Right after a car accident, the world will feel like chaos. You may be in physical pain, in shock, or completely debilitated. Once you have time to process what happened, you then have to deal with insurers and the expenses you accrue from medical care that they may or may not cover. You may even be asking yourself, “Should I hire a personal injury lawyer to represent me?” All too often, injury victims question if their California car accident was severe enough to warrant hiring an attorney.
The answer is a resounding yes for many reasons. The most important is getting fair and just compensation for your damages and losses. Let’s explore why it’s critical to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney right away.
Don’t Wait—Get Representation Immediately
Once you and the parties involved have received necessary emergency medical care and spoken with the police, you should immediately start the process of choosing a personal injury attorney. They will not only advise you of what you should avoid discussing with the insurance company but also help you navigate any immediate insurance coverage you may have access to. These steps can help you begin the process of documenting your injuries and tracking the progress of your recovery, along with the costs involved.
Regardless of the damage or level of injuries you suffer, always consult with a knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer before making any decisions about your claim.
Attorneys Streamline the Recovery Process
Right after the accident, the clock starts ticking on your damages and losses. You must gather as many details as you can. This would include names of the other drivers involved in the crash, photos of their insurance and license plates, and contact information. Make sure you get the contact information for the law enforcement officials at the scene so your attorney can easily contact them for a copy of the accident report.
In addition to all of these details, try to take note of any security cameras in the area, take pictures, and get information about bystanders or other drivers who saw the accident. All of this information will help your car accident lawyer prove your case and get you the compensation you need.
More importantly, you can spend more time focusing on healing if you hire an attorney to represent your case early on. The last thing you want to deal with as you recover is a frustrating insurance adjuster. Your counsel can seek compensation for the following damages:
- Related medical care and expenses
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Lost wages and loss of work capacity
- Wrongful death damages
Before you assume your car accident was just a fender bender and that you aren’t hurt, be aware that conditions like whiplash can take days to show up. If you need professional care, costs will start to add up. Experienced personal injury attorneys know how to navigate this scenario and can advise you about state statute of limitation deadlines. They will also explain why you should wait until you are fully informed about your recoverability before making any settlement decisions.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Stop the Insurance Companies From Playing Games
Insurance companies are corporations offering products for profit, so as soon as your accident occurs, their adjusters are investigating who is at fault. They are not doing this for your benefit, and no matter how friendly and helpful they might sound on the phone, their bottom line is the most important factor to them. Insurers will attempt to deflect liability onto you and minimize or deny your injury claim.
California car accident attorneys are all too familiar with these tactics and can counsel you to avoid jeopardizing your compensation. A skillful lawyer will advocate on your behalf, whether the carrier offers to settle or forces you to go to court with your claim. These legal professionals will also know what your compensation should cover and confront the insurance company if it is lacking or unfair. This is why speaking with your lawyer first is your best bet for protecting your recovery.
Start Your Personal Injury Claim with a Highly-Skilled California Attorney
After enduring the shock and trauma of a collision on California roadways, you may feel conflicted about what your options are and whether your injuries and damages are worth fighting with the insurance company. The best way to evaluate your situation is to consult with an experienced California personal injury attorney. Get guidance from a source that will give you objective advice, unlike the adjusters working for the liable insurer.
State law allows you to pursue fair and just compensation for the damages and losses you suffer because of another party’s negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or vehicle damage after a collision, seek counsel from a skilled personal injury lawyer. At Setareh Law, our team provides unmatched legal representation for plaintiffs across California. We will evaluate the facts of your case, discuss what avenues for compensation are available to you, and serve as your counsel throughout the personal injury claims process. As recognized SuperLawyers, we provide high-quality support to represent your best interests every step of the way. To schedule a free consultation with one of our trusted attorneys, complete an online contact form or call today at (310) 659-1826.