California car accident lawyers like those at Bisnar Chase have over 46 years of experience and have won over $900 million for our clients. Taking care of your medical and financial needs is essential after a car wreck.
Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?
Following a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for emergency medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. At Bisnar Chase, we will fight hard on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation and settlement offers you deserve after a car crash.
You shouldn’t have to worry about these things while dealing with the emotional stress of a serious motor vehicle accident. An experienced car accident lawyer in California can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Being involved in a car wreck is extremely traumatizing and can have lingering effects, especially related to PTSD and anxiety.
Part of the benefit of hiring an accident lawyer is that they take the stress off of you so you can focus on your recovery and protect you from aggressive insurance companies looking to reduce the value of your claim.
Working with a California injury lawyer experienced in MVAs is vital to winning your accident case and personal injury claim and getting the best compensation for you or your family members. Not all accident attorneys go to trial, but we do, with outstanding winning results.
Questions you should ask accident attorneys when meeting
- How much does a California car accident attorney charge? What is the percentage?
- Do you offer a contingency fee basis so I am not charged upfront?
- How long have you been handling car crash claims?
- What is your success rate with car accident lawsuits?
- How much compensation can I expect from my car accident claim?
- I was in a car accident (not at fault); should I hire a lawyer?
When you meet with your car accident attorney, these are critical questions and concerns to ask, which will help you determine if they are right for you.
If you have been involved in or injured in a car accident, please call our Southern California personal injury lawyers at (800) 561-4887 to discuss your rights and compensation.
We have locations in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego to serve you day or night.
California Car Accident Lawyer
Car Crash Legal Representation in California for Accident Victims
California Statute of Limitations for Motor Vehicle Crashes
Time is of the essence when it comes to preserving your rights and filing a car accident claim. There is a strict two-year statute of limitations for injury cases, and the quicker you seek legal assistance, the faster you can get compensation for your car accident injuries.
Our law firm will provide you with a free consultation that will allow us to assess the car accident and medical care for your insurance claim to determine the best option for you on a contingency basis.
Four Decades of Legal Experience
Bisnar Chase has represented auto accident victims since 1978 and has always prioritized the client. Our clients are treated to a first-class experience with a personal touch.
Our accident lawyers have been named Best Law Firms in America by US Law for over a decade, with multiple multi-million dollar settlements.
We Take Complex Traffic Accident Cases
When you hire an accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase, you get top-rated and experienced attorneys with trial experience who take on complex car accident cases.
Every lawyer at our firm is a trial attorney with the resources and knowledge to win tough cases—cases other law firms won’t take. Whether they consider the case too risky or they’re not equipped with the resources to fight the defendants, we are and will not settle a claim until maximum compensation is achieved.
Financial Protection
We will also help shield you from financial challenges by advancing many initial costs. You won’t pay anything unless your case is won.
Year after year, we have been rated among California’s best auto accident attorneys, and we hold at-fault parties responsible.
Medical treatment can be costly and even destroy your financial security, so we work with medical providers to put your medical costs on a lien until your case is won.
In addition, we also successfully negotiate many of our client’s medical care costs for reduction so that you keep more of your awarded money.
Let us Handle the Heavy Lifting in Your Legal Case
Bisnar Chase assists car crash victims in obtaining compensation for their car crash injuries, with a 99% success rate and almost a billion dollars recovered.
We can help you with any care needed, from helping with medical liens to scheduling assistance for treatment appointments.
Car crashes are the leading cause of personal injuries that we see here at our law firm, and we have successfully won thousands.
Personal injury law is particular to each state, and in California, we have mastered using the laws to benefit our clients. Let our California auto accident attorneys review your case. The consultations are free for the initial meeting.
2024 Rated Best Car Accident Attorneys
Hiring the right car accident lawyers in California is paramount to achieving a fair outcome in your case. Inexperience and a lack of resources could cost you. Our legal team has the resources, experience, and passion for winning even the most complex cases.
We provide a superior client experience, giving you the highest quality of care. We will fight to get you the most significant recovery possible from your automobile accident. Once you hire us, both sides need to commit. A successful case requires a dedicated lawyer and an involved client.
