Glendale Car Accident Lawyer

After a car accident in Glendale, finding the right legal support is everything. As a distinguished Five-Star Rated Personal Injury Law Firm in Southern California, our focus at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys is solely on assisting victims of car accidents.

We pride ourselves on our accomplishments:

• Securing over $6 million for our clients in car accident cases.
• Garnering more than 30 awards and honors, such as Lawyers Of Distinction 2020, The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and Super Lawyers 2021.

Kevin Crockett, raised in Southern California and an outstanding alumnus of the University of California, Irvine, brings extensive experience in personal injury law, ensuring personalized and assertive representation for every client.

Glendale Car Accident Statistics

California’s car accident rates exceed the national average. In 2022, the state reported over 216,366 traffic accidents, leading to 3,854 fatalities and 165,978 injuries, equating to roughly 520 people affected by car accidents daily.

Total Injuries & Fatalities

• 2019: 486
• 2020: 312
• 2021: 442
• 2022: 437
• 2023: 430

Statistics on Fatal and Injury Causing Collisions in Glendale

In Glendale, we delved into the data to ascertain the trends in accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities over the past five years. Surprisingly, we observed a notable decrease of 12% in accidents from 2019 to 2023. In 2019, there were 486 such incidents, whereas in 2023, the number reduced to 430. This downward trend suggests potential improvements in road safety measures or changes in driving behavior within the city. It’s encouraging to see such a decline, indicating positive strides towards safer roads for Glendale residents and visitors alike.

Primary Collision Factor

• Right-of-Way: 135
• Traffic Signals/Signs: 91
• Unsafe Speed: 73
• Improper Turning: 58
• DUI: 13
• All Other Factors: 60

Statistics on Common Causes of Collisions in Glendale

Further analysis reveals that a significant contributing factor to collisions in Glendale last year was drivers failing to yield the right of way. This behavior was identified as the primary cause in a majority of reported incidents, underscoring the importance of adhering to traffic regulations. Addressing this issue directly could potentially lead to a reduction in accidents and further improvements in road safety for the community.

Which Roads and Intersections in Glendale Are the Most Dangerous?

In Glendale, the busiest roads tend to be the most hazardous, often witnessing a significant number of accidents, especially at busy intersections. The combination of heavy traffic and aggressive driving behaviors contributes to the frequency of these incidents.

Brand Boulevard stands out as a particularly perilous road in the Glendale vicinity, with numerous accidents reported in recent years. Key intersections along Brand Boulevard, such as those at Sanchez Drive, Goode Avenue, and Colorado Street, are hotspots for collisions.

Glendale Avenue is another area prone to accidents, with notable intersections at Wilson Ave., Chevy Chase Dr., and Broadway showing higher incidents of crashes. Western Avenue and Colorado St. are also known for their increased risk of accidents.

While avoiding these high-risk areas entirely might not be practical or efficient, drivers can take steps to reduce their risk. Opting for less hazardous routes when possible and exercising increased vigilance when navigating known dangerous intersections can help mitigate the chances of being involved in an accident.

The Federal Highway Administration notes that more than half of all fatal and injury accidents occur near intersections, highlighting the need for caution.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Glendale?

Key steps after an accident include staying at the scene, ensuring safety, contacting the police, seeking medical attention, and consulting with a lawyer before dealing with insurance companies. The actions you take after a car accident in Glendale can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation and protect your legal rights. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you should do:

Document the Accident

Thoroughly document the scene. Note the exact time, date, and location of the accident. Pay attention to weather conditions and note any relevant traffic signals or road signs. If possible, take extensive photographs or videos of the scene, including the positions of all vehicles involved, any visible damage, skid marks, and overall conditions. Gather contact information from all drivers and passengers involved in the accident, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details. Also, obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident occur.

Keep Records

Maintain meticulous records of everything related to the accident and its aftermath. This includes obtaining a copy of the official police report and collecting and organizing all your medical records detailing your injuries. Keep receipts for any accident-related expenses (such as medical bills, medication costs, transportation to appointments, and repair estimates). If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, carefully document those lost wages as well. These records will serve as the foundation of your insurance claim and any potential legal action.

Follow Medical Advice

Prioritize your health and recovery. Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions. Attend all recommended appointments and take any prescribed medications as directed. Don’t miss any physical therapy or rehabilitation sessions. Demonstrating your commitment to your treatment plan strengthens your case by highlighting the seriousness of your injuries. Failing to follow medical advice could give the insurance company a reason to downplay your injuries.

Notify Your Insurance

Contact your insurance company promptly to report the accident. However, proceed with caution when providing information. Stick to the basic facts of the accident and avoid admitting fault or giving extensive statements about your injuries. Insurance companies may try to use your words to minimize your claim, so it’s often wise to consult with a lawyer before providing a detailed recorded statement.

