Torrance Car Accident Lawyer

Torrance Car Accident Attorney

After a car accident, it can be hard to figure out what to do, especially when there are injuries, property damage, and legal responsibilities to consider. If you were in a car crash in Torrance, it’s important to know what your rights and duties are. A Torrance car accident lawyer can help you understand California’s car accident laws, such as how to file a report, and your options to secure compensation for your injuries in Torrance and the surrounding areas.

Why Choose Duque & Price?

At Duque & Price, our experienced Torrance personal injury lawyers strive to get you the money you deserve. We can navigate the complicated California traffic laws. We make sure that every part of your case is handled with care, from looking into the accident and gathering important evidence to talking to insurance companies and, if necessary, defending you in court.

With a history of success and a focus on putting the needs of our clients first, we work hard to hold negligent parties responsible and get you the greatest outcome possible. You can count on Duque & Price to give you the strong, personalized legal help you need during this tough time.

How to Report a Car Accident in California

In some situations, California law says that drivers must report a crash after it happened. If you don’t do this, you could face fines or other legal consequences.

When a car accident hurts or kills someone, the driver must report it within 24 hours to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or the local police. If the police show up, they will file the case for you. If there is no law enforcement present, it is your job to send a written report to the right authority.

In addition to notifying law enforcement, you must report the accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days if:

• Someone involved in the accident was injured, regardless of the severity.
• Someone was killed in the accident.
• The accident caused more than $1,000 in property damage.

Failing to report an accident to the DMV can result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Even though California law doesn’t say when you have to tell your insurance company about an accident, your policy probably says that you have to do it right away. If you wait too long to file this report, your insurance company might not pay you. To make sure your coverage stays in place, you should report even small events.

California Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims

If you want to go to court after a car accident in California, you need to know about the statute of limitations. This law gives you a certain amount of time to file a case, which is very important if you want to seek financial compensation for your damages.

If you were hurt in a car accident in California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a case. If someone dies in the accident, the two-year time frame starts on the date of death. You have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for property loss, like fixing your car.

In some cases, the statute of limitations may not apply or may be extended. It may be possible to extend the statute of limitations if the person who was hurt is a minor or does not have the legal ability to make a decision. Also, if the driver who caused the accident leaves California after the accident, the clock may stop until they come back.

If you miss the statute of limitations deadline, you may lose your ability to file a claim, so it’s very important to move quickly.

Determining Fault in California Car Accidents

California abides by “pure comparative fault,” which means that you can get compensated, even if you were partly to blame for the accident. For instance, if you were determined to be 10% at fault for an accident, are filing a claim for $10,000, and win the claim, you will be awarded $10,000 minus 10%. Thus, you’ll have $9,000 in damages. This rule is the same whether you settle your case with an insurance company or go to court.

Car Accidents With Government Vehicles

When government vehicles or workers are involved in an accident, it can make your case more complex. There are special rules that apply if you think that a government worker’s carelessness caused your accident.

You have six months from the date of the accident to file a claim with the right government office. After that, the government has 45 days to answer. You can file a legal claim if your initial claim is rejected or if you don’t hear back. When the government is involved, it is very important to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer because of the tight time frames and specific steps that need to be taken.

Car Accidents With Minors

In California, if your teen child causes a car crash, you could have a claim against you for the costs of fixing the damage.

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for any crashes that their minor children cause if they let the child drive. This responsibility is there whether the child has a license or not. Getting to know your possible financial responsibilities and how your insurance may help cover the losses after your child’s accident is very important.

Car Insurance Requirements in California

All drivers in California are required to have liability insurance. This amount is for injuries or deaths to one person. These costs also cover fixes to damaged property. There are bare minimum limits established by law. However, getting more coverage can save you a lot of money if you have a serious accident.

If you drive in California without insurance, you could get fined, have your car towed, or even have your license taken away. Also, California’s “No Pay, No Play” rule prevents you from getting non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, if you’re hurt in an accident that someone else caused and you don’t have insurance. Some additional insurance coverage options include:

• Liability insurance pays for damage to other people’s property but not for your own accidents or damage to your own car. For that, you might need extra coverage.
• Collision coverage pays to fix your car after an accident, no matter who was at fault.
• Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your car that isn’t caused by an accident, like damage from theft or natural catastrophes.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you get into an accident with a driver who has inadequate or insufficient insurance. California does not require uninsured/underinsured driver coverage, but it is strongly suggested because it can provide very important safety.

If someone else was at fault, you can make a claim with their insurance company or your own. When dealing with insurance companies, it’s often most advantageous to talk to a lawyer first. Insurance companies may try to give you the smallest payout possible, while an attorney can strive for the most that is appropriate for your situation.

FAQs

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?

In California, settlement sums for auto accidents can greatly depend on a number of criteria, including the extent of injuries, property damage, medical costs, and lost income. A small amount may be a sufficient settlement for a minor accident, while much more may be awarded in cases involving significant injuries. There is no established “average” settlement amount because of these factors.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident in California?

In California, it is not legally necessary to hire a lawyer after a car accident, although it is strongly advised, particularly if you have suffered serious injuries or major property damage. A lawyer can help you understand complicated legal processes, negotiate with insurance providers, and fight for the most money possible while making sure your rights are completely safeguarded.

How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

California accident lawyers usually take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you get compensated. The contingency fee varies based on the intricacy of the matter and whether it proceeds to trial. It is imperative that you and your lawyer talk about fee arrangements upfront.

How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in California?

After a car accident in Torrance, CA, there is no legal limit on the amount that you may file a claim for in California. Medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, can all be covered by compensation. The particulars of the case, such as the degree of negligence and the severity of the injuries, will determine the overall amount.

Contact Duque & Price

It’s important to know what your legal obligations and choices are for getting compensation after a car accident in Torrance and the surrounding areas. An attorney at Duque & Price can help you report the accident, file a claim, and navigate the other steps in between. Contact us today to get started.