Westminster Car Accident Lawyer

Westminster Car Accident Attorney

Given the high volume of traffic in and around Westminster, it comes as little surprise that car collisions are a leading cause of personal injuries in the city. Under state law, the negligent party who causes a collision is financially liable for the harm they cause. Securing compensation can be challenging if you do not have the services of a Westminster car accident lawyer. With legal representation, you can hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions.

Experienced Legal Representation When It Matters Most

A car collision in Westminster can leave you battered and uncertain about where to turn for help. For years, residents of Westminster have relied on Duque & Price’s effective, client-focused legal services after a car collision. Unlike some of the larger firms in the area, we reserve ample time and resources for each of our clients so they are never left in the dark about important matters related to their case.

Setting our firm apart is our dedication to handling cases with integrity while aggressively pursuing maximum compensation on behalf of the people we proudly represent. As a nimble and responsive law firm, you can expect concierge-level service and prompt communications on important matters related to your case.

Understanding Westminster Car Accidents

Car accidents remain a serious issue in Westminster, California, which ranked among the highest in Orange County for collisions per capita in 2022, with 2,922 reported accidents and a rate of 32.1 accidents per 1,000 residents.

That year, Westminster recorded 612 people killed or injured in car crashes, ranking 27th out of 104 similar-sized California cities for fatal and injury collisions.

Alcohol was a factor in 70 of these incidents, and speed contributed to 95 crashes, placing Westminster in the top 20 for both categories statewide3. These figures underscore persistent dangers on local roads, especially along high-traffic corridors.

• Total fatal and injury collisions in Westminster in 2021: 642, ranking 11th out of 105 similarly sized California cities

  Among these:

  • Alcohol-involved collisions: 58 (ranked 27/105)

  • Speed-related collisions: 86 (ranked 23/105)

  • Nighttime collisions (9 pm–3 am): 62 (ranked 13/105)

  • Hit-and-run collisions: 54 (ranked 12/105)

Major Thoroughfares

Westminster’s street layout is defined by major thoroughfares such as Beach Boulevard, Bolsa Avenue, and Westminster Boulevard, which connect residential areas to shopping corridors and civic buildings. The nearest civil courthouse, the Superior Court of California, County of Orange – West Justice Center, is located at 8141 13th Street.

Local intersections such as Beach and Westminster or Bolsa and Magnolia see heavy commuter traffic. The city enforces specific ordinances, including parking regulations for recreational vehicles under § 10.44.050 of the Westminster Municipal Code and scheduled street sweeping between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on designated days.

Common Causes of Car Collisions

Car collisions in Westminster are often caused by distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and following too closely. High-traffic corridors like Beach Boulevard and Westminster Boulevard see frequent accidents during peak hours, especially near busy intersections and school zones.

When drivers text or eat while behind the wheel, they can cause a serious collision. In some cases, driver impairment or aggressive driving contributes to side-impact or rear-end collisions. Following an accident, an injury lawyer can investigate these and other potential causes of a truck collision.

Compensation You May Be Owed

Following a car collision, you have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. Once fault is established, you can be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your vehicle. Often, this comes from the other party’s insurance coverage.

If the insurance cap prevents you from securing what you are owed, you can work with a lawyer to file an injury claim in court to recover the full range of economic and non-economic damages you are owed. This could include compensation for the pain and suffering you endured following the collision or payments for your ongoing lost wages if you are unable to return to work.

Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages

In a car accident claim, economic damages cover the measurable financial losses you’ve suffered. These include lost wages, medical expenses, hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and property damage to your vehicle. These damages are supported by receipts, pay stubs, and other documentation.

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate victims for the intangible losses resulting from a car collision. These include emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and long-term trauma. While harder to quantify, non-economic damages address the lasting physical and emotional toll a serious bicycle collision can have on a victim’s life.

Understanding the Claims Process

Before you can pursue compensation, you will need to establish fault. This is often done by gathering evidence after the car collision. You can take photos and gather contact information from witnesses. Once you have police reports and other forms of evidence, you can work with a lawyer to pursue compensation, either from that at-fault party’s insurance policy or through the civil courts.

Insurance claims are settled through negotiations. If liability is in dispute, your attorney can rely on the evidence at hand or new documentation to connect the at-fault party’s actions to the harm you endured. If those negotiations fail to deliver a fair settlement offer, you can work with your lawyer to secure compensation through the courts.

Civil court claims allow your lawyer to gather new evidence through the discovery process that could involve subpoenas and other evidence-gathering methods. Most civil claims are settled through negotiations, but there is always the possibility that a claim could go to trial, where a judge or jury decides who is liable and what damages are owed.

Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

After a car wreck, insurance companies may pressure you into accepting a low settlement that doesn’t cover your full losses. You may face similar challenges when pursuing compensation in court. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, gather critical evidence, and negotiate for compensation that reflects your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term impact. Legal guidance is especially important if fault is disputed or injuries are serious.

When you hire an accident lawyer, you gain the support of an advocate who understands car accident laws and how to manage a car accident claim with a focus on your rights and maximizing what you are owed. A Westminster car accident attorney can focus on handling the complexities of your claim while you recover.

If challenges arise during the claims process, your lawyer can take steps to address those obstacles so you receive timely and fair compensation. Attorneys provide more than legal advice. They can take decisive action to protect you from false claims and unfair settlement offers. Lawyers rely on their years of experience and legal knowledge to navigate injury claims and achieve favorable outcomes for their clients.

FAQs

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?

Car accident settlements in California vary based on the severity of the injury, medical treatment costs, and how clearly fault can be shown. Cases involving long recovery times or permanent damage that lead to a disability tend to result in higher payouts. In Westminster and surrounding areas, insurance companies assess how the crash affected your health and income, while a civil claim in court can lead to the awarding of non-economic damages.

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in California?

Car accident lawyers in California generally work on contingency, meaning they are only paid if you recover compensation. The percentage varies by case, but the exact rate depends on multiple factors, including case complexity and whether a claim goes to trial. In Westminster and surrounding areas, most legal professionals can explain the terms of their payment before beginning any work.

Should I Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident in California?

You should consider securing legal help if the accident caused an injury. Without legal representation, you may find it difficult to reach a fair settlement agreement with an insurer. If the case requires filing a claim in court, an attorney can help you gather evidence to support your claim. Having a legal advocate by your side can greatly reduce the stress and hassle associated with pursuing compensation.

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident?

It can be worth it if you suffer an injury, miss work, or face medical expenses. An attorney can identify overlooked damages, communicate with insurers, and handle legal filings while you recover. In Westminster and surrounding areas, having legal guidance may lead to faster resolution and a more complete recovery of financial losses tied to the accident and the hardships it caused.

Get the Legal Support and Compensation You Deserve After a Crash

A car accident can leave you dealing with physical pain and uncertainty about the future. Without legal representation, you could be pressured into accepting an unfavorable settlement that doesn’t fully cover your financial losses.

At Duque & Price, we don’t treat our clients as case numbers. Our firm limits the cases we accept so every client receives the focused attention and communication they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a crash in Westminster, contact our office to learn how we can advocate for you and secure the compensation that you are owed.

Westminster, CA Car Accident Resources

• California Car Accident Statistics
• California Car Accident Laws Explained
• Should You Carry Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California?
• Common Delayed Injury Symptoms After a Car Accident
• Things Not to Say After a Car Accident
• Tips for Taking Car Accident Scene Photos
• What to Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault in California
• Questions to Ask a Car Accident Witness

Meet Our Westminster Attorneys

Brent A. Duque Attorney, Founder & President

Matthew R. Price Attorney Partner

Jordan Harris Davidoff Attorney