Car accidents can cause painful injuries, financial hardship, and emotional distress. If you have suffered damages after a car accident, filing a claim against the at-fault driver can help you recover compensation. A West Covina car accident lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us
Gonzales Law Offices has helped thousands of injury victims for over a decade. With knowledge of California’s car accident laws and the claims process, our attorneys can help you file for compensation after a car accident. We use a client-first approach, tailoring our legal strategy to meet your unique case and ensuring your voice is heard throughout a claim. Having secured over $1 million in compensation for victims, we seek to negotiate for increased compensation.
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With over 4,000 traffic fatalities in California each year and many more injuries, car accidents are an unfortunate reality for many Californians. In West Covina, crashes are especially likely during high-traffic conditions on I-10 or when driving near busy shopping centers, such as the Plaza West Covina.
Many factors can lead to an accident. Unsafe driving conditions due to weather or poor road maintenance can increase the risk of a crash. Vehicle malfunctions are often unexpected yet extremely dangerous. Ultimately, driver errors are among the most common reasons for an accident. Common driver behaviors that lead to a car accident claim include:
Distracted driving
Driving under the influence
Speeding
Reckless driving
Fatigued driving
Improper maneuvers
Compensation in a Car Accident Claim
Compensation is one of the most significant elements of filing a claim. Often, recovery can be expensive and emotionally taxing. Compensation can make up for the damages you have suffered and prevent the financial hardship that may result from an accident. Some factors that can be included in your compensation are:
Medical costs. Medical costs are some of the biggest expenses many victims face in their recovery. From emergency medical services to rehabilitation treatments, compensation can cover the cost of your medical care, allowing you to receive necessary treatment.
Lost income. Taking time off from work as a result of a car wreck is not uncommon. If you missed work due to the accident and recovery, compensation can include lost wages, allowing you to afford recovery costs and keep up with everyday expenses.
Property damage. Repairing or replacing personal property is not only costly, but it is also another stress in your life after a crash. Vehicle damage, a broken bicycle, ruined clothing, or damage to personal valuables can all be included in a compensation claim.
Emotional trauma. Extreme stress, psychological disorders, and the overall impact of an accident on your mental well-being can all impact compensation. Of those who survive road traffic accidents, 32.3% report experiencing substantial PTSD.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
A West Covina car accident lawyer has experience with California’s claims process. When recovering after a car crash, trying to familiarize yourself with the legal procedures and car accident laws can cause excess stress and increase the risk of procedural errors.
Working with a lawyer who can manage filing paperwork and ensure deadlines, such as the two-year statute of limitations, can bring you confidence while filing a claim.
When it comes to compensation, having a lawyer can ensure you receive a fair award, even when another party seeks to minimize your damages. They can do this by gathering a comprehensive list of the damages you have suffered, estimating compensation based on the severity and types of damages.
If you hire a car accident lawyer, they can negotiate for increased compensation by advocating for the severity or long-term impacts of the damages.
Meet Attorney Mark Gonzales, Esq.
Lead Counsel, Gonzales Law Offices
Since 2007, Mark has represented injured clients across Southern California in car, motorcycle, and truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability. His time in insurance defense gives him inside perspective he uses to help clients take on powerful carriers. He has recovered over a million dollars for clients in difficult cases.
Bar: State Bar of California
Affiliations: CAALA, LACBA
Education: University of La Verne College of Law
Offices: Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Ontario
Free Consultation No Fees Unless We Win Se Habla Español
How Is Fault Determined for a Car Accident in California?
In West Covina, California, fault for a car accident is determined through examining evidence surrounding the crash. A lawyer can analyze evidence to determine the reason for the crash, such as if a driver made an improper lane change, was speeding, or was distracted. Based on this evidence, the at-fault party is determined, or in the case of shared fault, what percentage of fault each party has for an accident.
What Types of Evidence Can Be Used in a Car Accident Claim?
