Highland Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Attorney in Highland, CA

Given the amount of time Highland residents spend on the road, it comes as no surprise that car accidents are a common cause of personal injury cases in the city. The consequences of a car collision can be life-changing, resulting in serious injuries, costly medical bills, and emotional strain. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, a Highland car accident lawyer can help you seek the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

At Duque & Price, we are committed to helping car accident victims navigate the legal process with confidence. Our experienced team provides personalized representation, working tirelessly to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We are here to protect your rights and work to get your case gets the attention it deserves.

Why Choose Duque & Price?

Following a car accident in Highland or surrounding areas, you can’t afford to risk your future on an unproven personal injury law firm. Only an experienced and reliable law firm offers you the strongest chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. Duque & Price is that law firm. We are committed to providing you with client-focused advocacy.

We take on a select number of cases to make sure each client receives the dedicated service they need. From investigation and property damage handling to trial preparation, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation that will help you rebuild your life after an accident.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Highland, California

Residents of Highland typically use the Foothill Freeway as their main highway for commuting. With an increasing population, traffic incidents are becoming more common as the years pass. In 2023, there were 4,061 people who passed away due to a traffic accident in California. Common reasons for car accidents in Highland include:

1. Distracted driving. This type of driving is more common than one may think. With the increasing use of phones for navigation, distracted driving incidents are more common than ever before. In 2022, 148 people were killed because of a distracted driving incident throughout California.Distracted driving covers a wide variety of actions, including using a phone’s GPS, changing a song on the radio, talking on the phone, texting, and eating.
2. Speeding. It’s common for people to forget how dangerous driving is, since our country relies on cars for daily commuting. However, speeding over the legal limit reduces a driver’s reaction time. If they crash into another car or a pedestrian, the effects tend to be more severe if they were speeding at the moment of impact. Obeying traffic laws is the right way to protect yourself and those around you.
3. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This type of incident is the easiest to avoid, yet continues to plague the United States. In California, there were 1,355 fatalities due to drunk driving in 2023. In 2021, of the drivers who were killed and tested after a crash, 50.3% of them tested positive for drugs, both legal and illegal.

Common injuries incurred from car accidents can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries, ranging from a mild concussion to severe brain damage that leads to lifelong disability and chronic pain
• Whiplash, which is a neck injury caused by the neck being jerked violently during a car crash
• Internal bleeding and other damage. This needs to be evaluated quickly after a crash, as internal injuries often take longer to present symptoms
• Crush injuries. These injuries can happen when an object pins a person’s body part, which can cause broken bones, cuts, bruising, and even require amputation.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This can include depression, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss or gain, panic attacks, and fear of driving or being in a car. A victim’s mental state is equally as important as their physical state. Having long-term trauma is nothing to be ashamed of, and victims should pursue professional help to ease their symptoms.

You want to hire a car accident lawyer if you’ve been in a car accident. This can help offer an added layer of protection, so you can focus on your recovery process instead of the stress involved with your legal case.

What To Do Following a Car Accident

After a car crash, your first priority should be your safety and the well-being and safety of your passengers. If anyone is potentially injured, call 911 and report where the accident took place and how many people may be injured. If you can safely do so, get away from moving traffic and wait for police and EMS to arrive.

When it is safe to do so, document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles and road conditions. Collect contact information from the parties involved in the collisions. If there are any nearby eyewitnesses, get their information as well, and don’t forget to gather insurance and license information.

Avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Notify your insurance company promptly, but be cautious when speaking with the other driver’s insurer. Some injuries or damages may not be immediately apparent, so follow up with a medical professional and keep detailed records of all examinations or treatments. Taking these steps protects your rights and strengthens your position should you need to file a court claim.

Understanding California’s Car Accident Laws

California operates under the legal framework of comparative negligence when it comes to personal injury law. There are benefits for plaintiffs under the law, as the state allows injured victims to pursue compensation even when they are partly at fault for causing the collision.

Under this system, your recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you are found to be 25% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that amount. This makes sure liability is distributed fairly among all parties involved.

Determining fault under these laws requires strong evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos. Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto victims to reduce payouts, so understanding how comparative negligence works is crucial for anyone involved in a serious car collision.

How a Highland Car Accident Attorney Can Pursue Compensation for You

Hiring an attorney after a car crash provides you with critical support when navigating the insurance claims process and securing fair compensation. Your attorney can help you file your car accident case at the Civil Division of the San Bernardino District, located at 247 West Third Street in San Bernardino. After a car accident, victims typically have two years to file their legal case.

Attorneys handle many of the burdensome aspects of seeking compensation from the negligent party or their insurance carrier. They can gather evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness testimony. They assess the full scope of damages so they can help you understand what to expect in your unique case.

Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, but an attorney can negotiate on your behalf to pursue maximum compensation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they can prepare a strong case for litigation.

Legal representation can help make sure that deadlines are met and your rights are protected throughout the process. By managing these complexities, an attorney allows you to focus on recovery while working to secure the financial resources needed to rebuild after a crash.

FAQs

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Cost?

Car accident lawyer fees depend on the type of case and the lawyer’s payment structure. For personal injury claims, many attorneys work on a contingency basis, where they take a percentage of the settlement. This means no upfront costs, and you only pay if you recover compensation. Other attorneys may charge hourly fees or flat rates, depending on the agreement. Experienced lawyers generally charge more for their time than less experienced attorneys.

Are Plaintiffs Successful in Most Personal Injury Car Accident Cases?

Many personal injury car accident cases end in settlements rather than going to trial. This is due to the fact that insurance companies often prefer to resolve disputes out of court. Success depends on the strength of the evidence, the extent of damages, and the negotiation process. With a well-prepared case and proper documentation, favorable outcomes are common for victims seeking compensation.

Does Car Insurance Pay for a Lawyer?

In certain situations, car insurance may cover legal representation if the policy includes liability or uninsured motorist coverage. This often applies when defending claims made against you. However, if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim, independently hiring a lawyer is typically necessary to recover damages beyond what insurance may offer.

How Much Does an Attorney Charge for a Car Accident in California?

Attorneys handling car accident cases in California often work on a contingency fee basis. This means they are not paid until their client is compensated for their injury and financial losses. This arrangement provides additional motivation for lawyers to maximize the eventual settlement. Contingency fees also benefit the clients since they do not have to pay for legal services up-front.

Schedule Your Consultation and Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Highland or the surrounding areas, you need a legal team that understands the full impact these accidents can have on your life. Duque & Price is here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We take on a select number of cases to provide personalized, focused attention to each client. Whether through settlement negotiations or litigation, our trial-ready legal team is prepared to pursue the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.

Highland, CA Car Accident Resources

• • California Car Accident Statistics
  • Things Not to Say After a Car Accident
  • What to Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault in California
  • How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in California?
  • How Much to Expect From a Car Accident Settlement in California?

Meet Our Highland Attorneys

Brent A. Duque Attorney, Founder & President

Matthew R. Price Attorney Partner

Jordan Harris Davidoff Attorney

Highland, CA Car Accident Law Firm Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Duque & Price are an amazing firm I was in a car accident and they took my case and worked really hard in getting me what was more than I ever imagined getting Tiffany was amazing and always thinking of me even when the the case was at a slow same with Matthew I appreciate you guys and all your team you guys are the best and I would recommend anyone who needs a attorney to give them the first chance they work for there money so they will fight for you!!! – Brad Mccrea

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Charlotte and the team at Duque & Price took great care of us while processing our case. We felt informed and educated the whole step of the way. They were responsive and a pleasure to work with.” — Ivan lozada

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