Car Accident Injury Attorney

What Do You Need to Know If You Are Involved in an Orange County Los Angeles or Irvine Car Accident?

Motor vehicle accidents continue to be a leading cause of injury and death in the United States.  We see or hear about serious auto accidents in California every day, especially in the congested streets and freeways of southern California.  Chances are that if you regularly drive a car, you may eventually be involved in an accident. If you are involved in an auto accident, you need to contact a competent, experienced attorney to assist you. You need a personal injury attorney that has the credentials and the financial resources to handle the significant costs associated with providing the best representation to hire the best experts to win your case – and at no cost to you. We utilize many innovative techniques to present your case.

The Law Firm of Rivers J. Morrell III handles accident cases regularly and investigates every conceivable contributing factor of the accident as well as the present and future impact of your injuries to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. Evaluating all of the contributing factors which cause a motor vehicle accident requires legal skill, associated medical knowledge and extensive experience.  We’ll handle your case and walk you through the entire process so that you can focus on recovery from upper accident and injuries.

Automobile Accidents and Accessing Liability

Assigning liability and therefore financial responsibility for an auto accident are generally based upon contributory negligence. We evaluate every aspect of our client’s accident to identify all potential sources of negligence and seek to recover the maximum amount due our client under California law and the extent of insurance coverage.

Anyone who drives in the State of California is required to exercise what is known as “reasonable care under the circumstances.”  The person(s) responsible for causing a car crash are required to pay any resulting financial damages to people or property (other vehicles, etc.) caused by their “failure to use reasonable care.” Here in California the failure to use reasonable care is the basis for most personal injury lawsuits relating to a car accident.

There are a number of factors which the Court must consider when determining the source of negligence associated with injuries resulting from a vehicle collision. Some examples include, but are not limited to, driving a car too fast or too slow for the conditions, failure to signal a turn, reckless driving or conduct, failing to drive on the right side of the road, driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, failure to obey traffic signals or signs, and not exercising “reasonable care” based upon driving conditions or the weather.

Auto Accidents and Product Liability

In some cases, motor vehicle accidents fall under California product liability laws, where an automobile manufacturer or supplier of a component may be responsible for injuries caused by a defect in the automobile or component of the automobile This also applies to mechanical failure resulting from improperly repairing a vehicle when the failure causes an accident. The auto repair shop and/or the individual who improperly repaired the automobile may be liable for injuries sustained.

Premises Liability – California Roadways

Poorly designed and maintained roads or malfunctioning traffic control signals can contribute to the cause. Poor road design, poorly maintained road infrastructure, such as faded passing lane striping or road obstructions are investigated by our Firm.  We’ll investigate problems with the roadway that limits the drivers’ vision, such as poorly placed utility poles, trees obstructing views, and other factors that contributed to the accident.

Drunk driving and Auto Accidents

Driving under the influence continues to result in serious automobile accidents. In this case, not only is the driver responsible, but other parties are included in the investigation, such as the restaurant or bar, social host. They may be found liable for damages if the court determines an obvious neglect of the intoxicated guest who leaves their premises intoxicated, therefore contributing to the accident.

Automobile Insurance

It is important for all California drivers to carry automobile insurance and make sure your policy includes coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorist. Recently, California Highway Patrol statistics showed nearly 25% of all motor vehicles driving on California’s roads and highways do not have insurance.  You can learn more about Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage, or see our article “Are You Confused About Uninsured Motorist Insurance vs. Underinsured Motorist Insurance in California.”

Liability insurance will cover your damages as well as your passengers. It will also cover any damages to the other party if the accident was your fault. However, if the accident was not your fault and the other party does not have enough insurance to cover your damages (underinsured), or worse has no coverage at all (uninsured), your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage will pick up the costs with limitations.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident in California, you may be able to file a claim against the negligent driver to recover all of your damages including property damage, medical costs, personal suffering, future losses and, in some cases, punitive damages. Never proceed with a negligence claim without first obtaining legal advice. An attorney experienced in the practice of personal injury law knows the court system, can cut through insurance company red tape, and will make sure you are justly compensated for all current and future damages.  here.

