At The Law Office of Shawn Golshani | Shawn Gol Law, P.C., our personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who handles auto accidents can provide answers to some of the most common questions. To get more specific information about your auto accident in California, you can contact us at (310) 900-0809 to schedule a Free Case Evaluation.
What Types of Auto Accidents Are There?
The types of auto accidents are the same pretty much anywhere, and they include single car accidents or collisions between other vehicles, people, property, or animals.
- Single auto accident
- Multi-car accident
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Hit and run accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Public transit accidents
- Wildlife-vehicle collisions
- Car accidents involving pets
- Car accidents involving children
How Do I Get Compensation for an Auto Accident in California?
One of the main things that accident victims have to worry about is being fairly compensated for their injuries. There are two main ways that this can happen, and each has its respective pros and cons.
Settlement
In an auto accident, resolving a case in a settlement means accepting the amount of money that an insurance company offers. One of the main benefits of handling a case this way is that it will typically end a case much quicker than going through the court system. In addition, a client and their attorney have a good deal of power during this process–they can negotiate until they get the amount they want and reject any settlement that isn't acceptable.
Going to Court
If a victim doesn't receive a fair settlement offer, they may file a lawsuit to try to get their compensation. Lawsuits can take much longer, and there is no guarantee that a court will side with you.
After a Car Collision in California, Who Do I Sue?
There are different parties who might be liable for your injuries, and ultimately it will depend on the facts of your specific case. An lawyer will be able to help determine who the appropriate entity to seek compensation from.
If the other driver was driving under the influence or failing to obey the rules of the road, they could potentially be held liable. Additionally, a car manufacturer could be held liable if their car malfunctioned, and in some cases, a government entity could even be held liable if the conditions on the road are what causes a crash. It all depends.
Should I Release Medical Records to Another Driver's Insurance Adjuster?
Generally, it is important to remember that the other insurance adjuster involved in the case has an interest to pay you as little as possible. They may ultimately want to see your records pertaining to your accident. If records are not necessary, but the insurance company receives them, they may use the health information against you.
Further, your own insurer has its own company as its priority, too, and so it also has an interest to prevent a payout. This is especially true when you need to file a first-party claim against your own insurance such as in an uninsured motorist claim or an underinsured motorist claim.
How Much Money Can I Get from an Auto Accident Claim?
This is a very popular question -- everyone wants to know how much they could get from their auto accident claim in California. Unfortunately, one answer to this question does not exist. Any settlement or jury award will be based on the unique facts and circumstances of your case. Settlements can range.
If I Don't Feel Hurt after an Auto Accident, Do I Have to See a Doctor?
Certain injuries might not present symptoms immediately after an accident, and getting to a medical professional can catch those injuries. In addition, an opposing attorney or insurance adjuster might try to argue that a delay in seeking medical treatment means that a victim's injuries were not actually from the accident. Going to the doctor after an accident can defend against these kinds of arguments.
What Should I Do after an Auto Accident in Los Angeles?
First and foremost, you can contact emergency services and you can seek medical attention. But you also may want to:
- Exchange information with the other parties to the accident, which includes names, insurance, driver's license, phone numbers.
- Gather evidence, like pictures and video of the scene, the surrounding location, the vehicles, property damage, injuries (if any).
- Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses.
- Consult with an attorney so that you can obtain a good understanding of whether you have a compensable case and how to go about pursuing it.
What Should I Not Do After an Auto Accident in Los Angeles?
In juxtaposition to what you should do if in a car collision, here is what you should not do.
- You should never leave the scene of an accident. If you immediately leave a scene, especially when someone is injured, it can be a hit and run, which can be a criminal offense.
- Do not forget to exchange information. Try not to let fear or anxiety get the best of you. You can obtain contact and insurance information from the other party involved in the collision. Insurance can be critical to recovery of compensation.
- Do not underestimate your injuries. Some injuries are delayed (like whiplash) while other injuries may not seem serious (like bruising as there may be internal bleeding). You can get checked by a doctor.
- Do not assume total fault. The other party may have contributed in some way, too. In comparative negligence states, you can still recover in some.
How Much Does an Auto Accident Attorney in California Cost?
Here's another question where everyone wants to know how much they will have to pay -- many people are reluctant because they are already financially vulnerable and hiring an attorney without the assurances of winning is a scary matter. One thing to consider is if an attorney takes the case on a contingency basis, then there attorney would receive a fee from the winning settlement.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer in California Today
If you've been in an auto accident, contact our personal injury attorney at The Law Office of Shawn Golshani | Shawn Gol Law, P.C. today for a Free Case Evaluation. We can answer your questions. Call 3109000809 today or fill out our online form today.