Wondering what to do after being in a car accident in Los Angeles? Knowing California’s rules is crucial for the state of your case.
If you’ve never been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering what legal rights you have to file a claim against the other driver if they were at fault. You might also wonder what to do about your insurance and how much coverage you are eligible for.
Here is your guide for what to do after being involved in a car accident in Los Angeles.
California’s Comparative Negligence Law
Under California’s Comparative Negligence Law, even if you were partially to blame for the accident, you are still eligible to receive some compensation. However, being involved in the accident will reduce how much you walk away with.
This means that when you file a claim with your insurance company to receive financial help, they will investigate your claim and participation in the accident to determine how much, or how little, to give you.
While this rule can seem unfair in some circumstances, it can come in handy when you accidentally cause an accident.
Anytime you feel that you are being treated unfairly and are being shortchanged during the claim process, hire an experienced Los Angeles Car Accident attorney to help.
Reporting Your Accident
California has a certain statute of limitations in place for civilians who are involved in accidents and reporting it. Making the initial report is the first step in your case.
You should call law enforcement any time you are involved in an accident, so they file an official report. If you are involved in an accident where someone, unfortunately, passes away as a result, you have 24 hours to file a written report to the California Highway Patrol or police department.
The time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver is two years from the accident.
How Are You Financially Assisted After An Accident?
To receive financial assistance after your accident, you should file a claim with your insurance company right away.
It takes a few weeks to a month to receive your financial settlement offer since the insurance company has to investigate the claim, car, medical records, and a myriad of other things to determine how much to offer.
Unlike other states that use the comparative negligence or no-fault rule, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the other driver if you choose. Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver is another way to seek extra compensation to help cover car damages or medical bills.
When you find the right lawyer to work with for your case, your attorney will likely advise you to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The term “personal injury” refers to the harm or injury an individual has suffered from another’s negligence. If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, your lawyer or their paralegal will be responsible for drafting up the papers to serve.
Through the process of your lawsuit, the defendant might decide to reach a settlement where they offer to pay the plaintiff a certain amount. If there is no settlement reached, the case will make it to trial, where the jury will become responsible for divvying out the financial reward to the plaintiff. However, since California has the comparative negligence rule, it could come out in court that you are partially responsible, and the jury will lessen the total amount.
Find a Great Lawyer to Help
Civilians have the option to try and sue another individual themselves, but it oftentimes does not result in the success they want. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced attorney.
Attorneys area great investment to have the outcome of your case that you want. Not only can they help you seek the extra compensation from your lawsuits, but they can also negotiate with your insurance company to get you a higher settlement.
Lawyers are experts in understanding the rules and regulations of a car accident in California and California’s statute of limitations. You can get a lot of beneficial help and information while working with a lawyer, such as how much you can expect to receive from a settlement in court or what to do after your insurance company makes an offer.
If you’re ready to hire a skilled attorney, look to Los Angeles Injury Lawyers. Call us today to get started.