Medical treatment and long-term healing
Sometimes, the most challenging part of winning a traffic accident case is keeping the client on track to meet all future medical care-related appointments. Treatment and a long-term healing plan are essential for your injury case, including assistance with emotional distress.
Winning complex car accident lawsuits
Eight trial lawyers and over 46 years of experience winning complex MVA cases in California have created a framework of experience that covers everything from protecting your lost wages to shielding you from financial responsibility.
We have spent years in and out of California courts representing Los Angeles car accident clients and Orange County auto defect victims.
Accident attorneys that specialize in commercial policies
When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with a commercial vehicle, navigating the complexities of commercial insurance policies can be complex. That’s where skilled accident attorneys who specialize in these policies come in.
Our legal professionals possess in-depth knowledge of commercial insurance claims’ unique regulations and challenges. We are skilled at dealing with the higher policy limits and the aggressive tactics often employed by commercial insurers.
By leveraging our experience, we can effectively advocate for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, vehicle damage, and other related expenses.
Whether the accident involves a delivery truck, company car, or commercial vehicle, our experienced attorneys provide the expertise you need to handle your case efficiently and effectively.
Making the World Safer
Brian Chase, Senior Partner of Bisnar Chase:
"I always knew I wanted to practice injury law. I wanted to make a difference in people's lives and hold wrongdoers accountable. We've been named the Best of the Best because we work incredibly hard for our clients."
Negligent Parties Must Pay Fair Compensation for Injuries
Being involved in a MVA accident is highly traumatizing and can have lingering effects, especially related to PTSD and anxiety. Part of the benefit of hiring a California auto accident attorney is that they take the stress off of you so you can focus on your recovery.
You may be eligible to collect compensation from negligent or at-fault parties if you are injured in auto accidents.
In California, drivers are legally required to maintain liability insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident.
If you have sustained an injury, you should hold the negligent parties responsible for any loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, emergency medical expenses, and ongoing care. Through no fault of your own, an injury has occurred. You are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.
Specializing in Serious California Traffic Accidents
By contacting one of our qualified California car accident attorneys specializing in serious traffic accident injuries, you make the smartest choice in legal help. We will investigate the crash scene, the vehicles, and any other evidence that came into play during your auto accident and pursue the at-fault party.
We will stand up for you against any car insurance company, wrongdoer, trucking company, or anyone else who has caused you harm through no fault. It is our responsibility to make sure your rights are upheld and defended.
Benefits of Hiring Bisnar Chase
Hiring a knowledgeable accident lawyer can offer many benefits if you’ve been injured in a traffic accident in California.
- Our expertise in the laws and regulations surrounding auto accidents and insurance claims in California is a significant benefit.
- Our superior representation is first-class all the way. We will fight for your rights as a car accident victim and help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.
- We have access to the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations into your case, including interviews with witnesses, obtaining accident reports, using investigators, and reviewing medical records and the vehicle.
Specializing in injury cases and tort law makes our lawyers skilled negotiators who can negotiate successfully with insurance companies and defense teams on your behalf, working hard to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your traffic accident injuries and losses.
Should your case go to court, we’ll argue persuasively and supply compelling evidence. Our seasoned trial attorneys have decades of experience representing car accident victims and securing their right to compensation.
Peace of mind
Knowing someone has your back after a car accident and during this challenging time can relieve some anxiety and stress. Rest easy, knowing our team will work diligently alongside trusted medical professionals to provide support throughout this process.
We are committed to ensuring optimal usage of car insurance policies relating to property damages so that those involved get what they are rightfully entitled to, no matter how long it takes.
We will never settle your case just to speed things up. Your compensation is our priority. Let’s talk about your case and see how we can help you. Contact our California car accident lawyers for a free case evaluation. Call 800-561-4887 today.
The Dangers of Driverless Vehicles
Self-driving cars – also referred to as autonomous cars, are becoming a reality. With Tesla and Google taking the helm and leading the autonomous car revolution, more people are being injured and killed as these companies continue to use our highways to test self-driving vehicles.
