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Were You Seriously Injured in a Car Accident in Costa Mesa?

Car accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Sadly, being involved in a crash can disrupt you and your family’s life for years to come. When the accident was not your fault, it can make matters all the more complicated.

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we are here for you if you’ve been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. We defend car accident victims against insurance companies and we fight aggressively to get our clients the financial compensation they deserve.

Our Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer, Daniel Kim, and his team of legal professionals are fully prepared to assess your case. Start with a free consultation with zero risk. Schedule your complimentary case review by phone or filling out our brief contact form. We proudly serve the city of Costa Mesa and throughout California.

Other Practice Areas We Specialize In

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Costa Mesa Car Accident Lawyer?

As Costa Mesa’s premier car accident lawyer, Daniel Kim fights for victims – not the insurance company. After years of representing and winning personal injury cases, Daniel understands how an accident impacts a person’s life, and how filing a personal injury claim can drastically improve their future. Since opening his own practice right in the heart of Costa Mesa, Daniel has successfully recovered over $300 million dollars in settlements for his clients.

A native of Southern California and the managing partner at The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, Daniel has received numerous awards in his career, including the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion Award. He and his team maintain a 98% success rate and will guide you through every step of the claims process.

In your free consultation, our experienced team will review the details of your personal injury case to determine the right course of action. After the initial talk, we will begin investigating your case and build a strong and successful claim. We are available 24/7 by phone or online. You pay nothing until you win.

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

Our law firm never asks clients to pay any upfront legal fees, ever. We operate on a strict contingency fee arrangement, which means we only collect fees after we win your case and you receive compensation. Call today to receive a 100% free evaluation of your accident claim.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

Auto accidents happen everyday. While most car accidents are minor, some result in serious injuries and death. As a result, victims often walk away with huge medical bills, vehicle damage, and emotional trauma. This is where an accident attorney can help.

An experienced car accident attorney can help you investigate the crash, name the at-fault party, and seek compensation for your financial losses. While most personal injury cases settle out of court, our team is experienced in litigation and will take your case to trial if needed.

After a car accident, the insurance company may pressure you into accepting a quick settlement. Before you accept their offer, you should know that they do not have your best interests in mind. The insurance adjuster will want to close your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. This is why working with a skilled lawyer can protect your legal rights and maximize your compensation.

Under California’s statute of limitations for personal injury, accident victims have only two years from the date of their accident to file a claim. Contact our Costa Mesa car accident lawyer to get your claim started.

What Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering how much your claim is worth. The value of your claim depends on a number of factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries

• The amount of damage to your vehicle

• The person at fault for the accident

An experienced personal injury attorney in Costa Mesa can help you gather all of the evidence and work to maximize your claim. If you suffered serious or catastrophic injuries, you may be able to sue for the following:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent physical injuries

• Emotional damage

• Property damage 

If a loved one was killed in a car accident due to negligence, the surviving family members can sue for wrongful death to recover losses such as funeral expenses. Your Costa Mesa car accident attorney can help you obtain maximum compensation so you can recover financially, physically, and mentally.

What Causes Most Car Accidents?

There are nearly 200,000 automobile accidents that result in injury in California every year. Many of these accidents happen during rush-hour traffic and morning commutes where drivers speed or tailgate. It’s also not uncommon to witness crashes at busy intersections and parking lots. Our Costa Mesa accident attorney has represented countless injured victims in car accidents due to negligent drivers. Below are some of the most common causes of traffic accidents throughout Southern California:

Speeding

According to the NHTSA, speeding accounts for one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities in the U.S. Speeding may also cause accidents when a vehicle follows too closely and the driver does not leave enough room to brake.

Reckless driving

Reckless driving causes serious and fatal accidents on highways and surface streets. Drivers who run red lights, suffer from road rage, or ignore traffic signals and signs put everyone in danger.

Distracted driving

Over the years, distracted driving has become one of the top causes of car accidents in the U.S. Distracted drivers can cause rear-end collisions or merging accidents if they are not paying close attention to the road.

Driving under the influence

According to the Costa Mesa Police Department, there were 1,017 DUI offenses in 2021. Impaired driving is a serious offense and may result in jail time and criminal charges if the victim suffers fatal injuries. It is illegal for California drivers to have a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher.

