Orange County Car Accident Lawyer
Californian’s cars are critical to allowing us to live our lives. Whether we go to work, buy groceries, head to the beach, visit friends or relatives, our cars get us where we want to go. But the more we drive, the greater the risk of a serious, possibly life-altering car accident. This page outlines how the car accident lawyers at Hicks Law Firm can help if you or a family member is injured on the road in Orange County.
Auto Accident Law Firm Serving All Courts in Orange County, CA
Aaron Hicks is an Orange County car accident attorney who understands how a car crash can throw your life into chaos. You may cope with severe physical injuries, psychological harm, medical bills, a wrecked car, and lost income. Aaron Hicks can be part of the team that gets your life back together.
Aaron Hicks is the Founder, and primary car accident attorney at Hicks Law Firm and serves all of Orange County, California. Our main office is located at 245 Fischer Ave in Suite D1 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 near the 55 & 73 interchange (open Google Maps). If you or a family member were seriously injured through the negligence or actions of another, contact Hicks Law Firm by calling (949) 541-9944 to schedule a risk-free, no obligation consultation.
Google Review:
“Don’t accept the insurance company offer’s without Aaron. He is a winner. He got me three times as much as the insurance company initially offered. But beyond that, you want a friend and someone you can trust throughout the process. Aaron’s communication was exceptional, and I know every steps of the process. I don’t want to have to go through this ordeal again, but if I do, I know I am calling Aaron.”
– Kha B.
Understanding Car Accident Injury Claims
After you retain us, we’ll start investigating your accident. We’ll look at the police report, talk to witnesses, review your medical records, and any videos and photos of the accident. An investigation is a critical step in creating the foundation of your claim. We’ll move forward after understanding what happened, why, and who’s at fault.
Car accident injury lawsuit cases usually have two phases – an insurance claim and a lawsuit:
- Insurance Claim: We’ll submit a claim to the responsible party’s insurance company based on the evidence. We’ll make a demand backed by the facts and California law. The insurance company may ask for additional information. We’ll make a demand and, in almost all cases, successfully negotiate a reasonable settlement for our clients
- Lawsuit: If we can’t resolve your claim, we’ll file a lawsuit and begin the legal process. We may pass more information to each other and interview the parties and each other’s witnesses under oath (a deposition). This is the discovery phase of the process, and often after each side gets a good understanding of the facts and the strengths of the claim and defenses, we reach a settlement. If not, the case proceeds to a trial. As that gets closer, the parties are more interested in avoiding the risks and costs in time, money, and effort that come with a trial, so they settle. Cases even settle during trials. If there’s no agreement, the jury decides the outcome
Whether Aaron Hicks is negotiating with an insurance company or representing you in the courtroom, he will always act with your interests in mind to reach the best possible outcome for your case.
The Types of Car Accidents
Car accident injury cases can arise from various scenarios, including:
- Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle, often due to distracted driving, following too closely, or failure to brake in time. In nearly all cases, the person driving the vehicle striking from behind is at fault
- Intersection Accidents: Intersections are dangerous places and frequent accident scenes. There could be T-bone collisions, and cars can be rear-ended. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are at risk. Crashes can result from ignoring traffic signals or stop signs, failing to yield the right-of-way, or speeding due to distraction, intoxication, fatigue, or the driver is just inconsiderate of others
- Highway Accidents: High-speed accidents, especially those involving commercial trucks, can have devastating results. Aggressive driving, rapid lane changes, and speed can leave accident victims permanently disabled, or injuries may be fatal
- Accidents on Side Streets: Many accidents occur on local roads, near drivers’ homes or workplaces. They may have driven area streets hundreds or thousands of times. Due to this familiarity, they may not appreciate the risks they’re taking, not pay attention to what’s going on, and be on “auto pilot” on roads they’re on every day
No matter where your accident was, who or what caused it, Aaron Hicks can talk to you about the situation, California law, and your best options to obtain compensation.
Common Injuries on Car Accidents
You may suffer many types of injuries in a car accident, including:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: They damage muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing sprains, strains, bruising, and chronic pain. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury caused when the head is jerked forward and snapped back suddenly, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments. It’s a common rear-end collision injury
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a car accident can cause fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis
- Head Injuries: Head injuries range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They can occur when the head strikes an object inside the vehicle or experiences a sudden jolt. Head injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, personality, and overall quality of life
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: Car accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Back injuries, including herniated discs or spinal fractures, can also occur and result in chronic pain and limited mobility
- Chest Injuries: Impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat belt can cause chest injuries like broken ribs, bruised organs, or collapsed lungs
- Internal Injuries: Car accidents can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. These injuries can include damage to organs, internal bleeding, or injuries to the abdomen or pelvis
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Car accidents can lead to emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s mental well-being and quality of life
The severity and type of injuries can vary widely depending on the vehicles’ speed, weight, seat belt use, airbag deployment, and whether there are secondary collisions with other vehicles or objects.
Seek immediate medical attention after your car accident, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Symptoms may be delayed because you could be in a state of shock. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential for proper diagnosis, treatment, and documentation of injuries, which is critical when pursuing a car accident injury case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Answered By Attorney Aaron Hicks
1. What services does Orange County Car Accident Lawyer Aaron Hicks provide?
Aaron Hicks is an experienced car accident attorney in Orange County. He offers legal representation and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries in car accidents. He assists clients in navigating the complex process of seeking compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering resulting from car accidents.
2. What is the process after hiring Aaron Hicks as my attorney?
Once you retain Aaron Hicks as your attorney, he will initiate an investigation into your car accident. This investigation includes reviewing the police report, speaking with witnesses, examining medical records, and assessing any available video evidence. The goal is to build a strong foundation for your claim based on evidence and facts.
3. What are the typical phases of a car accident injury case in California?
Car accident injury cases in California typically involve two main phases: an insurance claim and, if necessary, a lawsuit. In the insurance claim phase, Aaron Hicks will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement based on the evidence and California law. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed, which may ultimately lead to a trial.
4. What types of car accidents can Hicks Law Firm handle?
Aaron Hicks is well-equipped to handle a wide range of car accident cases, including rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, highway accidents, and accidents on side streets. He is experienced in representing victims of accidents involving various vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
5. Why is seeking immediate medical attention after an accident important?
Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, including soft tissue injuries, fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, chest injuries, internal injuries, and emotional/psychological trauma. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, even if you don’t initially notice any injuries, as some symptoms may be delayed due to shock. Prompt medical evaluation helps diagnose, treat, and document injuries, which is vital when pursuing a car accident injury claim.
Hicks Law Firm Represents People Like You
The Hicks Law Firm can answer your questions and address your concerns about seeking compensation for car accident injuries. Profits are insurance companies’ priority, not you. Pursuing their claims process by yourself can result in a settlement you can’t reverse after you agree to it. There’s a good chance it’ll be for far less than what your case is worth.
Our firm serves clients seeking to file a car accident injury claim throughout Orange County including Costa Mesa, Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and throughout Southern California.
Call the Hicks Law Firm today at (949) 541-9944 or fill out a contact form, and we will schedule a complimentary consultation. We can discuss your accident, how it’s impacted you, how California law may apply, and the next steps you should take.