How do I know if I have a claim after an accident?

You pay your car insurance, you follow the rules of the road, and you figure you’re protected in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, many accidents aren’t straightforward cases, and it’s not always clear who owes who what after a fender bender. Depending on the type of insurance you have, you may be covered up to a certain amount for any damages, regardless of who was at fault in your accident. If you’re in a crash that was caused by another driver’s negligence, then you have a claim. In this situation, it’s also best to call one of the Los Angeles car accident lawyers with Ellis Law. They will help you negotiate with the liable party’s insurance company and fight to secure fair compensation. At the end of the day, whether you have to file a claim depends on the type of insurance you have, and the events surrounding your accident.

When you don’t have to file a claim

California drivers must have both liability insurance and uninsured motorist protection, but they aren’t required to have collision insurance. If you don’t have collision insurance and your accident was caused by your own actions or environmental conditions, you can’t file a claim. However, if you can prove that someone else’s negligence contributed to your crash, you may be able to seek compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you reconstruct the details of your accident. If it happened around a road work site, or there was missing signage or broken streetlights, you might be able to recover money for auto repairs and more.

When you do have to file a claim

If you have collision insurance, you should always file a claim. Whether you file it with your company or the other driver’s insurance depends on the nature of the accident and what your needs are, but it’s always best to alert your company that the crash took place. The responsible insurance company will examine your car’s condition and decide whether to write it off as a total loss or repair it. If it’s a loss, you can expect cash compensation for its estimated value. Of course, insurance companies don’t make a profit by paying out the maximum amount on every claim. This is another reason why it’s important to have an attorney in your corner.

Who covers medical bills and cost of living expenses?

If you’re hurt in a car crash, you’ll have more to worry about than simply the state of your car. You may need emergency and ongoing medical care, and you may not be able to work for quite some time. In this situation, it’s easy to rely on credit cards to make ends meet. The next thing you know, you’re swimming in debt and unable to make rent or mortgages payments. It’s a recipe for financial disaster. Ellis Law is dedicated to helping people in the Los Angeles area avoid this situation. We can compile a list of all your expenses and hardships that resulted from your accident and add a figure on top of that to compensate for your physical pain and mental suffering. The law is designed to protect innocent victims of another person’s negligence.

Schedule a free and confidential consultation today

Meeting with a personal injury lawyer from Ellis Law won’t cost you a thing. We offer 100% free and confidential no-obligation consultations to anyone in the L.A. region who has been injured in a car accident. Stop by our offices and tell us your side of the story. If you’re unable to travel due to extensive injuries, don’t worry. We’ll gladly make the time to come and see you at your home or care facility.

We work on contingency fees

If we decide you have a case, we’ll get to work with no upfront legal fees. We don’t get paid a dime unless you agree to a settlement or we win a jury verdict. Ellis Law has won over $350 million for our clients in the last 25-plus years, and it’s a number that continues to grow. It’s an impressive figure that represents people just like you getting the compensation they need to put their lives back together after a traumatic event. Meet with a legal pro from Ellis Law today.