Westlake Village Car Accident Lawyer

While vehicle collisions are inevitable to some degree, most involve some form of motorist negligence. People often walk away from fender-benders unharmed, but there are also a significant number of accidents that leave drivers and passengers seriously hurt.

If you are dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a car wreck caused by someone else, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney about your options. A dedicated Westlake Village car accident lawyer at Block LLP could help you effectively navigate your case and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Causes of Car Wrecks

There are several negligent actions that can lead to auto accidents. Some of the most common causes of collisions include:

• Texting and other driver distractions
• Impaired motorists
• Speeding and reckless driving
• Fatigued driving
• Aggressive driving, such as following too closely
• Failure to stop for stop signs and red lights
• Intersections, including misjudging oncoming traffic speed when making left turns or failing to give the right-of-way
• Abrupt maneuvers, such as changing lanes without checking mirrors and signaling drivers around them

Drivers who act negligently behind the wheel put others on the road at risk of serious harm. Severe collisions can leave drivers with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, paralysis, internal organ damage, and more. A Westlake Village lawyer could analyze the evidence in a specific car accident case to determine the root cause of a crash and assess fault.

Recoverable Compensatory Damages

The compensatory damages drivers can collect from the at-fault motorist in car crash cases can range significantly. Many factors help the court determine the fair award amount, including the defendant’s actions and the severity of damages the plaintiff sustained. Some examples of recoverable damages include:

• Medical expenses, including emergency room and ambulance fees, doctor visits, and ongoing care
• Physical and occupational therapies, mediations, and medical accessories
• Lost time and wages, including benefits, and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, including physical and mental distress
• Lost enjoyment of life

The court verifies economic damages by reviewing the proof of the plaintiff’s out-of-pocket expenses from the cause of action. The value of noneconomic damages, such as pain and mental anguish, depends on the type of injury and how it will continue to affect their life moving forward. A Westlake Village car crash attorney has the experience and knowledge needed to put a value on a claim and pursue a settlement or court award.

California’s Parental Responsibility Laws

It can be useful to understand the state’s parental responsibility laws when it comes to crashes caused by negligent underage drivers. Under California Civil Code Section 1714.1, parents and guardians must pay the cost of damages when a minor driver’s actions involving willful misconduct cause others to sustain bodily injuries and property damage. The intent of the laws is to place part of the responsibility on parents to enforce safety behind the wheel. This shared responsibility can come into play when determining fault for a crash and seeking out fair compensation.

A car accident lawyer in Westlake Village could answer any questions about parental responsibility and damages recovery during a free initial consultation.

Discuss Your Case With a Westlake Village Car Accident Attorney

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent other drivers from acting carelessly. When another motorist’s reckless actions cause you harm, you have the right to pursue damages for your losses.

A tenacious Westlake Village car accident lawyer could help you build a solid case to hold the at-fault motorist accountable and collect a fair settlement. Contact us at Block LLP today to get started. Your initial consultation is completely free.