Have you or has a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident? After getting medical care, you should contact an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer at R. Steven Peters – Injury & Accident Lawyers as soon as possible. If you delay making this important step, you could end up getting less than a full and fair settlement. R. Steven Peters is a Tustin, CA car accident lawyer who’s served all communities in Orange County for over 40 years and have recovered over half a Billion in client compensation.
R. Steven Peters – Injury & Accident Lawyers has been representing clients in cases involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents. Throughout thousands of cases, we have succeeded in obtaining compensation and medical care for our clients. We will use our experience and knowledge to obtain the largest possible settlement for you.
Representing Victims of Auto Accidents in Tustin, CA and Throughout the OC
Insurance companies want to settle claims for as little as possible. To protect your ability to obtain compensation, you should avoid making any statements to an insurance company representative until you have the advice of a car accident attorney in Tustin, CA. If you have been in a car accident, speak to our firm before calling your insurance company. We can provide you with objective and helpful information about the claims process. This can also protect your rights and greatly improve your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation.
We Handle Everything in Your Accident Claim From Start to Finish
R. Steven Peters is an Orange County injury lawyer who will handle all dealings with your insurance company, so that you can focus on your recovery. If you need medical care, we can direct you to a physician. If you need a rental car, we can obtain one for you. We will work energetically throughout the entire claims process to obtain the largest settlement possible. If your case heads to trial, we will go to court seeking victory. Our goal will be to obtain maximum compensation for you.
Auto Accidents in Orange County – California State Law
Auto accidents in the State of California have the potential to cause serious and life changing grievances. If you were recently involved in an auto accident in Orange County, California, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation for your injuries. State imposed auto accident laws will have an impact on your claim and therefore, it is important that you understand your rights, your obligations as a motorist, and how fault is determined in California auto accidents. These elements will affect your ability to recover financial compensation.
California’s Statute of Limitations Applies to Auto Accidents in Orange County
Under California law, a person seeking to file a personal injury claim has a limited amount of time in order to commence the legal procedures. Current law only allows two years from the time of the injury in order to file. In the event that the injury was not discovered straightaway, the law allows one year from the time that the injury was discovered. It should be noted that there are certain and strict exclusions in which a statute of limitations can be extended.
Personal Injury Claims Against a Government Agency – If you have reason to believe that your auto accident and injury was caused by a government agency such as a local city department, county, or state agency, you have the right to file a claim against the government entity. Filing a claim against a government entity, however, is different in terms of the filing process. The statute of limitations for filing against a government agency is only 180 days from the time of the injury.
The clock is ticking, and time to file a claim is only getting shorter. If you were a victim of an auto accident caused by another, you should speak to an Orange County auto accident attorney immediately to protect your rights, and work towards the compensation you deserve.
Orange County Car Accidents, When You Were at Fault
California observes the theory of pure comparative negligence. The concept of pure comparative negligence determines the following:
- More than one party could be held financially liable for damage done by the accident, and
- A victim cannot be excluded from seeking compensation even if he or she has contributed to the accident
Under pure comparative negligence, any injured person can seek financial restitution as long as he or she was not completely responsible for the collision. This is important because if you were somehow at fault, or contributed to the auto accident, in most cases, you can still file a claim and recover financial compensation. Comparative negligence law is difficult to understand in some accidents, so a car accident attorney in Orange County can help determine the extent of your rights.
Financial Responsibility Requirements – Basic Coverage for Orange County Drivers
Every single vehicle that is registered in with the California’s Department of Motor Vehicles must demonstrate financial responsibility. A majority of California drivers demonstrate financial responsibility by purchasing an auto insurance policy. Purchasing an insurance policy is one of the simplest methods of abiding by the minimum legal requirements as owner of a registered car. This law is to provide financial compensation for victims of auto accidents in Orange County. It is more specifically mandated as follows:
The State of California demands a minimum amount that an auto should be covered for. State of California Insurance Code Section 11580.1b helps to define that costs related to the auto accident should be covered. This includes property damage and personal injury as well. Under the state’s Vehicle Code Section 16056, all drivers are required to have a minimum coverage on registered vehicles. This includes the following:
- $15,000 for an injury or death of a person;
- $30,000 for the injury or death to more than one individual; and
- $5,000 for the property damage of a vehicle
As a driver in the State, you are required to have a valid proof of insurance on hand. California law requires that drivers provide proof of insurance in the following circumstances:
- At any time a law enforcement officer requests the information,
- When renewing a vehicle registration, and
- At any time you are involved in an auto accident.
The failure to provide proof of financial responsibility can result in a fine and/or the possibility of a driver’s license revocation. The problem becomes when those who cause accidents in Orange County who do not have this minimum coverage. It does not mean that victims cannot recover, it means that the case may be more complex and require an experienced auto accident attorney to determine how best to file your injury claim.
Auto Accidents in Orange County – The Driver was Underinsured or Uninsured
Under California Insurance Code Section 11580.2, auto insurance providers are required to offer customers uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. By purchasing these policies, you could be covered for property damage or bodily injury in the event that you have been involved in an accident with a driver who did not have enough auto insurance coverage or no coverage at all.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage – This coverage will pay for the cost of injuries sustained by you and your passengers when you have been involved in an auto accident with a person who does not have auto insurance coverage. It should be noted that reparation is limited to the total of your own liability coverage.
Underinsured Coverage – If you are involved in an auto accident with a motorist who did not have enough insurance coverage to pay for your reparations, having this additional coverage can help you cover your expenses.
Under current law, you are not required to have these policies but you must decline the additional policies in writing. When drivers are in this category, and cause injuries, the victims still have options to fight a claim and recover compensation. Again, in these situations, an experienced auto accident attorney will provide specific information about your rights and available options.
Call us for a free consultation. We can review your insurance policy and provide you with an unbiased evaluation of your coverage. Our recommendations could provide increased protection for you in the event of an auto accident.
Free Consultation ● Contact an Auto Accident Claims Attorney Today
If you have been involved in a car accident, contact us immediately for a free consultation and help with your claim. We serve all areas of Orange County and have handled literally thousands of motor vehicle accident claims over the last 4 decades.
Attorney R. Steven Peters is dedicated to representing the rights of auto accident victims in Orange County. R. Steven Peters – Injury & Accident Lawyers are highly qualified in auto accident law and are prepared to vigorously defend the rights of those who have been injured as a result of negligence. Auto accident cases in California are extremely time sensitive; seek competent legal support as soon as possible.
1-800-559-9925 or 1-800-515-4LAW
Phones answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can also visit clients at the hospital or in their homes when that is most convenient for them.