Anaheim Car Accident Lawyers

What Compensation Can I Receive for a Car Accident in Anaheim?

Victims of car accidents in Anaheim can seek compensation for their losses, provided that their claims are proven. These damages fall into two categories:

Economic Damages

These cover direct financial costs caused by the accident, such as:

• Medical expenses (doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions)
• Lost wages and future loss of income
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation costs, home care, etc.) Economic damages are easier to calculate since they have clear dollar amounts based on bills and receipts.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for personal suffering and losses that do not have a set price, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases Non-economic damages can be harder to calculate, but they are often significant, especially in severe injury cases.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases where a driver’s behavior was especially reckless, such as drunk driving or road rage, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault driver and prevent similar behavior in the future. No amount of money can undo an accident, but fair compensation can help you rebuild your life and cover financial losses.

Contact Our Anaheim Car Accident Lawyers Today

With over $1.9 Billion recovered for our clients, our experienced Anaheim car accident lawyers build strong cases backed by solid evidence, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. After an accident, finding a lawyer shouldn’t add to your stress.

With a simple call or message, you can speak to an expert, sign up online, and have a lawyer working on your case immediately. No appointments, no delays, and pure confidentiality –  just the urgent help you need.

Call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our phones are answered by our staff 24/7/, ensuring no worries from our clients go unanswered.

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in Anaheim?

Our Thompson Law lawyers based in Anaheim operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless they secure a win for your case. This system allows accident victims to access legal help without worrying about huge costs. Here’s how it works:

• No Win, No Fee:  If your lawyer doesn’t secure a settlement or verdict, you owe nothing.
• Percentage of Settlement:  If your lawyer wins your case, their fee is a percentage of your compensation.
• No Hidden Costs:  Many lawyers cover upfront expenses like filing fees and investigation costs. These costs are deducted from the settlement once the case is resolved. Because lawyers only get paid if they win, they are motivated to fight for the highest possible compensation.

How to Prove Negligence in an Anaheim Car Accident Case

To win a car accident claim, you must prove that another driver was negligent. Negligence means the driver failed to act responsibly, causing the crash and your injuries. There are four main elements needed to prove negligence:

When Drivers Mess Up (Driver Negligence)

Basically, driver negligence is when someone behind the wheel doesn’t drive like a reasonable person should. To prove it, it needs to be established that they have a duty to keep everyone safe. Once they messed that up, and that negligence caused the accident, and that accident hurt someone—they were negligent.

For example:

• Ignoring stop signs or red lights
• Getting glued to their phones
• Driving drunk or high
• Speeding or driving like they’re in a race

When the Bus Company Drops the Ball (Bus Company Negligence)

That happens when bus companies don’t do their job properly. For example:

• Letting buses fall apart; not keeping them maintained or checking them.
• Hiring drivers who aren’t qualified, or not training them well enough.
• Stuffing too many people on the bus, way over the limit.
• Overworking bus drivers

When the Road’s a Mess (Road Hazards)

Sometimes, it’s not the driver or the company, it’s the road itself. Potholes, missing signs, dangerous intersections—these all make accidents way more likely.

Weather Conditions

Extremely dry summers and then a big storm. – these can make driving dangerous. Once visibility goes down, roads get slick, and things change in a heartbeat, a person inside a vehicle is immediately at risk.

Local Laws and Ordinances That Affect Car Accident Cases in Anaheim

In Anaheim, the city enforces traffic laws through the Anaheim Municipal Code, which outlines local rules on speeding, illegal turns, pedestrian right-of-way, distracted driving, and more. Violations of these rules may be used as evidence of negligence if another driver broke the law and caused your injuries.

Red-light violations, for example, are common in high-traffic intersections like Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard. Running a red light or failing to yield can result in citations from law enforcement—and support your personal injury claim.

In addition, local speed limits, crosswalk enforcement zones, and DUI checkpoints are monitored by the Anaheim Police Department and California Highway Patrol. If a crash involves any of these violations, it could strengthen your case.

Need help right away? Call us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Anaheim Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are a serious issue in Anaheim, contributing to injuries and fatalities each year. Here are some statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety to highlight the risks on local roads:

• In 2022, Anaheim showed a higher-than-average rate of injury collisions when compared to similar-sized cities in California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Anaheim ranked 7th out of 15 in total fatal and injury collisions among cities with comparable populations in 2022. ​
• Distracted driving incidents in Orange County, which includes Anaheim, remain a significant factor in accidents. In 2023, distracted driving accounted for 833 serious car accidents in Orange County, highlighting its role as a leading cause of accidents in the area. ​
• Intersection-related accidents are very common in Anaheim due to heavy traffic flow. Specific data on intersection-related accidents in Anaheim is limited. However, heavy traffic flow can contribute to a higher incidence of such accidents. For detailed statistics, consulting local traffic reports or the Anaheim Police Department may provide more insights.​
• Alcohol-related collisions continue to be a serious issue. In 2022, Anaheim reported 256 victims killed and injured in alcohol-involved collisions, ranking 2nd out of 15 in its population group.

