A car accident can lead to significant personal injuries, property damage and financial losses for those involved. Seeking financial compensation through a car accident claim can make it easier to get past a harmful crash. With help from a Westminster car accident attorney, you may be able to hold someone accountable for your accident and secure fair financial compensation from their insurer.
If you get into a motor vehicle collision in Westminster or elsewhere in Orange County, it is important to realize that you have rights. Protect them by contacting Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian right away. First consultations are free.
What Makes Our Law Firm Right for Your Westminster Car Accident Case?
- When a Westminster car accident changes lives, our aggressive Orange County personal injury legal team will go after every cent the victim deserves. We achieve real results through tireless advocacy.
- Our lawyers have 75 years of combined legal experience. Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian has recovered more than $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for clients.
- Our reputation in the community is as car accident lawyers who truly care about what happens to our clients. We pride ourselves on providing unwavering support and personalized services.
- You won’t pay us if we don’t win your Westminster car accident case. With our contingency fee setup, our attorneys only get paid if you do.
A Westminster Car Accident Lawyer Can Offer Critical Services
A car accident insurance claim may seem straightforward, but in reality, the claims process can be long and arduous if you don’t hire an attorney. Car insurance companies want to drag out the claims process for as long as possible to discourage claimants. Their goal is to save money by pressuring motorists to accept low settlement offers.
The most effective way to increase the value of your final settlement is by hiring a Westminster personal injury lawyer to represent you. Your lawyer can confidently take over conversations with insurance claims adjusters to protect you from accepting less than you need. Your lawyer will negotiate for a fair settlement while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
An experienced attorney can revisit the scene of your car accident, conduct an investigation, determine fault and liability, accurately calculate your damages, hire medical experts and crash reconstructionists, collect evidence of your injuries and losses, and bring your case to trial in Orange County if a fair settlement can’t be reached.
Types of Car Accident Cases Our Team Handles
At Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian, our Orange County accident attorneys have years of experience going up against insurance companies, corporations, product manufacturers, government agencies and other defendants to seek justice on behalf of car accident victims.
We handle all types of automotive accident cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents (commercial vehicles)
- Bus accidents
- OCTA accidents
- Lyft and Uber accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle and pedestrian collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Hit-and-runs
- Uninsured and underinsured motorists
- Catastrophic injury and fatal accidents
If you get into any kind of traffic collision in the Westminster area, try to remain calm and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the crash to local police. Gather evidence and information at the scene. Then, contact us. We can help you seek maximum compensation as your legal representatives.
California’s Basic Car Accident Laws
If this is your first car accident claim involving serious injuries, it’s important to know a few basic state laws that may impact your case. The opposition will know these laws and how to use them to their advantage. Even the playing field by hiring an attorney to navigate California’s car accident laws for you.
Fault Insurance Law
California is a fault state. Under this insurance rule, drivers are held responsible (liable) for car accidents they cause. If a driver is at fault for your collision, his or her required liability insurance can pay for your medical bills and property repairs. However, you will need to provide evidence of fault.
Pure Comparative Negligence
If you share fault for your auto accident in Westminster, don’t give up hope – you could still be eligible for partial financial compensation under California’s pure comparative negligence law. California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §1714 allows crash victims to collect reduced awards if they are allocated a percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations
Most car accident lawsuits must be filed within at least two years, according to CCP §335.1. This is the statute of limitations, which places a strict time limit on a victim’s right to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you will most likely give up your right to seek compensation for your crash.
Most Common Crash Causes in Westminster
According to data collected by the California Office of Traffic Safety, 562 injury and fatal car accidents took place in Westminster in 2023. There were 39 alcohol-involved crashes and 221 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests. There were also 94 speed-related collisions and 37 hit-and-runs.
Human error and driver negligence are the main causes of car accidents in Westminster:
- Driving while distracted
- Texting and other cell phone use
- Speeding or racing
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Breaking traffic laws
- Unsafe lane changes
- Ignoring roadway signs
- Inexperienced drivers
Other top crash causes include auto part defects, vehicle breakdowns, company negligence (e.g., trucking companies, delivery services, Uber/Lyft), dangerous road conditions, and bad weather. Some of the most dangerous roads in Westminster are State Route 22, Beach Boulevard and Westminster Boulevard.
Getting Fair Compensation for Your Westminster Vehicle Collision
Under California’s traffic laws, you may be entitled to financial compensation through an insurance claim or a car accident lawsuit. The strength of your case can determine your final financial outcome.
You may be able to recover damages or compensation for the following:
- Present and future medical costs
- Motor vehicle damage
- Losses of income and earning capacity
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological distress
- The wrongful death of a loved one
- Punitive damages, in some cases
Resist the urge to accept the very first settlement offered to you by an insurance company; it is most likely not the full value of your injury claim. Don’t sign anything. Instead, contact our attorneys for an accurate estimate of your damages.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers at No Cost | Call (949) 831-6611
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Westminster, you don’t have to handle the recovery process alone. Our lawyers at Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian are here to guide you through your injury claim with compassionate care and attentiveness. Discuss your specific case with our attorneys today at no cost or pressure. Call (949) 831-6611 or contact us online anytime to request your free consultation.