Huntington Park Car Accident Lawyer

Huntington Park is a bustling city in the heart of Los Angeles County. With thousands of residents packed into a small area, its roads are frequently congested, increasing the chances of car accidents. Whether you’re navigating the busy intersections of Pacific Boulevard and Florence Avenue or dealing with the heavy traffic on Slauson Avenue, understanding your rights and knowing what steps to take after a car accident are crucial.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a Huntington Park car accident, The Dominguez Firm is here for you. Call us today for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818. We can handle every aspect of your personal injury claim so you can concentrate on your recovery.

Please keep reading for more information on car accidents in Huntington Park, your rights if you’re injured in one and how The Dominguez Firm can help.

What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Huntington Park?

Huntington Park’s dense population and active streets are major contributors to the frequency of car accidents. It often makes the list of the most densely populated cities in Los Angeles County; about 52,000 residents live within three square miles. 

• High Traffic Volume: The city’s roads are often crowded due to both local and commuter traffic.
• Busy Intersections: Key intersections like Pacific Boulevard and Florence Avenue see heavy traffic daily, increasing collision risks.
• Pedestrian Activity: The bustling commercial areas lead to high foot traffic, which can contribute to accidents.
• Commuter Routes: Many residents commute to other parts of Los Angeles for work, adding to peak-hour congestion.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe life-threatening conditions. Here are some of the most common injuries:

• Whiplash – Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth head movement, often occurring in rear-end collisions. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – These injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They may not be immediately apparent but can cause significant pain and discomfort. If the victim is a child or senior citizen, these types of injuries can cause health complications.
• Head Injuries – Head injuries range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even so-called minor head injuries require medical attention as they can have long-term effects.
• Broken Bones – The impact of a car accident can easily lead to fractures. Commonly broken bones include ribs, arms, legs, wrists, and ankles.
• Back Injuries – Back injuries can be debilitating and include herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and sprains or strains. More serious accidents can lead to paralysis.
• Chest Injuries – These often result from impact with the steering wheel or seatbelt pressure during a collision. They can include broken ribs and internal organ damage.
• Psychological Injuries – Car accidents can also cause psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

• Ensure Safety: Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible and check for injuries.
• Call 911: Report the accident for medical assistance and police documentation.
• Exchange Information: Collect names, contact details, and insurance information from all involved parties.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
• Gather witness information: This includes names, phone numbers and email addresses.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. You could have a dangerous internal injury and not know it.
• Do not apologize! Apologizing can be seen as an admission of guilt and used against you.

Only take these steps if you’re well enough to do so. 

What Compensation Could I Be Entitled to For My Huntington Park Car Accident?

After a car accident in Huntington Park, you may be eligible for three types of injury compensation: economic damages, non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover your actual financial losses. These are typically easier to calculate as they have specific dollar amounts attached. Examples include:

• Medical expenses (current and future) caused by your car accident
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
• Out-of-pocket expenses (like transportation to medical appointments)
• For permanent injuries, in-home care and home modifications

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for emotional losses. That is, those that don’t have a specific monetary value. These can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (impact on your relationships)
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident

Be aware that California places no limit on how much can be awarded for non-economic damages, so it almost always makes up the bulk of a car accident victim’s verdict or settlement amount.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are rarely awarded. They are meant to punish particularly reckless or malicious behavior. Examples of when punitive damages may be awarded include:

• If the at-fault driver was extremely intoxicated
• If they were driving at excessive speeds
• Incidents of road rage

Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior from others in the future.

Every car accident case is unique. The compensation you’re entitled to will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident, the severity of your injuries, and the impact on your life. An experienced Huntington Park auto accident attorney can help you understand and pursue all the damages you’re entitled to under California law.

Can I File a Car Accident Claim if I’m an Undocumented Immigrant?

Yes, you can file a car accident claim in California even if you are an undocumented immigrant. Your immigration status does not affect your right to seek compensation for your auto accident injuries and damages.

