Costa Mesa Car Accident Attorney

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Costa Mesa Car Accident Attorney

Request free consultation

A car accident can leave you with painful injuries, costly medical bills, and a lengthy recovery process. When you work with your Costa Mesa car accident lawyer from DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo, you have an advocate on your side who has been fighting for injury victims since 1979.

Contact our Costa Mesa personal injury lawyers today to discuss your case and find out how to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Costa Mesa Car Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Costa Mesa

Car accidents in Costa Mesa happen every day, often due to driver negligence, reckless behavior, or failure to follow traffic laws. Whether you were rear-ended at an intersection or hit by a speeding driver, the cause of the crash plays a major role in determining fault and compensation. Many accidents occur because of distractions, unsafe speeds, and careless driving in busy urban areas.

Distracted Driving and Inattention Behind the Wheel

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious crashes in Costa Mesa, putting everyone on the road at risk. When drivers take their eyes off the road to text, adjust navigation, or eat, they may fail to notice stopped traffic, red lights, or pedestrians crossing the street. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in a devastating collision.

California law prohibits handheld phone use while driving, but many drivers still use their phones, leading to dangerous situations. Other distractions, such as talking to passengers, adjusting the radio, or reaching for objects, also increase the risk of accidents. If a distracted driver caused your crash, their negligence may be used as evidence to hold them accountable.

Speeding and Reckless Driving in Urban Areas

Speeding is a major factor in car accidents throughout Costa Mesa, especially in high-traffic areas with frequent stops and pedestrian crossings. When drivers exceed speed limits or fail to slow down for road conditions, they reduce their reaction time and increase the severity of crashes. High-speed collisions often result in severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage.

Reckless driving, such as running red lights, weaving between lanes, or ignoring right-of-way rules, also contributes to accidents. Drivers who engage in these behaviors put others in danger, especially at busy intersections and along crowded roadways. When reckless or aggressive driving causes a crash, the at-fault driver may be held fully liable for the damage and injuries they cause.

California Laws That Impact Car Accident Claims

Several California laws determine fault, compensation, and liability after a car accident. These laws influence how insurance claims are handled, what evidence is needed, and who may be held responsible for damages. If you were injured in a crash, the following laws may play a role in your case:

  • California Vehicle Code § 22350 – Establishes the basic speed law, requiring drivers to operate vehicles at a safe speed for road conditions. A driver does not have to exceed the posted speed limit to be considered speeding under this law. If road conditions are wet, congested, or otherwise unsafe, drivers are required to adjust their speed accordingly.
  • California Civil Code § 1714 – Defines negligence in personal injury cases, holding drivers responsible for damages caused by reckless or careless driving. This statute establishes that every driver has a duty of care to others on the road. If a driver fails to act responsibly and causes an accident, they may be held legally accountable for the resulting injuries and property damage.
  • California Vehicle Code § 23123.5 – Prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. Drivers cannot text, browse the internet, or use a handheld phone, even when stopped at a traffic light. Violating this law may serve as evidence of distracted driving in a car accident claim.
  • California Vehicle Code § 21804 – Requires drivers entering a roadway to yield to oncoming traffic. If a driver merges or turns onto a street without checking for approaching vehicles, they may be at fault for the crash. Failing to yield is a common cause of side-impact and T-bone collisions.
  • California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 – Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you were injured in a car accident, you must file a claim within two years of the crash. Missing this deadline may result in losing your right to seek compensation.

California law holds drivers accountable for their actions on the road, and violations of these statutes may be used as evidence of negligence in your claim. If another driver’s reckless or illegal actions caused your injuries, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses.

Recoverable Damages in a Costa Mesa Car Accident Claim

A car accident can leave you with medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term pain that affects your daily life. If another driver’s negligence caused a broken bone, brain injury, or other catastrophic injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses you have suffered. The damages you can recover depend on the severity of your injuries and how the crash has impacted your ability to work, recover, and maintain your quality of life. Examples of such damages could include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of income
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damages
  • Emotional distress
  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs

The amount of compensation you receive may depend on how fault is assigned in your accident. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence laws, if you are found partially responsible for the crash, your total recovery may be reduced.

If the other driver was primarily at fault, you can still recover compensation for your damages, but your percentage of fault will directly impact the final settlement or court award.

In cases where reckless behavior was involved, punitive damages may also be awarded to hold the at-fault driver accountable and prevent similar negligence in the future.

Get Help from a Car Accident Lawyer in Costa Mesa

If you were injured in a car accident, you should not have to deal with insurance companies alone. Your car accident attorney in Costa Mesa from DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo will fight to recover the damages you need for medical expenses, lost income, and more.

Contact us today to learn more about your legal options for financial relief.

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