Pasadena Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents can vary widely in severity, from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions causing significant injuries or even fatalities. It is essential to contact the Pasadena car accident attorney from the McNally Law Office today.

Car accidents can happen for various reasons, including:

• Driver error: This includes distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Adverse weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, and other weather-related factors can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctions in a vehicle’s brakes, tires, steering, or other critical systems can lead to accidents.
• Road conditions: Poorly maintained roads, potholes, and inadequate signage can contribute to accidents.
• Other factors: Fatigue, medical emergencies, and unexpected obstacles on the road can also lead to accidents.

Types of Car Accidents and Injuries

Car accidents come in various forms, each leading to different injuries. Knowing the types of accidents and associated injuries can help victims seek appropriate care and legal guidance.

• Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle hits the back of another. Common injuries include whiplash, back injuries, and concussions caused by the sudden impact.
• Side-Impact Collisions: T-bone accidents happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. Injuries often include broken ribs, internal injuries, and head trauma, especially for those sitting on the impacted side.
• Head-on collisions involve two vehicles colliding front-to-front, often at high speeds. Injuries can be severe, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and fractures. The risk of fatality is higher in these accidents.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, which is common in SUVs. Injuries can range from fractures and spinal injuries to traumatic brain injuries, particularly if occupants are not wearing seatbelts.
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: These involve several vehicles and result from a chain reaction. Injuries vary widely, from minor cuts to severe trauma like TBIs and internal injuries, due to multiple impacts.

Understanding these accident types and their injuries is critical for prevention and recovery. Victims should seek immediate medical attention and consult a personal injury attorney to protect their rights.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

• Call 911 for Injuries: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to ensure medical help is coming. Quick action can be crucial in treating injuries.
• Notify the Police: Always report the accident to the police, even for minor collisions. Depending on the location, police may only respond to more severe accidents, but it’s essential to notify them, particularly in hit-and-run cases, which often require prompt reporting.
• Collect Driver Information: Gather the names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers of all involved drivers. This information is critical for insurance claims and any potential legal actions.
• Document Vehicle Details: Record all vehicles’ license plates and identification numbers (VIN). Verify the accuracy by cross-checking driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations.
• Obtain Witness Information: Collect passengers’ and witnesses’ names, addresses, and phone numbers. Their testimonies could be vital in establishing fault or understanding the accident’s circumstances.
• Photograph the Scene: Take photos of the damage to all vehicles and the accident scene. Include details like traffic signs, signals, road conditions, and any potential hazards that may have contributed to the crash.
• Leave a Note for Unattended Property: If you damage property or a vehicle and the owner is not present, leave a note with your contact information and the details of the accident. This is often legally required and shows your responsibility.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Please provide them with all the collected information and follow their instructions to file a claim.
• Report to the DMV if Necessary: If the accident involves injuries or property damage exceeding $750, you must report it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days. Failure to do so could result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Always check with your local DMV for specific reporting requirements.

Car accident injuries and compensation for the injuries

Car accident injuries can vary widely in severity, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to life-threatening conditions. Compensation for these injuries depends on several factors, including the nature and extent of the injuries, liability (who was at fault), insurance coverage, and the legal process.

Overview of common car accident injuries and how compensation may be pursued:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head, often in rear-end collisions. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments, resulting in pain and limited mobility. They are common in car accidents.
• Broken Bones: Fractures of bones such as arms, legs, ribs, and wrists can occur in car accidents, especially in high-impact collisions.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and other head injuries can result from impacts during an accident, potentially causing long-term cognitive and physical issues.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the back or spinal cord can lead to paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of mobility.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and other internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Psychological and Emotional Trauma: Car accidents can lead to emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, impacting a person’s well-being and daily life.

Types of Compensation for Car Accident Injuries:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation typically covers medical bills, including hospitalization, surgery, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress, may be included in your compensation.
• Property Damage: Compensation can cover repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle.
• Future Medical Costs: If your injuries require ongoing medical care or rehabilitation, compensation may include future medical expenses.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working at the same capacity as before the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for diminished earning potential.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm.

Schedule a Free Consultation with our Attorney

It’s essential to consult with a Pasadena car accident lawyer from the McNally Law Office to understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation. Our attorneys at the McNally Law Office can help you navigate the legal process and work to secure a fair settlement or award for your injuries and losses.