Preserve Evidence

It’s crucial to preserve evidence that supports your claim. Avoid repairing your vehicle immediately, as the insurance company needs to inspect the damage. Keep any damaged clothing or other personal items from the accident. Take photographs to document your injuries over time, as visible signs of trauma can be powerful evidence.

Call a Lawyer

Seek guidance from an experienced Glendale car accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will navigate the complex insurance claims process, protect your rights, and fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. They can assess the strength of your case and advise you on whether to pursue a settlement or take your case to court. Legal representation is particularly important if there are disputes about fault or if your injuries are severe.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Rear-end collisions are a frequent cause of whiplash and other neck injuries in Glendale. The sudden impact throws your head forward and back with violent force, straining the delicate tissues in your neck. While stiffness and pain are common, some people experience lingering headaches, dizziness, or even odd sensations like blurred vision after a whiplash injury. Seeking medical attention promptly is crucial, even if your symptoms seem mild. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent long-term complications.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Your brain is vulnerable in a car accident, and impacts don’t have to be severe to cause serious injury. Concussions happen when your brain is shaken forcefully within your skull, and effects can range from subtle to life-altering. Watch for symptoms like confusion, amnesia, headaches that worsen over time, nausea, or problems with balance. Because symptoms don’t always appear immediately, seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible after any car accident in Glendale.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The forces involved in a car crash can easily overwhelm your bones, leading to painful fractures. Your arms, legs, and ribs are particularly at risk in a collision. While a simple fracture might involve a clean break, compound fractures (where the bone pierces the skin) are more complex and serious. Expect intense pain, swelling, and likely an inability to use the affected limb. Treatment methods depend on the location and type of break and might include a cast, a stabilizing brace, or even surgery.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Among the most devastating consequences of a car accident, spinal cord injuries can cause permanent disability. Located within your spinal column, your spinal cord is like the central cable for your nervous system. Damage to its delicate tissues disrupts communication between your brain and body, potentially leading to loss of feeling or even paralysis. Medical care begins with stabilizing the spine to prevent further injury and then focuses on minimizing inflammation and maximizing possible recovery through targeted therapies.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

After a Glendale car accident, the financial costs can add up quickly, and you might hesitate to hire an attorney due to concerns about costs. Car accidents often lead to medical bills, vehicle repair expenses, and lost wages if injuries prevent you from working. At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we understand your situation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront legal fees. Our payment is contingent on winning your case – if we secure a settlement or award for you, our fees come from that. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Car Accident in Glendale?

Understanding fault in a car accident can be confusing. It’s common to wonder whether you can still get compensation for damages and injuries if you were partially to blame for the crash. For instance, if another vehicle struck you while changing lanes improperly, but your taillight was out, you might share some responsibility. California law follows a “comparative negligence” system. This means that even if you made a mistake, you may still be able to recover compensation. However, the amount you receive will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your total damages.

What Causes Car Accidents in Glendale, CA?

Car accidents in California stem from several factors:

• Distracted Driving: A significant risk, with activities diverting attention from driving.
• Speeding: Increases the likelihood of losing control and the severity of crashes.
• DUI: Impairs judgment and reaction times, raising accident risks.
• Aggressive Driving: Dangerous behaviors like tailgating and unsafe lane changes.
• Drowsy Driving: Reduces alertness and reaction capability.
• Congestion: Heavy traffic amplifies the chances of accidents.
• Poor Road Design: Faulty road layouts can be hotspots for accidents.
• Lack of Maintenance: Neglected road maintenance contributes to accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather affects visibility and road traction.
• Vehicle Malfunctions: Lead to accidents when critical systems fail.

Why Choose Text Kevin Accident Attorneys for Your Glendale Car Accident Case?

Opting for our firm offers you:

• In-depth investigations to establish fault and liability.
• Strong negotiations with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
• Access to a broad network of accident experts.
• A commitment to securing the compensation you deserve.

Who Is Responsible for the Accident?

Determining who is responsible for a car accident is a critical aspect of the legal process following an incident. In California, this determination is essential not only for insurance claims but also for any potential lawsuits. The state’s comparative negligence system plays a significant role in this assessment, affecting how compensation is awarded. Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Assessing Negligence Negligence is the legal term for fault in car accident cases. It refers to a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances. The assessment of negligence involves evaluating the actions of all parties involved in the accident to determine if they breached their duty of care to other road users. This includes:

• Drivers: The behavior of each driver is scrutinized for any actions that contributed to the accident. This can include speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, running red lights, and other violations of traffic laws.
• Government Entities: Sometimes, the design, maintenance, or signage of a road can contribute to an accident. In such cases, a government entity responsible for the roadway may be found negligent. This could involve issues like poorly designed intersections, lack of necessary traffic signals, or failure to maintain roads in a safe condition.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: In cases where a vehicle defect caused the accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the defective part can be held responsible. Common defects include brake failures, tire blowouts, and malfunctioning airbags.
• Other Parties: In some accidents, other parties may hold some responsibility, such as employers of drivers who were working at the time of the accident or property owners whose negligence (like obstructing the view of the road) contributed to the crash.

