Lake Forest Car Accident Lawyer

A car crash can be a horrific experience. Not only can it take an emotional toll on the victims, but it may also result in serious physical injuries that have lasting, or even life-long, impacts.

When a negligent motorist causes a car accident that results in losses, you should not be the one forced to pay for them. Fortunately, a qualified personal injury attorney could ensure that you do not have to. A Lake Forest car accident lawyer could help you establish fault for the crash and seek fair compensation from the responsible party, so you can focus on your recovery.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Despite advances in automobile technology designed to reduce the likelihood of a crash and improve the safety of drivers and passengers involved in an accident, injuries may still occur due to a number of motorist actions. From texting and talking to eating and putting on makeup, the range of activities that take drivers’ attention away from the road are increasing. Unfortunately, when drivers fail to continually monitor the road, accidents can occur.

Furthermore, some people drive with complete disregard for the rules or other motorists. Reckless driving includes ignoring traffic signals and lane changes with signaling. On a related note, perhaps the greatest cause of car crashes is speeding. Not only can speeding cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, it can also limit their ability to stop in time to avoid an accident.

Finally, motorists must adapt their driving depending on the conditions. When they fail to take actions like slowing their speed or leaving a greater stopping distance between vehicles during rain, snow, or fog, crashes are more likely. In addition, being impaired under the influence of drugs or alcohol may cause slower reaction times, blurred vision, reduced coordination, and drowsiness.

Proving Negligence

To bring a claim for injuries suffered in a car accident, a plaintiff in Lake Forest must establish that the other driver was negligent. To prove negligence, the plaintiff must show that:

• The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff
• The defendant breached that duty
• The plaintiff suffered injuries as a result of the defendant’s breach
• The plaintiff’s injuries caused them to suffer actual damages

Even if the plaintiff is found to have contributed to the accident, they can still recover damages under California’s comparative fault law as long as they were not completely at fault. The plaintiff’s award of damages, however, will be reduced by their percentage of fault. An experienced Lake Forest car accident attorney could help victims establish fault so they can get the justice they deserve.

Available Damages in Car Accident Cases

Depending on the severity of the accident, an accident victim may suffer a wide range of losses for which they could be awarded compensatory damages. Compensatory damages can be both economic and noneconomic in nature. The former can include medical bills and past and future lost income, while the latter may cover intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. In certain circumstances, a plaintiff may also be awarded punitive damages if the liable driver’s behavior was particularly egregious—for example, if it involved driving while under the influence. A Lake Forest car accident lawyer could help an individual pursue the damages that they deserve.

Contacting a Lake Forest Car Accident Attorney

When you suffer injuries in a car accident, you need to focus on your recovery. However, your progress could depend on receiving fair compensation for your losses. A Lake Forest car accident lawyer could help establish liability in your case, so you can pursue much-needed damages to help you today and tomorrow. Call us today to discuss your case.