Orange County Car Accident Lawyer | Orange County Car Accident Attorneys

When your car accident is more than just a bump in the road, we can help you secure the maximum possible compensation for every damage you've suffered.

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How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Orange County Help Me?

The financial, emotional, medical, and physical toll of car accidents is hard to overstate. But if you’ve suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident caused by negligence, an Orange County car accident lawyer from Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys wants to get you cash compensation.

Motor Vehicle After Car Accident in Orange County, California

You Need Insider Experience to Get Fully Compensated

As former lawyers for Fortune 500 and insurance companies alike, we’re one step ahead of the defense’s tactics. Our people use direct experience and knowledge to help you win big.

You Can Get Cash Compensation for Your Accident Damages

If other drivers or someone else were responsible for your injuries and medical expenses, you shouldn’t be left to fend for yourself without representation. Whether at the office negotiating table or in a courtroom, we’ll fight for your fair compensation.

You Have Questions About Your Car Accident—Our Orange County Car Accident Attorneys Have Answers

You don’t need deep pockets to get the answers to your legal questions. With us, get the help of a top-flight lawyer—and pay nothing unless we get the results you deserve from the defendant and the insurance company.

Why Do Clients Use Our Orange County Car Accident Attorneys?

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys

A car accident is an unexpected, major life event, possibly involving multiple injuries and serious property and vehicle damage. The fallout from a wreck can cause a spiral of hurt, confusion, and even despair. And with your financial and medical future on the line, Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys can make the difference in whether you get compensated by the negligent party and their insurance company.

Let our law office be your legal guide on the path to financial recovery, all the way from initial, informal free consultation to the final settlement.

Our Attorneys Are Dedicated to Your Case and Your Rights

Since making the pivot from helping insurance companies to helping personal injury victims, we’ve become relentless legal advocates for our clients and their cases. We will always fight for you to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and medical bills.

Our Lawyers Have Trial Experience

Too often, car accident lawyers are willing to let their plaintiff clients accept a lesser deal, simply to avoid going to court for a personal injury lawsuit. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we truly care about our clients, and we’re prepared to fight for you beyond the law office and into the courtroom—and our Orange County car accident lawyers have the trial experience to prove it.

Law Office Conveniently Located in Orange County

Our proximity allows us to accept clients and handle cases throughout Southern California. Whether you’ve been injured by drivers in car accidents in Orange County, Anaheim, Irvine, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, or San Diego County, we’re ready to help you seek justice for the injuries and damages you’ve suffered.

Settlement Results and Verdicts That Speak Volumes

From a $750,000 settlement for a client injured in an accident with a rideshare company to a $710,000 settlement for a client injured in a rear-end collision, we have the car accident settlement credentials that inspire confidence. The insurance and personal injury settlements we’ve won have resulted in our clients getting their lives back on track and receiving the medical care they need to recover from their motor vehicle accident.

Five Leading Causes of Car Accidents in California

1. Speeding
2. Running Red Lights
3. Distracted Driving
4. Driving While Impaired
5. Running Stop Signs

Checklist: What Do I Do After a Car Accident?

When a motor vehicle accident poses a major setback in your life, navigating the car accident claims process can seem like a minefield to many people. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced attorney with Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, you can recover a settlement from the defendant or their insurance that helps you take your life back.

Although no two vehicle accidents are the same, there are some basic steps after an accident that most share in the scope of the car accident claims process. If you or your passengers have been injured in an accident, start with these—and then give Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys a call for legal representation in Orange County so that you can get compensated for your losses and injuries

1. Stay at the Accident Scene and Check for Injuries

Crash Victim Contacting Attorney After Car Accident

Even if you don’t feel injured, don’t move your car. If you leave the scene of the accident, you may face criminal charges for fleeing the scene of the accident. You instead need to stay at the scene of the accident and seek out medical care. Check to see if other parties involved in the accident are injured, and wait for law enforcement or medical aid to arrive at the scene of the motor vehicle accident.

2. Exchange Info with the Other Driver

Car Accident Victims Investigate Crash Damage

If you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries or been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, this step may not be possible. But it’s still true that you’ll need to identify the at-fault party if you’re going to file a successful car accident case and determine the cause of your wreck. Our car accident lawyers can help even in complicated cases involving many vehicles and other drivers or people.

3. Report the Accident to the Police

Car Accident Victim Reporting Collision to the Police

California law requires driving accidents involving injuries, death / fatalities, or property damages in excess of $10,000 to be reported. But getting an accident report can also be important if the police officer on the scene makes a determination of fault based on the evidence, especially if alcohol was the cause that resulted in the accident.