What to do in the event of an Auto Accident

First, always seek qualified medical attention if you are injured in any way.  Go to the emergency room or see your doctor as soon as possible and be sure to document all of your injuries. An injury that appears to be minor at the time of accident may result in severe physical problems in the future. It’s also important to contact an experienced auto accident attorney and get help with your case. Gather as much evidence and information as possible. Here are a few more things you need to keep in mind as soon as the accident happens to help us with your case.

Get Contact Information Of Everyone Involved

Get contact information of everyone involved who can be a potential witness. The drivers involved in the auto accident shouldn’t leave the scene until they file a report with police, sheriff or highway patrol.

Video and/or Photograph everything around you

It is extremely important in any auto related accident scenario that you gather information. Always carry a camera or video camera in your car in case you are in an accident. Most cell phones have cameras and some take video. Photograph and/or video everything around you following the accident. Video and take photographs of the damage to all the vehicles, witnesses, and the environmental condition; regardless of how bad the accident was, and even more so if it’s particularly bad with a lot of damage. Capture anything that may have contributed to the situation.  everything, including the automobiles and debris will be cleared from the road to allow traffic to continue. That means that the scene cannot be preserved for further analysis later.

Get Witness Statements

Witness statements are crucial in an auto accident case. There are typically a wide variety of variables that led up to what actually happened. And it’s not always easy to determine the cause. Furthermore, individual perception often plays a role in how each person sees the accident. And even if the other driver realized from the get-go that it was their fault, their mind may change over time. Witness statements will help to clear up any confusion and altered perceptions.

Don’t be Judgmental by Admitting Guilt or Blaming the Other Driver

Don’t provoke the other person(s) involved with the accident by accusing them of fault and no matter how guilt you feel you may be, don’t admit guilt. Don’t sign any statements regarding the accident.  An auto accident is a shocking experience, you may or may not feel that the accident was your fault. Let the insurance companies and attorneys determine who was at fault and who is liable.

Contact Your Insurance company and our Experienced Auto Accident Attorney Immediately

Be sure to contact a qualified auto accident attorney immediately to correspond with the insurance company and ensure all precautions have been taken. The longer you wait the more you leave to chance to losing important information that may be instrumental to your case. Have an attorney in mind and keep their contact information in your cell phone and wallet, where it’s easily accessible following an accident.
You need to speak with Rivers Morrell before talking with the insurance adjuster and absolutely before giving any sort of statement.  There is no cost to you for a free and substantive consultation.

“That phone call was the difference between hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of suffering without the ability to pay for medical treatment.” – A. Porter

Contact Rivers

or Call for a Free Consultation Today 

(949)305-1400

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How Can We Make a Difference in Your Case in Laguna Hills or Lake Forest?

Rivers Morrell Represented a bicyclist who was hit by a truck and severely injured. A truck exiting a highway fails to come to a stop at the bottom of the ramp striking and severely injuring the bicyclist. The injured client has permanent injuries and our law firm had to pursue multiple entities and insurance companies to maximize the settlement for our client.

How can an experienced car accident and injury attorney like Rivers Morrell make a difference in your case in Laguna Hills, Lake Forest or anywhere in Southern California?  Why does a successful trial record matter?

In a recent study, the Insurance Research Council or IRC found insurance payouts were significantly higher when the injured party was represented by an attorney as compared to those who negotiated their own settlement.

In fact, the insurance industry’s own internal study showed those who were represented by an attorney received a settlement which was 40% more on average than those without an attorney.

Rivers Morrell works to ensure you receive a better outcome and substantially more money to cover your medical bills and recovery after a car accident resulting in injuries.

In addition, Rivers Morrell works to reduce the amount you will owe to medical providers and other injury related expenses.  In a recent case, Mr. Morrell successfully negotiated his client’s medical bills down my more than six figures which substantially increased the amount the client was able to keep to offset future expenses.

The client was able to keep an additional six figure amount, hundreds of thousands of dollars, because of the hard work and representation of Rivers Morrell.

