If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Beverly Hills, you might be wondering what you should do next. Following a car accident, many people find it necessary to file a lawsuit against the other party to receive compensation for personal injuries or pain and suffering. Here, we’re going to take a look at what you should know about filing a lawsuit after a car accident in Beverly Hills.
Understanding Car Insurance In California
California is considered an at-fault state in regards to car insurance. For a party’s insurance company to be liable for the costs associated with a car accident, they must be found responsible for the accident. The best way to determine fault after an auto accident is to file a police report and inform your insurance company about the accident. Local law enforcement and the insurance companies involved will conduct an investigation to determine which party is at fault.
If the other party is at fault for the accident, the first thing you should do to recover compensation for your injuries or property damage is to file a claim with their insurance company. If your insurance company has already covered a portion of the costs, the insurance company for the other driver will issue a reimbursement check for those costs and your deductible.
Common Reasons Why People Get Compensation After A Car Accident
Many insurance companies make it difficult to recover compensation for injuries or damages associated with car accidents. Similarly, insurance will also attempt to coerce a person into settling for less than they’re entitled to. If you’re in the process of filing a claim with another person’s insurance company, it’s important not to accept any offers until you speak with a trusted attorney. An attorney has knowledge of different reasons you can seek compensation and will investigate your case to help you understand the maximum settlement you’re entitled to.
In Beverly Hills, people receive compensation following car accidents for multiple reasons, including:
● Medical bills
● Ongoing medical treatments
● Pain and suffering
● Lost wages if you can’t work
● Future loss of wages if you’re disabled for a prolonged period of time
The compensation you receive after a car accident is highly dependent on the circumstances of your case. A knowledgeable attorney will uncover all the details and give your case personalized attention.
What Steps Should I Take to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The first time you seek the advice of an attorney, you should be prepared to provide them with pertinent information regarding the case.
When you make the call, be ready to discuss the details of the case, including:
● When the accident occurred
● How the accident occurred
● Who was involved in the accident
● Details about your injuries
If you don’t remember the details of the accident or did not file a police report after the crash occurred, it’s important to understand that there are still people available to assist you. The attorneys at Setareh Law are committed to helping you no matter what your situation is. We’re eager to learn about your case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Beverly Hills?
California law generally gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Missing this deadline generally means losing the right to sue entirely, regardless of how strong your case might otherwise be. Property damage claims can be subject to a different deadline, which is one more reason to speak with an attorney well before either window closes.
Why Comparative Negligence Matters in a Beverly Hills Car Accident Case
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the crash, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies frequently try to shift as much blame onto the injured party as possible for exactly this reason. Understanding what elements are considered when determining the value of a car accident claim can help you recognize when an insurer’s fault allocation does not match the facts of your crash.
Should You Settle or File a Lawsuit?
Most car accident claims in Beverly Hills resolve through an insurance settlement rather than a courtroom trial, but a lawsuit remains an important option when an insurer undervalues your claim, disputes fault, or delays the process without a good reason. Filing a lawsuit does not necessarily mean your case will go to trial. It often brings the other side back to the negotiating table with a more realistic settlement offer, since discovery and a court date change the incentives on both sides. Getting medical care promptly and seeing the right doctors after a car crash also strengthens your position whether your case settles or goes to court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Beverly Hills
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Beverly Hills?
California generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Waiting too long can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, so it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
Do I have to go to trial if I file a car accident lawsuit?
No. The majority of car accident lawsuits settle before trial once both sides have exchanged evidence through the discovery process. Filing a lawsuit is often what motivates an insurance company to negotiate a fairer settlement rather than continuing to undervalue your claim.
What if the insurance company says I was partly at fault?
California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation even if you share some fault for the crash, though your final award is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. An attorney can help challenge an inflated fault allocation that an insurer assigns to you.
Does it cost money upfront to file a car accident lawsuit?
Most personal injury attorneys, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis. This generally means you pay no upfront legal fees, and costs are recovered as a percentage of your settlement or award only if your case is successful.
What is the difference between an insurance claim and a lawsuit?
An insurance claim is a request for payment made directly to an insurer without going to court, while a lawsuit is a formal legal case filed with the court system. Many claims resolve without ever becoming lawsuits, but filing suit preserves your legal options if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation alone.
Seek Legal Counsel from Trusted Car Accident Attorneys in Beverly Hills
If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, there’s no better time to contact our car accident attorneys in Beverly Hills, California to discuss filing a lawsuit than right now. In Beverly Hills, there’s no better law firm than Setareh Law. From beginning to end, the professional law team will coordinate every aspect of your case including investigation, research, hiring the best expert witnesses, coordinating your medical treatment, and more.
To schedule your free consultation, call 310-659-1826 or contact us online. We look forward to talking with you soon.
