LOS ANGELES AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYER
“DRIVEN TO BE THE BEST AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYER IN LOS ANGELES”
FREE CASE
EVALUATION
If you ever find yourself involved in a severe car crash, the damages you and others may sustain can be disastrous. Unfortunately, thousands of car accidents occur every single day. A highly trafficked area such as Los Angeles is more prone to these collisions. Whenever they happen, it’s important to recognize the potential negligence that can cause them to occur, as well as your rights to pursue compensation following the accident. It’s essential to recognize the different ways to show that someone is negligent and, thus, responsible for the injuries you sustain.
Below, our Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney will discuss the various types of motor vehicle accidents that can arise. Each of these have their own level of severity and they can leave you enduring some of the most catastrophic injuries possible. With these injuries come long-term expenses, the need for medical care, lost wages, property damage, and much more. You need someone on your side who can help you navigate the process and pursue compensation on your behalf. We can help you with car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and beyond, working to hold the negligent party and their insurance company accountable for the damages you sustain. If you suffer an injury in an accident, Pirnia Law Group is here to help you.
CAR ACCIDENT
Car accidents are some of the most common situations you hear about on the road. Countless cars travel the Southern California highways on a daily basis, and just one person acting recklessly or negligently can lead to a big crash. Unfortunately, it’s also very common for these car accidents to lead to you suffering an injury as a result. Those who suffer an injury can work with a Los Angeles car accident law firm to pursue compensation for their harm.
Car accidents include some of the most devastating situations, including but not limited to the following:
- Head-on collisions
- Broadside or T-bone collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe collisions
Car accidents occur because of numerous acts of negligence. For instance, someone is considered responsible if he or she crashes into your vehicle while distracted by a cell phone. If this type of collision occurs at a high rate of speed, it can lead to serious harm, and working with a car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights. These types of accidents can also occur because a driver is intoxicated or because he or she is fatigued. Any kind of reckless behavior can put all others on the road at risk of harm. It’s important to have legal advocacy for pain and suffering you may endure.
In California, you can hold someone else accountable when he or she is negligent in the crash. This falls under the traditional fault insurance system that allows you to file a claim through your own insurance provider who will then work with the other driver’s provider to get you the compensation you need. The other insurance company may try various tactics to refuse you the money you deserve. If this is the case, you have the right to pursue compensation through legal remedies by filing a lawsuit. Working with an auto accident lawyer gets you the resources you need to prove liability.
TRUCK ACCIDENT
Just think about how many large commercial trucks you see on the road. They all serve a valuable purpose to our community, but when operated negligently, they also pose a significant risk. A traffic accident lawyer & truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you understand how large truck drivers and the companies who operate them can cause some of the most catastrophic harm possible, including a head injury, a hurt back, or a hurt neck. The large size alone is intimidating, but these trucks also travel at a high rate of speed on the highway, creating a recipe for disaster.
Here are a few of the top causes of truck accidents:
- Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, and they must abide by the federal Hours of Service regulations to prevent causing an accident. When these truck drivers push themselves further in order to meet deadlines, they put others at risk.
- Maintenance: It’s the responsibility of the trucking company, the truck driver, and/or the owner of the truck to maintain the vehicle. This means ensuring the brakes, steering system, and all other parts are safe for long-distance travel.
- Improper loading: Whether a truck is overloaded (making it too heavy) or loaded unevenly, these are potential problems that can cause a trucker to lose control or for the trailer to tip over, causing a rollover accident.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
Motorcycle accidents can have some severe consequences. Many motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of not being confined in a vehicle, but it’s often this same freedom that causes them to suffer such catastrophic injuries in a crash. Motorcyclists can experience severe pain if they get into a crash and find themselves ejected off their motorcycle completely. This type of situation can lead to the motorcyclist landing on his or her head, neck, back, or other body part, which can lead to a catastrophic injury. Motorcyclists don’t always wear the right safety gear, as well, so they can suffer friction burns in accidents commonly referred to as road rash.
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents, with many of them resulting from negligence. For instance, motorcycles are much smaller vehicles and occupy blind spots much more frequently. For any driver who doesn’t look into his or her side view mirror when merging lanes, it can be easy to miss a motorcyclist in the blind spot. Similarly, drivers may turn into an intersection just before a motorcyclist and causes the motorcyclist to slow down significantly. No matter the situation, these types of accidents are very severe, and you require the help of a Los Angeles bodily injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation for the various injuries you sustain, as well as the medical expenses you may incur.
