather Evidence
Collect information that may support your case including vehicle damage, skid marks, or road conditions, and identify any nearby surveillance cameras while you’re still in the area. Use your phone to take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, location, and any injuries sustained. Also note the time, date, and the weather conditions when the accident happened.Seek Medical Attention
It may be a good idea to seek immediate medical attention because some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may manifest a few days after the accident, so receiving prompt medical care can help your claim and recovery. Ask for your medical documentation, this will help your attorney with your personal injury claim to the insurance company.Consult with a Car Accident Attorney
If you sustained injuries during the accident, promptly seek advice from a California car accident lawyer who can explain your legal rights, guide you through the claims process, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. They will help coordinate communications with insurance companies and advocate for your best interests, whether negotiating a settlement or representing you in court.What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Car Accident Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for initiating a car accident claim is two years from the date of the incident. During this period, you may file your claims and start legal proceedings to seek compensation for injuries or damages suffered. Filing a car accident claim beyond this timeframe will likely lead to your case’s dismissal. The statute of limitation is imposed to preserve evidence and ensure the reliability and availability of witness statements which are vital in making a strong case. To uphold your legal rights, we recommend promptly seeking representation from a California car accident attorney who can help you file your case before the statute of limitation for your case expires. At Gosuits, our car accident lawyers can help you seek justice and compensation for injuries and damages you may have sustained due to the accident.How Much Does A California Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, location, and the lawyer’s experience and reputation. Typically, attorneys representing those injured in a car accident follow a contingency fee arrangement, wherein they do not require upfront payment. Instead, their fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award received. If they do not succeed in securing compensation, they do not collect a fee. When consulting with a car accident lawyer, discuss fee structures before deciding to hire their services, including the percentage they will deduct from your settlement or court-awarded compensation. Additionally, inquire about any potential additional costs that may arise during the legal process, such as court fees, expenses for expert witnesses, or travel expenses.PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT
STEPS AND PROCESS
1
Collect All Available Evidence
Every case rests on the backs of investigators who dig deep. We’ll investigate your accident and find evidence like police reports, hospital records, and witness statements. Our injury attorneys go deep into each potential avenue of inquiry, leaving no stone unturned in their exhaustive search for justice.
2
Write a Letter of Demand
A demand letter will be addressed to the offender and their insurance provider or legal counsel. The full financial burden is considered, including future medical expenditures, wage losses, and other expenses.
3
Negotiation
By bringing a lawsuit on your behalf, we acquire bargaining power when an insurance company refuses to give fair compensation. In addition, by filing a case, we can obtain information on the defendants we would not have had access to before.
4
Begin Filing a Lawsuit for Injury
By bringing a lawsuit on your behalf, we acquire bargaining power when an insurance company refuses to give fair compensation. In addition, by filing a case, we can obtain information on the defendants we would not have had access to before.
5
Discovery
Now that we have filed suit, we have the right to obtain information from the defendants that they were previously unwilling to release. By serving them with Requests for Admissions, Interrogatories, and Document Production, we can investigate the validity of their allegations.
6
Mediation
Once both parties have reviewed the facts of the case, a mediation session may be planned to see whether or not an amicable resolution may be reached. The defense will hear our position from a non-biased individual (Mediator), and we may continue bargaining with the insurance company over a reasonable payment.
7
Civil Trial for Injury
We will go to trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached. We’ll argue your case in court, using the information found through discovery and any necessary expert testimony. Many of us would rather have a jury decide our cases than a judge, as juries tend to be more compassionate in times of tragedy.
8
Settlement
A settlement has been reached if an agreement can be made before trial. In return for release of all personal injury claims, you should get a settlement that accounts for all your losses up to and including the date of your injury, fees, taxable cost, medical expenditures, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.
9
Appeal
Suppose the jury decides against you. We will then file an appeal if we believe the defense or the court made a legal mistake. Additional data and legal arguments on our part will likely be required to convince the court of our position. The court, if we prevail, may decide to overturn its earlier ruling or even retry the case.
RESPONSE TO SOME GENERAL QUESTIONS
Who will pay for my medical bills after an accident?
Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident?
Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?
What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?
Who will pay for my medical bills after an accident?
