Car Accident Attorney Van Nuys
Car accidents happen every day. In California, there were 147,292 traffic accidents in 2020, according to the Statewide Integrated Records System. Within that number of accidents, there were 3,723 fatalities.
As sobering as those numbers are, it doesn't mean we should give up our driving privileges. However, it does mean that an accident that causes injury needs a remedy. That is especially true if neglect was part of that car accident. That is where retaining the services of an experienced Van Nuys car accident attorney comes into play.
The Peck Law Corporation is a family-run law practice dedicated to finding a fair resolution for our clients involved in any serious car accident. We understand the stress that a car accident can generate, especially if it requires recovery from an injury and loss of wages. We are standing by to help anyone who has suffered from a car accident that was not their fault.
How Peck Law Corp Can Help
The Peck Law Corporation is a Van Nuys car accident attorney that brings over ten years of experience with car accidents into every case. In many of these lawsuits, we can help find a settlement to resolve the matter fairly. But first, there needs to be a complete assessment of the case's merits.
In your first consultation with us, you will share the car accident details with our legal staff. That will allows us to consider if the case should move forward. If we find merit in the case, we will begin work to find a fast and equitable resolution.
That process begins with the gathering of evidence. All police reports, photos of the accident, medical bills, and lost wage invoices will be part of the evidence. All of that information needs to factor into any settlement.
Next, we'll start a dialogue with any insurance agency representing the person deemed at fault in the accident. After we present the case, a settlement offer might be forthcoming. However, if we feel the offer is unfair, it might be time to discuss filing the lawsuit and taking it to a civil court.
The Peck Law Corporation will be an informative and supportive guide throughout the entire process. The support beings with the initial consultation, where we will discuss what happened in detail.
Types of Injuries
Sadly, a wide range of injuries can result from a car accident. The severity of those injuries depends on the severity of the accident. Here are some of the types of injuries you might find with a car accident:
Soft Tissue Injuries
A soft tissue injury involves muscles, ligaments, and tendons. That is the most common type of injury in a car accident. Unfortunately, it is also the type of injury that might not show up until a few days after the accident.
A whiplash injury is a prime example of a soft tissue injury in many car accidents. That type of injury impacts the neck and upper back. In addition, it can result in the victim becoming immobile through the recovery process.
There can also be soft tissue injuries to the back, shoulders, knees, and feet. All of those injuries could require some form of physical therapy. Those therapy sessions might go on for several weeks, if not months. The costs for those physical therapy sessions will be a factor in any car accident remedy.
Scrapes and Cuts
A lot can fly around in a car at the moment of impact. Projectiles like cell phones, travel mugs, eyeglasses, and purses can cause lacerations. In some cases, those lacerations will require stitches. That might leave a scar behind, and that is another factor for settlement discussions.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can result from sudden stops that force the head to slam into a side window or steering wheel. These are severe injuries that will need prolonged medical care and monitoring.
Chest Injuries
A seatbelt offers protection for drivers and passengers. Unfortunately, a seatbelt can also cause chest injuries in a car accident. Chest injuries can also occur when an airbag deploys or there is a collision with the steering wheel. But, of course, without the seatbelt, these accidents would be much worse.
Types of Damages Available
As with physical accidents, there are also property damages to consider as the result of a car accident. Those accidents range from minor fender benders to a declared totaled car.
When a car is declared totaled, it means that the costs to make the repairs would exceed the vehicle's value at the time of the accident. Replacing the car can also be an issue in a lawsuit brought by a car accident lawyer in the San Fernando Valley.
Statute of Limitations
In the state of California, there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit. That countdown begins on the day of the accident. Therefore, it is important to file any claim as soon as possible. A long wait to file your accident could be called into question by the other side of the case.
What To Do After an Accident
What happens immediately after a car accident can significantly impact future lawsuits or settlement results. Here are the steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident:
Check for Injuries
The priority after a car accident is to check for injuries for yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident. Even with the slightest injury, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.
Get to Safety
Traffic will continue around the site of a car accident. That is why you want to get to safety after you've cleared the vehicle. If you can still drive your car, you should pull off to the side of the road.
Call the Police
No matter the severity, you should call the police after a car accident and wait for them to respond. When the police do arrive, they should generate a report of the accident. That will become a critical document for the incident.
Exchange Information
You will need to get information from the other party involved in the accident. That information includes the following:
Contact name, number
Insurance policy number
Driver's license number
Make and model of the car involved in the accident
License plate number
Address where the accident took place.
It is also vital not to apologize for an accident or admit fault. Just gather the information and wait for the police. If, for some reason, the other party does not want to wait for the police, you can not force them to stay. Be sure the contact information they give you is accurate by calling their cell before they leave.
Documentation
Your cell phone might be an essential tool at your disposal after an accident. You can use that to take photos of the damage and the accident scene. You can also take pictures of the other party's driver's license and insurance policy.
Use your cell phone video to take any witness statements. You will also want to ensure you have the contact information of any police officers who show up at the accident scene.
Contact a Van Nuys Car Accident Attorney Today
If you find yourself the victim of a car accident, you must ensure your injuries get the necessary medical attention. It is equally important to discuss the matter with legal counsel. The Peck Law Corporation can help with this matter. We provide support for residents of Los Angeles Country, Orange County, and Ventura County.
You do not have to wait to recover before speaking with us. Call our offices at (820) 667-7325. We are standing by to help.