If you have been in a car accident in Torrance, California, you know the path to recovery may seem daunting. Navigating insurance claims or lawsuits for fair compensation should not be done alone. Fortunately, this is where our Torrance car accident lawyers at The Simon Law Group come in. Contact us today at (424) 622-0812 to schedule a free consultation.
Our legal team has the experience and commitment to help injured victims protect their rights and receive the financial compensation they need to move forward. We’ve secured over $600 million for our personal injury clients throughout Los Angeles County, and we’re prepared to help you get the financial recovery you deserve.
Call our law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation with a dedicated attorney.
Why Should I Hire The Simon Law Group After a Car Accident in Torrance, CA?
If you’ve been involved in a car crash in Torrance, choosing the right lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. With over 250 years of combined experience, the team at The Simon Law Group knows how to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Our Torrance personal injury lawyers have:
- Skilled Legal Knowledge: We have a deep understanding of traffic and personal injury laws and the nuances of California car accident claims.
- A Proven Track Record: Our lawyers have a history of securing fair settlements and verdicts for our clients. We’ve recovered $600+ million in compensation for injured clients, including car accident victims.
- Experience with Insurance Companies: We know how insurance companies operate. We can help you file a personal injury claim, provide supporting evidence, and negotiate settlements. This will help you get the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party.
- Networks of Expert Witnesses: Our team has access to a network of expert witnesses, including doctors, who can testify about your injuries and strengthen your case.
- Investigative Resources: Our attorneys thoroughly investigate every case. We will gather and review all necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- No Upfront Fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case.
By choosing The Simon Law Group, you partner with a team committed to achieving the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident.
How Common Are Car Accidents in California?
The volume of crashes on California roads is staggering. The NHTSA reported 40,901 traffic deaths nationwide in 2023, and California is regularly near the top of the state-by-state list. The 2024 NHTSA estimate is 39,345. The trend is finally moving down, but the absolute numbers are still bleak. Tens of thousands of Californians get hurt or killed on our dangerous roads every year. Behind every one of those numbers is a family whose life just changed. For more detail, see our car accident statistics page.
What Causes Car Accidents in Torrance, CA?
Car accidents don’t all happen the same way. The cause shapes everything. The legal strategy. The evidence we look for. Which insurance carrier we end up fighting. Here are the patterns we see most often in Torrance.
Rear-End Collisions
The most common crash on California roads, by a lot. Usually the rear driver is at fault. Not always. Texting. Following too close. Sudden lane changes. Brake failure. All in the mix. The injuries often look mild at the scene and get worse over days. Whiplash, neck strain, disc problems, those are what we see most.
T-Bone and Intersection Crashes
Side-impact crashes at intersections. Usually one driver runs a red, blows a stop sign, or misjudges a left turn. These hit harder than people expect. The side of a car doesn’t have the structural protection the front does. We see broken bones, internal injuries, and brain injuries from T-bones at speeds people would survive in a rear-end.
Head-On Collisions
Rarer than the other types. Also the most severe. Driver crosses the center line. Goes wrong-way on a freeway. Loses control on a curve. Speed multiplies the damage exponentially. A lot of head-on crashes don’t end with a personal injury case at all. They end as wrongful death cases.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Driver causes the crash, drives off. Now what? The first stop is your own uninsured motorist coverage. Most California drivers carry some. That’s usually what ends up paying. The second stop is identifying the driver if police can. Document everything at the scene. Witness numbers. Vehicle descriptions. Partial plates. Time-stamped photos. The case gets built from these little pieces months later.
DUI and Drunk Driving Accidents
Impaired-driver crashes are the most preventable kind. They’re also the most aggressively defended by carriers, which is the cruel irony. The upside, if you can call it that, is that drunk-driving cases are the rare PI matter where punitive damages can come into play. We push these hard.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber and Lyft)
Different coverage rules for rideshare. When the app is on and the driver is logged in, Uber and Lyft each carry $1M in liability coverage. App off, only the driver’s personal policy. The crucial question is the app status at the second of the crash. That’s one of the first things we pull.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Torrance
What you do in the first hour after a crash shapes your case more than people realize. Here’s what we tell clients.
- Get to safety and call 911. Move out of traffic if you can. Request paramedics even if you feel fine. Adrenaline hides pain. Always.
- Don’t admit fault. Not to the other driver. Not to the cops. Not to anyone on the phone from insurance. Just say what happened. Apologies and assumptions come back to bite later.
- Document everything. Photos of all vehicles, license plates, the scene, road conditions, traffic signs. Driver’s license and insurance info from everyone involved. Names and numbers of witnesses.
- Get the police report. Make sure officers come out. The report number is what you’ll need later. In Torrance, you can request accident reports from the Torrance Police Department records office.
- See a doctor, even if you feel okay. Soft-tissue and concussion symptoms often don’t hit for 24 to 72 hours. A medical record from that window is critical evidence. Wait too long and the carrier argues you weren’t hurt.
- Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance. They’ll call. Politely decline and tell them your attorney will be in touch.
- Call a car accident lawyer. Costs nothing. Most accident victims make the same mistakes in week one. Talking to a lawyer early prevents most of them.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Crash in Torrance, California?
Damages in auto accident cases refer to the compensation the victim may be entitled to recover due to losses and injuries sustained. These can be categorized into three main types: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic damages are costs that can be easily quantified and documented. They include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency services, hospital care, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, ongoing medical treatments, and other medical bills.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work while recovering.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for lost earning potential if your injuries affect your ability to earn a living in the future.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Other Financial Losses: Compensation for additional out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the accident, like travel costs for medical attention or hiring home health aides.
Be sure to save copies of bills, receipts, and other documents to support your car accident claim for economic damages.
Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses that are not so easily quantified. These damages sometimes require expert witnesses to substantiate.
They include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the accident and subsequent injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, which can include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for injuries that prevent you from enjoying day-to-day activities and hobbies.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation to the spouse or family of an injured person for the loss of companionship, support, and relationship.
Punitive damages are not tied to any specific type of loss. Instead, they are awarded in cases where the defendant’s behavior is found to be especially harmful, reckless, or egregious. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer for their conduct and deter others from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
No two car accidents are the same. It is important to determine which damages may be available in your case. In addition to those noted above, other important factors include the severity of your injuries and your length of recovery.
Document all aspects of your losses meticulously so you can substantiate them later. A lawyer can guide you. They can also help you pursue all the damages you may be entitled to.
Common Car Accident Injuries We See in Torrance
Some injuries are obvious. Car totaled, you’re bleeding, ambulance already there. Others are sneakier. They show up two days later when you can’t turn your neck. Or three weeks in when the headaches won’t stop. These are the ones we see most.
- Whiplash and neck strain. Most common rear-end injury, hands down. Symptoms can be mild day one and miserable by week three.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI). Concussions, post-concussive syndrome, and worse. You don’t even have to hit your head. Hard enough deceleration can do it alone.
- Spinal cord injuries. Herniated discs. Vertebral fractures. Worst cases, partial or full paralysis.
- Broken bones. Wrists, arms, ribs, hips, ankles. Usually from bracing against impact or being slammed into the door or wheel.
- Internal injuries. Bleeding, organ damage, ruptured spleen. Invisible at the scene. Why we always say go to the ER even if you feel fine.
- Soft tissue injuries. Sprains, strains, contusions. Insurers love to undervalue these. We document them hard.
- Psychological injuries. PTSD, anxiety, depression after a serious crash. Real injuries. Real compensation. Underrecognized in most settlements.
One thing matters more than anything else here. The medical record is the case. Follow the treatment plan. Don’t skip follow-ups. Insurers comb every gap and use it to argue you weren’t really hurt. Good cases get lost over two missed appointments.
California’s Comparative Negligence Rule (and Why It Helps You)
The same question comes up almost every first call. “If I was partly at fault, can I still get anything?” In California, almost always yes.
The rule is called pure comparative negligence, written into jury instruction CACI 405. Here’s the short version. The jury looks at the facts. It assigns a percentage of fault to each party. Your award gets reduced by your share. No cutoff. Even 99% at fault and you can still take home 1% of the damages. That’s rare in U.S. law.
Real-world math. $100,000 in damages, 20% your fault, you walk with $80,000. Same award, 50% your fault, you walk with $50,000. 80% your fault, $20,000.