In some situations, a doctor’s negligence can also lead to a wrongful death. In this situation, you need to have a medical malpractice wrongful death attorney who can help you understand what rights you may have. Medical malpractice can involve issues such as surgical errors, prescription errors, misdiagnosis, and more. For instance, a prescription error can arise should a doctor misdiagnose a patient. In this situation, they may prescribe a medication that the patient is allergic to, which could cause a fatal reaction in some instances. Whether the fatal injury occurs in a hospital, nursing home, vehicle collision, or because of an illness, it’s important to move forward with legal action.
BUS ACCIDENT
These types of accidents are not too common, but they’re also something that you don’t hear about as often. However, bus accidents can be just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than other types of collisions. Buses are large vehicles and when they’re involved in an accident, it can result in many people suffering injuries. Those on the bus without seat belts may suffer injuries, as can drivers in other vehicles, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. It’s very important to recognize the various individuals who may be held responsible when a bus accident occurs so you know from whom to seek compensation:
- The bus driver is directly responsible in an accident where he or she acts in negligence and causes someone else to suffer severe harm. For instance, a bus driver is liable when he or she is either speeding, drinking and driving, distracted and driving, fatigued and driving, or otherwise reckless.
- The entity who owns and operates the bus can be liable if the bus accident is the result of a problem with the vehicle itself. For instance, if the owner of the bus fails to maintain the bus, it can experience brake failure, leading to a crash. The owner of the bus company is also responsible if they knowingly hire a driver who could pose a danger on the road and that driver causes a crash.
Bus accidents can become complicated because there are multiple types of buses that can be involved in a collision. You have school buses which are typically run by the school district to pick up and drop off kids. There’s also the public transit buses like the metro that people use to commute. There are also charter buses owned and operated by companies to travel long distances with large groups. In some other situations, there are party buses that can be involved, but those are usually considered limousine services.
Bicycle Accident
Bicyclists are in the same potential danger as motorcyclists on the road. Those on bicycles don’t have the same protection that motorists have to safeguard them from some of the most severe harm, thus making any accident involving a bicycle catastrophic. It’s easy for these individuals to be hit at sidewalks or when a vehicle enters the bike lane to turn too soon. Both of these issues can have severe implications and create severe results, most often only causing injuries to the bicyclist as the driver is protected by a metal frame.
Many bicyclists throughout the Los Angeles area operate as if they’re vehicles, riding in the middle of the street. In some situations, this is entirely legal. Even if it was illegal, it doesn’t give a motorist the right to neglect the safety of others. As a result, those injured on bicycles can hire a car wreck lawyer to hold the driver accountable.
Bicyclists are also at risk of harm due to dangerous road conditions such as lifted cement, potholes, and missing traffic signals. Should any of these problems exist, it’s up to the various entities that look over public roads to provide measures that keep those individuals safe, such as fixing the problems or adding signals to help keep bicyclists and pedestrians safe.
Pedestrian Accident
Some of the most fatal accidents that arise involve pedestrians. Most of the time, these individuals are walking along the sidewalk or crossing the street just focused on getting wherever they need to go. When a driver is drunk or distracted, a pedestrian can suffer some of the most devastating injuries imaginable. Pedestrians often experience some of the world’s worst drivers and crashes can occur because of situations such as the following:
- Drivers not paying attention when turning at an intersection. Technically, drivers should wait until the pedestrian is halfway across the crosswalk before turning if they’re going in the same direction.
- Distracted drivers not paying attention to traffic signals because they are looking down at their phone. The driver can collide with a pedestrian crossing the street.
- Drunk drivers who may be serving. If there’s nothing to block a sidewalk where a pedestrian is, the drunk driver may swerve and jump the curb.
Pedestrians can hire a car accident injury lawyer to pursue compensation from the negligent driver’s insurance provider. Getting legal help is crucial to pursuing the compensation and justice you need after something as serious as a pedestrian accident.
Dangerous Road
In many car accidents, it’s quick for each party to place the blame on each other. You try to find ways to remove liability from yourself and make it so you can file a claim. However, there are some situations that arise when none of the drivers involved may be responsible. There are some crashes that result because of dangerous road conditions created over time or because of the negligence of the entities responsible for maintaining the roads. Some of the most common road dangers include the following situations:
- When a pothole exists on the road, it’s not just something that makes the road look unsightly. It can also cause severe damage to your vehicle’s tires. In some situations, potholes can cause tire blowouts, making you lose control of your vehicle and send you crashing into another car.
- Missing traffic signals can be very dangerous. Whether the traffic signal is down or there’s a stop sign hidden by a tree, it can result in severe intersection accidents involving multiple vehicles.
- Missing guardrails can also be very dangerous as there are many canyon roads throughout Southern California. A guardrail can protect a driver from tumbling down a hill. When one is missing, a crash can go from minor to severe quickly.
Train Accident
The force of a train accident can rip a vehicle into two. These heavy modes of travel often go at a high rate of speed and it can be dangerous should a vehicle be on the tracks or if the train derails. Recognizing where negligence may exist in a train accident can help those who suffer injuries pursue compensation against the correct party, holding negligence accountable. Some of the most common train accidents that may arise include the following:
- Defective crossties
- Broken and worn switch points
- Damaged switches
- SpeedingFailing to apply hand brakes
Train accidents vary greatly and can involve vehicles, other trains, and pedestrians. There are many train accidents that can also result from conductor negligence should he or she act in a way that puts others at risk. For instance, a conductor can be found liable in an accident resulting from intoxication or distraction. If a conductor is operating the train while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication, he or she is acting negligently. Similarly, anything that takes the conductor’s focus off the task at hand is considered a cognitive distraction and can lead to a severe collision. Working with an attorney can help you understand who to take action against.
Uninsured Motorist
Uninsured motorist accidents are some of the most complex to deal with because they involve a collision with someone who doesn’t carry any kind of insurance to cover the expenses associated with your injuries. In California, when you suffer an injury in a negligence-related crash, you’re seeking compensation from the other driver’s insurance provider. If they don’t have an insurance policy, despite California law, getting the compensation you need can seem almost impossible. However, there are potential remedies that may be available to you to pursue compensation. You just have to be aware of the possible methods should you have uninsured motorist coverage that you pay for in your own insurance premium.
You may have an uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy that allows you to pursue compensation through your own provider. However, there are many situations in which insurance companies–even your own–are willing to overlook your well-being if it means they protect their profits. A car accident attorney can help you understand what options you have to pursue the outcome you need through your own insurance company. When they fail to abide by your policy, we’ll be there to help hold them accountable so they compensate you for the damages you sustain.
Limousine Accident
A limousine ride is supposed to be the life of luxury; something that you and your loved one or friends can truly enjoy. However, what is supposed to be a joyous time can quickly turn south if negligence is involved. In a limousine accident, there are many factors that come into play, but because of a potential lack of seat belts, it’s easy to see how devastating injuries can arise in these types of accidents. It becomes increasingly important to recognize the parties who can be held accountable and in which situations these individuals are negligent. Here are the various situations of which you must be aware:
A limousine driver can be responsible in many instances. First, the driver can be accountable if you’re the driver of another vehicle and he or she crashes into you. If you are the passenger inside the limousine, you can also hold the driver accountable if he or she is negligent. Negligence in limousine accidents are the same as any other collision. The driver is either speeding, drinking and driving, distracted, fatigue, or otherwise recklessly breaking the law.
A limousine company owner is accountable if he or she fails to properly maintain the vehicles he or she uses for these rides. The company owner must also ensure all drivers are safe and properly trained to keep others on the road safe. The moment he or she fails in that duty and the driver causes harm, the owner can also be held responsible for any injuries that result.
ATV Accident
Every year, roughly 135,000 people suffer injuries as a result of ATV accidents, with about 700 of those suffering fatal injuries. Unfortunately, this is a vehicle many people enjoy riding because it can take people off-road and allow them to venture places they’ve never been, but they’re not always aware of the various dangers that exist. An even bigger problem is many of those who suffer fatal injuries in these accidents are the ATV companies’ target demographic: younger individuals often under the age of 18. While many ATV accidents result because of driver negligence, there are other parties who may play a role in causing a severe injury:
In many situations, the ATV can rollover because of an error other than driver action. Manufacturers can also poorly design the ATV to prevent from such rollover accidents. However, if there is a design defect that puts the rider in danger, the manufacturer can be held accountable for missing vital designs to keep riders safe.
Similarly, manufacturers can be held accountable if the accident occurs because of a manufacturing error that leads to a defective product. Whether you experience a defective tire, clutch, throttle, shifter, or any other part, you may have the right to file a product liability for the injuries you sustain.
Company Vehicle Accident
Many people driving on the road are not using their own vehicles. They’re often using a vehicle owned by the company for whom they work. It’s important to understand where negligence may lie in these situations as it can vary, despite the vehicle being owned by a company. In many situations, the company is responsible because they must do their due diligence before allowing an employee to drive the vehicle. As such, the company must check the driving record, medical conditions, and other factors to determine if the driver is safe. If they fail in this regard and their employee crashes into you, it’s possible to hold the company accountable.
The company must also take the steps to ensure that the vehicle has been maintained properly and is free of any error that can cause a collision with others on the road. Many people overlook the need for vehicle maintenance and a tire blowout, failed brakes, or other problems can be considered negligence on behalf of the company and vehicle owner. If you’re unsure of who should be considered at fault in your situation, it’s important to speak with a lawyer who can help you fully understand your rights and options to pursue compensation.
Hit and Run Accident
Many accidents occur in which the parties involved can react civilly, speak to each other calmly, and exchange the necessary information with each other. However, there are other situations in which the driver who hits you knows that they are doing something negligent. The result? They leave the scene of the accident and you’re left trying to figure out what to do next. In California, you go through the responsible driver’s insurance company to pursue compensation. If the driver flees the scene of the accident, you don’t have the necessary information to provide to your insurance to go through the claims filing process.
If you are in a crash where the other vehicle leaves, you may need to rely on your own uninsured motorist policy to pursue compensation for your damages. If you can, try to get the license plate number of the other vehicle before they flee. If that’s not possible, make sure you speak with witnesses who can back up your claims of the other driver crashing into you and then running. If your own insurance company tries to wrongfully deny your claim, you may have the legal rights to pursue additional avenues through a lawsuit for bad faith. Get the help of an attorney to better understand your policy and your options.
Head On Collision
A head-on collision is one of the most serious that can occur because it often involves the force of two vehicles going straight towards one another. Depending on numerous factors, these types of accidents can result in whiplash, a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and more. It’s important to recognize how these collisions can arise because of negligence and who is responsible.
Drunk driving
One of the potential signs of a drunk driver is swerving. Many roads put drivers going opposite directions close to each other, and in a moment’s notice, a drunk driver can swerve into your lane, causing a severe head-on collision.
Distracted driving
Much like drunk driving, distracted drivers can swerve from lane to lane as they take time to look down at their phone, to passengers, or to their radio or GPS. When they swerve, they can enter oncoming traffic and you’re at immediate risk of a potential head-on collision.
Speeding
If someone is driving too fast for the road conditions, it’s easy to lose control of a vehicle. The driver begins swerving and trying to regain control, only to travel into oncoming traffic and colliding with other vehicles.
Because these are some of the most severe types of crashes, you should have a lawyer to help you pursue compensation.
Heavy Machinery Accident
Heavy machinery can be prominent in certain areas, and when they’re involved in a negligence-related incident, the results can be disastrous. Heavy machinery often refers to items you’d find on farms and other sites, such as one of Los Angeles most prominent industries, construction. When an excavator, bulldozer, or other piece of heavy machinery causes you to suffer a severe injury, you may be able to take legal action against the operator of the machine. You can also take action against the owner of the machine if he or she did not properly train the operator or ensure the machinery was safe.
These incidents can become very serious very quickly, but they’re also complex. Make sure you speak with an attorney about your right to file a lawsuit.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a type of injury you can sustain as the result of a car accident, most often occuring in a rear-end collision. Typically, the force of these accidents can cause your head to jolt back and forth, which causes serious strain on your neck. While the adrenaline and shock of the accident may make it so you don’t feel the effects right away, you may start to feel some soreness and pain in your neck in the hours that follow the accident. It’s imperative to seek medical attention after a crash as there are many injuries–including those stemming from whiplash–that can take days to manifest.
Unfortunately, whiplash can lead to even more severe problems should you suffer damage to your spine, spinal cord, or brain. The pressure of an accident can cause herniated discs or your brain can move around within your skull resulting in concussion. Whiplash is something that you may recover from quickly, but in the worst-case scenario, it can lead to long-term problems that you can experience for the rest of your life. Whiplash can also cause you to experience sensory issues (blurred vision or tinnitus) and behavioral changes, including depression and irritability.
HIRE A LOS ANGELES PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY TO PURSUE THE COMPENSATION YOU NEED
Car accidents happen, but you shouldn’t have to endure the strenuous aftermath because of someone else’s negligence. If you’re involved in an accident, make sure you have the right team on your side. At Pirnia Law Group, we focus on your rights to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. You can count on us to safeguard your best interests every step of the way, working to hold the negligent party responsible, and forcing the insurance company to abide by their policies.
We offer all of our personal injury services on a contingency fee basis. This means that when you hire our firm, you don’t have to pay anything out of your own pocket. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyer will front the expenses of investigating your case and going to trial. The only time we collect payment is if we win on your behalf, and even then, our fee comes as a percentage of your final recovery. You don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs. Even more, we will handle the legal matters on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
Need to pursue compensation? Call our firm today and speak with a legal professional in a free consultation. We’re ready to give you a voice to pursue justice.