Orange County Car Accident Attorney

Orange County is a busy and bustling hub. Not only is it known for the famous show “The O.C.” but it is even more famous for being home to Disneyland. As the 5th largest county in the entire United States, the busy roads and streets pose a danger for drivers and vehicle passengers alike. If you have been seriously injured following a car crash, you likely will need an Orange County car accident attorney.

Auto accidents can leave individuals and families in difficult situations. If you are suffering from injuries or have been involved in a car accident where another party was negligent, you may be able to recover compensation. The Orange County car accident attorneys at MKP Law Group, LLP exclusively represent injury victims and have been fighting insurance companies for years. We are ready to work hard with you to collect the maximum compensation for your case.

We know the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that can result from car accidents and work hard to ensure our clients understand their rights as we help them negotiate their settlement. Having an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer by your side is important to navigate the legal process and recover damages.

Here at MKP Law Group, LLP we always work on what is known as a contingency fee basis, meaning WE DON’T GET PAID UNLESS WE WIN. There are no upfront, out-of-pocket costs to our clients.

Why Hire One of Our Orange County Car Accident Attorneys For Your Accident?

Orange County is home to more than 3 million and that doesn’t account for the tourists and visitors passing through on a daily basis. In 2018, there were a reported 50+ million tourists in Orange County. That means there are not only a lot of people, but there are a lot of people who don’t know the local roads very well.

So, it is no surprise that reports of car accidents in Orange County are some of the highest in California. According to California OTS reports, there were 20,145 accidents involving both fatalities and injuries in Orange County during 2018. Of these, 1,856 were alcohol-related and 5,075 were speed-related.

If you or a loved one was injured or know someone who died in an auto accident in Orange County, you need to understand that in order to maximize your settlement you must prove negligence by another party. Our experienced Orange County car accident attorney team will thoroughly investigate your personal injury case, collect evidence, and help determine how much you can ask for in your settlement. Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible on claims and so they almost always offer very low settlements. Working with one of our car accident lawyers can help make sure you maximize your settlement.

We also work closely with a team of medical experts throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, and Southern California to ensure that you or your loved one receives top-notch medical care for a speedy and healthy recovery while we deal with the legal process and negotiate with the insurance companies.

MKP Law Group, LLP’s personal injury attorney team strives to make the process as easy and quick as possible for you. We work on cases throughout Orange County and the State of California. Call us today at 310-285-5353 to schedule your 100% free consultation.

All of our cases are on a contingency fee basis, meaning if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime.

What To Do After a Car Crash in Orange County?

1. Stop: After you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, there are a number of first steps you should follow depending on the severity of the crash.

• If it’s serious: Call 911 immediately.
• If there are no serious injuries or problems: Make sure everyone is safely out of harm's way, document the accident scene with photographs, and be sure to exchange all information with involved parties. If possible, take a photo of the other party’s insurance card and get information from witnesses to the accident.

You are required to report the incident within 24 hours to the correct local department.

2. Visit a Medical Professional: Never downplay injuries and even if you think you are just bruised and banged up, go visit a doctor as soon as possible. Not only will a medical professional be able to assess your injuries, he or she will also give you a diagnosis to get you on the road to recovery and create an official record of your injuries.

3. Call an attorney: The best time to speak with an attorney is within 24 hours of your accident and ideally before you speak to your insurance company. We offer 100% free initial consultations. If you are an accident victim suffering from injuries and have questions about your case or claim, contact the team at MKP Law Group, LLP now. We can answer any questions you have and make sure your rights are protected.

4. Notify the Insurance Companies: Call your insurance company soon after the crash. Remember, even if you may have been partially at fault, refrain from making any statements that may hurt your claim. If you contact the other party’s insurance and they offer you a settlement, do not take the first offer. You should first figure out what your injuries are and what damages you have suffered in full. This is where an auto accident attorney can help.

5. Keep All Documentation and Records: File away every document related to the incident, this may include:

• Medical visits
• Doctors reports
• Collision report
• Witness Statements
• Photos of the collision
• Diagnostic imaging test results
• Vehicle repair bills
• Evidence of lost wages
• Any communication with relevant parties

It is also helpful to note any changes to your life that the injuries have had an impact on. If you are unable to participate in activities you used to do or have difficulty with your daily life, these details help your attorney understand your situation and build you a stronger case.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Orange County, California

Busy, touristic areas have more than just commuter traffic. Buses, delivery trucks, cyclists, and rideshare vehicles are constantly on the move. Drivers on these roads must be hyper-attentive. Even the best drivers familiar with the area can find themselves in devastating accidents.

The most common causes of car accidents and traffic accidents in Orange County include:

• Speeding
• Improper turning
• Unsafe lane changes or behavior
• Failure to obey road signs or traffic signals
• Distracted Driving
• Influence of drugs or alcohol
• Texting while driving
• Reckless driving
• Driver fatigue
• Inclement weather
• Vehicle defects

Common Car Accident Injuries in Orange County

Whether you are in a small fender bender with a rideshare vehicle, involved in a multi-car collision, or involved in a truck accident, the injuries you sustain can cause lasting problems. Sometimes, an injured victim does not immediately go to the doctor, but as weeks go by they begin to experience pain that does not go away and results in long-term medical expenses.

Victims of car accidents need to know that even minor car accidents can cause long-lasting and life-altering complications. Just because the injury is not visible, does not mean it does not exist or that it is not a severe injury. Often some of the worst injuries are unseen to the naked eye, such as spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injuries.

If you have been in a car accident, the first thing to do is to seek professional medical attention. Our lawyers advise visiting a doctor at least within 24 hours of your accident. Not only will that help your case, but it will help you understand what damages may have been caused by the accident and what you need to do to heal properly.

