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Torrance Car Accident Lawyers

Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Torrance, CA

Often, injured victims find themselves feeling isolated and intimidated, leading them to accept the initial offer from the insurance company without receiving a fair settlement. Following a serious accident that results in injury, your focus should be on healing, not on negotiating with insurance companies. Unlike these companies, we prioritize your best interests when you file an accident claim. Our dedicated Torrance car accident lawyers hold the responsible party accountable, ensuring that you receive the full and just compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, contact Sheridan & Rund, PC Kahroba today at (310) 640-1200 for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Common Types of Car Accidents In Southern California

Motor vehicle accidents in California stem from various causes. The primary culprit behind most accidents statewide is distracted driving. These accidents manifest in diverse forms and affect victims in multiple ways. Among the prevalent types of car accidents observed in California are the following:

  • Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions between vehicles are frequently the cause of catastrophic accidents that can result in fatalities. While these types of accidents occur less frequently than others, they often lead to more severe injuries for the individuals involved. In fact, a majority of fatal accidents involve a direct impact between the front ends of the vehicles.
  • Rear-End Collisions: Every year, over 1.7 million rear-end collisions take place throughout the United States. These unfortunate incidents arise from drivers tailgating, unable to halt their vehicles in time to avoid crashing into the vehicle ahead. Distracted driving and inadequate following distance are common culprits behind these accidents.
  • T-Bone Collisions: T-bone accidents frequently occur at intersections when one or both drivers fail to abide by traffic control signals or signs. They can also result from an illegal turn made by one of the drivers. The term “T-bone collision” derives from the distinct shape formed by the front end of one vehicle colliding with the side of another. These side-impact collisions, commonly referred to as T-bone accidents, can cause severe injuries, particularly to occupants of the vehicle that is struck.
  • Sideswipe Accidents: These accidents happen when drivers are traveling side by side in separate lanes, and one vehicle veers over the center median, colliding with the second vehicle. Sideswipe accidents frequently result in one or both cars veering off the road and colliding with other objects, vehicles, or buildings.
  • Chain Reaction Crashes: A chain-reaction collision occurs when three or more vehicles are involved in an accident. These incidents are often caused by drivers tailgating, distracted driving, or rubbernecking. Chain-reaction accidents can lead to serious injuries and involve more individuals harmed compared to other types of collisions.
  • Single Vehicle Accidents: While drivers often enter roadways with concerns about the actions of other drivers, it is important to note that a significant number of accidents in California involve only one vehicle. Surprisingly, more than half of all fatal collisions in the United States occur when a single vehicle collides with objects, buildings, trees, or even rolls over. The causes behind most single-vehicle accidents can be attributed to driver error, speeding, or intoxication. However, it is also worth mentioning that some accidents occur due to defective car parts or road defects that ultimately lead to the crash.

Top Causes Of Car Accidents In Southern California

Based on data published by Statista, California recorded 3,540 fatalities in 2019 due to vehicle accidents, with the majority involving passenger cars. In comparison to statewide statistics, Torrance exhibits relatively lower numbers of car accident-related deaths.

Fortunately, the majority of accidents in the area are not fatal. However, it is crucial to ensure proper compensation for injuries and damages. Moreover, it is important to remember that car accidents do not always involve cars. Shockingly, California ranks among the top 15 states in terms of pedestrian fatalities. Let’s explore the leading causes of car accidents in California.

