We are still settling cases during the COVID-19 pandemic!

We are happy to report a recent $400,000 settlement for a client. The client was a car passenger that had several broken ribs as a result of a disputed liability red-light car crash. Our firm feels deep satisfaction in obtaining this result for a deserving client who was only offered $1,000 before retaining our law firm.

The Facts of the Crash

This case involved a client who was riding as a passenger in a car. The crash, which occurred in Santa Ana, California, involved three vehicles crossing an intersection. When the light turned red for one of the drivers, they failed to notice the change and proceeded into the intersection. As a result, cross-traffic with the right-of-way broadsided the car that our client was in right where they were sitting.

The Santa Ana Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. Once there, an officer took statements from each of the parties and witnesses, photographs of the property damage, and measurements at the scene. After a complete investigation, the responding officer detailed their findings in a police report. The officer’s report found that the collision was caused by the driver who had failed to stop at the red light, in violation of Cal. Veh. Code § 21453 (a).

Nonetheless, the driver who failed to yield at the light continued to claim that they had a green light!

The Injuries from the Crash

Broadside, or “t-bone,” car accidents frequently result in severe injuries to victims. This particular crash was no anomaly.

At the scene of the accident, our client began experiencing severe side abdomen and chest pain. The local fire department sent paramedics to the crash site, and they immediately transferred the victim to a local emergency room.

Once at the ER, physicians were concerned that our client had a broken bone in their rib cage, so they ran several imaging tests. After a CT Scan and a series of x-rays, our client was diagnosed with several rib fractures that caused them immense pain, especially with deep breathing.

Ultimately, our client was kept in the hospital for monitoring over the next several days. After being discharged, they spent the next two months recuperating before making a full recovery.

$400,000 Settlement for Car Accident Victim with Multiple Rib Fractures

As a result of the car crash, our client suffered multiple rib fractures.

Our Results Make a Difference – $400,000 Settlement on $1,000 Initial Offer!

Our client, like so many others that find their way to us, initially attempted to handle their personal injury claims through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. At the time, our client never anticipated that they would end up with a $400,000 settlement. However, they thought that after breaking a rib, and in no way having been at fault for their injuries, there would be insurance coverage to help them out. Very quickly, this client learned that an auto insurance company would do everything they could to avoid providing fair compensation to an injured victim.

The primary hurdle the client faced when handling the claim on their own, was the liability denial by the at-fault driver. The driver’s auto insurance kept telling our client that they had an obligation to their insured. They told the client that despite the traffic collision report, and numerous witness statements, they were sticking with their at-fault driver’s story. They offered our client $1,000 to settle their case in full.

After two months of frustration and mounting medical bills, our injured client finally sought out our law firm. It took only three months from the date which the client retained our firm to persuade the defendant’s auto insurance that they were acting inappropriately and had an obligation to our client. The result was a $400,000 settlement for our client!

If You Have Been Wrongfully Injured, Contact a Local Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away!

If you have been injured as a result of a car accident, call a California car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney right away. Make sure that you gather the contact information from as many witnesses as you can find.

No one article can cover everything that people should know after a personal injury.  Additionally, personal injury law presents unique legal challenges.

We recommend that you contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking to an insurance adjuster, or filing a claim.  Filing an insurance claim for personal injuries without consulting an attorney, could result in an adjuster attempting to use your statements against you.

There are many local Long Beach, Seal Beach, and Huntington Beach personal injury lawyers and car accident attorneys. Lawyers who regularly practice in this field of law should be able to help, and will likely offer you a free consultation.

Don’t let an insurance company lowball your demand for reimbursement of medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Ensure that you receive full justice for your insurance claims!

The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this post, or website, should be taken as legal advice for any individual or case situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.  

Contact us If you have lost a loved one or have pain and suffering from a personal injury.  For more information, visit our car accidents page and slip and fall accidents page. For a free consultation, please reach out to our attorneys to arrange a time to discuss your case.  

All you have to do is hit the big blue button labeled Contact Us at the top of this page!

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has hit Southern California and all of its counties extremely hard. Whether you are in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, or San Diego County, all of our communities are dealing with the effects of COVID-19 cases.

Since the outbreak, there have been many questions from clients and law firms regarding what kind of impact the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will have on personal injury cases. While the situation continues to change from day to day, this post explores the current status of affairs concerning personal injury claims and the claims process.

Are California Insurance Companies Still Paying Personal Injury Claims Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic?

The California Insurance Code (or CIC) is the body of rules that California insurance companies must follow when conducting business in the state. One of the obligations imposed by the CIC under §790.03 is that an insurance agency must investigate promptly, process, and pay insurance claims. This rule applies regardless of if the coverage is for car insurance/auto insurance, medical insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, or renters insurance.

The California Department of Insurance has notified insurance companies that they are still required investigate promptly, process, and pay claims during the COVID-19 crisis.

Specifically, on March 18, 2020, the California Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara issued a “NOTICE RE: Insurance Company Obligations to Comply with Insurance Laws during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak.” The notice states, “In response to the disruption caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara strongly encourages all insurance companies and other Department licensees to take steps during the crisis necessary to maintain their ability to process and pay insurance claims and provide other required consumer services for insureds in a reasonable and timely manner [emph. added].”

CA Insurance Commissioner Notice Amid Coronavirus

CA Insurance Commissioner March 18, 2020, Notice Amid Coronavirus

This news should reassure all those who feel they may be exhibiting symptoms associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Do not put off a visit to your healthcare provider because you are worried that your health insurance is no longer processing claims!

Any individual who has suffered injuries in a car accident or other personal injury case should continue to timely file their insurance claims and protect their statute of limitations.  Despite the number of court closures, the courts are still accepting filings, and therefore, time-sensitive deadlines still apply!

If You Have Been Wrongfully Injured, Contact a Local Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away!

If you have been injured as a result of a car accident, slip and fall, or trip and fall, call a personal injury attorney right away. Make sure that you gather the contact information from as many witnesses as you can find.

No one article can cover everything that people should know after a personal injury.  Additionally, personal injury law presents unique legal challenges.

We recommend that you contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking to an insurance adjuster, or filing a claim.  Filing an insurance claim for personal injuries without consulting an attorney, could result in an adjuster attempting to use your statements against you.

There are many local Long Beach, Seal Beach, and Huntington Beach personal injury lawyers. Lawyers who regularly practice in this field of law should be able to help, and will likely offer you a free consultation.

Don’t let an insurance company lowball your demand for reimbursement of medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Ensure that you receive full justice for your insurance claims!

The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this post, or website, should be taken as legal advice for any individual or case situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.  

Contact us If you have lost a loved one or have pain and suffering from a personal injury.  For more information, visit our car accidents page and slip and fall accidents page. For a free consultation, please reach out to our attorneys to arrange a time to discuss your case.  

All you have to do is hit the big blue button labeled Contact Us at the top of this page!