Who Will Pay for My Car Accident Medical Bills
Determining who will be responsible for your car accident medical bills depends on several factors: the cause of the accident, your level of fault, and the insurance coverage held by the other driver. In such circumstances, seeking guidance and support from a personal injury lawyer, Dallas can prove invaluable.
Following a car accident and sustaining injuries, it is natural to wonder who will bear the burden of your medical expenses and treatment costs. While a car accident injury settlement or a trial verdict can provide financial relief, they may not offer immediate assistance in covering your medical treatment. The answer, in essence, relies on the accident’s nature, the relevant state laws, and the specific insurance policies involved.
General Rule – Ongoing Payment Responsibility Rests with the Injured Party
It is crucial to understand that, in most cases, if you are involved in an accident, you are responsible for paying your medical bills as they are incurred. The only exception occurs in “no fault” states, which will be discussed below. Even if the at-fault party is clearly responsible for your injuries, the law does not mandate them to cover your bills on an ongoing basis.
The law only requires them to provide damages to resolve your lawsuit, and in many instances, your medical claim is included in those damages. However, the defendant is not obligated to pay your medical invoice as they arise.
Car Accidents – “No Fault” States
In motor vehicle accident cases, the coverage of hospital bills depends on whether the accident occurred in a “no fault” state. In “no fault” insurance states, your automobile insurer will cover some or all of your hospital bills resulting from a car accident, regardless of fault. However, there is typically a limit to what your own automobile insurance company will pay, varying from state to state but generally around $10,000 or less.
Once your medical expenses exceed the state’s “no fault” limit, you become responsible for paying them. If you have health insurance, your provider will cover your bills. In the case of Medicare or a state-run health insurance program through Medicaid, these entities will handle the bills. If you lack health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, you will need to arrange payment agreements directly with your healthcare providers.
Motor Vehicle Accidents – Non-“No Fault” States (Dallas, TX)
If you are involved in a serious accident in a state without “no fault” insurance, you will generally be responsible for paying your expenses until you claim compensation from the at-fault party. However, some drivers in these states have medical payment or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage, commonly known as “med pay” and “PIP” coverage.
This coverage will pay for the fair compensation of drivers or passengers involved in a car accident with the insured party, up to the “med pay” policy limits, which are typically less than $10,000. Once your bills exceed these policy limits, you will be responsible for payment.
Medpay and PIP funds can be utilized initially to cover health insurance deductibles, co-pays, and lost wages until you recover from the at-fault party. If you lack such coverage, in most cases, you will need to find healthcare providers willing to treat you upfront and defer their bills until you receive compensation from the insurance company.
Premises Liability: Slip or Trip and Fall Accidents
In premises liability or slip and fall cases, the responsibility for payment of medical bills typically falls on the injured person, unless the premises owner’s property insurance policy includes “med pay” coverage.
Dallas personal injury attorneys with experience in handling personal injury claims related to premises liability understand that “med pay” coverage can be beneficial. If the premises owner has this type of insurance coverage, the injured person’s medical bills will be paid by the insurance carriers, up to the limits specified in the “med pay” policy. However, once the “med pay” limits are exhausted, the injured person becomes responsible for paying the remaining bills.
Boating Accidents
Boating insurance policies seldom include “med pay” coverage. Consequently, personal injury victims involved in boating accidents will likely be responsible for covering their own expenses. It is crucial for individuals who suffer injuries caused by boating accidents to consult the right lawyer in Dallas to understand their legal options and seek rightful compensation for their injuries.
Work-Related Accidents
In the unfortunate event of a work-related accident due to gross negligence, personal injury victims may find relief if their company carries workers’ compensation insurance. In such personal injury cases, the workers’ compensation insurer will cover all the medical bills incurred by the injured party. It is important to note that these victims involved in work-related accidents are not required to contribute any money towards their expenses, including bills or deductibles.
Moreover, our Fort Worth, Dallas personal injury lawyers who handle personal injury cases are well-versed in the laws pertaining to workers’ compensation and can ensure that victims receive proper reimbursement for transportation expenses related to medical appointments. However, if a company does not have workers’ compensation insurance, pursuing damages under Texas non-subscriber laws becomes necessary.
Reimbursement for Medical Bills Paid by Insurers
If health insurers, Medicare, or the state agency administering Medicaid benefits have paid for your medical bills in relation to the accident, they are entitled to reimbursement for the amount they disbursed to your healthcare providers. Skilled Dallas personal injury attorneys can help navigate the complexities of dealing with insurers and ensure fair reimbursement processes.