4. Collect Evidence of the Accident’s Cause and Witness Information

Insurance Adjuster Investigating Car Accident Damage

When you’re planning to file a claim, you need as much information as possible. That evidence can help you get the funds you’re due when you’re hurt and suffering following your accident. Gathering evidence from the scene of the accident, such as images of the crash or surveillance footage, can support your claim and get the settlement you’re due. Other evidence may include eyewitness accounts, which can support your own recounting of the accident. Likewise, your lawyer can seek out expert witness testimony, including medical exams, reconstructions of the motor vehicle accident, and other resources.

5. See a Doctor About Your Crash Injuries

Car Accident Victim Getting Medical Help After Collision

Even if your injuries seem minor—or you’re unsure whether you’ve been injured at all—it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident to receive treatment and document the extent of any injuries for your medical record.

6. Contact the Insurance Company (Don’t Admit Fault!)

Car Accident Victim Contacting Insurance with Police in Background

One of the earliest steps you need to take following a car accident is to contact your insurance company and report the accident. But talking with the insurance company without a lawyer present may be a mistake. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, meaning they may work hard to reduce the value of your settlement. Because of this, they may use anything you say against you, such as apologies or claiming fault for the motor vehicle accident, even if you weren’t actually at fault. Talk to your lawyer before you make that call to the insurers.

Our Car Accident Practice Areas

An accident can catch you off guard, happening when you least expect it. When your accident was the result of factors outside your control, such as the carelessness of another driver, an accident attorney at our firm can help you seek full compensation from the insurance.

Accident Attorneys of Kohan & Bablove

Our Car Accident Lawyers Have the Right Experience

Our attorneys have the right type of experience and resources to fight for you and provide legal representation. Some of the vehicle crash–related cases we’ve handled in the past include:

What Are Common Injuries Seen in Car Accidents?

When you’re involved in a car accident, even a little fender bender can hurt. Your body may be stricken, tossed around, or even crushed during a car accident, and that can lead to severe injuries and a lifetime of suffering. Even a minor accident can cause whiplash, or painful damage to the neck when you’re suddenly pushed forward.

When You’ve Been Injured, Our Law Firm Can Help

If you’re hurt in a car accident, here’s just a sample of the injuries you may have suffered because another driver was careless with your safety:

All these injuries can leave you with trauma and permanent damage. Let’s say you suffered a spinal cord injury. You may be able to improve your condition with physical therapy and surgery, but you may also be paralyzed from the point of injury down, leaving you unable to walk or use other motor controls.

Should I Still Seek Medical Attention for Minor Injuries?

Even if you feel you haven’t been injured, or only minorly injured, it’s essential that you still seek medical attention. Having this documentation is important for many personal injury cases and often, it’s the foundation for a strong case. 

You Might Not Know You’re Injured After an Accident

Internal injuries are common in car accidents but aren’t visible from the outside, save for bruising. Seeing a medical professional can ensure you don’t have medical injuries that aren’t visible to the eye. You’re reducing your risks of infection, complications, or death. Likewise, your injuries may be worsened even if they’re not life-threatening, leaving you in worse condition.

Medical professionals document injuries and causation of those injuries. Both are important to have and strengthen personal injury claims.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

After a car accident, one of the first steps you’ll take with your lawyer is determining who’s at fault for your car accident. The at-fault party and their insurance company are liable for the financial costs of your recovery, so identifying them is key. That means you’ll need to prove how they caused your accident.
Often, the cause is some form of negligence. As cell phones have become one of the most common forms of communication and navigation, many people are driving distracted by their phones or other sources. Likewise, some drivers may be negligent enough to drive while drunk, which can cause devastating injuries.

Still others may be driving long distances or late at night. These drivers may be drowsy, and that drowsiness may make it difficult to stop on time and avoid a car accident.

Car accidents have many causes, and if you’re not sure what caused yours, talk to your car accident lawyer. No matter what the cause, we’re here to help you recover from the suffering you experienced.

How Is Fault Determined in Car Accidents in California?

When you’re hurt in a car accident, you need to know who’s at fault for your injuries. California is a fault state, which means the party who caused the accident is liable for the damages caused by the accident. Determining fault determines who pays for the losses and suffering you’ve experienced.

Determining fault can be tough, but typically fault rests on the person who acted negligently. You and your lawyer may look for evidence that the other driver wasn’t focused on the road, was drunk, or was even driving aggressively.

Determining Negligence in Car Accidents Is Complicated

These steps can be more complex and difficult if you were involved in a car accident with multiple vehicles. In these cases, the fault may lie on any of these drivers. Your lawyer may contact eyewitnesses, who can give an account of what happened. Your lawyer may even seek out an expert witness to reconstruct the scene to determine fault.

