When Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles? 2024
Los Angeles is well-known for having busy, often dangerous roads. Whether you recently were involved in a crash or your loved one was harmed in one, you might find yourself asking, “When should I hire a car accident attorney in Los Angeles?” While not every accident requires the help of a lawyer, working with one can make an immense difference in the outcome of your case. Experienced lawyers can protect your rights and advocate for the compensation you’re owed.
When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles?
A car accident can be a traumatic experience for anyone involved. No matter how mild or severe the injuries and damages may be, it’s essential that you work with a lawyer when you want to take legal action. The following are just a few instances where you should consider hiring a car accident attorney in Los Angeles:
- When You’ve Been Seriously HurtIf you were seriously injured in a car accident that you did not cause, you should contact a lawyer immediately. Serious injuries often require intense medical care, long recovery periods, and, in some cases, lifelong disability. The costs can be too much to handle on your own, especially when lost wages are factored in. A skilled car accident lawyer can help you determine the proper amount of compensation to fight for and ensure it represents your injuries.
- When There Is a Question of LiabilityIn some car crashes, it’s easy to figure out who was at fault. However, people frequently fail to agree on who is responsible for an accident after it occurred, ultimately causing issues for those looking for compensation.
If you believe the other person involved in the crash was at fault and their insurance company denies it, you will need to gather proof to support your position. To build a strong case, an attorney can look into the accident, get statements from witnesses, acquire police records, and work with professionals like accident reconstruction professionals.
- When More Than One Person Is InvolvedWhen more than one car or person is involved in an accident, it can be hard to figure out who is responsible. When more than one person is hurt, each person may try to minimize their own responsibility and put the blame on others. In these situations, you need a professional who knows how to handle accidents involving more than one person so they can protect your interests.
A lawyer can help you sort through the proof, deal with multiple insurance companies, and make sure you don’t get unfairly blamed for other people’s actions. Aside from that, they can also make sure you get the money you are owed, even if you have more than one claim.
- When the Insurance Company Doesn’t Want to Help YouOne of the most stressful parts of a car accident can be dealing with the insurance company. Insurance agents often try to pay out as little as possible, and they may do things to make your claim worth less. However, an insurance company will know that you are serious about getting fair pay if you have a lawyer on your side. A car accident lawyer can talk to the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that the company doesn’t take advantage of you.
- When the Case Is Complex or Full of IssuesEvery car crash is different. Unfortunately, many accidents in Los Angeles come with complex legal matters that must be addressed alongside the incident. For example, when a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, a car demonstrates a dangerous defect, or a government employee is involved, all of these issues can result in additional legal matters to address during your car accident claim.
- When Someone Passes Away in the AccidentIf someone you care about died in a car accident in Los Angeles, no amount of money can really make up for it. An unjust death claim, on the other hand, can help your family with money issues and hold the person responsible accountable. Unjust death claims, more commonly known as wrongful death claims in California, allow a victim’s family member to file a claim on their deceased loved one’s behalf.
FAQs
Q: How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in California?
A: In California, car crash lawyers usually don’t get paid unless they win your case. This means that the client doesn’t pay the lawyer upfront. Instead, the lawyer gets paid a portion of the settlement or award. However, every lawyer uses different payment methods, and the amount they charge varies greatly from case to case. You should always discuss pricing with your lawyer to ensure you’re aware of the costs at hand.
Q: Do You Need a Lawyer After a Los Angeles Car Accident?
A: After a car accident in California, you might want to hire a lawyer if you were seriously hurt, if the other driver is disputing responsibility, or if your insurance company won’t work with you. Getting a lawyer early on in the process helps protect your rights, makes sure you get fair pay, and helps you deal with tricky situations. While a lawyer is not always legally required, having one on your side can help you immensely throughout your case.
Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?
A: In California, a car accident settlement depends on a number of variables, including the extent of injuries sustained, out-of-pocket medical costs, lost income, and property damage. Because every case is different, settlement amounts differ greatly. Minor accidents usually result in modest settlements, but cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability may yield larger amounts. A knowledgeable lawyer can work with you to optimize your settlement.
Q: How Much Can Someone Claim in a Car Accident Case in California?
A: In California, how much someone may claim after a car accident depends on a wide range of factors. This can include money to pay for medical bills, lost wages, emotional pain, and damage to property. In extreme circumstances, future hospital bills or lost wages can also be covered. Because every case varies so greatly, it’s important to work with a lawyer who can help you fight for the compensation amount you’re rightfully owed.
Contact Shaffer Law Today
Car accidents are traumatic experiences that can result in severe damage and injuries. If you have been involved in a car accident, Shaffer Law can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to take legal action. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer who cares.
Copyright©2024, Shaffer Law. All Rights Reserved.
Digital Marketing By 