Worst-Case Scenario
In the worst-case scenario where an accident occurs, insurance coverage is unavailable, and it is determined that there is no personal injury case due to factors such as personal fault or insufficient evidence, the injured party becomes solely responsible for all medical expenses. These victims facing this situation have limited options and should seek legal counsel to explore any possible alternatives.
Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident?
Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident in Dallas?
In Dallas, Texas, the responsibility for covering the cost of property damage resulting from a car accident lies within specific legal parameters. As a car owner, you have the right to choose the body shop for repairing your vehicle. However, determining who will foot the bill for your property damage depends on the urgency of your vehicle’s repair and whether the at-fault party has accepted liability.
In Dallas, as in most places, the responsibility for the cost of property damage after a car accident typically falls on the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Texas follows a fault-based system, meaning that the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for covering the damages.
If you were not at fault in the accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for your property damage. Their insurance should cover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property, such as your vehicle or any other damaged property involved in the accident.
It’s important to gather evidence and documentation of the accident, including photographs, police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant information that can support your claim. You should notify your insurance company about the accident as well, even if you are not at fault, to ensure they are aware of the situation.
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or is underinsured, you may need to rely on your own insurance coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, to help cover the property damage costs.
Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?
Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?
When you engage the services of our Dallas personal injury law firm, we ensure complete transparency regarding our fee structure. There are no hidden charges or surprise fees that catch you off guard. We take the time to explain the details of our contingency fee agreement, outlining all the fees and expenses involved.
In fact, paragraphs 1 and 2 of our agreement provide a comprehensive breakdown, and we require your initials next to each item to confirm your understanding. Our aim is to establish trust with our clients, providing them with peace of mind and alleviating any concerns. Our goal is not to profit at your expense but rather to obtain the best possible results for your injuries and damages.
Are My Medical Bills And Attorney Fees Combined?
It’s important to note that your medical bills and attorney fees are separate entities. While our law firm fees are based on the “No Fee, No Recovery” concept, your medical bills remain your responsibility. For instance, if you received a bill from the emergency room following your accident, it is your obligation to settle that bill as it does not fall within our purview to waive it.
However, when you enter into a contract with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Dallas, such as ourselves, you grant us permission to reimburse the medical providers from the eventual settlement or judgment you receive. This arrangement ensures that your expenses are appropriately handled while allowing us to pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve for your harm or serious injury.
Who Covers the Expenses of Managing My Case?
The good news is that, as experienced personal injury attorneys in Dallas, TX, we have provisions in our contingency contract that allow us to bear the expenses associated with your case. Our law firm agreement enables us to cover the necessary costs throughout the process, and once we secure a settlement on your behalf, we will deduct those expenses from the settlement amount.
It’s important to understand the typical expenses involved in a personal injury case, as they can be significant. For instance, the police department charges a fee for providing copies of the police report, collision videos, and the police call log. Medical providers charge per page to produce your medical records. Filing a lawsuit incurs fees imposed by the court.
What sets our law firm apart is our commitment to leveraging digital resources to streamline these requests and save you money at every turn. For example, our Dallas personal injury attorney makes digital requests for your medical records and bills, opting for a flat fee instead of a per-page charge.
Our communication is predominantly conducted through email and client portals, providing you with convenient and cost-effective access to our Dallas personal injury lawyers. This approach allows us to operate as a faster and more affordable law firm, dedicated to serving your needs.
What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?
What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?
“No Recovery, No Fee” or “No Attorney Fee if No Recovery” means that you will not be responsible for your attorney fees if we lose your case, or do not settle your case with the responsible party or their insurance company. We will charge you a percentage of the settlement instead of the typical retainer and hourly fees that attorneys charge.
Therefore, if we lose your case any percentage X $0.00 = $0.00 and you owe us nothing for attorney fees. This agreement allows you as a victim of a car accident to receive the proper medical attention that you need without worrying about the outrageous legal fees piling up. Also, this will give you the opportunity to handle your property damage much faster and get back to your daily lives.
In the other Sections, we explain that although there are no attorney fees if there is no recovery, your medical bills and expenses are still due and the medical providers will want payment irrelevant of the results. In addition, we explain in some rarer circumstances that if we lose you may be responsible for attorney fees and taxable court costs of the defendant if the judge exercises discretion and grants them.