Deaths and injuries from autonomous vehicles
So far, several deaths have already been linked to driverless cars, as have reports of test vehicles that have caught fire while parked and not running. Some of these fires have been linked to vehicle ion batteries.
Running red lights has also contributed to a number of fatal motor vehicle accidents in California, whether it was an autonomous vehicle or a negligent driver.
There are pros and cons to driverless cars, but we are sure that our national highways should not be used as a test track for potentially unsafe innovations.
According to auto defect lawyer Brian Chase, these vehicles are not ready for primetime. “Until the safety features of these driverless cars are further tested, someone should remain behind the wheel to protect the public.”
Contact an auto defect attorney well-versed in these accidents if you’ve been injured by a self-driving car.
Auto Defects Can Kill and Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Millions of cars are recalled every month for a variety of auto defects. While vehicle recall laws do help, many times, the recall doesn’t take place until someone is injured or killed. From faulty safety belts to exploding airbags, we have built a reputation for being one of the country’s best auto defect law firms.
Our managing partner, Brian Chase, is a national auto defect lawyer with decades of experience and regularly teaches other lawyers how to identify and try these difficult and complicated cases.
$24 Million Traffic Accident Verdict
Jacqueline Romine, one of our clients, suffered paralysis in a traffic accident due to an auto defect. She was so devastated that she contemplated suicide, but through extensive treatment and with the help of Bisnar Chase, she recovered her will to live. Bisnar Chase got a $24 million verdict for Jacqueline.
Top Most Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car Accidents in California are a Major Problem
- According to the CDC, there were 2.1 million emergency department visits from motor vehicle accidents in the US in 2020 and 41,000 deaths.
- According to statistics from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), over 250,000 reported car accidents in California occurred in 2020, which translates to around 685 accidents per day.
- Over 3,000 people are killed in car accidents in California each year.
- Los Angeles County has the highest number of car accidents among all California counties, followed by Orange County and San Diego County. This is likely due to these counties’ large populations.
- Motor vehicle collision rates tend to be higher in urban areas compared to rural areas in California. This is attributed to higher traffic volumes and congestion in cities.
- Automobile crashes in California are estimated to cost the victims hundreds of thousands of dollars in emergency medical bills, ongoing treatment, property loss, lost income, and mental health care treatment.
With the traffic and congestion on California roads, the odds of being involved in a vehicle accident are high. Driving is a daily task most of us need to do as a standard part of our professional, personal, and recreational lives. Getting from one place to another isn’t always easy without a vehicle.
Speeding
Speeding is unsafe. Traveling at excessive speeds, especially around other drivers and pedestrians, can prove fatal in milliseconds. Observing and reacting to road hazards, judging a turn, or stopping at a sudden and unavoidable obstacle is more challenging when speeding. The speed limit is set for a reason.
Weather Conditions
Knowing the road conditions is essential when driving in bad weather conditions. Wet roads can be slippery and cause drivers to lose control, especially when the road is poorly maintained. If driving in inclement weather, get behind the wheel cautiously and pay close attention to your surroundings.
Ensure that your tires are properly inflated and that your car has sufficient windshield wipers and lights. Be aware of the road conditions, and always buckle up before you drive.
When driving in bad weather, always put safety first. This includes having a reliable emergency kit in your car to help you if you get into an accident or need to get to a safe place.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can often result in catastrophic or fatal accidents. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of MVAs in the U.S. It is responsible for nearly 30% of all fatal traffic crashes, resulting in more than 10,000 deaths annually.
Drunk drivers put everyone at risk, including the drivers around them, pedestrians, cyclists, and themselves. In the United States, organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are working to prevent underage drinking, stop drunk driving, and push for a stricter impaired driving policy, regardless of whether the impairment is due to alcohol or another drug.
Distracted Driving
Most people think they can drive while using a cell phone to talk, text, use social media, play music, or set the GPS. However, it is not just cell phones that can divert the driver’s attention away from the road and potentially cause severe vehicular dangers—attempting to multitask while driving can be a serious form of negligence.
