West Covina Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Attorney In West Covina, CA

West Covina, California, is a vibrant city, but it’s no stranger to heavy traffic. Due to its proximity to Los Angeles, congested areas along I-10, Sunset Avenue, and Azusa Avenue see accidents every day. If you have suffered an injury in a car accident, you are most likely dealing with severe pain and mounting medical debt. A West Covina car accident lawyer is here to help you recover any damages you suffered.

At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience fighting for individuals just like you. We understand how frightening it is to be involved in a car accident and know how quickly your entire life can change. When these accidents are caused by a negligent or reckless party, our team is here to ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

In California, car accidents are typically held to the principles of fault and negligence. This means the party who is legally at fault for causing the accident and your resulting injuries also has a financial duty to compensate you for any damages you have sustained. However, determining fault can be difficult without the help of an attorney. At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation, we are here to analyze evidence, determine liability, and pursue compensation.

Top Causes of Car Accidents in West Covina

Even with features like back-up cameras, forward-collision warnings, lane-keep assist, and autonomous braking, car accidents still happen across the state of California every single day. In fact, in 2022 alone, there were over 4,400 traffic-related deaths in the Golden State. The most common cause of these accidents is driver error, meaning many of these accidents and deaths could have been avoided. Accidents can also happen due to the following:

• Distracted driving. In 2023, distracted driving accounted for 3,275 deaths nationwide. Distracted driving includes any behaviors that take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel, such as texting and driving, drinking or eating while driving, grooming, rubbernecking, reaching for something inside your vehicle, interacting with passengers, and using radio or temperature controls.
• Reckless driving. One of the most dangerous things you can do while operating a motorized vehicle is to do so recklessly. This can include exhibiting signs of road rage, tailgating, or driving aggressively. When you take part in these behaviors, you may have slower reaction times, which can make you a danger to yourself and others on the roadway.
• Speeding. When you operate your vehicle at excessive speeds well over the posted legal speed limit, it is not only illegal, but it also makes you a danger to others on the roadway. Speeding causes you to have a much shorter reaction time, meaning you are more likely to cause an accident if you need to respond quickly to another vehicle or obstacle in your path.
• Driving under the influence. In California, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content level, or a BAC, of 0.08% or higher. Not only is drunk or drugged driving illegal, but it can also put other drivers on the road at risk.
• Poor or unsafe roadways. Unsafe roadways account for a large number of traffic fatalities in the West Covina area.
• Bad weather. California is no stranger to bad weather. From flooding to wildfires, roadways can quickly become dangerous. Heavy winds can also increase your chances of an accident. Your vehicle may slip out of control, hydroplane, or suddenly veer into the path of another vehicle, causing a horrific accident. However, drivers should adjust their speed to account for dangerous weather.
• Mechanical defect. When your vehicle is designed, built, or sold with a defective or malfunctioning piece, or the vehicle is not properly maintained, an accident can occur. Several parties may be held liable. These parties can include the designer or manufacturer of the vehicle, the seller of the vehicle, or your repair service.

No matter the cause of a West Covina accident, the team at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation, is here to help. Our West Covina personal injury attorney can review all the details of your case, uncover important evidence, and determine the exact cause of the accident. By determining the cause, we can identify the liable party and work to hold them accountable for the damages you have sustained.

What to Do After a Car Accident In West Covina

The aftermath of a West Covina car accident is a terrifying place to be. There are several actions you can take, if you are physically capable of doing so, that can protect your well-being and the well-being of a future personal injury case. Likewise, there are certain things you should avoid doing after an accident to protect your ability to file a claim.

If you find yourself injured in a car accident in West Covina, take the following steps if physically possible:

• Stay calm and move to a place of safety.
• Call 911 in order to obtain emergency medical services, even if you do not feel seriously injured, as you may be suffering from invisible injuries.
• Contact the police so they can report the scene and record an official report.
• Gather as much evidence from the scene of the accident as you can, including photos and videos of the scene of the accident itself, as well as photos of your injuries, the contact information of any potential eyewitnesses to the crash, and the contact details of the other involved drivers.
• Cooperate with the responding police officers.
• Seek the counsel of a West Covina car accident lawyer who can assist you in all the steps necessary to file and win a personal injury claim.

What to Avoid After a Car Accident

There are several mistakes to avoid making after a car accident in West Covina. These include the following:

• Not seeking medical attention. After a car accident, your health is the most important thing that needs to be taken care of. It is vital that you seek medical attention, as you might be suffering from internal injuries or damage that cannot otherwise be identified without a physical examination performed by your doctor.
• Admitting to fault. Simply saying sorry can make you accountable for a car accident, even if you hold no fault. Your attorney will advise you to simply stick to the facts. During the aftermath of the accident, it is important that you do not admit or discuss any kind of fault when speaking to police officers, eyewitnesses, or the other driver.
• Leaving the accident scene. Do not, under any circumstances, leave the scene of an accident without notifying the authorities and exchanging critical information. If you do so, you may appear as the driver at fault, even if you hold no fault in the accident. You may also be considered a hit-and-run driver, which could lead to criminal penalties.
• Failing to obtain necessary information. If you do not gather the contact information of either the at-fault driver or eyewitnesses after suffering a car accident, it could harm your future claim. This contact information is vital to the success of a personal injury claim, and without it, you may walk away with nothing.

FAQs

Q: What Compensation Am I Entitled to in a Car Accident in California?

A: Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, there are several forms of compensation you may be able to obtain in a car accident claim in California. You could be compensated for medical bills, lost wages, the lost ability to earn a future income, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and wrongful death damages.

Q: What Injuries Are Suffered in Most Car Accidents?

A: There are many injuries that you may suffer in a car accident in California. The most common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Internal organ damage
• Nerve damage
• Road rash
• Severe burns
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Concussions
• Whiplash
• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations in California for Car Accident Claims?

A: When looking to file a car accident claim in California, it is vital to understand the deadlines in place. The statute of limitations for personal injury currently stands at two years from the date of injury. This means if you do not file a claim within these two years, you can lose out on your chances of recovering compensation.

Q: How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take in West Covina, CA?

A: It can be difficult to offer an exact timeline as to how long your car accident case will take in California. This is because there are many factors that can influence the final time frames of these cases, including the complexity of the case, the availability of evidence, and the cooperation levels of all parties involved.

Speak With a Compassionate Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a West Covina car accident, the attorneys at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation, are here to fight for you. Contact our offices today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can secure your compensation.