Downey Car Accident Lawyer

Hurt in a Car Crash in Downey? Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

At The JLF Firm, our Downey car accident lawyer is an aggressive, experienced, and results-driven advocate for justice. We are proud to be award-winning car accident attorneys. With a commitment to personalized representation, our firm has what it takes to hold the big insurance companies accountable. If you or your loved one was hurt in a major traffic wreck, we are here to help. Contact us at our Downey law office for a free, no obligation initial consultation with an experienced Downey car accident attorney.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Downey, California

Were you involved in a car crash in Downey or elsewhere in Los Angeles County? It is imperative that you take swift action to protect your rights and your interests. A proactive approach is the best approach. Here are five key steps to take after an accident in Downey, California:

1. Stop Your Vehicle and Contact the Downey Police Department: You should call the Downey Police Department to report the accident. A responding officer will prepare an official traffic collision report that records the time, location, parties involved, and initial observations. A police report is a key piece of evidence for a car accident injury claim.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Treatment: All car accident injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. Crash victims in Downey should get medical care as soon as possible, even if they feel stable. Many injuries, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, do not show immediate symptoms. Early evaluation protects your health and creates a medical record.
3. Document the Accident: As California is a fault-based car accident state, documentation of the crash is key. You should preserve evidence from the scene and after. Take photographs of vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and visible injuries. You should also obtain witness names and contact information.
4. Be Careful With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are not on your side. With that in mind, you should limit conversations with insurance adjusters. Provide basic facts only. Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened. Avoid signing medical authorizations or settlement documents without legal advice.
5. Consult a Downey Car Accident Lawyer: Insurance companies protect their own interests. You do not have to take on the claims process alone. An experienced Downey car accident lawyer protects yours. Legal counsel can investigate the crash, handle insurer communications, and pursue full compensation under California law.

Understanding Car Accident Liability in Downey, California

First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that California is a fault-based car accident state. The law has big implications for a car accident injury claim in Downey. Liability is determined based on who caused the crash. An injured victim must prove negligence to recover compensation. Negligence requires proof of four key legal elements:

• Duty
• Breach
• Causation
• Damages

Under California law, proving negligence in a car accident case requires establishing four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Each element must be supported by evidence.

Duty of Care

Every driver in California owes a legal duty of reasonable care to others on the road. This duty requires drivers to obey traffic laws, remain attentive, and operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner to avoid causing harm.

Example: A driver has a duty to stop at a red light and watch for cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding through an intersection.

Breach of Duty

A breach occurs when a driver fails to uphold this duty by violating the California Vehicle Code or engaging in unsafe driving behavior. Common examples include speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, following too closely, or failing to yield the right of way.

Example: A driver who texts while driving and rear-ends another vehicle has breached their duty of care.

Causation

The injured victim must then prove that the driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident. It is not enough to show that the driver acted carelessly; the careless conduct must be a substantial factor in causing the collision.

Example: If a speeding driver cannot stop in time and strikes another car, the excessive speed may be shown to be a direct cause of the crash.

Damages

Finally, the victim must demonstrate that the accident resulted in actual damages. These may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other measurable losses. Without provable damages, a negligence claim cannot succeed.

Example: Emergency room bills, vehicle repair costs, and missed time from work can all serve as evidence of damages.

Our Downey, CA car accident lawyers carefully and thoroughly investigate every aspect of a crash. By gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert analysis, we work to build the evidence needed to prove negligence and establish liability.

Note: California follows a pure comparative negligence system for car accident claims (Civil Code Section 1431.2). An injured victim may recover damages even if partially at fault. However, the court or insurer will reduce that compensation by the victim’s percentage of responsibility. Our Downey, CA car accident attorney can protect you from unfair blame after a crash.

Know the Deadline: Car Accident Statute of Limitations in California

Involved in a car crash in Downey? You have a limited amount of time to initiate a claim. Car accident injury cases are highly time-sensitive. Under California law (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1), an injured victim generally has two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are only very limited exceptions to the rule. Missing this deadline usually bars recovery entirely. Be proactive: Consult with a Downey, CA auto accident lawyer right away after a crash.

