California has nearly 40 million residents, making it the most populous state in the United States of America. There are also more licensed drivers in California than in any other state, with recent statistics showing over 28 million. On top of that, hundreds of millions of Americans from outside the state visit California each year, many of whom drive there.
As a result, there are at least 200,000 car accidents in California per year. Most of the accidents are due to speeding and intoxication, resulting in property damage, personal injury, and even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 42,795 people died in vehicle crashes in 2022 alone. Those who survive car accidents often incur high repair costs and hospital bills. This financial burden only adds more stress and anxiety to an already traumatizing situation.
What To Do After a Car Accident
Have you suffered a car accident in Los Angeles, California? The first thing to do is remain calm and not panic. The next step is to call 9-1-1 or the Los Angeles Police Department to report the accident. If you notice that you have suffered a personal injury, it is better to call 9-1-1 for emergency medical attention. They will send an ambulance to transport you to the nearest hospital for treatment.
If you are well enough to get out of the vehicle and stand on your own, try to gather as much evidence from the accident scene as you can. For instance, try to ask the other driver involved in the accident for their contact and insurance information (assuming they are well enough to provide it). It would also help to take photos of the accident scene and to ask nearby witnesses for statements about what they saw.
When the police officers arrive, please give them your full cooperation at every step. After that, you’ll want to obtain a copy of the police report and seek legal guidance from a qualified car accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
What NOT to Do After a Car Accident
Never leave the scene of an accident until you have called the police and notified them of the situation. You should also wait until you have exchanged information with the other individuals involved in the accident. If you leave the scene before doing both of these things, you may be seen as the at-fault driver by insurance companies and the courts.
You should also never admit fault to the police or anyone else, even if you think you’re more responsible for the accident than the other driver. Car accidents are often complex situations, which is why you should always gather evidence from the scene before leaving to help prove the other driver’s level of fault. Otherwise, admitting fault at the scene or failing to gather evidence may be used against you when attempting to seek compensation for your injuries or property damage later.
Most importantly, never file a car accident claim without seeking representation from a qualified car accident lawyer. Even if it is a minor accident with minimal injuries, it is still a good idea to request a free consultation with a lawyer to learn about your legal rights in the matter.
The Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident victims have the legal right to seek fair compensation and justice for their injuries. However, you need a licensed and experienced car accident lawyer to represent you when pursuing a personal injury claim against the other parties involved in the accident.
A car accident lawyer offers victims the following benefits when representing them:
1) Guidance from Legal Experts
A car accident lawyer specializes in personal injury cases arising from car accidents. They can explain your legal rights under the law and guide you through every step of the process by answering your questions and representing you in all legal proceedings. You will never be alone through the process.
2) Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are notorious for denying claims or paying as little as possible. They assume car accident victims don’t understand their legal rights unless a licensed and qualified lawyer represents them.
A car accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation allowed under the law. Insurance companies are much more willing to settle claims when victims have legal representation.
3) No Upfront Costs
Some law firms, such as Jacoby & Meyers Injury Lawyers, don’t require clients to pay upfront. You only pay when the lawyers help you win compensation for your injuries. That means you have nothing to lose by seeking representation for skilled legal professionals.
4) The Ability to Focus on Your Recovery
The last thing you’ll want to worry about is managing your medical bills, lost wages, and civil case when you’re still recovering from your injuries. When you hire a car accident lawyer, you can let them worry about seeking compensation on your behalf for all the financial and personal damage incurred from the accident. Meanwhile, you can focus entirely on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Compensation Can I Receive?
You may seek economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages if the other party involved in the accident is more at fault for causing it than you. Your lawyer will help you justify the settlement amount you wish to seek by providing evidence of the damages you suffered.
- Economic damages are financial losses you suffered from your injuries, such as medical bills and lost wages.
- Non-economic damages are the emotional turmoil, trauma, and other pain & suffering sustained from the accident.
- Punitive damages are additional compensation paid to you if the court determines the other party was intentional or reckless in their actions.
How do you determine the value of my car accident claim?
The value depends on the details of the accident, the severity of the personal injuries & property damage, and the overall impact the accident has on your everyday life. A qualified car accident lawyer will evaluate all these details and supporting evidence to come up with a realistic value for your car accident claim.
Who is liable for a car accident?
The negligent driver who causes a car accident is usually the one at fault. If their careless actions behind the wheel caused the accident, such as speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, or fatigue, then they will be the ones liable for it.
However, there are cases in which multiple parties are held liable for a car accident. They will file claims against each other, accusing one another of being at fault. In these cases, you will definitely want a car accident lawyer on your side to prove the other driver was more at fault.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a car accident lawyer?
Bring all the supporting evidence you have regarding your car accident, such as medical records, insurance information, police reports, photos, witness statements, etc. The more evidence you can provide the lawyer, the better chance they will have of proving the other driver’s fault and seeking the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers?
The car accident and personal injury attorneys of Jacoby & Meyers have recovered more than $2 billion in damages for clients who have suffered personal injuries or the wrongful deaths of their family members. Jacoby & Meyers prioritizes their clients’ needs in every case without charging upfront fees.
Call the law firm at 800-500-0000 for a free consultation at any time.