A variety of types of evidence can be used in a car accident claim. When determining who is at fault, a lawyer can collect and analyze evidence such as photos and videos from the accident, the police report, witness testimonies, and dashcam or security camera footage. Further evidence can be used to detail your damages and determine compensation, such as medical records, personal journals, pay stubs, or repair invoices.
What if You Are Partially at Fault for a Car Accident in California?
If you are partially at fault, you can still file a claim against the other party. California assigns percentages of fault to involved parties based on its pure comparative negligence system. If you are found to be partly responsible, you can file a claim against the other party, but your compensation can be reduced by the percentage of responsibility you have. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
What if the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Enough Insurance to Cover my Damages?
If an at-fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage for your damages, a lawyer can explain the alternative routes to receive compensation in your case. You may file through your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which would pay the remainder of your damages. In certain situations, you may file a claim against the driver directly and pursue litigation.
Speak With a West Covina Car Accident Attorney Today
It is not easy to recover from a car accident. The severe injuries and other damages can lead to struggling to recover and adapt to life after a car crash. At Gonzales Law Offices, we know how difficult this process is, and we seek to help you file a claim that can ease the financial and emotional burden of a crash. Contact us today to learn how experienced legal representation can pursue justice and compensation after a car accident.
West Covina Car Accident Lawyer Reviews
★★★★★
“On April 9th 2024, I was in a very severe accident caused by a reckless driver. I had contacted Gonzalez law firm in which Mrs. Marilyn explain the procedures, and helped me through process. They were very responsive and answered any questions that arose. They were very attentive and if I needed any additional help, they were willing to get me the necessary help I needed. They were very helpful and would highly recommend this law firm.” – Carmen Villalobos
★★★★★
“I am extremely pleased with Gonzalez law. Mr. Mark Gonzalez himself is a very well rounded and educated lawyer in his field. He was communicative, concise, and efficient with handling my personal injury case. I am grateful to have him as my lawyer. His staff was informative and helpful with getting through my process and the he decision to choose this firm was the best decision I could have made. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez and your team! Continue to serve the community well. It is very much appreciated!” – Roza Keflom
★★★★★
“Great Experience. Once I entered you can feel they care. They talk with Experience and knowledge. Thankful to be represented by this law firm! Will recommend.” – Edward SerranoWB
I could not be more happy with the help Mark Gonzales provided. He was there for me every step of the way. He explained each step in a way that was easy for me to understand. He was available to me when ever I had a concern. His staff made me feel like I was family. I highly recommend Mark to anyone who needs legal help!
Robert R.
Mark helped me recover all my expenses due to my car accident. The insurance company tried to slow the process and doubted that I was even injured. Mark fought for me and gave me peace of mind. I felt like I had an army on my side since his staff worked tirelessly for me. They got the insurance company off my back and helped me get back on my feet faster than I expected.
April F.
Mark did a fantastic job for me when I slipped in a restaurant. I owner had the nerve to claim it was my heels, when clearly the floor was damaged and caused me to fall. He tried to make himself look like the victim of a scam. Mark put an end to that real fast. He took control of everything for me. He helped me get my medical costs paid as well as compensation for the lost time at work.
Dottie F.
The Law Office of Mark Gonzales was a smooth experience people were great and professional !! I would recommend them to anyone and if I ever need an injury attorney again I will definitely come back. THANK YOU.
Vanessa M.
The people working here are very nice and helped make a bad experience better. They made the process go smoothly and were always willing to help and answer my questions. The attorney was very personable and willing to help. The office makes sure you are comfortable and that you understand the process. I highly recommend them.
Elizabeth R.
I would like to thank the attorney Mark Gonzalez and his staff for the prompt results representing my family with our case, I would highly recommend his office, thank you in advance.
Jose G.
I want to highly recommend the lawyer Mark Gonzalez due to his great work. He took my case and won it even though another lawyer had said it was a lost case. Very friendly environment especially with the secretary at the front desk. Thank you!
Marelena R.
Mr. Gonzales did an amazing job in solving my case. I was feeling helpless and all hope lost, but him and his staff got me through it. I wouldn’t consider any other attorney than Mr. Gonzales himself. 100% recommended!
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