If you were hurt in a crash, you probably have more questions than answers. As a trusted Downey car accident lawyer, the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers helps people figure out what to do next and how to recover what they’ve lost.
Our Downey personal injury law firm focuses on car accidents. We offer free consultations and you don’t pay unless we win. Every case gets personal attention from an experienced Downey personal injury lawyer who knows how to deal with insurance companies and protect your rights.
Why Hire a Downey Car Accident Lawyer?
After a crash, it can be hard to know what to do next. Insurance companies often try to delay or reduce your payout, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. A Downey car accident lawyer knows how to deal with these tactics and fight for what you’re owed.
A skilled car accident attorney in Downey looks at the full picture. That includes current and future costs, not just the bills in front of you. A lawyer can help make sure the settlement amount includes things like missed work, long-term pain, and property repairs.
If you’ve never worked with a personal injury attorney before, you should know most offer a free consultation. At our firm, you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. This means no legal fees up front, no surprises later.
Choosing legal representation is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Talking to a lawyer early can protect your rights and make the process easier from day one.
Understanding Damages in a Car Accident Case
Medical bills: Car accidents often lead to more than just a quick hospital visit. If treatment continues for weeks or months, your lawyer can include all related costs in your claim.
Lost wages: If the accident forced you to miss work, those lost paychecks can be added to your settlement amount. That includes future income if you can’t return to your old job right away.
Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical pain or emotional stress you’ve gone through since the crash. It’s not always easy to measure, but it’s just as real and just as important.
Property damage: A car accident can leave you without reliable transportation. Your claim should cover the full cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
Emotional distress: Some crashes leave people with anxiety, trouble sleeping, or fear of driving. These issues matter and can be part of your settlement offers too.
Proving Negligence and Liability in California
Comparative fault rule (Pure comparative negligence): In California, more than one person can be found at fault. Even if you're partly responsible, you can still recover money, just a reduced amount based on your share of the blame.
Duty of care and breach of duty: Every driver has a duty to act safely. If someone breaks that duty, by speeding, texting, or driving under the influence, they may be held legally responsible.
Insurance claims and liability: Your insurance claim depends on proving who caused the accident. This means showing who had the legal duty, how they failed it, and how that failure caused the crash. Their liability insurance may have to cover your damages.
Evidence and proof: A personal injury lawyer gathers details like police reports, photos from the scene, medical records, and witness statements. Sometimes they work with accident experts to prove what happened.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage: If the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance or none at all, your own policy may help. This coverage can make a big difference when the other side can’t pay.
California Insurance & Reporting Rules
In California, you usually have 24 hours to report a crash to your insurance company. If you wait too long, they may reject your insurance claim. Even worse, delays can hurt your chances of getting fair payment later.
State law gives you two years to file a personal injury claim under the California Code of Civil Procedure. This is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to compensation.
Most drivers carry liability insurance, which pays for injuries or damage they cause. But not everyone has enough coverage. If the other driver has no insurance or not enough, you may still be able to recover through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy.
Understanding your rights under California law helps you make better choices after a crash. A lawyer can help you deal with your claim, review your coverage, and take legal steps if needed.
Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Downey?
Certain streets in Downey see more auto accidents than others. Places like Lakewood Boulevard, Firestone Boulevard, and the 605 Freeway have heavy traffic and more crash reports each year.
Intersections like Firestone Blvd & Old River School Rd and Florence Ave & Lakewood Blvd are known hotspots for collisions. These often involve speeding, rear-end accidents, or failure to yield.
The California Highway Patrol and Downey Police regularly respond to crashes in these areas. Accident reports from local authorities often show the same problem areas over and over again.
If your crash happened in one of these zones, you’re not alone. A lawyer with local knowledge and experience in the Los Angeles area can help you understand what happened and what your next step should be.
What To Do Right After a Car Accident in Downey
- Stay calm and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Make sure to get help right away if needed.
- Call the Downey Police Department. Ask for an official report, as it may help with your injury claim later on.
- Take photos and get names. Capture the scene, license plates, damage, and witness statements. This helps prove what happened.
- Get checked at a nearby hospital. Places like PIH Health Downey or Kaiser Downey can treat you and document your injuries.
- Speak with a lawyer before calling the insurance company. Don’t submit claims paperwork or agree to anything without legal advice.
Save all medical records, take notes, and keep track of costs. If there’s surveillance footage, dash cam video, or any other evidence, hold onto it. That kind of detail can make a big difference in your case.
How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?
Most injury cases in California settle within 6 to 12 months. Some may take longer depending on how serious the injuries are and whether there are any delays from the insurance company.
If there’s a dispute about who caused the crash or if more than one person is involved, the case may take extra time. Getting fair settlement offers often depends on clear evidence and a strong legal strategy.
Having a lawyer with legal experience can speed up the process by handling communication, paperwork, and negotiations. A good lawyer can also spot low settlement amounts and push for a better result.
Not every case goes to court. In fact, 95% of cases settle before trial. But if a personal injury lawsuit becomes necessary, a lawyer working on a contingency fee can take it all the way with no upfront cost to you.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Downey
Downey drivers face a mix of local streets, busy intersections, and freeway traffic. Many crashes happen for the same reasons, and knowing these causes can help explain what happened in your case.
Distracted Driving: This includes texting, eating, changing the music, or using GPS. These small distractions can lead to big accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Driving too fast or weaving through lanes increases the risk of serious injury in both small and large crashes.
Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs can slow reaction time and impair decision-making. DUI-related crashes remain a serious issue in the Los Angeles area.
Traffic Violations: Running red lights, not yielding, or making illegal turns are all common causes of intersection crashes in Downey.
Motorcycle Accidents and Trucking Accidents: These involve more force and often lead to worse injuries due to size and speed differences.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: These happen when drivers fail to watch for people crossing or sharing the road, especially in busy parts of town.
Rideshare Accidents: Uber and Lyft drivers are often rushing between pickups. If you’re involved in one of these, the claim process may include multiple insurance policies.
Is It Worth Hiring an Attorney for a Car Accident?
After a crash, you may wonder if hiring a lawyer is really necessary. The truth is, people who work with personal injury lawyers often get better results. In fact, injury victims with lawyers receive 3.5x larger settlements on average. (Source: Nolo Consumer Study)
Most cases are resolved through a settlement, not a trial. But when needed, a lawyer can take your injury claim to court and present your case fully. Going to trial can take longer, but sometimes leads to a better result.
Working with a lawyer means you don’t have to face the insurance company alone. Your lawyer can handle paperwork, track deadlines, and push back on low offers.
There’s no risk in reaching out. Many firms, including ours, offer a free consultation, and we work on a no win, no fee model. That means no payment unless you receive compensation.
Hire the Best Downey Car Accident Lawyers & Attorneys – Free Consultation with Experienced Legal Representation
If you were hurt in a crash, choosing the right Downey car accident lawyer can make a big difference. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’ve spent over 15 years helping injured people across Downey and Southern California.
Our team of personal injury lawyers has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts. We know how to deal with insurance companies and push for fair results, whether you're working with a car accident attorney in Downey or taking your case to court.
Your first step is simple, we offer a free consultation, and you won’t pay unless we win. Call us today or use the contact form. We respond in 10 minutes or less.
