California
Car Accident Attorney
No Recovery. No Fee.
$10MM +
Recovered for Clients
1000 +
Injured Clients
3.5 ×
Higher compensation*
California is home to some of the most complex highway systems in the United States. Although both long-term residents and recent transplants to urban centers such as Los Angeles and San Francisco learn to navigate the freeways, the risk of suffering injuries during an accident always remains present. Learning as much as possible about automobile accidents in California can prepare you for what you need to do if you ever find yourself involved in a car accident.
Most individuals who pursue financial compensation for the injuries they suffer during a car accident seek out legal representation. The California car accident lawyers at Vaksman Khalfin, PC can help you enforce your legal rights.
A California car accident attorney can also help you determine the best case strategy to use in your civil lawsuit. It may be that you need to determine if you can assert specific legal claims against multiple defendants. Identifying potential defendants, performing legal analysis, and conducting factual research are three of the most important tasks a California personal injury lawyer can do for you.
Robert B. Vaksman, Esq.
Founding Partner
“Some cases are easier than others, but this doesn’t matter at Vaksman Khalfin, because we have the resources to help our clients no matter what is at stake, especially if it’s hard."
Alan D. Khalfin, Esq.
Partner & Managing Attorney
"People call me when they need to plan, but also when something terrible has happened and they need help. It is personal to my clients, so it is personal to me. We have to help — no matter what."
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A California Car Accident Lawyer Can Perform Many Tasks For You
A California car accident attorney can be your legal advocate and help you with many aspects of your civil lawsuit. Speaking to a knowledgeable car accident lawyer will enable you to determine the best course of action to take so you can protect your legal rights. The following are some of the most important tasks a car accident attorney in California can handle for you:
- Gathering police reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Helping you obtain medical assistance
- Coordinating a team of legal and medical experts
- Reviewing your injuries from a legal standpoint
- Obtaining expert witness reports
- Litigating legal claims
- Reconstructing your accident
- Negotiating with insurance companies
You will need to make sure that you do not delay asserting the legal claims that arise from an automobile accident, because there are time-based laws that may disqualify you from being compensated for your injuries.
Your legal team at Vaksman Khalfin, PC will ensure that deadlines are always met, and that your questions regarding your car accident are always answered. We pride ourselves on keeping our clients informed and updated throughout every stage of their automobile accident case.
Should You Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in California After Your Car Accident?
The emotional trauma and psychological stress caused by an automobile accident can be overwhelming. From dealing with insurance companies to managing medical bills, many accident victims face physical and mental burnout due to their attempts to handle everything on their own.
Our car accident lawyers in California will fight for your right to be compensated for your personal injuries. We will file legal documents on your behalf, depose witnesses, and submit discovery requests to the defendant. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Vaksman Khalfin, PC understand how devastating it can be to deal with insurance companies who do not want to pay reasonable settlement amounts. If you want to seek financial compensation for your injuries, then contact Vaksman Khalfin, PC today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Hire Vaksman Khalfin, PC for Your Car Accident Claim?
Lawyers who specialize in personal injury law possess more knowledge, experience, and skill related to automobile accident claims. Vaksman Khalfin, PC has years of experience litigating car accident cases in the State of California. We know the techniques and strategies defense counsel use during civil litigation.
We want you to focus on healing from your injuries while we handle every aspect of your civil lawsuit. It takes time to draft demand letters, negotiate with insurance claim adjusters, and file a complaint on your behalf. Let us deal with these complicated tasks while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
10 Steps To Take After an Automobile Accident in California
The steps taken after an accident can significantly affect the outcome of your civil lawsuit. It is necessary for accident victims to be attentive and vigilant after suffering injuries during a car accident. Also, preserving evidence can help you strengthen your case and substantiate your legal claims.
Many accident victims are in shock during the immediate moments after an automobile accident. However, the first thing all accident victims need to do is check if they suffered serious bodily injuries. Sudden blood loss may cause an accident victim to lose consciousness. If you notice you suffered any type of injury you should call 911 immediately. Sometimes injuries may not produce discernible symptoms until days or weeks after the date of the accident.
