Were you involved in a car accident in El Segundo, California? Contact J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (323) 284-2834. Our El Segundo car accident lawyers can help you file a claim for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
Our esteemed personal injury law firm has 20 years of combined experience and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients to date. We know what it takes to stand up to the insurance companies in these cases and won’t hesitate to take them to court if necessary. Reach out to our El Segundo attorneys when you’re ready to get started.
Why Choose J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Car Accident in El Segundo, CA?
At J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we treat every client as a priority. We understand that your case isn’t just about money; it’s about protecting your future and restoring your sense of stability.
Here’s why accident victims continue to trust our El Segundo personal injury lawyers:
- We have secured numerous high-value recoveries for victims in the local area.
- We won’t hand your case off to an associate and will keep you up to date on the status of your claim at all times.
- We will prepare your case as if it were going to court, which may lead to a higher settlement offer.
- We will hire expert witnesses as necessary to strengthen your claim.
- We understand how Los Angeles County courts operate and how to handle the insurance companies that serve the region.
When you work with us, you’ll have a dedicated legal team protecting your rights every step of the way. Contact our law firm in El Segundo, CA, today for a free initial consultation.
How Much Is My El Segundo Car Accident Case Worth?
At the end of the day, every car accident case has a unique value. California does not use a fixed formula to calculate damages. Instead, your recovery is based on the specific details of your situation.
Some of the most important factors that affect the value of a case include:
- The severity of your injuries and whether they cause lasting impairment
- The total cost of your medical care, including future treatment
- Lost income and the effect your injuries have on your ability to work
- The emotional and psychological toll of the accident
- Available insurance coverage and policy limits
- Whether you share any fault for causing the accident
Our car accident lawyers will work closely with experts to assess the true cost of your damages. If you have any questions or would like more specific information about your case, we encourage you to contact us for a complimentary initial consultation.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in El Segundo, California?
Car accident victims in California are entitled to seek compensatory damages for the losses they’ve suffered. These damages are meant to help you recover both financially and emotionally after a crash as best as the law can.
Economic damages cover your direct financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Out-of-pocket costs
Non-economic damages compensate for the more personal and emotional consequences of your injuries, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability
- Loss of companionship
In rare cases that go to trial, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. These are awarded when the at-fault party acted with egregious misconduct.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in El Segundo, CA?
At J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. It means you won’t pay anything up front to hire us, nor any hourly rates. Our car accident attorneys in El Segundo only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
You might be hesitant to hire a lawyer because you’re worried about the cost, but you don’t need to be. This structure ensures that quality legal representation is available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. It also means we’ll be incentivized to increase the value of your claim as much as we can.
All the details of this fee arrangement will be written down in a contingency fee agreement that you will sign before we begin working on your case. We will ensure that all your questions are answered before you sign.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for My Car Accident in California?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” law regarding the issue of shared fault. It means that you can typically still recover compensation even if you share some of the blame, but that compensation can be reduced based on your assigned percentage.
For example, sharing 15% of the blame could potentially reduce your damages by 15%. If you’re being blamed for your crash, having a car accident attorney on your side may be in your best interest. We can respond to these kinds of allegations on your behalf in an appropriate manner.
Common Car Accident Injuries in El Segundo, California
Even seemingly minor accidents can cause injuries that disrupt a victim’s health, work, and daily life. Some injuries become apparent immediately, while others develop days or weeks after the crash, making prompt medical care crucial.
Common car accident injuries include the following:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and time away from work. In severe cases, car accident injuries may result in permanent disability or long-term pain. Documenting your injuries and following your doctor’s treatment plan can play an important role in protecting your health and any related injury claim.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in El Segundo?
El Segundo is a small but busy city surrounded by major highways, including Interstate 105, the Pacific Coast Highway, and Sepulveda Boulevard. With heavy commuter traffic and constant delivery activity, serious collisions are an unfortunate reality for many drivers.
The most common causes of car accidents in the area include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Unsafe lane changes and merging
- Aggressive driving
- Mechanical failures
- Hazardous road conditions
When another driver fails to act responsibly, and you’re the one left suffering, our car accident lawyers in El Segundo are here to help you hold them responsible to the best of our ability.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in California?
Under California’s statute of limitations, most car accident victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to take legal action before the time limit expires, you could lose your right to recover compensation altogether.
However, note that exceptions can adjust this time limit in certain cases. For example, cases involving government entities might have a shorter deadline. Our auto accident attorneys will ensure all of the applicable documents are filed correctly and on time to protect your rights.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in El Segundo?
Knowing what steps to take after a car crash can make a major difference in both your health and your legal claim.
Here’s what you should do if you’ve been involved in an accident:
- Call 911 immediately: Report the crash to law enforcement and request medical assistance. The police report will serve as valuable evidence later.
- Seek medical attention: You should take this step even if you do not have an obvious injury. Some injuries, like concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
- Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the vehicles, roadway, and your injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters: The insurance company is not on your side. Do not make statements or sign anything before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact an attorney: A car accident lawyer can handle all communication and ensure your rights are protected from the outset.
Our California personal injury attorneys can step in immediately to manage every aspect of your claim while you focus on healing from your injuries. We won’t let the insurance companies get away with a lowball settlement.
Contact Our El Segundo Car Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a car accident in El Segundo, CA, the experienced attorneys at J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to fight for you every step of the way. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims across California, and we’ll bring the same dedication and skill level to your case from the start.
Contact our law offices today or reach out online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an award-winning El Segundo car accident attorney.