Auto Defects
Any vehicle, including cars, trucks, vans, buses, and motorcycles, can have faults, from design flaws to manufacturing mistakes. Frequent recalls on certain products due to auto defects can create significant dangers for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Brake failure, malfunctioning seatbelts, roof crushes, and other defects can make your drive unsafe and lead to potential traffic fatalities.
Driver Error
Sometimes, drivers make mistakes, ranging from overly aggressive, dangerous driving to judgment errors brought on by inexperience. This is another form of negligence that can easily cause a traffic accident in California.
Inexperienced drivers, teenagers, or adults getting their license for the first time or the first time in a long time can be dangerous to themselves, passengers, and other drivers and/or pedestrians, as can arrogant drivers with no respect for others on the road. Stay alert, stay safe, and stay alive.
Running a Red Light
Californians are always in a rush, and in recent years, more brazen drivers have been risking injury to themselves and others by running a red light. This is one major factor in many traffic accidents that lead to serious bodily harm.
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Excessive speeding and weaving through traffic
- Cutting off other vehicles or blocking them from merging
- Brake checking (slamming on brakes in front of another car)
- Confronting other drivers, getting out of the vehicle
- Throwing objects or using the vehicle as a weapon
Injuries Caused by Road Rage Accidents
- Discuss how road rage often leads to high-speed traffic collisions
- Rear-end crashes from tailgating
- Head-on collisions from illegal passing
- T-bone/sideswipe crashes from aggressive lane changes
- Highlight severity of injuries – TBIs, spinal cord trauma, and fatality risks
Liability in Road Rage Accident Claims
- Intentional misconduct may allow punitive damages
- Potential criminal charges against aggressive drivers, as well as the importance of witness statements and dash cam footage as evidence
If you’ve been involved in an accident and need legal advice, call our top-rated California car accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase for a free consultation. Call 800-561-4887.
Most Common Types of Car Accidents
Any vehicle collision can cause serious property damage and injuries and financially and emotionally impact car accident victims. The most common forms of car wrecks include:
- Rear End Collisions: One of the most common causes of MVAs is distracted drivers rear-ending another motorist. These types of accidents can result in serious back and neck injuries.
- Head-on Collisions: Head-on crashes will often cause severe injuries. Many head-on collisions occur when a vehicle is attempting an overtaking maneuver and will typically cause catastrophic front-end damage to the vehicles involved and the drivers and passengers.
- T-Bone Collisions: A T-Bone Collisions occurs when the front or back end of one vehicle strikes the middle of another vehicle.
- Rollover Crashes: A rollover accident can be deadly, especially if a roof crush is involved.
- Sideswiping: A sideswipe crash usually happens when one vehicle drifts into another lane or a driver attempts to pass.
- Dangerous Lane Changing: Lane changing can be a potentially hazardous maneuver on the road if not executed properly, with prevalent blind spots and a lack of signaling.
- Hit and Run: Fleeing at the scene of a traffic accident is illegal and can put the injured person in grave danger. A hit-and-run attorney can help you recover compensation, whether or not the culprit is caught.
Common Injuries from a Car Crash
Among the most common injuries sustained by car crash victims are:
Spinal cord injuries
A serious back injury or damage to the spinal cord in a vehicle accident can be devastating. The severity of the injury will depend on where on the spine it occurs and how much damage is done to nerve fibers within the spinal cord. Some people have lifelong disabilities after an injury; others recover completely or may have only minor long-term effects.
Head injuries or brain injuries
Head injuries are a serious concern regarding traffic accidents, often resulting in catastrophic and permanent injuries. They cause physical symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and more severe problems like memory loss or coma. This type of injury is prevalent after being involved in a collision.
Broken bones and severe fractures
Car accidents are the most common cause of severe fractures. The fracture’s severity depends on the injury’s severity, but it is always considered a medical emergency and should be treated immediately. There are different types of fractures, such as open or closed, incomplete or complete, spiral or oblique, and comminuted or simple.
A severe fracture typically involves a break that goes through the bone and may also involve numerous breaks in other body parts and heavy bleeding. It can also mean that there is damage to nerves or blood vessels near where it has happened.