If you notice you are not seriously injured, then one important step to take is checking if others involved in the accident suffered bodily injuries. Calling emergency personnel and rendering first aid are two things you can do to help preserve life and help those who suffered injuries during the accident.
Preserving evidence and documenting your injuries are two of the most important things you can do after suffering injuries during a car accident. Here are the steps you should take to ensure you are prepared to pursue monetary compensation for your injuries:
- Stay Calm: Maintain your composure to ensure that you make rational decisions and do not escalate tensions at the accident scene.
- Seek Out a Safe Location: If you are able to do so without risk of injury, move your automobile out of any lane or roadway through which traffic is moving. Also, check to make sure to remove any debris that may affect the traffic near the accident scene.
- Call 911: Contact emergency personnel to file an accident report and obtain medical treatment for your injuries. Some of the entities who may arrive at the accident scene include police officers, fire fighters, and emergency service employees.
- Exchange Information With Others at the Accident Scene: Collect the other driver’s contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information for future reference. You will need to make sure you have access to your automobile liability insurance information during this time.
- Never Admit Fault at the Scene of the Accident: Avoid making oral or written statements that could be used against you at a later point in time. You may not know who was initially at fault, but do not make any statements about fault before you speak to an automobile accident attorney in California.
- Seek Out Medical Treatment Immediately: Even if you feel healthy and well in the immediate aftermath of an automobile accident, you should still pursue medical treatment because some injuries may not produce symptoms which are immediately discernible.
- Report To Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the automobile accident to initiate the claims process.
- Do Not Speak To Insurance Claim Adjusters: Be cautious while interacting with insurance claim adjusters. The majority of insurance claim adjusters are trained to settle claims for as little monetary value as possible. Do not speak with or accept any settlement offer until you speak to a knowledgeable California car accident attorney.
- Create a File: Maintain a comprehensive file with medical records, photographs of the accident scene, and all related medical bills so you can preserve these items as evidence to substantiate your legal claims.
- Contact Vaksman Khalfin, PC to Schedule a Free Consultation: After you seek out medical treatment for your injuries, contact Vaksman Khalfin, PC to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case. We can help you determine if you can seek financial compensation for your injuries.
What You Can Expect
Free Consultation
At Vaksman Khalfin, PC we value transparency and offer a free initial consultation. We will assess the facts of your case, outline potential outcomes, and chart a probable course of action without any financial obligation on your part.
You Only Pay Us If We Reach a Settlement or Win a Verdict
Your satisfaction is our utmost priority. Our payment structure follows a, "No win, no fee," policy. Our policy guarantees our fees are contingent on a successful outcome for your case. If we do not obtain financial compensation on your behalf in the form of a judgment or settlement, then you are not financially obligated to pay for legal services.
EXCEPTIONAL ATTORNEYS AND CASE MANAGERS
A professional attorney with a case manager will be assigned to your case to ensure dedicated service and personalized attention. This loyal team is your consistent point of contact and they will handle all of your concerns personally. Whenever you have a question about your case you can reach out to Vaksman Khalfin, PC directly.
Medical Providers Will Not Receive Payment Until We Finalize Your Case
We believe in a complete and fair resolution of your case before medical providers get paid, so we have established relationships with many such providers. At Vaksman Khalfin, PC your medical needs are our top priority. We will always fight for your legal rights and strive to obtain the best medical and legal outcome possible.
How it works
We will fight for your rights.
Complimentary consultation
Learn about the most important aspects of your potential case at first free consultation. If you want to retain legal counsel at Vaksman Khalfin, PC, then we will sign an engagement agreement and get started on your car accident case immediately. Remember, we do not get paid unless we obtain a judgment or settlement on your behalf.
A Legal Team Working For You
Our legal team will work with you and your medical providers to ensure that you receive the best medical treatment possible. Afterward, we serve a pre-litigation demand letter and negotiate with the defendant. If the defendant does not offer a reasonable settlement amount, then we consider going to court.
We Will Protect Your Legal Rights
If pre-litigation efforts are unsuccessful it is possible that we will continue fighting for you in court. Civil litigation is complex and lengthy, but it is often the best way to assert your legal claims and seek financial compensation for your injuries.
