for Over 25 Years
Torrance Car Accident Lawyers
No one leaves home expecting to be involved in a car accident that day or be the victim of potentially severe or even fatal harm in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, this is all too common an occurrence in the South Bay with its multiple freeways and commuting communities, and California and highly populated areas such as Los Angeles, and South Bay cities such as Torrance, Lawndale, Hawthorne, and Gardena are particularly at risk. California leads the nation in number of traffic accidents annually.
Even if the injuries resulted from an honest mistake, you should still speak to experienced auto accident attorneys to understand if you are entitled to compensation for physical injuries, financial harms, or property damage for which another motorist is liable. It is even more important to contact a car accident lawyer quickly if another South Bay driver caused your injuries through negligence, failing to comply with traffic laws or speed limits, or other inappropriate behavior when operating their automobile.
Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
Automobile accidents numbers are on the rise each year, and over 2 million people reported suffering car accident injuries in 2015. Torrance and the surrounding South Bay area are particularly at risk for involvement in car accidents. The lack of adequate mass transit in Southern California forces people to use personal vehicles more often than in other major metropolitan areas, resulting in more motorists on the road and an increased chance of auto accident involvement. The increasing population in the area each year only serves to enhance that chance, as many drivers in Torrance and the South Bay engage in dangerous behaviors such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, speeding, and distracted driving which run the risk causing injury-inducing accidents.
What Kinds of Damages can I Recover?
It is common for car accident victims not to be aware of all the claims for which they may be entitled to recover compensation from a liable party. Compensation for physical injuries is the most widely recognized type of damages victims may receive, and there are many commonly suffered harms that arise during car accidents such as:
- Head injuries;
- Neck Injuries;
- Back injuries;
- Broken bones; and
- Internal organ injury or bleeding internally.
If a party is found to have acted negligently in court, victims are entitled to recover damages they can prove unless the other party is able to raise a valid legal defense. This is not only for physical injuries, but also for harms such as lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term treatment or accommodations the victim must make to deal with their injuries, and loss of consortium with a loved one due to the injury. If you can demonstrate they acted with intent to cause harm or behaved in a vile or reprehensible manner in causing injuries, then victims may be entitled to additional damages intended to punish the defendant’s wrongful behavior.
Because it can be difficult to establish another party breached their legal duty to a car accident injury victim, it is wise to seek out the help of a seasoned Torrance car accident attorney to ensure that your case is handled property and you receive all the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What Steps Should I Take if I am Injured in a Car Accident in Torrance?
If you are the victim of a car accident and injured in the Torrance or the surrounding area in Southern California, it is important to take certain steps to safeguard your health, seek treatment, gather information, and protect your rights and legal claims.
Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
Though some injuries may be readily apparently after a car accident, it is common for some injuries to present days, weeks, or even months after the victim was harmed. It is also important victims not do anything that will exacerbate injuries they may not know they have. For this reason, seek medical care as soon as feasible. It is vital for the health of any potential legal claims a car accident victim in Torrance be screened by a medical professional and follow all treatment plans and instructions exactly to avoid a denial of any claims by your insurance company as a result of your delay. Further, it is critical you heed any medical recommendations, as well as attend all your follow-up appointments.
Gather Information
It is important when you are injured in a car accident that you gather information which can be helpful in substantiating your injuries, demonstrating the cause of the accident, and establishing fault. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, get the contact information of any witnesses, and speak with the police to complete and receive an accident report.
To substantiate any harm from the accident, keep medical records, copies of any receipts for expenses incurred, and document any property damage or lost income from being unable to work. It is wise to consulted with an experienced South Bay auto accident attorney to understand what information could be helpful in proving your case.
Act Quickly
California has codified a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury for personal injury cases including those that stem from motor vehicle accidents. Failing to take action during the appointed time frame will bar victims from filing suit or recovering damages forever, so it is important not to delay and ensure you do not give up your rights.
Schedule a Consultation With a Torrance Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident in Torrance or the surrounding Southern California area, reach out to the experienced car accident attorneys at Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC today. Our skilled lawyers have over 20 years of experience representing clients like you who are injured in Torrance motor vehicle accidents. Steven M. Sweat has received the “Super Lawyer” designation from both Thomson Reuters News Service and Los Angeles Magazine, meaning he is among the top 5% of all California car accident attorneys. We have obtained millions of damages for our deserving clients through personalized, effective representation. Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (866)-966-5240 or through our contact page online to schedule a no obligation, risk-free case review – the initial consultation is free and you do not pay until we win your case. Let us review your case and advocate for you to get the compensation you deserve.