California law protects your rights. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• No Impact on Your Claim: Your immigration status cannot be used against you in court or during negotiations.
• Protection from Deportation: You cannot be deported simply for filing a car accident claim.
• Compensation based on where you live, not where you were born: Any compensation you receive will be calculated based on your losses in the U.S., where you reside, not in your country of birth.

If you were seriously injured in a Huntington Park car accident, don’t let fear prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Contact a personal injury lawyer with experience handling car accident claims for undocumented immigrants in California, one with a fully bilingual staff that can work with you or your loved one in their preferred language. 

Your car accident lawyer can help guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.

Can I File a Car Accident Claim if I Was Injured as a Passenger?

Yes, as a passenger injured in a car crash, you have the right to file a claim against any negligent party involved in the accident—this could include drivers of both vehicles involved or even third parties if applicable. Since you weren’t driving, you don’t have to worry about sharing any blame for the accident.

What if I Was Partially at Fault for My Car Accident?

California follows a “comparative negligence” rule in car accident cases. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. 

The court or insurance adjusters will determine each party’s percentage of fault based on the evidence presented. This could include police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony. Your compensation will then be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for the accident and your total damages are $500,000, you would still be eligible to receive $400,000 (the total damages minus your 20% fault).

Having said all that, note that your perception of what happened may not be entirely accurate. Car accidents happen quickly, often in a matter of seconds. Factors you might not have considered, such as road conditions, vehicle defects, or the actions of other drivers, could have contributed to the accident.

Don’t let concerns about who caused your car accident stop you from filing a claim. Many accident victims mistakenly believe they share the blame when, in fact, a thorough investigation reveals they were not at fault or were less at fault than they thought.

At The Dominguez Firm, we have the resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation of your accident. Our team of experts can:

• Analyze police reports and witness statements
• Review traffic camera footage
• Consult with accident reconstruction specialists
• Examine vehicle damage reports
• Investigate road conditions and signage

Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce their payout. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters and don’t give any recorded statements. There are no laws stating you must do either in California. Instead, contact The Dominguez Firm right away. Our litigation attorneys can protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation possible. Let us handle the insurance adjusters for you.

How Long Do I Have to File My Huntington Park Car Accident Claim?

In Huntington Park, as in the rest of California, you generally have two years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. However, if your claim is against a government entity (such as a city bus or a state vehicle), you must file a claim within six months of the accident.

While these deadlines might seem generous, it’s crucial not to wait to file your claim. There are several reasons why you should act promptly:

• Evidence can disappear or degrade over time. Skid marks fade, vehicles get repaired, and surveillance footage may be overwritten.
• Witness memories become less reliable as time passes. The details that could support your case may become fuzzy or forgotten entirely.
• Your own recollection of events may become less clear, making it harder to provide a consistent and accurate account.
• Delaying medical treatment can make it more difficult to link your injuries directly to the accident.
• Insurance companies may view delays suspiciously, potentially using them to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
• Waiting can complicate the process of obtaining necessary documentation, such as medical records or employment records for lost wage claims.

By filing your claim immediately, you give your car accident lawyer the best opportunity to build a strong case on your behalf. It allows for timely investigation, preservation of evidence, and thorough documentation of your injuries and losses.

Remember, while you have up to two years to file, the sooner you start the process, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. If you’ve been in a car accident in Huntington Park, don’t wait – consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and interests.

How Can a Huntington Park Car Accident Lawyer Help?

A skilled car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in several ways:

• Legal Guidance: They can help you understand your rights and navigate the complex legal process.
• Evidence Collection: Attorneys gather crucial evidence like medical records, police reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.
• Negotiation with Insurers: Lawyers negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Representation in Court: If necessary, your attorney can represent you in court to fight for your rights.

Call the Huntington Park Car Accident Attorneys at The Dominguez Firm Today

Huntington Park is a vibrant city that sees a lot of resident, commuter and commercial traffic. Given all of these vehicles, car accidents will happen. And while no one expects to suffer serious injuries in an accident, it happens. Should the unspeakable happen, call The Dominguez Firm for a free consultation today at (800) 818-1818. We are available 24/7.