Note: Property damage claims follow a three-year limitation period under Code of Civil Procedure section 338. Even so, there is no reason to wait to get started with your property damage claim.

Recovering the Maximum Compensation Through a Downey Auto Accident Claim

In California, car accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for both economic losses and non-economic losses. Don’t rely on an insurer to look out for your best interests after a serious collision. They are not on your side. At The JLF Firm, our Downey, CA auto accident attorney is ready to help you fight for the maximum financial compensation. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover a settlement or verdict for:

• Vehicle repairs
• Emergency medical costs
• Hospital bills
• Other medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Mental health support
• Loss of wages
• Diminished earning power
• Pain and suffering
• Mental distress
• Long-term disability
• Wrongful death

How Our Downey Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Downey? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages. However, the big insurance companies can make the claims process difficult for people. They want to pay out less in settlement. At The JLF Firm, we go above and beyond to help our clients get justice and the absolute maximum possible financial recovery. Our case results show what we can do for you and your family. With a law office conveniently located in the 90241 zip code of Downey, we handle car accident claims throughout the region, including in 90239, 90240, and 90242. As part of your case, our Downey car accident lawyer will:

• Hear your story and answer questions about your case.
• Carefully investigate your auto accident in Downey.
• Represent you in settlement negotiations with insurers.
• Take aggressive action to help you secure the best possible results.

Car Accident Claims in Downey: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a Downey lawyer if the insurance company already contacted me?

Yes. Or at least you should speak to an attorney if you were hurt in a crash. Insurance adjusters work for the company, not for you. They are trained to reach out quickly to start building their defense. Early statements, especially careless ones, can adversely affect fault and compensation. A Downey, CA car accident lawyer can manage communication and protect your claim.

What should I do if the other driver says the crash was my fault?

It is a best practice to call the police to report the crash and to speak to an attorney. Do not argue about fault at the scene, as it depends on evidence, not accusations. It is not your responsibility to determine fault, nor does the other driver have the right to do so. Police reports, physical evidence, and witness statements matter far more than what another driver claims. A Downey, CA car accident attorney will comprehensively investigate your crash.

How does comparative negligence work in California car accidents?

California uses a pure comparative negligence rule for car accident injury cases. Legal standard ensures that each party involved in a crash is held responsible for their proportion of the fault. You can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, imagine that you are held 30 percent at fault for a crash in Downey, you will be liable for 30 percent of your own damages.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?

Usually no. Chances are, your first offer from the insurance company is not their best. After a serious crash, it is almost never their final offer. Early offers often undervalue medical needs and future impacts. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot seek additional compensation. Let your Downey, CA car accident lawyer negotiate with insurance adjusters. Your lawyer can help you fight for the maximum financial compensation.

Will my car accident case go to court?

In California, most car accident cases settle before trial. Litigation becomes more likely when fault or damages are disputed. Still, a settlement is more likely. Many claims are settled without formal legal action. Further, filing a lawsuit does not always mean a trial will occur. It often creates leverage for fair resolution. A trial-tested Downey, CA car accident lawyer can help you take action to get justice and the maximum financial compensation.

What if the at-fault driver does not have insurance?

Under California state law, all drivers are required to have liability coverage. However, there are tens of thousands of uninsured motorists on the road in our state each day. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, you still have options. Uninsured motorist coverage may apply through your own policy. Depending on the circumstances, additional avenues for recovery may be available. Our Downey car accident lawyer can evaluate available coverage.

Can I afford a top-rated car accident attorney in Downey?

Yes. Hiring a top Downey auto accident attorney is always within reach. At The JLF Firm, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means we only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you. It is our mission to ensure that you secure the maximum possible financial compensation. We offer free, no obligation initial consultations to car accident victims in Downey. There is zero financial risk on your part.

Contact Our Downey, CA Car Accident Attorney Today

At The JLF Firm, our Downey car accident lawyer is an aggressive, experienced advocate for justice. We invest time, resources, and attention to detail into every case. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bad wreck, please do not hesitate to contact us today for your free case review. Our firm fights for justice and the maximum compensation for car accident victims in Downey, including in the zip codes of 90239, 90240, 90241, and 90242.