Should I Hire A Lawyer After A Car Accident In California?
We recommend that you hire the services of a car accident lawyer in California after an accident. They will be able to help navigate you through this process and pursue claims for your personal injuries.
Who Pays For A Car Accident In California?
Your car insurance may have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay). The former will compensate you for car accidents regardless of fault, while the latter will cover medical expenses incurred due to the accident. However, most insurance companies in California do not sell PIP because California is not a no-fault state. This means that the insurance provider of the at-fault party will be the one to cover the costs of a car accident.
Our California car accident attorneys at Gosuilts can help you deal with the legal proceedings as well as negotiate with the insurance providers to make sure that you get the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
How Is Fault Determined In A Car Accident In California?
Usually, liability is determined prior to filing suit. Your attorney can help establish liability by doing a thorough investigation, analyzing police reports, CCTV and dashcam footage, and acquiring witness statements.
Thus, we recommend that you get the advice of a California car accident attorney to help you with your car accident claim.
Do I Accept A Car Accident Settlement Offer?
This depends on the settlement offer that’s put on the table. Often, the first offer will be a lowball offer, so immediately accepting may be unwise. However, settling after a negotiation may help resolve the claim and give you peace of mind, which is immeasurable. This is why the help of a car accident attorney who will advocate for your well-being is extremely important. They will advise you on what steps you should take to help give you the best outcome for your car accident claim.
Can I Get A Free Consultation For My Car Accident Case In California?
At Gosuits, we’re committed to serving California locals with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication by providing free consultation for your car accident case. You may schedule a free consultation now so that we may help evaluate and strategize your case to increase your chances of receiving compensation for injuries you’ve sustained following a car accident.
Meet the GoSuits Team
It's time we do things the SMART way rather than the hard way
“Hire the Smart Suits for Your Lawsuits”
SEAN CHALAKI
- Texas Super Lawyers: Rising Star 2016 2023 2024
- Law Firm of the Month by Attorney at Law Magazine 2016
- Top 40 under 40 Trial Attorney by The National Trial Lawyers (2015, 2016, 2022)
- Board Member Texas Trial Lawyers Association
- Dallas Trial Lawyers Association
- Danielle Hall, Individually Anf Amh-s V. Witron Integrated Logistics, Inc. Et
- Best Lawyers Ones to Watch 2022
- Best Lawyers 2024
YASAMIN MOUSSAVI
- Principal / Texas and New York Litigation Attorney
- Licensed Attorney with State Bar of Texas
- Licensed Attorney with State Bar of New York
- Licensed Attorney in Federal and District Court
- South Australian Bar Association
SHAWN HASHEMI
- Principal / Litigation Attorney
- State Bar of Texas
U.S. Federal District Court for Northern District of Texas - U.S. Federal District Court for Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. Federal District Court for Southern District of Texas
- U.S. Federal District Court for Western District of Texas
ABBAS HARATI
- Admitted to the State Bar of California
- Certified Mediator in the State of Texas
- Member of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
- Member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
We are here to help with your injuries or
assist with loss of a loved one.
or CALL
844-467-8487
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The content of this website has been prepared by Gosuits.com, for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from a lawyer. The material posted on this website is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship, and readers should not act upon it without seeking professional counsel. The chat system is an automated system that provides general information and not legal advice. You should not rely on any of the information, nor should you ever disclose private information to anyone in the chat system. Our office will never ask you for your private information until you have retain our firm with a written contract. Until there is an established written contract there is no attorney-client relationship. The knowledge base section of this website is not to be used as legal advice or legal resources. This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Disclaimers.
Top Services
Texas Service Areas
California Service Areas
Texas Principal Office: 3234 Commander Dr. Suite 800 Carrollton, Texas 75006
California Principal Office: 2082 Michelson Dr. Suite 315 Irvine, CA 92612
- 844-467-8487
- www.gosuits.com
* Best Lawyers Ones to Watch 2022 – Sean Chalaki
* Rising Stars 2016 – Sean Chalaki
* Attorney at Law Magazine 2016 – Sean Chalaki
* The National Trial Lawyers 2015 – Sean Chalaki
Copyright © 2024 Gosuits.com. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions