CAR ACCIDENTS IN CALIFORNIA

Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and hardship in California, with thousands of collisions occurring on our roads each year. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, impaired drivers, or hazardous road conditions, these accidents can result in life-changing injuries, emotional distress, and significant financial burdens. The most common causes of car accidents in California are:

• Disregarding Traffic Signals, such as running red lights and stop signs, and failing to yield

• Distracted Driving, which includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, interacting with passengers, eating, adjusting the radio, or anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI), which includes alcohol and both legal and illegal drugs, impair a driver’s ability to react, determine distances, and make decisions

• Fatigue or Drowsy Driving, where tire drivers are less alert, have slower reaction times, and may fall asleep behind the wheel

• Improper Lane Changes or Merging, including failing to signal, checking blind spots, or misjudging the speed of other vehicles when changing lanes or merging

• Inexperienced Drivers, primarily comprised of teenagers, who may lack the skills to handle complex traffic situations or may make poor judgment calls

• Mechanical Failures, such as vehicle malfunctions including brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems

• Poor Road Conditions, including potholes, uneven road surfaces, lack of proper signage, or road construction

• Reckless or Aggressive Driving, include behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, cutting off other drivers, and “road rage” incidents

• Speeding, which includes driving at a speed above the posted speed limits or otherwise too fast for road conditions

• Tailgating, which is following other vehicles too closely

• Weather Conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, ice, or high winds

When a car accident does occur, a thorough investigation should be conducted to establish the evidence necessary to determine liability, compute damages, and make a claim for compensation from the at-fault persons or entities. A typical car accident investigation will include the following:

Client Interview

The process starts by interviewing the accident victim client to gather details about the accident. This includes the events leading up to the crash, the circumstances, the impact, any injuries sustained, prior medical treatment and the current state of medical recovery.

Review of Police Report

If a police report was filed, then it is obtained for review and analysis. The police report should include key information, such as:

• The officer’s impressions or opinion on who was at fault

• Witness statements

• Any citations issued, such as for speeding or DUI

• Sketches or photos of the accident scene, including road conditions or traffic signals

Gathering Evidence from the Scene

If possible, investigators will visit the accident scene. They will look for evidence like skid marks, traffic signal positions, road conditions, visibility issues, or anything that could help explain how the crash occurred. They may also take photos or videos of the scene to preserve important details.

Interviewing Witnesses

It is necessary to identify any witnesses to the accident and interview them. These could be pedestrians, other drivers, or passengers who can provide statements that support the client’s version of events. If necessary, it may be necessary to subpoena witnesses or request a formal deposition to obtain and secure witness testimony.

Obtaining Surveillance Footage

If the accident occurred near businesses, intersections, or other places with surveillance cameras, a request or subpoena to obtain video footage to help establish fault should be made. Video footage may also be obtainable from other motorists. Surveillance footage may show things like traffic signals, the behavior of other drivers, and the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash.

Analyzing Accident Reconstruction

In cases of serious accidents an accident reconstructionist may be used by Antonyan Miranda. This is an expert who can analyze the evidence (such as vehicle damage, crash dynamics, and physical evidence) to reconstruct the accident. After reconstruction, the expert can provide a detailed analysis of how the crash occurred, which can be critical in proving who was at fault.

Reviewing Medical Record/Reports

We will review medical records, diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRIs, and bills related to client injuries, which should be gathered as soon as they are prepared. This is important for establishing the extent of the injuries, treatment required, and long-term effects upon the client’s health and wellbeing. Additionally, it may be necessary to consult with medical experts to understand the severity of the injuries and their impact on the client’s life.

Examining Vehicle Damage

Examination of the damaged vehicles, often with the involvement of experts retained by Antonyan Miranda, is critical to understand how the crash occurred. The type of damage can give insights into the force and angle of the collision and help to determine fault. In some cases, a forensic inspection of the vehicles involved in the accident may be necessary.

