Car accidents are deeply traumatic, often leaving victims with life-changing injuries, psychological disorders, and financial hardship. While filing a claim can be daunting, a Murrieta car accident lawyer can guide you through this process and pursue compensation that can aid your recovery.
Why Choose Gonzales Law Offices
With over a decade of experience helping car accident victims, Gonzales Law Offices has helped thousands of people receive compensation for damages and hold an at-fault party accountable. Our attorneys prioritize communication and ensuring victims feel understood. We are committed to ensuring a fair and comprehensive award and can fight back against insurance companies who seek to dismiss damages or pressure a victim into settling for less than they deserve.
We’re Available 24 Hours A Day
Speak directly to an attorney 24/7; ensure that you get the attention you deserve!
There is always a risk of a car accident when driving. In Murrieta, commuter traffic along I-15 and I-215 can increase the risk of improper driving maneuvers or distracted driving. Beyond being dangerous for drivers, car accidents cause over 1,100 pedestrian fatalities a year in California.
Injuries are one of the most significant damages in a car accident claim. Each year, there are about 5.1 million car accident injuries that receive medical attention in the United States. Often, injuries can leave lasting scars or disabilities. Some common injuries caused in a car accident include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Soft tissue damage
Back injuries
Broken bones
Neck injuries, such as whiplash
If you are experiencing physical injuries after an accident or have other damages such as property damage, emotional trauma, or lost wages, a Murrieta car crash lawyer can help you file a claim. Filing a claim can bring you compensation for these damages, supporting your recovery after a car wreck.
Determining Liability in a California Car Accident
When determining liability, your lawyer can gather evidence that can be used to determine what occurred during an accident and who caused it. Evidence that is commonly used in a car accident claim includes:
Police reports
Photos and videos from the accident and vehicle damage
Security camera and dashcam footage
Witness testimonies
Generally, the person whose actions caused the accident can be held liable for your damages. If you hire a car accident lawyer, they can determine liable individuals or navigate complex cases, such as whether there is shared fault or a party other than you or the other driver can be liable.
In cases where fault is shared between two people, California assigns a percentage of fault to each party based on its pure comparative negligence system. You can file a claim against the other party if they have any percentage of fault for an accident, and vice versa.
However, your compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault you have. For example, if you were determined to have 40% of the fault, your compensation is reduced 40%.
Sometimes, you can hold a party other than the other driver liable for damages. Another party may be an auto parts manufacturer whose faulty products or negligent repair caused or worsened damage. You may be able to hold a company liable if the employee was working during an accident. A lawyer can identify who can be held liable depending on the details of your case.
Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
A Murietta car accident lawyer can determine liability and pursue compensation. Their ability to analyze evidence and knowledge of California’s car accident laws is invaluable when filing a claim against an at-fault driver.
A lawyer can ensure you receive the compensation you need. They can do this by negotiating for an increased settlement, advising you on what amount is fair for your case, and preventing a settlement that does not offer a fair amount of compensation. Compensation is based on the damages you have faced.
Your lawyer can include all damages you have suffered in a compensation claim, which may include:
Physical injuries
Mental and physical disabilities
Property damage
Lost wages
Future costs
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
What Factors Influence Compensation in a Car Accident Claim?
Generally, the types of damages you have sustained and the severity can influence the compensation. Severe damage often has a high financial cost during recovery and leaves lasting physical or mental impacts, which would increase the amount of compensation you receive. Evidence such as witness testimonies, pain logs or journals, and medical records can all be used to analyze the severity and scope of your damages.
Can Compensation Cover Your Pain and Suffering?
Yes, compensation can cover pain and suffering in Murrieta. While these damages are often difficult to assign monetary value to, they are often one of the most significant damages that impact your quality of life after an accident. Your lawyer can include physical and mental pain and suffering in a compensation claim in order to accurately reflect the impact a car accident had on your life.
Can You File a Claim If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to file a claim through your own insurance provider or pursue litigation against the at-fault driver. About 15.4% of drivers are uninsured, which can raise questions about how victims can receive compensation. A lawyer can help you file a claim through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or file a claim against the driver directly.
How Soon Should I Contact a Car Crash Lawyer?
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a car crash. Contacting a lawyer early improves their ability to recover evidence from the scene of the accident, such as by taking photos or gathering witnesses, that may no longer be available later. A lawyer can also ensure your case is filed swiftly, meeting the two-year statute of limitations for a car accident claim.
Contact a Murrieta Car Crash Attorney at the Gonzales Law Offices
Faced with physical and mental setbacks, recovering from a car accident is not easy. At the Gonzales Law Offices, we can help you during your recovery by pursuing compensation for your damages and taking the stress out of this process. Contact us to learn how filing a claim can bring compensation for your economic and personal losses.
Murrieta 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!