Costa Mesa Car Accident Lawyer
Residents of Costa Mesa rely on their vehicles to sustain their daily activities, such as commuting to work, shopping, enjoying leisure activities at the beach, or visiting friends and family. However, with increased driving, the likelihood of encountering severe and potentially life-changing car accidents rises. This page details how the car accident lawyers at Hicks Law Firm can assist if you or a loved one is injured while driving in Costa Mesa.
Auto Accident Law Firm Serving All Courts in Costa Mesa, CA
Aaron Hicks is a car accident attorney who has dedicated his entire career to serving car wreck victims and their families. He knows the pain & suffering a serious car crash can inflict on your life. You might be dealing with significant physical injuries, emotional distress, mounting medical expenses, vehicle damage, and loss of income. Aaron Hicks is committed to being a part of the team that helps you restore order, pursue MAXIMUM AVAILABLE COMPENSATION, and move forward with your life.
Aaron Hicks is the Founder, and primary accident attorney at Hicks Law Firm and serves clients in and around Costa Mesa and Southern California. Our main office is located at 765 The City Dr S. Suite 120 Orange, CA near the 22 & 5 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:
“Aaron has been the most professional and intelligent lawyer I have had the pleasure of working with. His keen and determined approach coupled with his listening skills make him the perfect attorney to represent clients. He listened and knew EXACTLY what needed to be done. He had answers to questions prior to me asking them. He is relentless in his pursuit to making sure his clients are satisfied and will not rest until they are. Aaron has definitely acquired a lifetime client in my family and I due to his dedication to the clients he represents. He goes above and beyond in every way possible. Thanks again for everything Aaron!”
– Verified Review from Bolivar
The Most Dangerous Intersection in Costa Mesa, CA
The intersection of Newport Blvd. and 19th is the most dangerous intersection in Costa Mesa according to the 2020 report by CalWalks and UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research & Education Center. They also reported that “… 17th Street / Newport Boulevard is one of the most intimidating intersections in the City because of the high traffic volumes, high motorist speeds, and long crossing distances.”
While we have clients who’ve been in auto accidents throughout Costa Mesa, these intersections are often a major source of car, pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
There are several helpful things you should be immediately aware of after a car accident:
- You should call the police to the scene of an accident to ensure your own safety and document the event via an official police report.
- Whenever possible, gather any witness statements and their contact info from the accident scene.
- Document your injuries by taking photos and going to the doctor.
Our legal services are provided on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we only get paid if you get paid, and you will not be required to pay legal fees out of pocket.
What to do After a Car Crash in Costa Mesa
After a crash, your mind and heart are likely racing with high emotions; however, taking a few critical steps in the moments and days afterward can save you from significant headaches in the future.
- If possible, move your vehicle to a safe area and, most importantly, relocate yourself and any passengers to safety. Other surrounding traffic often continues moving around the scene of accidents, especially when police support is not yet present. Thus, getting into a safe place and position is vital to preventing further injury or an even greater tragedy.
- Check yourself and others for more apparent injuries. If anyone has sustained a life-threatening injury, care for these individuals first and call 911.
- Call the police and wait for their arrival on scene. When the police arrive, describe to them the sequence of events leading up to and including the accident and any other relevant information. The officer(s) may have follow-up questions for you as they try to build an accurate account of the incident. The officer will also interview all parties separately. The interviews and collection of a statement are standard procedures for creating a police report. Do your best to remain calm and cooperative.
Note: If any witnesses are at the scene who saw the accident, you should record their recollection, get their contact information and ask them to provide a witness statement to the police.
Exchanging of Information at the Scene of a Car Crash
You should also take the opportunity to exchange insurance information, identification, and contact information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
Should the other driver not have insurance, you should still get identification and contact information. In such cases, it is also imperative to take photos of the vehicles and damages and license plates.
It is illegal to drive without insurance under California code, and a driver doing so will face a substantial fine, possible vehicle impound, and other potential consequences. Uninsured or underinsured at-fault drivers are nevertheless liable for damages and injuries. The injured party should seek compensation regardless of whether the at-fault driver has insurance.
Recent Car Accidents in Costa Mesa
- 4/22/24: Separate vehicle collisions into apartment, tree in Costa Mesa cause fatality, injuries
- 3/3/24: A DUI driver caused a four car accident in Costa Mesa
- 2/16/24: 61-Year-Old Woman Struck, Killed By Car In Costa Mesa
Regardless of How You Feel After an Accident, Seek Medical Attention
After an accident, the body has automatic responses and reactions to the impact resulting from a crash, such as producing hormones like adrenaline to cover the pain from any sustained injuries. Just because you “feel okay” (in the moment) does not mean you’re in the clear or have not suffered any injuries. A medical professional such as a physician in an emergency department, urgent care setting, or primary care physician will begin an assessment of any potential injuries. Receiving proper examination and any necessary subsequent treatments is essential.
Costa Mesa Car Accident Statistics
City-data.com keeps an updated database of car accidents throughout the city of Costa Mesa. The most updated information reflects data from 2021:
- Fatal accidents: 9
- Vehicles involved in fatal accidents: 14
- Fatal accidents involving drunk persons: 0
- Fatalities: 9
- Persons involved in fatal accidents: 22
- Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents: 1
How Much Do California Car Accident Attorneys Charge?
The fees charged by a car accident lawyers in California can vary depending on the complexity of the claim, if the claim goes to trial or settles out of court, and the specific fee arrangement agreed upon between the you and your attorney.
The attorneys at Hicks Law Firm use a contingency fee with all of our clients. Contingency fees are the most common fee arrangement for car accident cases. Under a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for the client. The lawyer’s fee is typically a percentage (ranging from approximately 33% to 45%) of the final settlement or court award plus expenses. If the case is unsuccessful, the lawyer does not receive a fee, however the client may still be responsible for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
If you’re considering hiring a Costa Mesa auto accident lawyer at Hicks Law Firm, it’s best to discuss the fee arrangement prior to signing the retainer agreement so you are comfortable that all your questions answered ahead of time.
When Should You Hire Hicks Law Firm?
It can take weeks and even months to fully recover from an injury sustained in a car accident. Injuries can leave you vulnerable, suffering from acute and even chronic pain, and attending numerous doctor and therapy appointments while accumulating stressful medical debt. However, the added strain of managing an insurance claim without legal support is unnecessary and avoidable.
Attorney Aaron Hicks has earned countless hours of hard-fought negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of his clients. He knows what the insurance lawyers are going to argue before they do, and he prepares accordingly. Additionally, he prepares you for the likely scenarios you’ll encounter as you fight the insurance company together.
You should contact Hicks Law Firm today at (949) 541-9944 or fill out a contact form. If we can help you we’ll tell you how immediately; if for some reason we can’t help we will tell you right away, answer your questions & point you in the right direction.
Hicks Law Firm Can Answer ALL Your Questions Today
To avoid these frustrations and receive total compensation as soon as possible, contact the skilled and reputable car accident attorneys at Hicks Law Firm. Our firm is built on experience, professionalism, skill, compassion, and trust. Give us a call today at (949) 541-9944 or fill out a contact form, and we will be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation.