Bell Gardens Accident and Injury Lawyer
The auto accident lawyers in Bell gardens, CA at Matadores Law understand the challenges of dealing with all types of accidents including car, truck or bicycle crashes. We focus solely on accident cases, therefor you can rest assured that we will fight for the best possible outcome in your matter.
Our Attorneys Serve all of Bell Gardens. We Will Travel to You
Regardless of how the accident took place, it’s critical for you as an auto accident victim to hire an experienced and aggressive Bell Gardens accident attorney to fight for your rights. Our law firm represents clients throughout Bell Gardens and Los Angeles. Our lawyers and staff will travel to you at home or the hospital.
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Our Bell Gardens Injury Lawyers Will Help You With Your Car Accident Claim
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you most likely have a lot of questions around the accident:
- • Can I file a lawsuit against the negligent person who caused the accident?
- • Is my insurance company going to be involved for someone else’s negligence?
- • The at-fault party’s insurance company has offered to settle my case. Should I handle the claim myself?
- • The negligent driver was working when the accident happened. Do I need to go after the employer for my injuries?
- • The at-fault driver’s insurance company is putting me at fault and refusing to pay for my injuries. What should I do?
- • The person who hit me was uninsured. Do I have any options?
First, the car accident lawyers in Bell Gardens at Matadores Law will analyze the particular facts of your case. Our accident and injury attorneys will answer all your questions and conduct a thorough investigation to identify all parties potentially liable for your accident and determine what your case may be worth. Our attorneys will advise you on the steps you need to take to ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
In addition, we help accident victims to:
- ⇔ Find caring Doctors who are compassionate
- ⇔ Replace or repair your vehicle
- ⇔ Gather evidence
- ⇔ Help protect your rights with Insurance companies
- ⇔ Get your lost wages
- ⇔ Get maximum compensation for your Injuries
Every motor vehicle collision is different. That is why our attorneys provide legal advice tailored to the unique facts of your car accident.
Our office in Bell Gardens provides free and confidential legal consultations. We work on a contingency basis, therefor you won’t be charged any legal fees unless we recover money for you.
Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements in California
Every state has a different car insurance requirement. According to the DMV, In order to operate a motor vehicle in California (CA) the following minimum requirement must be met:
- $15,000 per person for injury/death to one person, or $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person per accident.
- Damage to someone else’s property: $5,000 per accident.
How Long do I Have in California to File a Lawsuit for my Car Accident?
The amount of time you have after a car crash to file a lawsuit depends on the specifics of the accident. A civil lawsuit is likely to involve personal injury such as wrongful death, property damage or product liability. In California, the time limit to file a claim—also known as the statute of limitations—is two years. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. There are exceptions to this law, however. It is in your best interest to speak to an attorney to preserve your rights.
An experienced car accident lawyer in Bell Gardens will make sure you meet all applicable deadlines.
Who Is Liable for my Car Accident?
A car accident lawyer will thoroughly examine all the details in your specific case and help you identify all liable parties. In addition to the at-fault driver of the other vehicle, a host of other entities could share liability for your motor vehicle accident, including:
At-fault drivers: This could include drivers other than those the police identify as being responsible for your accident. California law on comparative fault and contributory negligence allow recovery from any party who shares blame and even allows for partial recovery by a victim who is found partially at fault, or even criminal charged.
Insurance companies: While a negligent driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying for your injuries and damages, interactions with your own insurance company could significantly impact your ability to collect damages. If the at-fault party’s insurance coverage does not cover all your damages, your own uninsured motorist coverage may be used to provide coverage .
Employers: Individuals injured in a traffic accident while on the job are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re injured by an at-fault driver who is working at the time let’s say for uber, lyft or door dash you might have a potential claim against the driver’s employer.
Other drivers: An involved driver who isn’t cited by police or law enforcement can still be held financially responsible for a car accident. Obtaining contact information and statements from witnesses could be key to your case.
Municipalities: In cases of dangerous or faulty roads, missing or inoperable streetlights or other roadway hazards, a driver might be able to file a claim against a government entity or municipality. While these entities can be held liable for negligence, these cases are often complicated and have a 6-month statute of limitations. An experienced car accident attorney in Bell Gardens can help you navigate these complex cases.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Bell Gardens
Car accidents can be caused by a range of different factors and situations.
Common causes of car accidents include:
• Distracted driving is the leading cause of car collisions. Activities such as texting, talking on a cellphone, eating or applying makeup while behind the wheel.
• Speeding is the second most common cause of car accidents.
- • Drunk driving is the number one cause of roadway fatalities, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
- • Reckless driving occurs when a careless driver changes lanes too quickly, drives aggressively, tailgates, or operates a motor vehicle in a reckless manner.
- • Poor weather conditions lead to poor visibility and slippery road surfaces.
- • Motor vehicle design defects.
- • Driving the wrong wayon a street.
- • Failure to follow traffic lights and signage such as stop signs at a four-way stop.
- • Teenage driverswho are overly confident and lack driving experience.
- • Older drivers who have poor eyesight or might have a health condition that makes it hard to drive.
- • Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including marijuana and prescription medication.
- • Tire blowouts, which can cause an unexpected swerve.
- • Animal crossings, such as deer.
- • Construction zones can be confusing to drivers if not properly marked.
Types of Car Accident Injuries in Bell Gardens
All accidents have the potential of having serious consequences. The type of injuries you have endured can ultimately impact the compensation you are pursuing.
