What People in Irvine, California, Need to Know About Car Accidents

Irvine, California, is a wonderful place to live. Like so many other places in California, it’s a sunny and warm spot near cultural hotspots. And to those who call it home, Irvine is also unlike any other place in California.

But Irvine is not immune to the dangers that threaten people all over California, the United States, and the world. Among those dangers is the danger of car accidents. Southern California is known for its cars and its traffic, and while Irvine might have it a little better than Los Angeles, plenty of traffic jams and dangerous drivers are still out there to worry about. Residents of Irvine should familiarize themselves with car accident dangers, procedures, and legal options. Here are a few things that people in Irvine should know about car accidents.

Car accidents are sometimes unavoidable

You can and should do a lot of things to limit your risk of getting into a car accident here in Irvine. We encourage you to check out defensive driving courses, which can teach you valuable skills for avoiding accidents and may even help you save a little bit of cash on your car insurance. You should, of course, never drive drunk, and you should avoid driving while you eat, text, talk on the phone, or do other distracting things.

But even if you’re a model citizen on the roads, you’re going to be exposed to a certain level of risk. That’s because negligent and reckless drivers are on the road, and their actions can put you in harm’s way.

What to do after a car accident

If you do end up in a car accident, focus on safety. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 right away if anyone needs help. Decide whether to move yourself or your vehicle. Depending on the situation and whether or not your car is safe to remain inside of or drive, you may decide to pull the car over, exit the vehicle, or do something else. Use your common sense! Finally, call the police if the accident has resulted in $1,000 or more in damages, or if anyone at all has been hurt. California law demands that.

Document the scene in any way you can. Taking photos with your phone is a good idea. Then work with your car insurance company to make sure that you’re covered.

You have legal options after a car accident

Everyone in Irvine should know that they have legal options after a car accident, says a trusted personal injury attorney in Irvine. Injuries sustained in car accidents can be extremely serious, and they can result in long-term problems that generate huge medical bills, prevent individuals from working and generating income, and more.

It’s not fair for you to pay big bucks to manage the consequences of a car accident that was not your fault. Fortunately, California law gives you options. If your injuries were caused by an accident that was the fault of another, negligent party, then you could be entitled to compensation. You could file a personal injury lawsuit and recover funds to pay for medical bills and make up for lost income. You could get this money from a court award or through a settlement agreement with the party you are suing.

This isn’t something that you can do on your own, however. To make the most of your legal rights under California law, you should reach out to a local Irvine attorney who specializes in personal injury law and car accident cases. Set up a consultation to learn more about your options.