If you were injured in a California car accident and another driver was at-fault, obtain legal advice as soon as possible. If the accident resulted in only minor damage to your vehicle, you could likely handle this matter on your own.
It is always in the insurance company’s best interest to minimize claims. They are protecting their bottom line. Trying to handle the claims process at the same time you are recovering from an injury puts you at a great disadvantage. The insurer wants to settle as quickly as possible for as little as possible. You may not yet know how long a complete recovery will take or even if you will completely recover. If you agree to a settlement and then discover your injuries are more serious than initially thought, you are out of luck.
You are more likely to increase your claim’s value when you have a lawyer. When an attorney represents you, the insurance company knows it cannot settle for an unfair sum.
A personal injury attorney at Salamati Law negotiates aggressively with insurers so that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Car insurance law in California is complex. Having an attorney with experience and knowledge on your side will help to protect your rights.
Mounting Expenses
Car accident victims find themselves with mounting expenses in the aftermath of a crash. Besides medical expenses, they may lose time off work. Their car may need major repairs or end up a total loss. Until it is fixed or replaced, they may lack transportation. These are some of the expenses the at-fault party’s insurance company should pay.
Multiple Parties
Many car accidents involve more than two vehicles or other parties. Perhaps the car crash occurred because of a hazard created by a third entity. For example, loose cargo spills out onto the highway from a truck, causing vehicles to slam into each other to avoid the debris.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
If the at-fault driver was an uninsured or underinsured motorist, an attorney can help. The same holds true for any issues regarding insurance coverage.
Statute of Limitations
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. If at all possible, contact an attorney well before that time. Because evidence can get lost so easily, it is critical to speak with a lawyer promptly. An investigation can then start right away to make sure nearby surveillance video and other evidence does not vanish.
However, if the accident involved any negligence on the part of any government entity, such as a public school bus or municipal public works vehicle, the statute of limitations for filing a claim is just six months from the accident date.
Failure to file a claim within the statute of limitations means your case may not be able to go forward.
Question of Fault
If there is a question of who was at fault for the collision – and this happens frequently – you should hire an attorney. If you think you may have been partly a fault, do not volunteer this information to the insurance company or law enforcement without hiring legal representation.
Even those drivers who at partly at fault may receive compensation, as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed 50 percent. If the court decides you were 30 percent at fault, you will receive only 70 percent of the total damages.
Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, you need the services of an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer at Salamati Law. Contact us via phone or text 24/7 to schedule a free consultation, or submit our online form.
After reviewing your claim, we will let you know whether you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Most claims are settled, but our dedicated attorneys will take your case to trial if the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement. Our lawyers work on a contingency basis, so there is no fee unless you receive compensation.