Internal injuries
The most common injuries in a car accident are to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and limbs. Internal injuries are often difficult to diagnose and can be life-threatening. This is because internal organs are not typically visible on X-rays. Doctors and medical staff rely on physical examinations, blood tests, imaging tests, and other diagnostic procedures to make a diagnosis.
The most common signs of internal injuries include persistent chest, back, or abdominal pain that does not go away after a few days and difficulty breathing. Oftentimes, there is no external wound, and people may not realize they have an injury until they begin to experience symptoms.
Brain damage
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. It is responsible for regulating all of our bodily functions. A brain injury can cause serious disruption to someone’s life and lead to lifelong consequences.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of damage that occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. Motor vehicle crashes often cause these injuries, falls, or sports injuries. TBIs can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain tissue and how quickly it heals.
Brain damage from a motor vehicle crash can happen in many ways:
- Head trauma
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Serious back injuries
- Whiplash syndrome
- Paralysis
- Massive bruising
- PTSD, anxiety, and emotional issues
Car Crash Statistics in the US
- According to USA Today, there were roughly 43,000 fatal car accidents in 2022. “Over the past few years, there has been a notable increase in the incidence of fatal car crashes in every state. In the United States, there were 42,795 fatal vehicle crashes in 2022, compared to 36,835 fatal car crashes in 2018, an increase of more than 16%.1-2”
- There have been roughly 110 million motor vehicle accidents in the US since 2000, according to Science Daily.
- The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in the US decreased slightly from 1.37 in 2021 to 1.35 in 2022. Additionally, Americans are driving more, with a nearly 1% increase compared to the previous year, according to NHTSA.
- California came in #2 below Texas for the most car accidents in 2023, with Florida taking 3rd place.
- 35% of all fatal car accidents involve DUI, a stunning number.
- Speeding accounted for 29% of deadly car accidents.
- Men are more likely to die in a car crash.
Motor Vehicle Deaths in California
According to data published in June of 2023, California reported that in 2022, nearly 4,100 motor vehicle deaths occurred, showing a slight decrease from the previous year. Motor vehicle deaths remain a significant issue in the United States, with the lifetime odds of dying in an accident being around 1 in 93.
However, death rates have decreased due to improved car safety standards and features. Driving while intoxicated is a major factor in motor vehicle fatalities, with Texas, California, and Florida having the highest numbers of fatalities in 2020. Passenger cars are most often involved in fatal crashes caused by alcohol-impaired drivers.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
Auto accident victims have a limited time to file a claim for damages. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a serious vehicle accident, you must act within the statute of limitations according to California law.
Victims have two years from the accident to file a car crash claim and three years to file a property damage claim.
Obtaining injury damages to cover your present and future medical bills and compensate you for your pain and suffering is practically impossible if you have passed the time limit to file a claim.
Attorneys Build Stronger Traffic Accident Lawsuits
Hiring a California car accident law firm has many benefits. A top-rated traffic accident attorney will help you build a strong case after your accident and ensure it is appropriately filed within the time frame.
Having an attorney leverage witness statements, vehicle evidence, and medical records and negotiate with insurance adjusters usually results in a 30% higher settlement.
Call us at (800) 561-4887 for a free case evaluation and consultation with expert legal help on how to proceed with your case and your legal rights.
Accident Lawyers Protect Your Interests and Advocate For You
Vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. A car crash lawyer is essential to help protect your interests. As more and more vehicles enter our roadways, more risks and threats are present to drivers.
If you are involved in a car wreck, hiring a qualified California car accident attorney who understands state laws, rules, and regulations protecting personal injury victims is essential.
A lawyer can protect and advocate for accident victims in several key ways:
- Investigation: The lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine fault and who should be legally responsible. This involves gathering police reports, interviewing witnesses, inspecting the accident scene, hiring accident reconstruction experts, etc.
- Evidence Preservation: The lawyer will ensure that key evidence is preserved, including the vehicles, medical records, and surveillance footage. Proper documentation is crucial.