There are numerous injuries that may follow a car accident such as:

• Spinal cord injuries and damages
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Internal organ damage
• Head, neck, and back injuries
• Broken and fractured bones
• Sprains and strains
• Burns or cuts
• Amputations
• Paralysis

Injuries such as: whiplash, concussions, brain trauma, and spinal damage can often result in increasingly worse symptoms as time passes. So, even if you do not believe you have been injured, it is imperative to verify with a medical professional.

Remember, never let insurance representatives downplay your injuries. If you are suffering injuries following a car accident caused by a negligent party, you have rights. Speaking to one of our Orange County car accident lawyers at MKP Law Group, LLP can help you understand the complexities of the legal process and ensure you are taken care of during this time of loss.

Having a legal team on your side will help you build an effective case to get you and your family’s life back on track.

Wrongful Death Cases

If you’ve lost a loved one in an Orange County car accident, we know we cannot replace what you have lost. These irreparable damages you’re suffering from may include loss of family wages, emotional trauma, and much more. What we can do is help you get financial compensation to recover some of those losses from this wrongful death.

Call or contact one of our Orange County car accident lawyers now for a free consultation to learn more about your options.

OTS Car Accident Crash Rankings for Orange County (Latest Data: 2018)

The OTS Rankings for Orange County show that the area has a unique traffic accident pattern as far as automotive crashes are concerned. Consider that the numbers, which the rankings reveal, allow the various counties a better understanding of how they stack up to the other areas in the state.

At the time the figures were compiled, the OC was home to about 3,192,987 people. Officials estimated that the total number of miles traveled on the county’s street on an average day is right around 74,838,446. As noted by the data, motorcycles have the most dangerous time on the roads. A reported 1,135 victims were killed or injured in a motorcycle accident. For those who are trying to be earth-friendly and ride their bikes, it's important to know that the risk of a bicycle accident is also quite high.

On the other side are the exemplary ratings. For example, pedestrians over the age of 65 are among the group least likely to be killed or injured in a motor vehicle accident. Similarly, fewer teen drivers are caught drinking and driving. These patterns create unique challenges for motorists commuting in Orange County.

A Closer Look at Statistics Surrounding Vehicle Accidents in the OC

The OC Register has taken a closer look at the problematic areas throughout the county. Some stood out as being well-known problems.

• Santa Ana. Most people are familiar with the problems surrounding 1st Street and Elk Lane. However, did you also know that the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Warner Avenue is an accident hot spot?
• Orange. Although typically considered one of the safest cities around, the corner of Anaheim Way and State College Boulevard gives rise to several accidents.
• Anaheim. One of the most dangerous intersections is in Anaheim. It is the corner of Brookhurst Street and La Palma Avenue. Another dangerous intersection is La Palma Avenue and Harbor Boulevard.
• Newport Beach. Be careful when traveling on Balboa Boulevard at Coast Highway and Superior Avenue. Other dangerous stretches of road are Bristol Street North at Campus Drive, Birch Street, and Jamboree Road.

These examples highlight that Orange County has several problematic streets and intersections that are virtually impossible to avoid for the daily traveler.

What are the Drunk Driving Statistics in Orange County?

Orange County has a documented DUI problem. Going back to 2017 arrest statistics, the county had 10,009 individuals who were caught. Of course, there is a much higher dark figure.

The majority of drunk drivers are male and between the ages of 21 and 30. Once again, the OC Register looked for hot spots – and found them. Cities most typically associated with DUI crashes are Fountain Valley, Fullerton, and Newport Beach.

A Brief OC Car Accident FAQ

Being involved in a vehicle accident can be intimidating. Maybe you are just traveling through Orange County and do not know the neighborhoods well. You feel disoriented and just want to get home. However, once you do get home, there are questions.

Should I Contact an Orange County Car Accident Attorney Right Away?

The attorney assists you with protecting your rights. No matter who was at fault, it is crucial that you speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. There are statutes of limitation to consider; moreover, the insurance company is sure to reach out to you soon. Knowing how to proceed ahead of time prevents you from making mistakes when you file your injury claim.

How Much Should I Settle For?

Several considerations combine when attempting to put a dollar figure on the car accident’s aftermath. For example, is there partial liability that falls on the shoulders of the city or county? As we have already discussed, there are several known hot sports for car accidents. It may be worthwhile to examine shared liability.

Next, consider how extensive your injuries are. Will you need rehab? Are you unable to work at the same pace you did before? If so, you are also looking at damages stemming from earnings you will not be able to realize. Maybe there are job promotions you are now missing out on (i.e. additional lost wages).

The attorney will be able to help you think through the losses you are suffering and help you understand the full worth of economic damages you may be owed.

Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?

An adjuster will most likely contact you very soon after the vehicle crash. The insurance company’s goal is to pay out a settlement figure as soon as possible. Once you accept the dollar figure the adjuster offers, you will typically not be able to go back to recover more for additional damages that did not become known until later. Therefore, it is usually a good idea to wait with talking to the insurance company until you had a chance to consult with an attorney.

Contact an Orange County Car Accident Attorney at MKP Law Group, LLP Today

At MKP Law Group, LLP, we have personal injury attorneys that are highly experienced in handling Orange County car accidents. Our team knows how to deal with insurance companies and can help you understand your rights and navigate the complicated legal processes.

We will investigate and negotiate to ensure that you earn the maximum compensation for your injuries. Call us today at 310-285-5353 to schedule your 100% free consultation.

As always, if we don’t win your case you don’t owe us a dime.