At Matadores accident and Injury law, we help clients will all types of injuries including:
• Traumatic brain injuries(TBI), including concussions
• Back injuries including herniated discs
• Neck injuries, including whiplash
• Paralysis
• Loss of a limb
• Soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations and burns
Injuries sustained in a car accident are affected by numerous factors such as seat belt use, airbag deployment, age of the accident victim, type of vehicles involved, speed of the collision and type of collision (head-on collision, T-bone accident, rear-end crash, side-swipe or side crash).
Many car accident injuries can appear to be minor immediately after an accident. However, the true severity of an injury might be discovered weeks after an accident. A car accident lawyer in Bell Gardens will help you thoroughly evaluate the severity of your injuries and prevent you from prematurely settling your claim for less than what you deserve.
Types of Car Accident Damages You Are Entitled To
- • Medical expenses, past and future
- • Physical pain and suffering
- • Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- • Lost wages, past and future
- • Loss of consortium on behalf of a spouse
- • Loss of enjoyment of life
- • Property damage
After conducting an in-depth investigation of your accident, these are the damages that a car accident lawyer in Bell Gardens will negotiate on your behalf. By retaining an experienced car accident attorney, you’ll maximize the amount of damages that you are entitled to.
If an automobile accident causes the death of another person, the next of kin might be able to file a wrongful-death claim, and recover damages that include loss of income, funeral and burial expenses, and punitive damages.
Steps To Take After a Bell Gardens Car Accident?
After a car accident, follow these basic steps:
- Stop your vehicle in a safe location.
- Contact the Bell Gardens Police department at (562) 806-7600 or https://www.bellgardens.org/government/public-safety/police-department.
- Accept emergency medical treatment if necessary.
- Cooperate with police.
- Obtain contact information from the other drivers and witnesses.
- Take photos with your cellphone.
- Note taking can be one of the best ways to gather crucial bits of information
- Seek medical care, even if your injuries seem minor.
Your next step should be to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Bell Gardens, CA. Don’t delay. The best time to figure out how the crash happened is immediately after it occurred. An attorney will help you understand your rights and make sure that your rights are preserved.
In addition, your attorney will work with the at-fault drivers Insurance on your behalf and make sure they treat you in a fair manner and in accordance with the terms and conditions of all insurance policies involved.
Refuse to speak to an insurance company representative even if they tell you they have your best interest in mind. Remember that Insurance companies are in the business of making money and profit and do not have your best interest in mind.
Your attorney will help identify all parties who might be liable for your injuries and hold them accountable.
Settlements for Car Accident Victims in Bell Gardens
Many auto accident cases are settled before a lawsuit is filed. There are many advantages to reaching a settlement, including:
- Quicker resolution of your claim
- Reduced attorney fees
- No trial
When Should You Consider Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against an At-Fault Motorist?
An experienced car accident attorney will help you determine whether you should proceed to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
If the at-faut driver is uninsured or underinsured and does not have adequate coverage to compensate you for your car accident damages, a personal injury lawsuit is one tactic to seek compensation and make yourself whole.
Keep in mind that a lack of insurance could mean that a driver is unable to afford coverage and has little money or financial assets. In such a situation, a personal injury lawsuit might not be your best course of action. Again, an experienced personal injury lawyer will guide you and help you make that decision.
Car Accidents in Bell Garden and the Greater Los Angeles Area
According to data from the City-Data in Bell Gardens, the top most dangerous highways intersection crash locations in 2019 were:
- Eastern Ave, Lubec St
- Jaboneria Rd, Eastern Ave
In the city of Bell Gardens alone, the California Office of Traffic safety reported 189 deaths and injuries in 2019. Of those car accidents, 9 of them involved alcohol.
In addition, 35 were pedestrian related, 10 were bicyclist related, 7 were motorcycle related, 24 were speed-related and 20 were hit and runs.
Bell Garden Roads at a Glance
Bell Gardens has a history dating back to the 1700’s. It was once a bustling agricultural center for immigrants migrating from Mexico. Bell Gardens officially became incorporated on August 1,1961.
The estimated population of Bell Gardens is 45,000 people and occupies 2.4 square miles. There are currently 6 elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and two adult schools in Bell Gardens.
Bell Gardens is located in southeastern Los Angeles and is bordered by Bell, Downey, City of Commerce and South Gate. One of Bell Gardens most popular attractions is the Bicycle hotel and casino located on Eastern Avenue near East Florence Avenue.
Major highways in Bell Gardens include I-710 and I-5 Freeways. Accidents are a very common occurrence in Bell Gardens, especially when there are young drivers or tired truck drivers behind the wheel.
Bell Gardens also has one of the highest rates of bicycle commuters and pedestrians. With so many bicyclists and pedestrians on the roads, Bell Gardens has a high rate of motor vehicle accidents involving bikes and pedestrians.
If you are hit or struck by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian or bicyclist the lawyers at the Matadores Accident and Injury Lawyers will help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call Matadores & Injury Lawyers Near You Today
Our car accident attorneys in Bell Gardens at Matadores Accident and Injury lawyers work with clients on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only pay when you win.
There are no out-pocket legal fees or upfront costs to you or your family.
At Matadores Accident and Injury Lawyers, there are no legal fees unless we obtain compensation for you. Our highly skilled attorneys, and compassionate legal team understand that most people who come to us aren’t wealthy. A lack of financial resources does not mean that a person shouldn’t be able to secure legal representation in a car accident or other personal injury action.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Bell Gardens or anywhere else in Los Angeles, contact the personal injury lawyers and wrongful-death attorneys at Matadores accident and Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights at (323) 402-1000.