Even Single-Car Accidents Could Be Someone Else’s Fault

What if you’re injured in a single-car accident? The accident may have still not been your fault. Let’s say your airbags failed to deploy, or the airbags deployed when they shouldn’t have. In these cases, the suffering you experienced may be the fault of the manufacturer.

Always Have a Lawyer Determine if You Have a Car Accident Case

If you have any questions about fault, you can always contact a lawyer about your case. An accident attorney can gather the evidence necessary to determine fault and file a claim against the at-fault party.

What Damages Can I Collect After a Car Accident?

After a serious injury, major expense, or personal trauma, it can be difficult or even impossible to get back to normal. The suffering you experienced may stick with you for years following your accident. When that happens, you may be due funds for the damages you suffered.

Calculating Damages Is Easier with an Attorney

Unfortunately, these damages can be tough to calculate. You may not have the proper tools for the task, and calculating both compensatory and punitive damages can be complex. Without a clear idea of what your claim is worth, however, you may be left settling for less than your claim is worth. That leaves you paying out of pocket for your suffering and without the support you need for a full recovery.

You Need Full Compensation for Your Orange County Car Accident

But what damages are available, and how do you determine what they’re worth? Your lawyer can help you gather evidence that you’ve suffered the following types of damages, and they can help you calculate what your claim is worth before you ever set foot in court.

Economic Damages in Motor Vehicle Accidents

After a car accident, the bills may start piling up right away. Car accidents are expensive, and to recover, you may need significant amounts of money you don’t have. Your economic damages, or the financial toll of an accident, should be covered by the party responsible for your accident.

Medical Bills Are Just One Type of Economic Damage

In practice, you may know that repairs for your car or medical bills are your first priority. But economic damages can cover much more than this. For example, your injuries may take a long time to recover from, meaning your medical care isn’t done. You may be due funds for the future costs of your healthcare as you recover from your injuries.

Your Missed Time at Work from the Accident Counts, Too

You may also be missing weeks of work because of your injuries, or you may never be able to return to work in your former capacity. Your injuries may even require modifications to your home, such as a wheelchair ramp, or you may need household services like housekeeping or childcare assistance. All these expenses should be covered by your compensation.

Our Lawyers Will Ensure All Your Damages Are Calculated

If you’re not sure what your economic damages are worth, your lawyer can help you make these calculations. Your lawyer has the tools to add up all the damages you’ve already incurred and estimate the funds you’ll need for your economic damages. Your accident attorney’s aid can help you get the complete compensation you need for your recovery.

Non-Economic Damages in Auto Collisions

When you’re hurt in a car accident, your suffering is more than financial. For example, while a serious injury can be expensive, it’s also painful and may leave you suffering emotionally and mentally. That pain and suffering should also be compensated after your car crash, but calculating the value of your claim can be difficult.

Pain and Suffering Takes Many Forms After an Accident

Non-economic damages compensate you for the intangible toll of your accident. Damages like pain and suffering, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium can all impact your life in major ways, and you should receive compensation for the suffering you experience. Unfortunately, calculating the value of your non-economic damages can feel almost impossible because you’re placing a price on something intangible.

Because of this, your accident lawyer will determine your claim’s value based on the severity of your injuries and the impact those damages have on your quality of life. Let’s say you lost several teeth in the accident. Repairing or replacing your teeth may be painful and expensive, but what about the embarrassment and emotional pain you feel about the way this injury changes your looks?

Fully Calculating Non-Economic Damages Requires an Attorney’s Expertise

Because this type of suffering can be so complex, you may need to speak with a lawyer to get an accurate idea of your claim’s worth. It can be easy to underestimate your claim’s value, so reach out for help getting an accurate number.

Punitive Damages and Car Accident Claims

The bulk of your damages in a car accident is meant to compensate you for your injuries and suffering, hence the name compensatory damages. But that’s not the case with punitive damages. These damages have nothing to do with the injuries you’ve suffered but instead are about punishing the person who injured you.

Punitive damages are intended to deter the negligent party from acting so negligently or intentionally harming others by creating a financial penalty for these actions. These damages can also serve as a warning to others to prevent similar actions in the future.

Punitive Damages for Car Accidents Are Rare

But these damages are not awarded in every claim. In fact, many cases are not eligible for punitive damages. Typically, these damages are awarded in cases where the at-fault party was wantonly negligent, or in cases where they intended to harm the injured party.

