Client shaking hands with personal injury attorney

When Should You Hire a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney?

If you were involved in a car accident, you’re likely dealing with medical appointments, trips to the body shop, and calls to your insurance company. In addition, you’re probably still healing from the trauma. Although consulting with an attorney may seem like an extra burden, a car crash lawyer can take a lot of weight off of your shoulders during these difficult times. 

Hiring an attorney can be an excellent resource for gathering evidence, investigating your accident, proving negligence, and negotiating with insurance companies. A car crash lawyer can give you much-needed peace of mind while you focus on physical and emotional recovery following an accident.

Is an attorney always necessary after a car crash?

After a car accident, your first step should be to assess any damage to your body and vehicle.

If you were involved in a fender bender that resulted in minor property damage and no injuries, you might be able to handle the situation without legal representation. You can generally resolve less serious car accidents directly through insurance companies, but not every case is the same.

Suppose your accident was more severe and resulted in damage to your car or your body. In that case, you’ll likely want to consult with an attorney to review your claim and discuss your options.

What an Attorney Can Do For You

A dedicated personal injury lawyer will decide how to proceed after reviewing the following:

  • Medical records
  • Insurance documents
  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Evidence from the car crash

Many times, insurance companies are unwilling to pay for the damages you suffered or will offer a low settlement amount. An attorney can help renegotiate your claim and obtain a higher settlement when insurers try to lowball you.

Situations that Will Likely Require an Attorney

Additional circumstances following a car crash may be out of your control and will require the assistance of an attorney. Some of these situations include:

  • The party at fault was not insured
  • You feel pressured by an insurance company to accept a settlement
  • The statute of limitations is close to expiring 
  • Another lawyer contacts you to settle the claim
  • There is a dispute between you and the other driver
  • You lost work or wages as a result of the crash

When you’re unsure what to do, a legal consultation can help answer any questions and point you in the right direction. 

In California, the law is on your side regarding car crashes. When a negligent driver is responsible for any damages, you have the legal right to pursue a claim and recover your losses. A car crash attorney will work with you to establish liability and seek maximum compensation. 

How a Car Crash Attorney Can Fight for You

When you seek the assistance of a car crash attorney, they’ll thoroughly review your case and work to obtain results in your favor, whether it’s through negotiation, mediation, or in the courts. 

A car crash attorney can help in the following ways:

  • Oversee the initial claim
  • Negotiate with insurance companies
  • Hire traffic experts and accident reconstructionists
  • Interview witnesses 
  • File and serve the appropriate legal documents 
  • Litigate your case in court

Depending on the nature of the accident, some of the damages that a car crash attorney can help recover include:

  • Hospital bills
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Lost income 
  • Future impairment
  • Permanent disability
  • Scarring and disfigurement

Contact Our Office Today

Even minor car crashes have the potential to become complex legal battles. Hiring an attorney is the first step in holding the responsible party accountable for the damages you’ve suffered. Saeedian Law Group represents personal injury cases throughout Los Angeles, CA. Contact us today for a free consultation.