Victorville Injury and Accident Lawyers

Why Victorville Chooses DK Law

With its proximity to the famous Route 66 and the Mojave Desert, Victorville, CA, is a small but growing city of 135,000 residents. With a constant influx of new residents and visitors making their way to Las Vegas, car accidents have been on the rise. San Bernardino County reported 16,123 injuries and fatalities from vehicle collisions in 2019, a stark 35% increase from 2010.

If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our experienced Victorville accident lawyer today for a free consultation. Find out if you may be entitled to compensation from your accident.

How Much Do California Personal Injury Attorneys Cost?

The Victorville personal injury attorneys at DK Law work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay us any legal fees until we win your personal injury case or settle damages in your favor.

Our experienced attorneys will fight to recover the maximum compensation for their personal injuries. Our law firm also offers a free, no-obligation consultation. You can get in touch with our legal team by phone, email, or live chat. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Victorville Accident Statistics

With the increased number of motorists and miles driven on the vast stretch of San Bernardino freeways and roadways, Victorville car accidents continue to spike. According to City-Data, fatal car crashes and road traffic accident statistics in 2019 are as follows:

• Fatal accident count – 26
• Vehicles involved in fatal accidents – 44
• Fatal accidents involving drunk drivers – 6
• Number of fatalities – 29
• Fatal Accidents – 51
• Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents – 10
• The majority of accidents take place on Sundays and Mondays

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Southern California is notably one of the most congested regions in the U.S. Its large population and heavy year-round tourism make SoCal a hotspot for traffic collisions. The Daily Press warns of these dangerous roads and intersections in Victor Valley:

In addition to these dangerous intersections, MoneyGeek analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to determine the deadliest roads in California. I-15 between exit 138 and exit 129 in Hesperia and 1-215 from Exit 44B to Exit 39 in Colton were identified as some of the most dangerous roads in San Bernardino County.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

When drivers speed, text, or disregard local traffic laws, they put everyone, including themselves, in danger. A multi-vehicle accident or rear-end collision can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental and physical health.

If you were injured in a Victorville auto accident due to someone else’s negligent actions, you have the right to pursue full compensation for your losses. After an auto accident, you may be dealing with financial hardships due to medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and physical therapy.

Attempting to settle a dispute without legal representation carries many risks, such as settling for the first lowball offer. An experienced Victorville personal injury lawyer can give you a clear understanding of the legal process, your options, and what your claim may truly be worth.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

After a personal injury accident, it’s essential to obtain legal counsel and file your personal injury claim as soon as possible to help resolve your case in a timely manner. According to the statute of limitations in California, personal injury victims have 2 years from the date of injury to file their claim. 

If the injury was not discovered until some time later, the accident victim has 2 years from the date they discovered the injury to file a claim. In cases involving a government agency, the period to file a personal injury claim is only six months. If you are unsure about the time you have to file a claim, it’s crucial to consult a personal injury lawyer.

What Are Common Injuries?

Here are some of the most common injuries people sustain in accidents:

• Spinal cord injuries – Minor to severe whiplash causing head, neck, or back trauma
• Rotator cuff injuries – Joint/tissue damage
• Meniscus injuries – Injury to the leg area affecting standing and walking
• Fractures and broken bones – If left untreated, the bone can heal incorrectly, making normal, everyday activities difficult
• Head trauma – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can become life-threatening if left undiagnosed
• Amputation – Catastrophic injuries that require surgery and the removal of a limb
• Wrongful death – When the crash results in the death of a family member or loved one

How Fault Is Determined in Accident Cases

After an accident in California, determining liability can be difficult. The four main factors that determine liability include the duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

Duty of Care

The “duty of care” refers to a person’s legal responsibility to act in a reasonably safe and cautious manner to avoid harming others. For example, motorists must follow traffic signs and signals, exercise reasonable care while driving, and be mindful of road conditions.

Breach of Duty of Care

A breach happens when someone fails to uphold their duty of care. That might mean ignoring safety rules, violating traffic laws, failing to fix a hazardous condition, or acting in a careless or reckless way. Sometimes, more than one party may share responsibility for what happened.

Causation

Causation is determined when the negligent actions of the at-fault party were a direct cause of an accident.

Damages

In an accident, damages must have been suffered by the plaintiff for the accident victim to be able to pursue a claim against the defendant. Damages can include monetary expenses like medical bills and physical therapy costs, in addition to more subjective damages like pain and suffering.

Comparative Negligence in a Personal Injury Claim

Comparative negligence states that a person in an accident can still recover damages, including property damage, when the person is still partially at fault for the accident. For example, someone who is 30% responsible for an auto accident will be responsible for paying 30% of the damages. California is a pure comparative fault state. 

This means that unless it is proved that you are the only person responsible for the accident, you can still seek compensation from the other party. Therefore, victims can still claim damages after an accident even if they are 99% liable for the accident.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

• Medical bills: A claim will most likely cover your current and future medical treatment from your accident.
• Lost wages: You can recover lost wages if you missed work due to your injuries and recovery.
• Permanent physical injuries: Bodily injuries resulting in permanent damage, disability, or disfigurement can substantially raise the amount of your claim.
• Personal property damage: Damage to your vehicle or other property is generally covered in car accident claims.
• Pain and suffering: A claim can also include “non-economic” damages such as physical pain and mental suffering, emotional distress, etc.
• Wrongful death: If your loved one died in an accident due to another person’s negligence, you can file a lawsuit.

Essentially, the more serious your injury and damages are, the more potentially valuable your case will be. Insurance adjusters may attempt to downplay the value of your case. This tactic is often utilized by insurance companies to pay a lower settlement amount. An accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you don’t accept a low settlement from the insurance company.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

The other driver’s insurance company may reach out to you for your statement. It’s best to exercise caution and consult an accident lawyer before speaking to the insurance company. Do not sign anything from the insurance company or share any information without a lawyer present. A personal injury attorney will communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf and protect your rights and best interests.

What To Do Immediately After an Accident

If you were involved in an accident, follow these steps:

Call 911

Always involve the authorities. They will control the situation and keep everyone calm. An officer will also create a detailed police report, detailing what happened. This report will be beneficial when filing a claim.

Exchange Information

Make sure to take a picture or write down the other party’s license plate number, insurance information, and driver’s license details.

Talk to Eyewitnesses

If anyone witnessed the accident take place, take note of their names and contact information.

Document Information

Keep a written account of the setting, including the time of day and where the accident occurred. Take pictures and videos with your phone. Be sure to capture visuals of the scene of the accident and your injuries. If your phone was destroyed, ask a witness or officer to take pictures.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you think you are not hurt, it’s important to seek medical attention after an accident. When you seek treatment, keep your records as proof of your injuries.

Contact a Victorville Accident Lawyer

If you don’t know whether or not to hire an injury attorney, begin with a consultation. By doing so, you will have legal guidance about the claims process and compensation. The best accident lawyers will be more than willing to provide an initial case evaluation at no charge.

The DK Law Difference

At DK Law, we know Victorville—not just its streets but also the challenges locals face after an accident. From the traffic along Bear Valley Road to collisions near the 15 Freeway, our team has seen how quickly life can change in this part of the High Desert.

Whether you are dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or insurance pressure, DK Law is here to help you every step of the way. Call today for a free consultation.