For example, you may have been behind the wheel when you encountered another driver experiencing road rage. In their aggression, they forced you off the road and caused an accident. Because they intended to hurt you, they may be liable for punitive damages for the accident.

Winning Punitive Damages in Car Accident Cases Is Tough

Punitive damages are not easy to seek. Because these damages aren’t readily awarded in most cases, you may need help proving you’re due punitive damages at all, as well as what your damages are worth. Speak with a lawyer about the severity of your injuries and get the full value of your claim covered, including punitive damages.

Car Accident Statistics in Orange County, California

Car accident statistics can tell us a lot about how and why car accidents happen. While they can’t prevent a crash entirely, these numbers can tell you more about car crashes and what to do when you’re involved with one.

Drunk Driving in Orange County

For example, statistics show that drunk driving is a major factor in many crashes. In 2019, nearly 1,800 drivers and passengers were injured or killed in accidents involving alcohol. With a total of more than 17,000 injuries or death in accidents that year, drunk driving makes up a significant portion.

Speeding in Orange County

Speeding can also turn deadly fast. More than 11,000 accidents in the country were related to speeding. Of those, 53 percent of fatal accidents involved drivers who weren’t wearing a seat belt at high speeds.

These statistics only show part of the story. If you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one in a car accident, reach out for legal aid and learn more about your options following a crash. Your lawyer will focus on the specifics of your claim and what makes yours different to get you the financial recovery you’re due following an accident.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Orange County?

While driving can turn dangerous in an instant, even for the most careful driver, some roads are more prone to danger than others. These roads may be older, may have more traffic, or may have other hazards that make driving dangerous.

Curious about the most dangerous roads in Orange County? Below are some roads where taking extra care behind the wheel can protect your health and safety:

  • Beach Boulevard – Beach Boulevard covers a lot of ground, from Huntington Beach to Los Angeles, and because of this, it’s one of the busier streets in the county. Its many intersections and congested areas lead to severe accidents and injuries regularly.
  • Ortega Highway – Ortega Highway, or State Route 74, is known for its scenic views, as well as its narrow, winding path. Because of this, visibility can be a problem, leading to severe accidents that leave drivers and passengers hurt.
  • Interstate 5 – I-5 is one of the busiest roads in California, and that traffic means that accidents are unfortunately common. All it takes is one distracted driver to cause a serious accident.
  • 405 Freeway – This freeway is known for its congestion, which has caused gridlock and accidents for years. That makes it one of the more dangerous highways to cross Orange County, though alternate routes may lessen the pressure on this roadway.
  • Laguna Canyon Road – Laguna Canyon Road is one of Orange County’s most scenic routes, traveling through Laguna Canyon itself. While the views are beautiful, the road itself can be dangerous, due to poor visibility, drunk drivers, and other hazards. Injuries on this road are unfortunately common, but with an OC car accident lawyer on your side, you have a chance to recover.

If you’ve been in a car accident on any of these roads or for any of these reasons, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Your car accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, calculate your claim’s value, and take your claim to court. Your lawyer can even represent you in the courtroom, giving you the legal support you need after a devastating accident.

Injured in a Car Crash? Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Orange County

Ambulance After Car Accident

After an accident, you don’t have to accept anything less than full and fair compensation for the harm that’s been caused. An Orange County car accident lawyer with Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys is standing by to help you recover a maximum settlement.

An Orange County Car Accident Lawyer Here to Help

Call us at 1-844-404-2400 or use the form below with your contact information and a brief description of your case to request your no-obligation, free legal consultation.

Orange County Car Crash FAQ

Dealing with the blowback over injuries, financial damages, lost wages, and the emotional toll of a motor vehicle crash can be beyond frustrating when you can’t get your many questions answered. We offer free personal injury consultations, and we never get paid unless you do—so engaging a top-ranked lawyer is within your reach.

To help you get started, here are some of the most common legal questions our clients ask about their car accident claims during the initial consultation with an Orange County car accident lawyer.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Orange County, California?

The California statute of limitations on personal injury is generally two years from the date of your accident. Failure to file a claim before the time limit could bar you from recovering compensatory damages from the other drivers, so it’s recommended you reach out to the lawyers with Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys as soon as possible.

What kinds of damages can I recover after a car accident?

An attorney from our firm will fight for you to recover the maximum amount of compensatory damages, both economic and non-economic, available to you in an insurance or personal injury settlement, including compensation for things like medical bills, lost income and future earning capacity, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, accident-related expenses, and others.

What if I can’t afford to hire an attorney for my car accident case?

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we go to work when you call us, and we don’t get paid unless you win. Reaching out to an experienced car accident attorney with our Orange County law firm is a risk-free proposition without issues or costs for you.

