Murrieta Car Accident Lawyer

Murrieta, CA Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents are common in Murrieta and throughout California, and these incidents may occur from various causes. However, state law dictates that when drivers are involved in car accidents, it’s necessary to prove fault to determine liability for the resulting damages. Therefore, all drivers in the state must have liability coverage with their auto insurance policies, and this insurance comes into play whenever one driver injures another.

Legal Counsel for Victims of Car Accidents in Murrieta, CA

If you or your family member recently sustained injuries in an accident caused by another driver, do not assume that collecting compensation for your losses will be an easy or straightforward process. Many people suffer life-changing effects from car accidents, and proving liability can be more difficult than they expect. Additionally, recovery from a serious accident is likely to require both an auto insurance claim and a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Therefore, any car accident victim who wants the greatest chances of success with these recovery efforts needs legal counsel they can trust.

The attorneys at Karlin & Karlin provide compassionate and meticulous legal counsel for victims of all types of personal injuries in Murrieta, including those arising from car accidents. Our team has helped many past clients navigate the difficult legal proceedings that are often necessary for resolving the aftermath of serious accidents, so we know the challenges you are likely to confront in your efforts to secure the compensation you legally deserve. The sooner you coordinate with a seasoned Murrieta car accident attorney after a crash, the more likely you are to maximize your compensation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Murrieta, CA

Before an injured driver can obtain any compensation for the losses they suffered in an accident, they need to prove exactly how the accident happened and identify the driver responsible for causing it. California uses the fault rule to resolve car accidents, so proving fault is always an essential first step in car accident cases. Whether you anticipate settling your case through an insurance claim or you expect a more difficult series of legal proceedings with a civil suit, your Murrieta car accident attorney can be an invaluable asset for every stage of your recovery efforts.

Most car accident claims filed in the Murrieta area arise from negligence behind the wheel. “Negligence” is the legal term used to define a lack of reasonable care in a given situation. A few examples of negligence that may lead to car accidents include:

• Distracted driving. This is the leading cause of crashes each year, and it’s vital for every driver to understand the risks that even momentary inattention can pose on the road. Your Murrieta car accident attorney can help obtain the other driver’s cell phone records or other evidence to help prove they were not paying attention while driving when they caused your accident.
• Moving violations. When drivers fail to navigate intersections correctly, fail to yield the right-of-way when necessary, perform illegal turns, or run stop signs or red lights, these disruptions to the flow of traffic can easily cause accidents. All drivers have a duty of care to heed posted traffic signals and obey road signs at all times.
• Fatigued driving. Some drivers spend too long behind the wheel without rest. Studies show that fatigued driving can be as dangerous as intoxicated driving due to the physiological effects that tiredness can have on a driver. For example, it’s possible for a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel, or their excessive fatigue can diminish reaction time and spatial awareness.

To prove that negligence caused your recent car accident, you must show proof that the at-fault driver had a duty of care to operate their vehicle responsibly and attentively, failed to meet this duty of care somehow, and consequently caused your claimed damages.

It is also possible for intentional misconduct behind the wheel to cause an accident. The most common examples of this include driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, speeding, and reckless driving. Whenever a driver causes an injury to another motorist due to intentional misconduct and an illegal breach of California law, they not only face liability for the damages they caused but also criminal prosecution.

Penalties for excessive speeding, reckless driving, and DUI generally include driver’s license suspension, fines, and jail time. In addition, penalties typically increase whenever the at-fault driver has a history of similar legal issues in the past and/or they cause serious bodily harm or death. Your Murrieta car accident attorney can explain how the illegal nature of a defendant’s actions could influence your recovery and the amount of compensation you obtain for your losses.

Recovery From a Car Accident in Murrieta, CA

Once you have proven the exact cause of your recent car accident, you can proceed with claiming compensation from the at-fault driver. This is likely to begin with an auto accident claim followed by a personal injury suit. Your Murrieta car accident attorney can assist you with filing your claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. If successful, this can provide compensation for your vehicle repair costs and the medical treatment you require to heal from your injuries. However, if your damages exceed the scope of the defendant’s coverage, a personal injury claim will be necessary for obtaining repayment of your outstanding losses.

If you choose Karlin & Karlin to represent you in your car accident claim, we will do everything we can to maximize the compensation you win from the at-fault driver. Our team can streamline the insurance claim process, and if your settlement does not fully compensate for your losses, we can take your case to civil court and assist you in building an effective personal injury claim. Time is a crucial consideration in this situation, so it’s advisable to reach out to legal counsel you can trust as soon as possible after a car accident in Murrieta.

FAQs About Murrieta, CA Auto Accident Laws

What Is My Car Accident Claim Worth in Murrieta?

If you are wondering how much compensation you could potentially secure from the driver who caused your accident, it’s important to accurately calculate the full scope of your economic losses resulting from the incident. You have the right to claim full repayment of any and all financial losses inflicted by the defendant’s behavior, and you may also hold them accountable for the pain and suffering you experienced. A good Murrieta car accident attorney can assist you in determining the full scope of damages you are legally entitled to claim.

How Long Does It Take to Settle an Auto Insurance Claim?

When the other driver is clearly to blame for your accident and you have the right attorney representing you, it should only take a few weeks to resolve the insurance claim process. You must submit your claim on time with all necessary supporting information, and the insurance carrier can review the claim before delivering a settlement offer. Having an experienced Murrieta car accident attorney help with your claim can streamline this process significantly, shortening the time it takes for you to receive your settlement check.

Will the At-Fault Driver Go to Jail for Causing My Accident?

When a driver causes a car accident through negligence, they will face liability for all the damages they inflict on others but they would be unlikely to face prosecution. However, if they caused the accident through illegal misconduct, such as DUI, reckless driving, or intentionally harmful actions behind the wheel, these issues would likely lead to criminal charges from the state, and their penalties can be severe, depending on the level of damage they caused.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

If auto insurance alone cannot fully compensate you for your losses from a car accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the accident. The statute of limitations or time limit in which you must file your claim is two years in the state, and this time limit begins on the date of your accident. Two years may seem like more than enough time, but taking legal action as swiftly as possible helps to preserve the reliability of witness testimony and any physical evidence you may need to substantiate your case.

How Much Will I Pay in Legal Fees to a Murrieta Car Accident Attorney?

It’s natural to worry about legal expenses when you face a difficult series of legal proceedings after a car accident, but this is no cause for concern when you choose Karlin & Karlin to represent you. We only take a fee if we win your case. The contingency fee you pay is a percentage of your total case award, and you keep the rest. Therefore, there are no upfront legal fees, and you pay nothing if we cannot secure compensation on your behalf for any reason.

Contact Our Murrieta Auto Accident Lawyers Today

The attorneys at Karlin & Karlin have the professional legal experience you need and can provide guidance and support in the aftermath of a damaging car accident. Your recovery is likely to require an extensive series of legal proceedings involving you and the other driver, and proving liability for an accident may not be as straightforward as it could seem at first. To have the greatest chance of securing as much compensation as state law allows, you need a Murrieta car accident attorney on your side. Reach out to us today to set up a meeting with our firm and learn more about the legal services we offer.