In a city of more than four million people, it often comes as little surprise when you drive by an accident on the roads in Los Angeles. Rush hour in both the morning and the evening produces a lot of traffic, and drivers might become frustrated during this time and, therefore, more aggressive when attempting to move faster than the rest of the cars around them. For this reason, car accidents are a daily occurrence. If you are involved in a car accident and believe that another party was at fault, it is advisable to speak with an experienced car accident attorney near Los Angeles as soon as you can.
A car accident can be a scary and frustrating experience, especially for those who are dealing with an injury in the aftermath of the accident. There are several common questions that come up when someone is involved in a car accident.
When should I get an attorney for a car accident?
Although it is not required to hire an attorney after you have been involved in a car accident, it is highly advisable to do so. Call an auto accident attorney near Los Angeles to learn about your options. There are many different ways that an attorney can help in the event of an accident. When you are injured, it can be especially challenging to manage the claims process. An attorney can help to:
- Outline the potential settlement value by totaling the damages caused by the accident. Car accident costs could include medical bills, lost wages due to time missed at work, future medical expenses, damages to your vehicle, and more.
- Speak with the insurance companies so that you don’t have to. Many insurance companies will attempt to capture a statement that contradicts the accident report in order to reduce the amount of compensation they have to offer. Your attorney can deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to worry about this.
- Help you through the legal process so that you don’t need to be concerned with the details. The legal process can be complicated, and when you are already attempting to focus on recovering from an injury, it can be difficult to try to figure out how to manage the accident claims process.
How long do I have to hire an attorney after a car accident?
In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations for those who have been involved in a car accident and sustained an injury. This means that you must file a claim within two years of the date of the accident—otherwise, the courts will not acknowledge your claim. Although two years might seem like a long time, the legal process can be delayed and drawn out. In addition to this, the longer you wait to speak with an attorney after an accident, the more difficult it can be to find evidence—including witnesses—to support your claim. For this reason, it is a good idea to contact an auto accident attorney near Los Angeles as soon as possible after your accident.
What is the usual attorney fee for a car accident in California?
Attorney fees will vary depending on the firm that you decide to work with. Typically, in a personal injury case, you will receive a free initial consultation in order to outline the details of your case. During this time, your attorney can help determine if there is a potential liability claim and explain their fee structure, which should be contingent on the outcome of your case.
How long will it take to get a settlement from a car accident once an attorney files with an insurance company?
Every personal injury claim is different. In some cases, it is possible to receive a settlement within weeks after your attorney files with the insurance company. In other cases, it can take months or years. Working with an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer will give you the best chance of receiving a settlement in a timely manner.
Contact a car accident lawyer right away
If you have been involved in a car accident in the Los Angeles area, it can be challenging to know what steps to take to protect yourself and advocate for your rights to just compensation. On top of dealing with the aftermath of a serious injury, it is common to receive calls from insurance agents who are attempting to collect a statement that might help them reduce the value of your settlement. This is a lot for any one person to manage, especially when you are attempting to focus on recovering and regaining a normal life again.
At Blair & Ramirez LLP, our team is dedicated to helping our clients receive the maximum compensation in the event of a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence. Call us today at (213) 568-4000 to schedule an initial consultation, or contact us online to learn more about our process and how we can help.