Whether you need a lawyer for a car accident in Los Angeles is your call. However, keep in mind that the claims process can be confusing, especially if it's your first time going through the process.
A Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help ensure that your case is handled fairly and professionally on your behalf. They can protect your rights and work to ensure you get a fair settlement for your injuries and other damages.
How a Lawyer Can Help You After a Car Accident in Los Angeles
You may sustain serious injuries and want to seek compensation against the at-fault party or parties. After getting an injury in a car accident, you'll likely suffer physical and emotional pain through the entire treatment process.
A car accident attorney can help you recover total compensation for your damages while you recuperate from your injuries. In doing so, they will:
- Obtain the police report with details showing how the accident occurred
- Speak with witnesses to get their testimonies
- Use the help of expert witness statements and accident reconstruction specialists
- Liaise with your doctor to get all your medical records
- Determine if any other at-fault parties share responsibility for your injuries
- Negotiate a settlement based on your losses
- File a lawsuit against the negligent party, if necessary
Filing a claim with your insurance carrier could resolve financial issues concerning your policy, but it may not be in your best interest, especially if the other driver or a third party, such as a government entity responsible for road maintenance, is liable for the accident. A car accident lawyer working on your case can help you secure a favorable settlement by exploring all legal avenues for compensation.
How do I Prove Negligence in a Car Accident?
Another person's negligence usually causes car accidents in many cases. Your lawyer can help you prove negligence by establishing that these four elements were present in your case:
- Duty of care: The first step is proving that the other party had a duty of care toward you. Almost everyone has a duty of care toward other people. For example, drivers have a duty of care to other drivers and passengers on the road. Proving that the other person had a duty of care to you is usually not difficult.
- Breach of duty of care: You must prove that the other person breached their duty of care. A typical example is if they were driving while drunk or distracted by their phone.
- Causation: You must prove that your injuries and other damages were caused by the other person's breach of their duty of care. You'll need evidence such as the police report, photos and videos from the accident scene, and witness statements to prove this element.
- Damages: This element covers everything you're seeking compensation for, including medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. You have to provide evidence (like medical bills) showing how much money in damages you're requesting and why the amount is reasonable.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
When you're involved in a car accident, whether you're at fault or not, we recommend taking the following steps immediately to protect your rights:
- Stop your car and turn off the ignition.
- Check for injuries and, if possible, perform first aid for minor injuries before help arrives.
- Check for damages on your car and other property at the crash scene.
- Move your vehicle to a safe place if it's causing an obstruction or in danger of being hit again,
- Call 911 if there are any injuries or if there is extensive property damage (any crash that results in damages exceeding $1000)
- Remain calm, and be polite when speaking with emergency personnel and the other driver.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, insurance companies, agent names, policy numbers, license plate numbers, and driver's license numbers.
Contact Dolman Law Group for Legal Assistance After a Car Crash
Whether you're a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist involved in a car accident, the chances are that you may suffer minor or severe injuries or property damage. As a victim, you should consider consulting a car accident attorney in Los Angeles before filing a claim.
Whether you're at fault or someone else caused the accident, a lawyer with Dolman Law Group can help. We'll guide you on the next course of action to get the deserving compensation. Call us today for a free case review.