Most states aren’t this generous. A lot of them cut you off the moment your fault crosses 50% or 51%. California doesn’t. That’s a real edge when insurers try to muddy the fault picture.
The flip side. Insurers know the rule too. They work hard to push your fault number up. Recorded statements, leading questions, your own social media. All of it gets used. Which is why we tell clients: don’t talk to the other side’s adjuster before talking to us.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in California?
If you have been involved in a crash, you must be aware of the time limits for filing a lawsuit. California law provides a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from auto accidents.
This means that from the date of your accident, you typically have two years to file a lawsuit against those responsible. However, certain situations may extend this timeframe. For example, if you are a minor at the time of the accident, this period is extended until age 18, at which point the two-year countdown begins.
It is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. If you fail to file a lawsuit in time, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses resulting from the crash.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Torrance, CA?
Hiring The Simon Law Group for your car accident case is based on a contingency fee arrangement. This means that you will not pay any upfront costs or hourly fees. Instead, any payment to us is contingent upon the successful resolution of your case – whether that is through a settlement or a court verdict in your favor. Under a contingency fee agreement, we will receive a predetermined percentage of your settlement or court award.
Many personal injury attorneys offer this arrangement, which provides access to a lawyer for those who may not afford to pay one by the hour. It is also important to note that in the unlikely event that your case is not successful, you would not owe the firm any attorney’s fees. This no-win, no-fee promise ensures you can pursue justice without any financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Torrance
What is the average car accident settlement in California?
Honestly, no useful average exists. Numbers move based on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, fault breakdown, and policy limits. Minor soft-tissue cases tend to settle in the low five figures. Cases with surgery, permanent injury, or wrongful death settle for six or seven. Don’t trust online “calculators.” The only honest way to value your case is a free consultation with a lawyer who’s seen cases like yours.
How long does a car accident case take in California?
Most cases close in 6 to 18 months. Simple ones, clear liability, modest injuries, can wrap in a few months. The ones that go to trial, or involve disputed fault, or severe injuries, can run two years or more. Pace gets set by the medical picture, not by us. We move as fast as the evidence allows.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
UM coverage is your friend here. If you have uninsured motorist on your own policy, that’s what pays. California requires UM to be offered, and most drivers carry at least some. No UM and at-fault driver has no insurance? Recovery is harder, not impossible. We’ll look at the driver’s personal assets and any other parties on the hook (like an employer, if they were working).
Should I give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company?
No. Politely decline. Tell them your attorney will reach out. Recorded statements taken before you have counsel almost always get used against you. Even a throwaway comment becomes a leverage point months later.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Torrance?
Nothing upfront. Period. We work on contingency. No retainer, no hourly billing, no out-of-pocket costs. Our fee comes out of the recovery. No recovery, no fee.
Can I still sue if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Yes. California is pure comparative negligence, which means partial fault doesn’t bar your recovery. Your award just gets reduced by your share. Even at high fault percentages, some recovery stays on the table.
What if I was in an Uber or Lyft when the accident happened?
Both Uber and Lyft carry $1M liability policies that kick in when the driver is on the app. That’s usually the layer we go after. Which coverage applies depends on app status. Offline. Available. En route to pickup. With passenger. Each tier triggers different coverage. First thing we investigate.
Contact Our Experienced Torrance Car Accident Attorneys For a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck in Torrance, CA, you do not have to navigate the legal waters alone. The experienced Torrance car accident attorneys at The Simon Law Group will provide you with the top legal representation, guidance, and support you need.
With over 250 years of combined experience and a proven record of success, we are ready to help you secure the compensation you deserve. We also help victims involved in truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Additional Resources
- Torrance Car Accident Report Records
- California Laws Regarding Car Accidents
- Torrance Department of Transportation
Recent Blog Posts
- FAQs: Car Accident Reports in California
- Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Auto Accident?
- Who Is At Fault in a T-Bone Collision?
Local Car Repair Shops
- Walt’s Auto Service – 340 Van Ness Ave suite c, Torrance, CA 90501
- Lions Automotive – 340 Van Ness Ave Suite A, Torrance, CA 90501
- Japanese Auto Center – 1846 Del Amo Blvd # A, Torrance, CA 90501
- Charlie’s Hillside Auto Repair – 24467 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Car Accident Infographic