How to Handle Insurance Claims Adjusters in Anaheim

If you’re in a car accident in Anaheim and file a claim, the insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your case. This person works for the insurer—not for you—and their goal is to save the company money.

Keep these tips in mind when dealing with a claims adjuster:

• Keep it brief:  Answer questions honestly, but don’t share extra details about the crash.
• Skip the recorded statement:  Politely decline. Offer to submit a written version instead.
• Don’t guess or admit fault:  Let the investigation determine who was responsible.
• Don’t sign anything right away:  Forms like medical releases may give access to your full health history. Have a lawyer review anything before signing.
• Don’t take the first offer:  Initial settlements are often low. Wait until you know the full value of your case.

If you’re unsure or prefer not to speak with the insurance company yourself, our Anaheim car accident lawyers can step in, protect your rights, and handle negotiations on your behalf.

Common Types of Car Accidents Our Anaheim Attorneys Handle

Our legal team of Anaheim car accident lawyers handles a wide range of car accident cases, from minor fender benders to fatal crashes. Here are some of the most common types of accidents we see:

• Fatal Car Accidents
• Rear-End Collisions
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions
• Head-On Collisions
• Speeding Accidents
• Weather-Related Accidents
• Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers
• Hit-and-Run Accidents
• Rideshare Accidents
• Driverless or Autonomous Vehicle Accidents
• Intersection Accidents.

If you or someone you love has been in an accident, you don’t have to go through this alone. Let us fight for you. Call today for a FREE CASE REVIEW, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Anaheim

What you do after a car accident can make a big difference in protecting your rights and getting fair compensation. Taking the right steps helps you recover the money needed for medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. Here are six important steps to follow after a car accident in Anaheim:

• Move to a safe location
• Call 911 immediately
• Document the scene
• Gather evidence and witness details
• See a doctor promptly
• Contact an Anaheim car accident lawyer

High-Risk Roads in Anaheim

Anaheim, with its bustling attractions and commuter traffic, has some of the more challenging roads in Orange County. Heavy traffic, tourist activity, and local congestion contribute to a significant number of accidents each year.

Some of the most accident-prone roads in Anaheim include:

• Interstate 5 (I-5):  A major artery through Anaheim, I-5 sees a high volume of traffic, leading to frequent congestion and accidents, especially during peak hours and around major events.
• State Route 91 (SR-91):  Known for its heavy commuter traffic, SR-91 experiences numerous accidents, particularly during rush hour and due to aggressive driving.
• Katella Avenue:  A major east-west thoroughfare, Katella Avenue sees a mix of tourist and local traffic, leading to frequent intersection accidents.
• Ball Road:  This road experiences significant traffic flow and is known for intersections with high accident rates and congestion.
• Anaheim Boulevard:  With a high concentration of businesses and residential areas, Anaheim Boulevard experiences frequent accidents, especially involving pedestrians.

Driving carefully and staying alert on these roads can help reduce the risk of an accident. If you find yourself injured in a car accident, don’t wait until the last minute. Thompson Law is here to fight for what you deserve. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

FAQs About Anaheim Car Accident Lawyers

What should I do if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the driver who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance, you still have options:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage:  If you have UM coverage in your auto insurance policy, it can help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
• Other Insurance Policies:  In some cases, you may be able to seek compensation through other types of coverage, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or MedPay.
• Legal Action:  While suing an uninsured driver is an option, many uninsured drivers don’t have the financial means to pay damages. Our Anaheim car accident lawyers can help you explore the best course of action.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident. However, your settlement will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

For example, if you were 20% at fault in a crash and your total damages are $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.

Can you sue a minor for a car accident in Anaheim?

Minors under 18 typically cannot be sued directly, but their parents or guardians may be held responsible in certain situations.

• Parental Responsibility:  Parents may be liable if they allowed their child to drive without a license or knew they were reckless behind the wheel.
• Minor’s Negligence:  Teen drivers must follow the same traffic laws as adults. If they cause an accident, their level of experience may be considered when determining fault.
• Willful Misconduct:  If a minor intentionally causes harm, such as engaging in reckless driving or using a vehicle as a weapon, their guardians may be responsible for the damages.

Our Anaheim car accident attorneys can investigate the case, analyze the minor’s driving history, and determine who may be held liable. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your options.

How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Anaheim?

The time it takes to settle a car accident case varies. Some claims are resolved in a few months, while others take longer if litigation is required. Factors that affect the timeline include the severity of injuries, the complexity of the case, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial.

Insurance companies often delay settlements to pressure victims into accepting lower offers. An experienced lawyer can push for a faster resolution while ensuring you receive full compensation.

Can I claim compensation for emotional distress after a car accident?

Yes. Emotional distress is part of non-economic damages, which compensate for pain and suffering, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident. These damages are harder to quantify, but they can be significant, especially if the accident caused lasting trauma.