Further Reading

• Should You Admit Fault in an Accident?
• Who is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision? Determining Liability

California’s Comparative Negligence Law

California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. Under this system, an injured party can recover damages even if they are found to be partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount of compensation they receive is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, you can still recover 80% of the damages, or $80,000. This system acknowledges that accidents often involve shared fault among multiple parties. It allows all parties to recover some compensation for their damages based on their degree of responsibility, promoting a fairer distribution of damages.

What if I Was Hit By an Uninsured Driver?

In California, drivers are required to have liability insurance to cover the damages they cause to others in a collision. However, some drivers do not follow the law and drive without insurance. If an uninsured driver hits you, you have a few options to recover compensation for your losses.

One option is to use your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. This type of insurance pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. You can file a claim with your insurance company, which will reimburse you up to your policy limit. However, you may need to negotiate with your insurer to get a fair settlement, and they may try to reduce or deny your claim. You may also have to pay a deductible before you receive any money.

Another option is to sue the uninsured driver personally. This means you have to file a lawsuit in court and prove that the other driver was at fault and caused your damages. You may be able to get a judgment against the uninsured driver, but collecting the money may be difficult. The uninsured driver may not have any assets or income that you can seize or garnish. You may end up spending more time and money on legal fees than you can recover from the lawsuit.

A third option is to seek compensation from other sources, such as your health insurance, your medical payments coverage, or your collision coverage. These are different types of insurance that may cover some of your expenses after an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

However, they may not cover everything, and they may have limits, exclusions, or co-payments. You may also have to repay them if you get any money from the uninsured driver or your uninsured motorist coverage.

As you can see, dealing with an uninsured driver can be complicated and challenging. That’s why it’s important to have a lawyer on your side who can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance companies, file a lawsuit, and enforce a judgment. A lawyer can also protect you from any potential pitfalls or mistakes that could harm your case.

What Damages Can I Recover?

When you’re involved in a car accident, the range of damages you can recover typically falls into three main categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Understanding these can help you grasp the full scope of compensation available to you under California law.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for the financial losses you’ve incurred because of the accident. These are tangible costs that can be quantified and proven with documentation. Economic damages include:

• Medical Expenses: Covers past and future medical treatments related to injuries from the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and any rehabilitative services.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while recovering from your injuries. This also accounts for loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work at the same capacity as before the accident.
• Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the crash.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Includes any other costs directly related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications to accommodate disabilities, and the cost of hiring help for household duties you’re unable to perform because of your injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for the intangible losses that don’t have a direct financial cost associated with them but significantly impact your life. These damages are more subjective and can vary greatly from case to case. They include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured because of the accident. This also encompasses ongoing discomfort, scarring, disfigurement, and the potential for chronic conditions.
• Emotional Distress: For the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of sleep.
• Loss of Consortium: Available to the injured person’s spouse or family members for the loss of companionship, affection, sexual relations, and partnership due to the injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For the inability to enjoy hobbies and activities you participated in before the accident.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not tied to the victim’s losses but are awarded to punish the defendant for particularly reckless, malicious, or egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. While not common in car accident cases, they may be awarded in situations where the defendant’s actions were especially harmful, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or intentional misconduct.

Seeking Damages

To successfully claim these damages, you must present clear and convincing evidence of your losses. Medical records, bills, employment documentation, and expert testimony can support your claim for economic and non-economic damages. Demonstrating the need for punitive damages requires evidence of the defendant’s conduct that goes beyond negligence. Given the difficulties of calculating and negotiating these damages, especially non-economic and punitive damages, it’s advisable to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand the full extent of damages you’re entitled to and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

The worth of your car accident case depends on injury severity, damage extent, liability, and evidence strength. Our team can help assess your case’s value, aiming to maximize your compensation.

We Handle All Types of Accidents in Glendale

We handle all types of car accidents in Glendale, including head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, rollovers, and accidents involving rideshare vehicles.

What is the Lawsuit Filing Deadline in California?

California law sets a two-year deadline for filing car accident lawsuits, with specific exceptions potentially extending this timeframe.

Glendale Car Accident FAQs

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions that might help you understand your rights and the next steps to take:

Contact Our Glendale Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Glendale, reach out to the Text Kevin Accident Attorneys for a free consultation. We can provide the support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today at (888) 965-3827 for legal assistance.

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