The Most Common Types of Automobile Accidents in California
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Vaksman Khalfin, PC have years of experience litigating automobile accident claims. The most common types of car accidents that occur in California include head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and rollovers. Our legal team can help you no matter what type of automobile accident occurred.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions happen when a driver hits the vehicle in front of them. The amount of force expelled during a rear-end collision often depends on how fast one vehicle was traveling when it struck the second vehicle from the rear. Typically, the blame falls on the driver who rear-ended the other.
Rear-end collisions frequently occur due to tailgating or distracted driving. Still, instances where a driver is reversing and rear-ended could shift blame to them.
Automobile accident statistics in California will help you learn more about the types of car accidents which occur most often in California.
California is home to a vast and complex system of freeways. Particularly for those living in Southern California, rear-end collisions are common. Not only do rear-end collisions cause drivers and passengers to suffer whiplash, they are also more likely to cause victims to experience bone fractures.
T-Bone Collisions
T-bone collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another. These collisions can cause serious injuries for both parties involved. Depending on the situation, blame can fall on either driver, leading to disputes over who possessed the right of way. If you experience such a case, hiring a skilled car accident attorney in California for effective legal representation is vital.
Sideswipe Accidents
Also called sideswipe crashes, this type of accident happens when the sides of two vehicles collide while traveling in the same direction. Common causes are failure to check blind spots before changing lanes or resuming movement from a parked position without checking if the way is clear. Low-speed sideswipe crashes may only lead to cosmetic damage, but severe injuries can occur at high speeds.
Sideswipe accidents also are capable of causing drivers and passengers serious bodily injuries. Fractured bones and lacerations are two of the most common types of injuries that occur during sideswipe accidents. Pedestrians may also suffer injuries if a car skids off the road during a sideswipe accident.
Who Is To Blame For Your Car Accident Injuries and Damages?
Determining liability is one of the most important aspects of a car accident case. It can be difficult to assess which parties may be named defendants in a civil lawsuit. However, the facts associated with your case, such as information taken from a traffic incident report, will help an attorney identify those individuals and entities which may be liable for your injuries.
Essentially, a personal injury attorney must always be able to assess if any potential parties may be named as defendants in a single case. Performing this task is essential to understanding which parties may be liable for the injured victim’s hospital bills and other damages.
Causation is an important component of all automobile accident cases. The four elements of negligence–duty, breach, causation (both proximate and cause-in-fact), and damages must be proven by the plaintiff by a preponderance of the evidence.
California Automobile Accident Statistics
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is the organization which oversees the national highway system. However, in the State of California, the California Department of Transportation is the entity which oversees the vast highway system in California.
The University of California, Berkeley maintains the SWITRS Summary. The Statewide SWITRS Summary is a tool for accessing and mapping statewide crash and injury data from the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).
Regional differences in California may also affect the total number of automobile accidents that occur in a specific area. For example, in the northern region of California above San Francisco it is less likely that residents will be involved in automobile accidents.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Collisions
Drivers engage in many different types of behavior while using their automobiles in California. However, some behaviors pose risks to the drivers and to all other motorists sharing the road. The following are some of the common causes of automobile accidents in the State of California:
- Distracted driving
- Listening to music at a high volume
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Eating while driving
- Not devoting all of one’s attention to the road
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Not adhering to traffic signs and traffic signals
- Driving in poor weather conditions
These are some of the most common causes of automobile accidents in California. Numerous factors may contribute to the overall cause of a collision. However, in automobile accidents, distracted driving and poor weather conditions are two of the leading causes of car accidents in California.
What Happens When Multiple Parties Are Liable in Automobile Accident Cases?
Oftentimes more than one defendant is liable for the injuries drivers and passengers suffer during an automobile accident. It is necessary to assess which individuals and entities may be potential defendants in a car accident case. Personal injury lawsuits featuring multiple defendants can be complex and lengthy. Each defendant may file options and other documents during litigation.