Unsafe lane changes

California Vehicle Code 22107 VC prohibits drivers from making unsafe lane changes. Under this law, drivers are required to signal at least 100 feet before turning left or right.

Night driving

Inexperienced drivers may find themselves unprepared for driving at night. A pedestrian or cyclist who may be crossing outside of a marked crosswalk at night can also cause a serious traffic accident.

Adverse weather conditions

Heavy rain and thick fog can impair a driver’s vision, causing the driver to lose control of their vehicle. Motorists should drive slower and use their headlights in bad weather.

Poor road maintenance

In some instances, car accidents are a result of insufficient streetlights, potholes, or construction. In this case, both parties may sue the city or government responsible for maintaining the roads.

Who Is Liable in a Car Accident?

For a California personal injury claim to be successful, the plaintiff (the victim) must prove that the defendant (the other driver) acted in a negligent, reckless, or careless way and caused the accident. There are four elements in proving negligence, as follows:

• Duty of care:

  The other driver had a duty of care to drive their vehicle in a safe manner.

• Breach of duty:

  The other driver violated their duty of care. An example of a breach is driving under the influence.

• Causation:

  The other driver’s actions caused the accident.

• Damages:

  The victim suffered damages, or losses, as a result of the accident.

Oftentimes, there is more than one vehicle involved in a car accident case. In multi-vehicle accidents, it is possible that all drivers involved bear some responsibility for the accident. Under California’s pure comparative negligence law, all parties can seek damages even if they had some degree of fault. The final settlement amount will be determined according to the percentage of fault. For example, if the victim was found 20% at fault, he or she would be able to recover 80% in damages.

A Southern California personal injury attorney can break down these legalities for you and determine who was responsible for the accident, and how to recover compensation. Consult an attorney as soon as you can.

What to Do in a Car Accident

Nobody ever expects to be involved in a car crash, especially a bad accident where you are seriously injured. Immediately after a collision it may be hard to think quickly and focus, but it’s important to stay calm. Always seek medical attention to make sure you are okay. If you have not been badly injured, follow these steps after a traffic accident:

1. If you are injured in a traffic collision, dial 911 and wait for Costa Mesa police to arrive. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records.

2. Exchange contact information with the other driver(s) involved. Be sure to get their driver’s license number and insurance information.

3. Talk to any witnesses and exchange contact info.

4. Take photos of your vehicle and the other vehicle(s) involved as well as your injuries.

5. Call experienced Costa Mesa car accident lawyers with a proven track record of success, like Daniel Kim.

What to Do in a Hit-and-Run Accident

When a driver fails to stop or flees the scene of the accident without leaving identifying information, it is classified as a hit-and-run. Unfortunately, hit-and-runs are common when the vehicle damage is minor and there are no injuries. In more serious car accidents involving injury, the driver must stop and call the police. Otherwise, they risk steep fines and even jail time.

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, write down the vehicle’s license plate number along with a description of the vehicle and the driver. Make a note of their last known direction of travel from the accident scene. Immediately call 911 and tell the dispatcher of the situation and provide them with the information on the vehicle, driver, and what direction they were headed.

What Are the Types of Car Accident Injuries?

There are many factors that determine the kind of injuries car accident victims might suffer. The type of vehicle involved and how fast they were going will certainly affect the severity of your injuries.

The reality is that your injuries play a large role in the amount of compensation you will be eligible for down the road. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

• Broken bones

• Whiplash

• Amputation

• Spinal cord injuries

• Back and neck injuries

• Severe burns

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Cuts and bruises

• Nerve damage

• Torn ligaments or muscles

• Wrongful death

Our Costa Mesa car accident attorney has assisted clients with all of these serious injuries, and can help you receive fair compensation for damages associated with hospital bills, treatment, medication, and physical therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Police Report to File a Claim?

In serious car accidents involving injury or death, it is required by law to call the police and report the accident within 24 hours. When the police arrive on the scene, they will ask that you provide either a verbal or written statement of your personal account of how the collision occurred. Then, they will create a police report with this information. It is very important that you obtain a copy of the report.

Without a police report, the insurance company might question the validity of your claim. They may also try to minimize your injuries or place the blame on you. If you are not able to get the report, you may still be able to file an insurance claim using other forms of evidence. Witness statements, photos of the crash, video surveillance footage, and expert analysis are all solid forms of evidence that can be used to help support your personal injury case.