- Insurance Claim Negotiations: The lawyer handles negotiations and correspondence with insurance companies. They fight to get the maximum compensation the victim deserves.
- Court Representation: If a lawsuit is filed, the law firm represents the victim, arguing their case before a judge and jury. This relieves the victim of the burden.
- Settlement/Verdict: An attorney works to get the best possible settlement or court award amount to cover the victim’s damages like medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.
- Reduce Stress: By handling the legal process, an attorney reduces the victim’s stress during recovery, allowing the victim to focus on healing.
Bisnar Chase has represented injured plaintiffs in California for over 46 years. Our attorneys have a 99% success rate and have won over $900 million for our clients.
What To Do After The Car Accident
Refer to this vehicle crash checklist for advice on what to do after you have been involved in any auto accidents in California. Following these steps will help ensure your own health and traffic safety and boost your insurance claim if you decide to take legal action.
- Call 911, seek immediate medical attention, and tell your physician everything you can about the accident, including any pain you have.
- File a police report as soon as possible with law enforcement.
- Get the car insurance and contact information, including their full name, from the other driver(s), including their driver’s license number and their license plate number.
- Get all witnesses’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
- Take a good number of pictures of the accident scene. Include all vehicles involved and photograph all visible injuries of all victims in the auto.
- Do not talk to anyone other than law enforcement about the accident or your injuries, especially an insurance adjuster. Only discuss treatment with your doctor or attorney.
- Before you sign anything, consult a qualified California car accident attorney to avoid mistakes.
- Please report if you are disoriented, confused, or having trouble remembering things. These are all symptoms of brain trauma.
- Educate yourself with pertinent car accident resources and download the Transportation Safety Guide.
Dashcam Footage to Win Your Traffic Accident Case With Video Evidence
With dashcam footage, there’s no need for “he said, she said” debates. The video evidence paints a clear picture of the factors leading up to your accident, such as the speed of the vehicles involved, their positions relative to each other, and any erratic driving behavior exhibited by either party.
It’s like having a bird’s-eye view of the scene, allowing insurance companies, law enforcement, and your attorney to assess the situation objectively.
Dashcam footage can also provide valuable insights into the road conditions during the accident. Was the traffic light red or green?
Were there any road signs that were ignored? Was the road wet or dry? These details can be crucial in determining liability, ensuring everyone is accountable for their actions, and helping you win financial compensation.
Let our California car accident lawyers review your dashcam footage and evaluate your personal injury case. Call 800-561-4887 for a free case review.
Common Mistakes After Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit
The period after an auto accident can be a stressful time. However, it is important that you remember to avoid these common mistakes in order to maximize the chances of traffic accident lawsuit success:
- Posting information on social media, including pictures, or making written statements that can be used against you
- Not recognizing the seriousness of your injuries right away. This can lead to additional injuries down the road.
- Speaking with car insurance companies from either side. The first phone call should be to your lawyer.
- Not being 100% truthful with your attorneys. This can affect your case if information comes out later for the defense.
- Not collecting evidence. Take pictures, obtain witness statements, and file a police report with law enforcement.
- Admitting liability. Only your lawyer should discuss the case with you and the details of your insurance claim, not the insurance agent.
The Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement Process
Your injury lawyers will discuss the details of your case with you straightforwardly, including the odds of having to go to trial. A good legal team will have the ability to go to trial if needed.
Of course, this can be a good outcome if it can be avoided while still securing a favorable settlement for you or your family member.
Don’t let a personal injury attorney talk you down regarding a settlement for your car insurance claim if you feel it is not a fair representation of the injuries and suffering you endured.
The insurance companies are not your allies
Insurance adjusters are trained to lowball car accident injury claims and pay as little as possible. Their primary goal is to make money, and that includes paying you less than what your accident claim is worth.
Do not discuss your case without first consulting an experienced California traffic accident attorney.
Serious traffic accidents, including those that end in fatalities, require a skilled negotiator to ensure you get top financial compensation.
We will communicate with the insurance providers and defense team representatives using documentation, statistics, disability or injury, including medical complications, discovery, witnesses, and more to secure an acceptable settlement or verdict.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in California?