I was partly at fault for the cause of the accident. Can I still recover compensation?

Because California follows pure comparative negligence, you can still recover compensation for your loss. However, the amount of your legal settlement may be reduced by the proportion of responsibility you assume for the accident. If you’re unsure, contact an attorney at our Orange County office directly for more information and legal help determining the cause.

Do I need to call the police after the car accident?

It’s always a good idea to call the police after a crash, especially when property damage and injuries are involved. The police will come out to the scene, take statements from everyone involved, investigate any evidence on scene, and then file an accident report. Orange County police officers tend to be thorough in these reports, so a copy of the police report could go a long way toward proving the other party’s liability for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit later.

Should I talk to the insurance company after my motor vehicle accident?

The short answer is “no!” Insurance companies (whether it’s yours or the other drivers’) are notorious for taking statements from accident victims and then using them out of context later to lowball the insurance settlement. Instead you should let your attorney handle the communication with the insurance company if you want to get fully compensated for every loss, damage, and injury you suffered. Our lawyers know how to word the answers to their questions and exactly what evidence and information to provide. Don’t let the insurance use your words against you.

How do I get an accident report in Orange County?

When you’re hurt in a car accident, a car accident report can serve as evidence you need, beyond being a requirement for most accidents. Fortunately, getting your accident report doesn’t have to be complicated. Once the police officer arrives at the scene, they should make and file your report shortly after. After the report is filed, you’ll be able to purchase a copy of your report online. Talk to your attorney if you’re unsure how to get your report.

How do I talk to the insurance adjuster?

Talking to the insurance adjuster can be tough because lying can hurt your case, but you also don’t want to minimize the severity of your injuries. Because of this, you may wish to speak with an attorney about helping you maintain your story without diminishing the seriousness of your claim. When speaking with an insurance adjuster, be careful not to say anything that could place the blame on you for the accident. You’ll also need to be careful not to downplay your injuries in any way, without lying about their severity. Your lawyer can help you say the right things and pass along the right information in these situations.

How long does it take to get a settlement for a car accident claim?

The length of your settlement can vary. In some cases, it may only take a few weeks to get the funds you’re due following an accident. In other cases, it may take months or even years to get the funds you’re due following your accident. While your lawyer can’t promise an exact timeline for your claim, your lawyer can help you get the maximum value for your case. No matter how long it takes, we’re prepared to help you get the funds you’re due when you’re hurt in a car accident.

What happens if my car accident case needs to go to court?

In some cases, settling out of court is simply not an option for your case. The insurance company or other parties may try to reduce or deny your claim entirely. Luckily, getting a car accident lawyer on your side can make your claim easier. Your lawyer will represent you in the courtroom, taking the pressure off you when it’s time to present your case. Your lawyer will also ensure that your claim is ready, with all necessary evidence gathered for your claim. If your case needs to go to court, your lawyer will simplify the process for you as much as possible.

If I am self-employed, can I still receive compensation for lost earnings caused by the wreck?

Even if you’re self-employed, being in a car accident may impair your ability to make a living wage. You’re entitled to pursue compensation for any loss income you may be dealing with. Additionally, the costs that you may have had by hiring someone to cover your work while you were recovering from the accident may also be covered. Your lawyer can help you calculate these costs.

What if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt during the accident?

If you’re a victim of a car accident looking for compensation for the damages, but you weren’t wearing a seatbelt, the defense will try to use this against you. They want to minimize the payout that you receive.  All drivers and passengers are required by California law to wear their seatbelt. Those not wearing seatbelts in an accident may still file a claim against the at-fault driver. However, if some of the injuries sustained could have been avoided if wearing a seatbelt, it may reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Talk to your lawyer about your best defense.

Do I have to go to court if I filed a personal injury claim?

Not all claims will be sent to court in a personal injury claim. However, if the other party is not negotiating fair terms or refuses to pay at all; it is essential that your lawyer takes them to court. If this does happen, you will have to show up on the specific days.  Being there during the court case is important. It shows you’re serious about compensation. Unless you have a medical reason for missing the dates, you do have to physically be in the courtroom during the hearing dates. Fortunately, your lawyer will handle the details, representing you in the courtroom so you can focus on your health and recovery.

Will my uninsured motorist coverage help me recover?

This specific coverage is very important for motorists to have. If you’re hurt by a driver who’s uninsured or underinsured, this insurance coverage can help bridge the gap and compensate you for your injuries.  However, your insurance company may still try to avoid paying for your compensation. If your insurance company is failing to offer a fair settlement, or if they fail to offer a settlement at all, reach out for guidance from an attorney for answers.  

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