Santa Monica Car Accident Lawyers
Car Accident Attorney in Santa Monica, CA
In Santa Monica, California, the beautiful beachfront roads are always bustling with tourists and locals alike. Unfortunately, these busy streets make Santa Monica a hotspot for collisions. Car accidents can cause severe injuries, property damage, emotional distress, and even death. If you are a victim of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to pursue a claim against the negligent party for the damages they caused.
To recover the compensation you need, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible following a collision. At Setareh Law, we understand how stressful the aftermath of a car accident can be. Our lawyers are committed to providing our clients with a personalized experience catered to their unique needs.
What to Do Following a Car Accident in Santa Monica
No one plans on being in a car accident, and the aftermath can be confusing and stressful. However, the moments following a car accident can be critical to your safety and serve as essential evidence for a car accident claim. The following steps are essential to keep you safe and to build the most substantial claim possible:
Call 911
Immediately after an accident, it is essential to call 911. Contacting emergency services can get a much-needed ambulance to the injured and call the police to the scene of the accident. Police reports are vital evidence for car accident claims as they provide a detailed account of events that may establish the other driver’s negligence.
Take Photographic Evidence
When the scene is safe, it is in your best interest to take pictures of the accident. Photos of any damage to your car and your injuries at the time of the accident can be used as evidence in your claim.
Talk to Witnesses and Get Their Contact Information
If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information and their description of what they saw. In addition to the police report and any photos, witness testimony can be crucial evidence for your claim.
Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
After being involved in a car accident, you should seek medical care as soon as you can. While many injuries may not seem severe at the time of the accident, they could worsen drastically if left untreated.
Typical Causes of Car Accidents in Santa Monica, California
While no two car accidents are the same, many can be caused by similar negligent acts. Some common causes of car accidents in Santa Monica include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Street racing
- Tailgating
This is by no means an exhaustive list and many unique circumstances could lead to an accident. If another person’s negligence caused the accident, you could be compensated through a car accident claim. Your lawyer will take the time to get to know you and your case to ensure you collect the total amount of compensation that you are owed.
Damages You May Be Entitled to after a Car Accident in Santa Monica
Recovering from physical and emotional injuries suffered in a car accident can be financially debilitating. If your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence, you should not have to foot the bill for your recovery. Some damages you may be awarded through a car accident claim include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
If you are unsure which damages you should seek, an experienced car accident attorney can help. Your lawyer will review your case and work with you to ensure you can collect the maximum amount of compensation available.
What Is the Legal Process For a Car Accident Claim?
The legal process for a car accident claim will be straightforward in cases where you have a lawyer to assist you, especially if you retain legal assistance as soon as possible. In general, you will file a claim with the appropriate insurance policy and submit helpful information that increases the compensation you qualify for.
During this time, you will likely go over as many details as possible with your attorney, allowing them to understand your situation and needs better. This will also let your lawyer ask for clarification, provide answers to your questions, and recommend helpful strategies to exercise while you wait.
After filing your claims, it’s best to consult your legal representative before submitting additional information or accepting a settlement offer. Your lawyer can help you ensure you get the compensation you qualify for and avoid potential risks or consequences.
If the settlement is unacceptable or your case goes to trial, your lawyer will be able to assist you in several other ways as well. Your attorney can serve to level the playing field against other representatives, hold the insurance companies accountable for what they owe, and generally reduce stress during any challenges associated with your legal matters.
What Is the Time Frame For a Car Accident Claim?
In California, involved parties are required to file a police or crash report within 10 days of the incident. This means that you may need to take action relatively quickly, at least in these initial stages after the accident. However, the statute of limitations to take legal action after a car accident is two years, giving you much more flexibility to handle your case as you are able.
Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you have been in a car accident, we strongly encourage you to work with a lawyer for assistance. While no one will be forced to work with a lawyer, self-representation is extremely risky and could result in less-than-ideal compensation. Your car accident lawyer can help ensure you receive favorable results and give you more freedom to focus on your recovery. Your attorney can support you through each step, prepare you for difficult decisions, and treat you with care and compassion, allowing you to navigate the legal system with confidence.
We recommend you get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible to improve your odds of legal success even further, as this will help you receive beneficial results. Giving your attorney sufficient time will help them familiarize themselves with your needs and circumstances, collect and analyze evidence, join or lead investigations, and build arguments in your favor.
Contact a Premier Santa Monica Car Accident Attorney at Setareh Law
Following a car accident in Santa Monica, it is crucial to remember you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. At Setareh Law, our lawyers have dedicated their careers to helping car accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our award-winning personal injury attorneys have over 13 years of experience and have a proven track record of achieving the best possible resolutions for their clients in Santa Monica and the neighboring areas. To get started and schedule a free consultation, complete our contact form or call us at (310) 659-1826 today. We also speak Spanish.
Setareh Law, APLC