The amount of money your injury claim is worth will depend on the seriousness of your injuries and the time you spent treating those injuries, time off work and other financial components. Minor car accidents are usually worth a few thousand, but significant injuries could sometimes be worth 7 or 8 figures.
To reach our experienced California accident lawyers for a free consultation, call us toll-free at (800) 561-4887.liti
Should I Contact an Accident Attorney After My Crash?
Car crashes constitute a substantial portion of California’s wrongful death claims. Despite the similarities in nature of some accident types, many are unique in their specific details and deserve a thorough examination to ensure full financial recovery for the victim.
In some traffic collision cases, there is no need for legal counsel to help with your vehicle accident. Those cases typically do not involve serious or long-term injuries and are primarily property losses. Your insurance company can handle those to replace the property that was damaged.
However, if there are injuries involved in the car wreck, then hiring a car accident lawyer will protect your financial compensation. The traffic accident attorney will handle dozens of factors in settling a vehicle accident claim with maximum compensation.
One of the many reasons that insurance companies try to discourage hiring an attorney is because they know it will maximize the amount you collect on your claim.
Remember, insurance companies are for-profit. To protect their bottom line, they want to pay as little as possible for car accident injury claims. They’re happy to collect premiums but hope you’ll never have to use them.
Passenger Injuries After a Car Crash in California
Our decades of experience have shown us that many law firms tend to ignore injured passengers in car crashes and focus on the driver.
Some attorneys may find this makes their case more straightforward, but we ensure every person in the vehicle is adequately represented, even if it means working harder.
Every person in that vehicle deserves to be fairly compensated for their injuries and treated as though the personal injury claim is theirs.
From lacerations and torn ligaments to severe seatbelt injuries, we will investigate the crash to determine the proper at-fault party and pay your property damage and hospital bills.
Underinsured Motorists in California
The term “underinsured motorist” refers to an accident in which the at-fault driver was inadequately insured or had a below-average insurance policy.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you are entitled to a portion of the other driver’s medical expenses as compensation.
Suppose the at-fault driver has a low-value auto insurance policy. In that case, you are also entitled to compensation for your own damages, but less of it than if an uninsured driver with above-average coverage hit you.
In either case, underinsured motorist coverage will help protect you from financial losses if you are injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
In addition to providing financial protection from uninsured drivers and underinsured drivers, underinsured motorist coverage can also help cover medical costs related to injuries sustained in car accidents with drivers who have low limits on their auto insurance policies.
California MVA FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Refer to our most frequently asked traffic accident questions. If you have a query that is not answered below, contact Bisnar Chase now
It is always best to contact a California car accident attorney as soon as possible after your collision. There is a two-year statute of limitations in California, meaning that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But it is best to get started as soon as you can. An injury lawyer in California will be able to provide legal expertise and guidance on how to proceed.
It is always best to contact your insurance company if you have been involved in a car accident. However, the information you provide an adjuster with should be limited. Insurance firms do not have your best interests at heart and will not pay out if they don’t have to. Contact a car accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase first, and let our experienced negotiators handle the insurance agents.
The best car accident lawyers will work on contingency. Bisnar Chase advances all costs needed to win your case as part of the firm’s ‘No Win, No Fee’ promise. This prevents clients from having to pay out of pocket and ensures everyone can afford to fight for justice.
Yes, you can. California uses a system called comparative negligence. This allows victims to make claims based on the negligence of another person or party, even if they share some portion of responsibility.
It depends on the details of the case. Some car accident lawsuits are settled out of court. In other cases, a fair settlement cannot be agreed upon. The Bisnar Chase team is made up of experienced trial attorneys and will take your case to court if necessary. Your car accident lawyer will discuss all of the options with you before a decision is made.
The compensation award or settlement will depend on the circumstances of your case. It can be impacted by various factors, including the severity of the victim’s injuries, their medical expenses, any lost wages, and the level of pain and suffering endured. An accident attorney at Bisnar Chase will be able to tell you more once they have assessed the specifics of your case.