What Happens When the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

In California, it is required by law that every driver carry a minimum amount of car insurance. However, many drivers disregard this law – in fact, as many as 16% of drivers in California are uninsured. If you get into a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you can use your uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage acts as a safety net if you are injured by an uninsured driver, and it will generally cover you up to the amount of your standard liability protection.

If the other driver has insurance but not enough to cover the damage and your injuries, your uninsured motorist coverage can be used to make up the difference. If you do not have this type of coverage or not enough, you can file a claim against your insurance company or seek damages from the at-fault driver. Our car accident attorney can help you determine the best strategy when dealing with the insurance company.

Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

Yes. After a car wreck, you are likely to be in shock. Shock and the rush of adrenaline can mask sensations of pain, and might lead you to believe that you are fine. However, some serious injuries like whiplash may not appear immediately, but can cause complications down the line. This is why it is very important that you see a doctor or visit an urgent care clinic soon after an accident. Visiting a doctor and having medical records can also help to preserve your rights to compensation if you end up having serious injuries.

What If I Can’t Afford My Medical Bills?

If you have suffered injuries in a Costa Mesa auto accident, you are likely to end up with medical bills from physicians, chiropractors, orthopedists, or neurologists. Medical expenses can add a tremendous amount of stress to accident victims who have already suffered trauma and pain from their accident. If you cannot afford your medical bills, there are several options.

Financial assistance programs, or “charity care,” provide free or discounted health care to people who need help paying their bills. You can also negotiate the bill down to an amount you can afford, or ask if your provider will accept an interest-free repayment plan. If you decide to file a claim with a law firm, they can help you talk to healthcare providers and use a medical lien from your settlement.

What Happens If Medical Bills Exceed Policy Limits?

In California, it is required for drivers to maintain a minimum amount of “15/30/5” bodily injury liability insurance if they injure someone in an accident. That includes:

• $15,000 in coverage for the death or bodily injury of one person in a single accident

• $30,000 in coverage for the death or bodily liability of more than one person in a single accident

• $5,000 for property damage

If your medical bills exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, he or she is still legally liable for the full amount of your damages. You can seek compensation directly from them or from an umbrella policy if they have one. Our medical management team can go into more details with you in a free consultation call.

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?

Settling a car accident case can take up to a couple of months or a few years, depending on the type of accident, the extent of your injuries, and liability. However, don’t let that discourage you. Car accident claims are the most common personal injury claims filed in California, and usually settle quickly as long as you have a competent and experienced lawyer on your side. Also, while you wait for your claim to settle, our team will do the heavy lifting by negotiating with the insurance company and setting up treatment. You never have to leave the comfort of your home – we will come to you.

Costa Mesa Car Accident Statistics

According to data from UC Berkeley, there were 11,951 car crashes in 2021 in the county. Rear-end accidents made up 33% of the total crashes, while broadside collisions made up 30%. In Costa Mesa, Bristol Street and Newport Boulevard see heavy foot and vehicle traffic daily.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

The Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) and Interstate 405 (I-405) are two of the most congested freeways in Southern California. While improvement projects are currently underway, accidents are still extremely common along these busy routes. Drivers should be careful of these dangerous roads and intersections:

• Bristol St.
• Newport Blvd.
• Harbor Blvd.
• Euclid St.
• Chapman Ave.
• Beach Blvd. 
• Orangethorpe Ave. and State College Blvd.
• Santa Clara Ave. and Tustin Ave.
• Pomona Ave. and Victoria St.
• Del Mar Ave. and Newport Blvd.
• Victoria St. and Pomona Ave.
• Harbor Blvd. and Gisler Ave.
• Adams Ave. and Harbor Blvd.
• 1-405 & Fairview Rd.
• SR 91 & Imperial Hwy.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer Near You

If you or someone you love has been injured in a serious car accident, let Daniel Kim, our award-winning Costa Mesa car accident attorney, fight for you. Our law firm will thoroughly investigate every detail of your California car accident case and make sure you receive the maximum out of your settlement. We never settle for a quick payday, and our friendly and attentive team is available around the clock to talk to you. Call today for a free consultation.

Our accident and injury law firm represents clients in the Costa Mesa area and throughout the county including: Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda.

Driving Directions to Our Costa Mesa Office

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim
Address: 611 Anton Blvd #1000, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 790-3519
 
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