Contact Rivers

or Call for a Free Consultation Today 

(949)305-1400

Rear End and Side Impact Crashes Can Result in Serious Injuries in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano

The most common car accidents in San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and all of Southern California involve rear end collisions, or side impacts also known as “T-bone” accidents.  Drivers and their passengers may be sitting at a light or may have slowed in traffic only to be run into from behind by a motorist who is not paying attention or distracted by cell phone usage.  The resulting injuries to the head, neck and spine as well as legs that hit the dashboard can include:

• Severe Head Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury
• Broken Vertebrae in the Back and Neck
• Fractured Hip or Pelvis Bones
• Fractures of the Arms or Legs

Side impact crashes can result in much more serious and often life-threatening injury.  Most vehicles are not as protected from the side, and a collision at speed can result in catastrophic injury leading to permanent paralysis or in fatal accidents a wrongful death.
Intersections are another location for caution.  In many cases, visitors are unfamiliar with the region and are busy looking around or looking for a street or business instead of watching the traffic in front of them.

This can lead to accidents at intersections that involve one car driving into the side of another.  Side impact accidents provide little protection for the occupants of the vehicle, and these crashes often cause serious injuries to those inside the car such as:

• A Broken Back or Neck Resulting in Permanent Paralysis
• Closed Head Injury
• Broken Shoulders, Ribs, Hips and Pelvis Bones
• Damage to Internal Organs

Head On Collisions in Santa Ana

The primary cause of a head on collision in Santa Ana or anywhere in Orange County or Southern California is almost always driver negligence.  Here in California and across the nation drivers share a system based upon trust.  We expect oncoming drivers to keep their vehicle on their own side of the road and obey traffic laws and speed limits.

Some of the primary causes of head on collisions in Mission Viejo and Orange County include:

Drunk Driving – DUI accidents often unfortunately involve head on collisions.  These accidents result in serious injuries and are a leading source of wrongful death across the State of California.

Failure to Yield – attempting to beat the light or turning left in front of oncoming traffic

Falling Asleep – driving while you are fatigued, drowsy or attempting to stay awake is a dangerous decision.  Drivers who cross the center line have often simply drifted to sleep, temporarily losing control of their vehicles.

Distracted Driving and Cell Phone Use – distracted driving is a broad category monitored by the California Highway Patrol which includes cell phone use such as emailing or texting, as well as other distractions such as eating while driving.

Mountain Highways and Rural County Roads – California has a broad network of back county roads and mountain highways which wind through the vast open spaces of our state.  Head on injury accidents are often the result of losing control of a vehicle on these rural roads or when one vehicle attempts to pass another.

Unfortunately head on collisions often result in serious injuries which can have permanent and life-changing consequences.  Common injuries in head on accidents include:

• Head Trauma
• Serious Neck and Spine Injury
• Permanent Injury and Paralysis
• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Knee Injury

Contact Rivers

or Call for a Free Consultation Today

(949)305-1400

Where Were You Injured?  Ensure You have the Resources to Fully Recover

Where were your injuries and what impact will these injuries have upon the next few weeks or months and/or your ability to work?  What are some of the hidden long-term consequences of many injuries and how can you make sure there is enough to cover the expenses and challenges you will face in the years to come?

Many injuries such as head trauma, back and neck injuries can result in serious or catastrophic injuries which will require a lifetime of care.

Some injuries, such as broken ribs and other fractures, will be classified by “minor” by the insurance adjuster in your case.  “Your medical bills were only $18,000.  A settlement of $25,000 is more than generous…” they will say.  The fact is broken ribs are a paralyzing injury for which there is little medical treatment available.  Of course the medical bills are small.  However, this injury makes it hard to even breathe, let alone work or sit in an office chair for hours.

Soft tissue injuries and damage the the discs in your spinal column can take weeks or months to present symptoms.  You may feel relatively fine for a few days or even a week after the accident, only to find yourself flat on your back and in immense pain within a month of the accident.  You are unable to move, let alone work.