Typical items to consider for your compensation are:
- Hospital and doctor bills
- Medical transport charges (fire department, ambulance)
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Long-term care requirements
- Mental health care
- Property loss
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (if it was malicious)
Record-breaking Verdicts and Compensation
Navigating California’s busy streets is dangerous for pedestrians and motorists alike. Every car wreck is unique, and no two are the same when it comes to providing a winning strategy for the best compensation to an injured client.
Our California personal injury attorneys have won hundreds of millions for our clients and have experience in all California courts. We have record-breaking 7, 8, and 9-figure payouts and will work tirelessly to help you get the best possible recovery.
A winning legal team
In addition to our top-rated injury attorneys, an entire team is behind your case. Paralegals, administration staff, investigators, and legal experts work together on your case.
These support staff members are vital to the success of our law firm because they help attorneys with research and background work that would otherwise take up valuable time.
High Standards in Legal Guidance
We aim to answer any questions about the motor vehicle accident you were involved in.
We won’t require you to make any upfront payments if you use us as your advocate. We strive to have the highest standards for representing injured victims and have a 99% success rate in winning our client’s car accident cases.
If we cannot help you, we will do everything we can to find the help you need, even if that means referring you to a source that can help you. Our number one priority is assisting injured plaintiffs. Reach out to our no win, no fee personal injury lawyers for a free case review. We provide our services on a contingency basis.
Our Law Firm Awards & Honors
- 2020-2024 Top Plaintiff Lawyers
- 2024 Law Firm of the Year
- 2019 Million Dollar Advocate
- 2019-2023 Attorney of the Year
- 2024 Nation’s Premier Top Ten Attorneys by NAOPIA
- 2017-2024 America’s Top 100 Attorneys
- 2017-2024 Top 1% by the Natl. Assoc. of Distinguished Counsel
- 2017-2024 Top 100 High Stakes Litigator
- 2016-2024 Top 10% Lawyers of Distinction
- 2014-2024 SuperLawyers
- 2016-2024 Best Lawyers
Some of Our California Traffic Accident Case Results
- $16,444,904 – Dangerous road condition, driver negligence
- $11,282,000 – Catastrophic MVA
- $9,800,000 – MVA – sideswipe hit and run
- $8,500,000 – MVA – wrongful death
- $5,7000,000 – Cal Trans MVA
- $2,432,250 – MVA rear-end collision
- $2,360,000 – Wrongful death, commercial vehicle
- $1,800,000 – MVA vs. truck
- $1,600,000 – MVA vs. motorcycle
- $1,400,000 – Dangerous road conditions
- $1,300,000 – MVA – head-on collision
Contact Our Award-Winning California Car Accident Lawyers Today
Too often, victims of serious injuries, including a family member, due to road collisions receive incorrect information and make decisions that negatively affect the outcome of their car crash lawsuit.
Car crash victims do not have the luxury of receiving second chances; insurance companies will utilize any means to give them grounds for denying your motor vehicle crash claim and are counting on you to dig your hole.
Unfortunately, this strategy is highly effective, and many auto accident victims are left with a lifetime of regret.
For over 46 years, Bisnar Chase’s accident attorneys have set the bar for superior client representation and courtroom accomplishments.
Having represented over 14,000 clients, our accident lawyers know how to get maximum compensation.
Our personal injury attorneys use aggressive litigation, combined with extensive experience and professionalism, to achieve case outcomes far superior to those of many other law firms.
Our reputation precedes us, and we can utilize our national presence to quickly and favorably resolve our clients’ cases, affecting their family members’ lives.
We’ve got 6 locations in California to ensure we have car accident lawyers near you. We also make meeting with us as convenient as possible using email, video chat, and phone to save you the trouble of trips to the office.
- Orange County
- Los Angeles
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
“After being involved in a serious traffic accident, I realized I needed professional legal guidance, so I decided to look for an experienced auto accident lawyer near me who could help me understand my rights and options moving forward. I contacted Bisnar Chase and was immediately impressed with Marta’s knowledge related to my accident. She negotiated with the insurance companies, and I received a settlement well over what they were offering.” – Crystal M.
