Top Three Reasons You Need an Attorney After a Car Accident
People involved in a car accident may be injured, shaken, or unsure of their rights. Car accidents can be complicated, in terms of knowing what happened initially, establishing fault for the accident, and even knowing when to file a claim.
For all these reasons, it’s often a good idea to talk to an attorney after a car accident. Here are the top 3 reasons it’s a good idea to consult a car accident attorney in southern California for a free case review.
1. Expertise and Advice
Attorneys have knowledge of the law in California. Many of your questions after an accident center around the law. Different states have different laws regarding liability and payment issues after an accident. Who pays for your medical bills, for example? Many states are “no-fault,” which means the insurance company will reimburse for an accident regardless of who is at fault. But California is not a no-fault state, so consulting an experienced auto accident attorney is especially crucial for determining who is liable for your monetary damages.
Questions can be abundant after an accident. If a driver sideswiped you and sent you into the oncoming lane, but you were going over the speed limit at the time, who is at fault? Your attorney has seen it all before and will be able to tell you if you have a strong case. How long do you have to file a claim? Your attorney will explain how the statute of limitations — which concerns the time after which a court will not hear your claim — in California affects your case.
2. Investigate the Crash
The “cause and effect” story of many car accidents is not straightforward. Was the accident caused by driver fault, the weather, the condition of the roads, or even malfunctions in a car’s computer systems? The causes could be different than those that are initially assumed, or there could be multiple causes. Various witnesses could have seen different things. An investigation can turn up causes that were not apparent to either driver or to passengers.
Because of this, it’s often necessary to thoroughly investigate a car accident. Attorneys work with long-established investigative teams experienced in forensics and in interviewing police, witnesses, and passers-by.
3. Make Sure You Get the Settlement You Deserve
The majority of car accident claims are resolved with an out of court settlement. A seasoned attorney knows what to expect from the settlement negotiation process, and can ensure that you get the money you deserve. The defendant’s attorneys or lawyers representing the insurance company will likely start off by making you a low-ball offer. You need an experienced attorney on your side who knows when to play hard ball in the back-and-forth settlement negotiation process and who believes in your case to the point that he or she is willing to go to trial if need be. Remember that once you accept a settlement offer, you forego all rights to suing at a later date. An attorney who is well-versed in insurance company negotiation tactics can tell you when an offer is fair and when it isn’t.
When You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles
If you or someone close to you has been in a car accident, attorneys at The Ellis Law Firm can assist you. Ellis Injury Law has decades of experience successfully representing clients in motor vehicle accident cases.
Contact us today for a free case review with a seasoned Southern California attorney at 310-641-3335.
More Resources on Hiring a Car Accident Attorney:
- Hurst, Jane. “10 Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney.” Lifehack. http://www.lifehack.org/528768/10-reasons-hire-personal-injury-attorney
- “When to Hire a Personal Attorney.” DMV.org. http://www.dmv.org/insurance/when-to-hire-a-personal-injury-attorney.php