Many car accident related injuries result in long term complications such as arthritis.  A brain injury may result in a complete change of personality or the loss of seemingly simple cognitive functions.

It can take weeks or months to fully diagnose your injuries and understand the full extent of your injuries and the compensation required to provide for all your past, present and future medical bills as well as lost wages and fair compensation for having to endure the injuries and your recovery.

This is why it is so important to work with an experienced car accident and injury attorney.  My name is Rivers Morrell and after more than 40 years of experience representing car accident injury claims I can tell you the experience and legal skills of your attorney will make a difference in your case.

The two most important things to do after a car accident in Mission Viejo, Irvine, Orange County, Los Angeles or Riverside County is to see a physician or visit urgent care within 24 to 48 hours of the accident and seek the advice of an experienced car accident injury attorney serving Mission Viejo and Irvine.

It is important to visit an urgent care or your primary physician in the hours after an accident, even if you think you may have only suffered a few bumps or bruises.  The forces associated with a car accident are actually quite violent, and while you may walk away from the accident feeling shaken up but otherwise fine, serious symptoms can set in weeks and in some cases months later.

If you do not see a physician with 24 to 48 hours of the accident the insurance company will refuse to pay your claim, stating something to the effect of:

“You said you were fine after the accident.  You told your family, friends, co-workers and even social media that you were uninjured.  The symptoms you’re describing must have come from some other injury and you are trying to blame it on the car accident.”  Unfortunately, there will be no settlement and no ability to prove what happened to you in a court of law.

Contact Rivers Morrell for a free consultation at (949)305-1400 to learn why it is important to see a doctor, and how best to ensure you are fairly and fully compensated for all that you have been through, as well as the injuries which may present in the next few weeks or months.

I invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact us or call 949-305-1400 to speak with me personally for a free consultation.  There is no cost to you out of pocket as we work on a contingency fee basis.

Car Accident Injury Lawyer In Mission Viejo, Irvine Los Angeles and the Inland Empire

California courts look to a number of factors in determining whether a driver was negligent. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

• Driving an automobile too fast or too slow
• Distracted Driving – Cell Phone Use
• Reckless driving
• Failing to drive on the right side of the road
• Not signaling when turning
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Texting or e-mailing while driving
• Failing to obey traffic signs or signals
• Failing to adapt his or her driving to weather or traffic conditions
• Turning into the path of oncoming traffic

This is why it is important to work with our experienced and proven car accident injury attorney serving Mission Viejo and Irvine and most of Southern California.  Based in Orange County and Los Angeles our convenient offices serve Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Riverside, Corona and all of the Inland Empire.  We have the experience, skill and expertise to identify all parties who are responsible for what has happened, and hold them financially accountable for your injuries.

Contact Rivers

or Call for a Free Consultation Today

(949)305-1400

Recent California Accident Statistics

California Serious Injuries in Traffic Accidents 2013 – 2019

California Traffic Accident Fatalities 2013 – 2019

California Motorcycle Accident Fatalities 2013 – 2019

California Pedestrian Accident Fatalities 2013 – 2019

California Alcohol Related Accident Fatalities 2013 – 2019

What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Orange County?

Investigating The Causes Of Your Collision

Rivers Morrell is a car accident injury attorney serving Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Santa Ana and Irvine who can help you navigate through all the details of a car wreck. Our firm will investigate every possible contributing cause of a traffic collision to ensure that you will receive full compensation for your injuries. We utilize innovative techniques to present your case. When necessary, we employ the latest technology including accident reconstruction to present our client’s case effectively to a jury.  We will walk you through the entire legal process so that you can focus on recovery.  Our clients appreciate our highly responsive and informative style.

Contact an Experienced Irvine and Mission Viejo Car Accident Attorney

Our legal team is led by Rivers Morrell who has more than 40 years of experience in car accidents and personal injury claims.  We provide sound advice and will gladly answer any questions you may have. For more information regarding Southern California auto accidents, contact our law office or call (949)305-1400 for a free consultation and to speak to a car accident injury attorney serving Mission Viejo and Irvine as well as Orange County, Riverside County and Los Angeles.