Automobile accident cases may concern multiple defendants who each contributed to your injuries. Also, an individual employee may have been acting within the course and scope of their employment when you suffered injuries, and therefore both the employee and the employer may be liable for your injuries.
When multiple defendants are liable in an automobile accident case the judge may apportion damages between the defendants. You may have a judgment in your favor, but the judge will apportion the damages amount between multiple defendants. For example, Defendant A may be 60 percent liable for your injuries, Defendant B may have been 20 percent liable for your injuries, and Defendant C may have been 20 percent liable for your injuries. Each party will pay the percentage of the judgment amount which corresponds with their degree of fault.
How Can a California Car Accident Attorney Help?
A California car accident attorney can provide the dedicated service you need. We will handle everything from dealing with the insurance companies to preparing the legal documents necessary for your case. We are adamant about providing our clients with exceptional legal representation.
Secure expert legal representation from the leading California car accident lawyers at Vaksman Khalfin, PC. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We understand that every case is unique and deserves personalized attention. We take the time to listen to your story, understand the nuances of your situation, and formulate a strategic plan to secure the best possible outcome. Our attorneys can handle the most complex automobile accident cases in California. Do not hesitate to reach out to us today so you can learn about the options available to you.
A California Auto Accident Attorney With Unparalleled Experience
Our reputation as one of the best California car accident lawyers is rooted in our extensive experience dealing with several types of auto accidents. Be it a minor fender-bender or a major collision, the potential for physical, emotional, and financial damage is immense. In such challenging times, you can lean on our collaborative team of professionals committed to fighting for your justice.
Empathy and Guided Support With a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer in California
Beyond our deep legal expertise, what truly distinguishes Vaksman Khalfin, PC from other law firms is our understanding of the emotional turmoil you may be feeling. We strive to go beyond providing legal support by offering the emotional stability you need during this challenging time. Our priority is to help you rebuild your life.
California Accident Firm Advocating for Car Accident Victims
As a respected California law firm handling automobile accident cases, Vaksman Khalfin, PC believes the only acceptable outcome is the one that is best for you and your family. We advocate tirelessly for car accident victims and their rights. Also, we are not afraid to challenge insurance companies, taking them on without trepidation to ensure you receive fair treatment.
Take the first step to your recovery. Reach out to Vaksman Khalfin, PC today to learn more about the legal options available to you. Our attorneys will help you understand everything about car accident cases in California.
What Our Clients Say
"I retained Vaksman Khalfin after my car accident. Right away, I knew I was in good hands because communication was clear and fast! They went above and beyond by negotiating my bills, and I ultimately got more than I expected. Thank you!"
"After being in a major accident, I didn’t know what to do. I never had to hire a lawyer, and was nervous about the process. Fortunately, I found Vaksman Khalfin who helped coordinate my medical care and finalize a very fair settlement. Everyone at their law firm was kind, caring and patient with all of my questions."
California Car Accident Law
Frequently Asked Questions
Car accident lawyers in California usually charge a contingency fee, generally around 33-40% of the settlement.
Yes, you can sue after a car accident in California, considering the state's comparative negligence law and the severity of injuries and damages.. Always consult an experienced car accident attorney to maximize your settlements before taking legal action.
Settlement amounts vary widely from case to case. When calculating your settlement amount, attorneys consider multiple factors, like medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If someone hits you and you don't have insurance in California, you may face fines and penalties, but the at-fault party is still responsible for your damages.
Even if you are uninsured, the other driver, is still responsible for your damages in California if they are at fault.
You can personally sue the at-fault driver if you're hit by someone without insurance in California..You can also file a claim with your insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
You’re responsible for the other party’s damages if found at fault in a car accident in California. Costs could include vehicle repair, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. That’s why consulting with an expert car accident lawyer is essential if you think you caused the accident.
The amount someone can sue for a car accident in California depends largely on the extent of the damages sustained in the accident. Damages could include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. There's no set limit, but it's subject to the reasonable amount of these expenses.
If the car accident wasn't your fault, hiring a lawyer in California can still ensure fair treatment and just compensation.
Even for a minor car accident, consulting a lawyer in California can be beneficial to protect your rights and ensure you receive an adequate settlement.
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