  • Distracted driving is increasingly caused by mobile texting but can also include other distractions like eating, reading, applying make-up, tuning the radio, and taking the eyes off the road.
  • Alcohol-impaired driving continues to be a problem on the roads, with many people taking the steering wheel even when they have drunk alcohol over the legal limit. In California, there has been a notable decline of 6.8% in alcohol-related fatalities involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. The statistics for 2018 reveal a decrease in these tragic incidents, dropping from 1,147 in the previous year to 1,069.
  • Speeding causes unsafe conditions for drivers and others on the road. It often leads to accidents because drivers easily lose control of their vehicles. Exceeding the speed limit by just 10 mph significantly raises the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Speed limits are established based on the specific conditions of neighborhoods and roads, ensuring drivers have enough time to brake and come to a stop when required.
  • Reckless driving causes many fatalities due to accidents in California, especially at intersections. These drivers often forget the rules of the road and run red lights, stop signs, and are generally uncourteous to others. Reckless drivers often exhibit road rage, engaging in tailgating, unsafe turns and lane changes, and even driving in the wrong direction. Street racing is also a prevalent issue in certain areas of Los Angeles County.
  • Bad conditions on the road can be caused by weather conditions and bad maintenance. In California, the combination of rain, fog, and high winds contributes to a significant number of fatalities on its roads. Additionally, the presence of potholes poses a risk as drivers may abruptly veer into oncoming traffic or endanger pedestrians. It is crucial to address these hazards to ensure the safety of all road users.
  • Drug-impaired driving accounted for 42% of drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2018.
  • Other causes of car accidents include drowsy drivers and loose objects in a car.
sheridan & rund, pc kahroba

How to Handle Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists in California

The legal system surrounding car crashes is intricate. In California, the minimum liability insurance requirement for injury or death to one person is set at $15,000. Consequently, numerous drivers in California carry only the minimum amount of car insurance, which often falls short of covering expenses such as medical bills resulting from injuries. It is worth noting that the costs associated with medical treatment for auto accidents are steadily increasing. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the average cost per vehicle for property damage only is $4,700. Where there is an evident injury in a car accident, the average cost of medical bills is around $29,200. The average cost of a non-fatal disabling injury resulting from a car accident is $101,000.

Having uninsured drivers on the road can create significant hurdles when seeking a fair settlement. That’s why it’s crucial for drivers to include uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage in their auto insurance policy. In the unfortunate event of an accident caused by an uninsured motorist, you can file a claim to recover damages. Likewise, if you’re injured by an underinsured motorist who can’t fully compensate you, the insurance company will cover the remaining balance owed to you. By having the right coverage, you can protect yourself from these potential challenges and ensure you’re adequately compensated for any damages.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that your insurance provider may not always prioritize your best interests. Insurance adjusters are adept at finding justifications for offering low settlements or even denying claims entirely. At Sheridan & Rund, PC Kahroba, we possess the expertise to shield you from being exploited by your insurance company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kinds Of Damages Can Be Recovered After A Car Accident?

Car accident victims often remain unaware of the full extent of the claims they may be entitled to for recovering compensation from the responsible party. While compensation for physical injuries is widely recognized, there are numerous other harms commonly experienced during car accidents. These include:

  • Head injuries;
  • Neck Injuries;
  • Back injuries;
  • Broken bones; and
  • Internal organ injury or bleeding internally.

In court, if it is determined that a party has acted negligently, the victims have the right to seek compensation for proven damages, unless the opposing party can present a valid legal defense. These damages are not limited to physical injuries; they also encompass lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term treatment or adjustments the victims must make to cope with their injuries, and even the loss of companionship with a loved one due to the injury. In cases where it can be demonstrated that the defendant acted with intent to harm or behaved in an abhorrent manner that caused the injuries, the victims may be entitled to additional damages aimed at punishing the defendant for their wrongful conduct.

Establishing whether another party has breached their legal duty towards a victim of a car accident injury can prove to be challenging. Thus, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced Torrance car accident lawyer. They will ensure that your case is handled with the utmost care and that you receive the full compensation you rightfully deserve for your injuries.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

Your car accident case holds the potential for receiving the highest possible compensation that your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf. The expenses they will seek to recover for your damages and losses are likely to encompass:

  • Repairs to your vehicle
  • Hospitalization costs and visits to doctors, including future medical expenses
  • Any rehabilitation you may need
  • Compensation for the time missed from work
  • Reduced earning capacity if your injuries are serious
  • Punitive damages
  • Compensation for your pain and suffering

Contact Our Torrance Car Accident Lawyers Now

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s crucial to start searching for a reputable car accident lawyer in Torrance. Insurance companies often take advantage of accident victims, pressuring them into accepting inadequate compensation. Don’t let injustice happen twice – contact Sheridan & Rund, PC today! Our skilled personal injury attorneys will guide you through your case, ensuring you receive the rightful monetary restitution following any serious auto incident.