Reviewing Traffic Laws

Examination of local traffic laws by one of our experienced trial attorneys is necessary to determine if any violations occurred, such as speeding or making an illegal turn. Evidence of a traffic violation can be crucial in establishing liability and fault.

Obtaining Insurance Information

It is necessary for us to obtain insurance details from both the client and the at-fault persons or entities to determine coverage limits and other claims that might be available, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Consulting Experts

Depending on the nature of the case, it may be necessary to consult with a variety of experts, including:

• Medical experts to assess the injury severity and long-term effects upon the client

• Economic experts to calculate lost wages or future earning potential of the client

• Vocational experts to assess how the injury impacts the client’s ability to work

• Forensic experts to evaluate any vehicle damage and determine causation

Preparing Legal Documents

Once all the evidence has been gathered, preparation of the necessary legal documents begins, including the filing of a claim or lawsuit and making settlement demands to the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Negotiation or Litigation

If a fair settlement can be achieved, then negotiation of settlement of the claim on behalf of the client ensues. If a fair settlement cannot be achieved then the case will proceed to court, including a presentation of all gathered evidence to argue the case before a jury.

The most common accident types in California are:

• Backing-Up Accidents: Accidents caused by drivers reversing without ensuring the path is clear of objects and pedestrians

• Chain-Reaction Collisions: Multi-vehicle accidents where one collision triggers a series of crashes

• Head-On Collisions: Accidents where the front sections of two vehicles collide, often at high speeds

• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Accidents where one party involved in a car accident flees the scene without stopping to provide information or render aid to victims

• Intersection Accidents: Accidents that occur at or near intersections, often due to running red lights, failing to yield, or failing to detect crossing pedestrians

• Parking Lot Accidents: Low-speed accidents in parking lots, often caused by tight spaces or distractions, and which may involve pedestrians

• Rear-End Collisions: Accidents where one vehicle strikes the back of another, typically caused by following too closely or distracted driving

• Road Departure Accidents: Accidents where a vehicle leaves the roadway, potentially striking objects and pedestrians, or overturning

• Rollover Accidents: Accidents where a vehicle tips onto its side or roof, often involving SUVs or trucks

• Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as “T-Bone accidents,” are accidents where the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, often occurring at intersections

• Sideswipe Accidents: Accidents where the sides of two vehicles make contact, typically when changing lanes

• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Accidents involving only one vehicle, such as hitting a tree, guardrail, or other stationary object

• Wrong-Way Driving Accidents: Accidents caused by a driver traveling in the opposite direction of traffic

In California, determining who is responsible for a car accident often involves multiple parties. While the victim may bear some fault for their own injuries, they can still pursue compensation from others whose negligence contributed to the accident. This legal principle highlights the importance of Antonyan Miranda conducting a thorough investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the crash. Identifying all liable parties and establishing the extent of their responsibility is crucial to building a strong claim for the injury victim.

Compensation for car accident injuries, referred to as damages, is designed to address the physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims. Depending on the specifics of the case, victims may be entitled to general damages, which cover non-economic losses such as physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, permanent disability, and loss of consortium. Special damages, which address tangible financial losses, may also be awarded to cover past and future medical expenses, as well as lost wages or reduced earning capacity. In certain cases, where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct—such as reckless driving or operating a vehicle under the influence—punitive damages may be pursued to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

Every car accident case is unique. While injuries may seem similar at first glance, the circumstances surrounding each accident can vary greatly. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, the degree of fault, and the available evidence all influence the outcome of a claim. Navigating these complexities requires the skill and expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney such as Antonyan Miranda who has the resources to investigate the case thoroughly, gather compelling evidence, and advocate effectively for maximum compensation.

Act Now

Acting quickly is critical in personal injury cases. Delays can jeopardize evidence, diminish witness reliability, and complicate the process of proving liability. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it’s essential to seek legal assistance without delay. At Antonyan Miranda, our dedicated team of attorneys has the experience and resources to handle even the most complex cases. Act now and contact us today for a free consultation and case analysis. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be—don’t wait.

Antonyan Miranda – Protect Yourself at All Times®