Orange County Car Accident Attorney

No Win, No Fee Guarantee. Schedule Your Free Consultation Today.

Southern California freeways are notorious for their traffic congestion and Orange County car accidents are daily occurrences. Without the right information, car accident victims of negligent drivers often lose out on compensation. Orange County car accident lawyer Daniel Kim is renowned for fighting to make sure clients receive the medical care they need and get the compensation they are rightfully owed.

If you are a victim of a motor vehicle accident, you may need an experienced car accident attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit and make sure you are compensated for your losses and injuries. We have recovered over $300 million in verdicts and settlements with a 98% client success rate. Our success is earned by helping thousands of clients win maximum compensation and get their lives back on track.

Average Car Accident Lawyer Cost
in Orange County

There are typically three types of fees involved that most attorneys charge: hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees. The average fee for accident attorneys falls between 33% and 40% of the final settlement amount, though rates can always vary depending on the law firm.

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs for our clients. We only charge legal fees as a percentage of the maximum payout and only if we win your case. Working on a contingency fee basis benefits our clients since our law firm takes on all the financial risks.

We also offer a free initial consultation to all potential clients to meet our team, discuss their case, and get a sense of how the process will unfold. There’s no obligation to sign with us after the consultation. During this time, we’ll evaluate your case, estimate its value, and develop a plan of action to ensure prompt compensation.

What to Do in a Hit-and-Run Accident

A car accident is already a very disorienting experience. Adding to the stress is a driver who flees the scene without leaving identifying information. Under California law, a hit-and-run can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the accident and whether there were any injuries or fatalities.

After a hit-and-run, remain at the scene of the accident and call 911 so a police officer can take your statement and assess the situation. Tell the officer as much as you can about the driver, including the make and model of their car, their license plate number, and any distinguishing features of the car or driver.

If you are a victim of a hit-and-run in California, it’s critical to reach out to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you recover damages through the at-fault party’s insurance provider or your insurance company if the responsible person is not found.

What Are the Types of Car Accident Injuries?

Car accident victims can suffer from a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering and catastrophic injuries. Some common types of car accident injuries include:

1. Whiplash: This is a common injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing strain or sprain to the neck muscles and ligaments.
2. Broken bones: Car accidents can cause fractures or breaks to various bones in the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and spine.
3. Soft tissue injuries: Car accident victims can suffer sprains, strains, and contusions in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body.
4. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These are serious injuries that result from a blow or jolt to the head, causing damage to the brain. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and mood changes.
5. Spinal cord injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis and can have a lifelong impact on the victim’s ability to perform daily activities.
6. Burns: These can result from fires or explosions caused by a motor vehicle accident and can range from minor to severe, depending on the extent of the burns.
7. Internal injuries: These injuries may not be visible externally but can be very serious and require immediate medical attention. They include damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
8. Psychological injuries: Car crashes can also cause emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
9. Amputation: Serious collisions can result in both traumatic and surgical amputation. Amputees face many hardships and years of rehabilitation.
10. Wrongful death: When someone is killed in a car crash, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party.It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you don’t immediately feel any pain or symptoms. Some injuries may not manifest until days or weeks after the accident, so it’s important to get a thorough evaluation from a medical professional to ensure that you receive the necessary treatment and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Police Report to File a Claim?

By law, motorists must report the accident to the police if a crash results in any injuries or death. They also must file an accident report with the DMV whenever someone is injured or killed or when property damage exceeds $1,000. It is highly recommended to have a police report to file a claim, as it provides a detailed record of the accident, including the date and time of the accident, the names and contact information of the parties involved, and the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Having a police report can be helpful when dealing with insurance companies who will use the official record of the accident to determine fault and liability. Without an accident report, it can be difficult to seek full compensation for your damages.

However, it is still possible to file a claim without a police report. Photos or videos of the accident and injuries, witness statements, medical records, or other expert evidence can be used to support an insurance claim.

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

If you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and seek financial compensation.

First, you should exchange contact information with the other driver, including their name, phone number, and address. You should also try to obtain their driver’s license number and the make and model of their vehicle.

Next, you should contact your own insurance company to report the accident. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance will help cover the damages caused by the other driver. Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that covers you if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance.

If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. A car accident attorney can guide you through this process and determine the best course of action.

Always keep detailed records and documents of your accident, including medical bills, car repair bills, and any other expenses related to the accident. This documentation is helpful in personal injury claims.

Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

Yes, you should see a doctor after a car crash, even if you think you are not seriously injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash or a concussion, may not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident, but can lead to serious health issues down the road.

Seeing a doctor can help you identify any injuries you may have sustained and ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment. Your doctor can also document any injuries and provide evidence that can be used to support an insurance claim.

If you are involved in an Orange County car accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine at the time of the accident. Our legal team has connections with top chiropractors, orthopedists, neurologists, and pain management doctors in Orange County. We can help you schedule appointments and set up treatment.

What If I Can’t Afford My Medical Bills?

After receiving medical treatment for your injuries, you may be faced with a stack of bills costing thousands of dollars. It is understandable that you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to pay your medical bills.

Medical expenses, including hospital bills, medication, treatment, and doctor visits, are generally covered in a car accident claim. The at-fault party’s insurance company is responsible for covering these expenses, as long as bills and statements are provided as evidence.

While our firm negotiates a settlement for you, you should contact your health insurance provider to notify them of your situation. Many healthcare providers are willing to work with patients to create payment plans that fit their budget. Our team can also help you get a medical lien, where a healthcare provider is paid out of your settlement. Our legal team will kindly explain how medical billing works and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

What Happens If Medical Bills Exceed Policy Limits?

Even if your medical bills exceed the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits, the at-fault party is still responsible for covering the remaining costs. Victims have the right to recover all current and future medical expenses. If policy limits have been exhausted, another option is to utilize uninsured/underinsured coverage for reimbursement. Experienced Orange County car accident lawyers will explore all possible avenues with you.

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?

The length of a car accident settlement can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the injuries and negotiations with the insurance company. In some cases, a car accident settlement can be reached quickly, within a few weeks or months of the accident. In other cases, it may take several months or even years.

The process typically involves gathering evidence, negotiating with the insurance company, and potentially going through mediation or arbitration. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial, which can further prolong the process.

If you are involved in a car crash and are pursuing a settlement, it is best to be patient and work with a qualified attorney who can guide you through the process and help ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.

Orange County Car Accident Statistics

With a population of over 3 million, it comes as no surprise that Orange County car accidents occur on a daily basis. According to U.S. government data, most people in Orange County drive alone to work, while the average commute time is 28 minutes. Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, and Huntington Beach are some of the top cities that see the most car accidents.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Orange County is home to several of the busiest highways and freeways in Southern California, including the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5), the San Diego Freeway (I-405), the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55), the Garden Grove Freeway (SR-22), and the State Route 91 (SR-91) that connects to Riverside County. Below are some of the most dangerous roads and intersections that see the most traffic accidents:

• Harbor Blvd.
• Beach Blvd.
• Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
• Ortega Highway (SR-74)
• Fairview St.
• Bristol St.
• Newport Blvd.
• Alicia Pkwy.
• Crown Valley Pkwy.
• Chapman Ave.
• Laguna Canyon Rd.
• Santiago Canyon Rd.
• 17th St. and Fairview Rd.
• Chapman Ave. and Gilbert St.
• Newport Blvd. and West 19th St.
• Edinger Ave. and Beach Blvd.
• Harbor Blvd. and Orangethorpe Ave.
• Beach Blvd. and Chapman Ave.
• Alicia Pkwy. and Jeronimo Rd.
• West Imperial Hwy. and South Beach Blvd.