If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident you may be considering hiring an attorney, and wondering how they would be able to help. California is a fault state, meaning that the driver determined to be at fault for the accident will bear the responsibility of paying damages to the other involved parties. If you are found to be at fault your insurance will have to cover medical expenses, property damage costs, lost wages, and more. If you don’t have insurance or if your provider doesn’t cover the total costs then you will be obligated to cover the remaining costs. If you need representation, reach out to a San Mateo County, California Car Accident Lawyer to help navigate the legal process.
What Will My Car Accident Attorney Do For Me?
There are a plethora of responsibilities that an attorney will be able to take care of for you, should you hire a car accident lawyer.
- The biggest reason to hire a lawyer will be for their legal experience. They are experienced and will be able to examine and analyze your case to determine what the best course of action will be. They will be able to more accurately gauge the strengths of your case and may help get you more compensation and a fairer settlement than if you were to represent yourself.
In most states, including California, there is a statute of limitations to abide by. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the compensation you rightfully deserve because of a missed deadline. Hiring an experienced lawyer means they will understand and keep track of time constraints and filings so that you will have the best chance of settling the case favorably.
Your lawyer will be your biggest champion throughout the legal process. If you filed an initial claim on your own and it was denied, it is not the end of the road. You still may be entitled to compensation. Your attorney will be able to investigate why your claim was denied and review your case to determine what additional evidence or information is needed to get you the settlement you deserve.
In general, a lawyer can organize details of the case including medical records, bills, and evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and negotiate for a suitable deal.
Can I Handle an Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?
Though you can technically file a personal injury claim without an attorney, we wouldn’t recommend doing so. Lawyers are experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and are familiar with the tactics they use to minimize accident victims’ injuries.
It can be overwhelming to take on this task on your own, which is why it is recommended that you hire an experienced lawyer to take on the responsibility for you and ensure you get the fair fight you deserve.
