Hundreds of thousands of car accidents occur across the country each year, and the truth is, not every car accident claim filed as a result requires legal assistance. If you are involved in a fender bender and you were uninjured, chances are good that you can handle the back and forth with the adjuster for the insurance company and work out a way to get your car fixed. However, if you are injured, you definitely need an attorney to help you navigate the legal arena. To forego legal counsel, even with minor injuries, may result in getting less than a fair shake when the dust settles and your claim is paid.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Following a car accident, the most important thing to do is seek out safety and medical treatment, obviously. You also want to be sure to document the accident with the authorities and get a police report of the incident. Your next move is to call a car accident attorney in Los Angeles, and the sooner, the better, especially in the event of catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Seeking out legal help right away is crucial, since this is a vital time to capture the details of the accident, including any witness testimony, photos of the scene, and other important information that might not be as readily available if you delay—but that your attorney will need when filing your claim. This gives you the best chance recovering damages for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other damages, or for starting the claims process for the wrongful death of a loved one.
In the aftermath of a car accident, especially serious accidents, insurance companies begin working hard to undermine any recovery that is due to you in your claim. They begin investigating almost immediately, and they are often in touch with victims within days to attempt to offer them a lowball payout to reduce their own losses. An attorney works as an advocate for you, ensuring that you get a fair and just settlement based on your losses. Never speak with the insurance company of the at-fault party before consulting with a lawyer. You can lose out on thousands of dollars by dealing with the insurance company on your own and without a lawyer’s advice. Insurance companies are for-profit entities and their bottom line is the only number that really matters to them.
Your attorney can help you over the legal hurdles that often crop up following serious accidents. From identifying all potential defendants to recreating the accident to better understand liability, a competent attorney is your best asset during this harrowing period of time.
If you have been injured in a car accident, reach out to our Los Angeles car accident lawyer now to discuss your case details and weigh your legal options. Your consultation is free, and we are ready to go to bat for you to get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
