When meeting with a car accident lawyer Los Angeles, CA residents trust from Cohen Injury Law Group, P.C., it is normal to have plenty of questions. You may be wondering what the laws are for California, what a lawyer can do for you, what you are entitled to in compensation as a victim, and so much more. Consider the information provided below and consider contacting our team today for a free consultation, so you can understand your options moving forward.
Why Hire Cohen Injury Law Group, P.C. for Your Car Accident Claim?
When dealing with a personal injury accident, you need qualified assistance in order to yield maximum compensation for what you went through. Not all law firms are the same, so choosing your legal team wisely can make the difference between a successful case and not getting as much restitution as you deserve. Trust us when we say that we have got your back, and are not afraid to fight relentlessly for people who have been unfairly injured due to another’s negligence.
For car accidents, the focus will be on which driver is to blame. We have seen victims be unjustly blamed for a car accident that they didn’t cause and without a good Los Angeles car accident lawyer on their side, they tend to lose money that they shouldn’t have. You deserve compensation for your injuries, property damage, loss of wages, and other ways that your life has been adversely affected.
If you or someone you love was recently the victim in a serious car crash, and now face substantial loss, then we urge you to reach out today. At the very least, we can give you a consultation so you can understand what your options are, and then decide for yourself whether you want legal support. Keep in mind that most people find having a lawyer enables them to focus on their recovery, as we handle the most challenging aspects for you. We offer protection while you prioritize your health and family.
Car Accident Cases We Handle
When someone decides to get in the driver’s seat of a vehicle and operate it recklessly, they deserve to be held accountable for their actions.
Everyday a Los Angeles car accident lawyer who community members depend on for their case witnesses people zooming around and not watching out for the safety of others. Despite how busy our society is, there is no excuse for injuring someone.
There is no destination we need to be at that badly to where causing an accident along the way is warranted. And the irony is, if someone does cause an accident because they were in a hurry, they are really just slowing down their day and probably won’t get where they need to be anyway. But because of their ferocity, serious and tragic collisions can occur. There are several types of motor vehicle accidents that we can help people with, including:
- Truck accidents
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Electric scooter accidents
- Boat accidents
- And more
Victims of car accidents, and others, may have their lives completely turned upside down because another person chose to be reckless that day. We understand what you may be up against, and want to be there for you and your family during this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer from our law office for a consultation, if just to learn about what your options are moving forward and how to seek restitution from the person at-fault if you choose to do so.
How Can a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Help?
There are many ways that a lawyer can be helpful during this time. If you got seriously hurt in a car collision, you may be wondering if you should consult with a lawyer or not. While you are not obligated to obtain legal counsel, it certainly is in your best interest to do so.
Firstly, a lawyer will know the true value of your case. Most people don’t have a legal background, so they may not know how much they should fight for in their case. You may assume that you will only get repayment for lost wages and medical bills, when in fact, you may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
Secondly, another reason to hire a lawyer is so that you have someone to protect you from insurance companies and their adjusters. When a negligent driver’s insurance contacts you after the incident, they may seem concerned for your health. However, you must be aware that insurance companies want to reduce your claim and force you to accept a settlement offer that is much too low compared to how much you deserve. But without having a Los Angeles car accident lawyer who victims trust to inform you of this, you may get taken advantage of for not knowing how much you are actually entitled to receive.
There are so many other ways that a lawyer can help you during this time. Your lawyer can advocate for you, protect you, is motivated to win your case, can represent you in court, allow you to focus on your health, handle paperwork for you, and more.
Common Car Accident Injuries
When a car accident happens, there are several ways that the human body can get injured. One of the most common conditions is called whiplash, where the neck was jolted forward and backward suddenly and rapidly, past its normal extension. This can lead to inflammation and damage of the upper neck spinal vertebrae.
Even a collision going as little as 15 MPH can be enough to cause a minor whiplash in the driver and/or passengers. So if you were in a serious accident it’s important to consider whether you sustained whiplash, and seek medical attention promptly for treatment. Other common injuries often associated with car accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Cuts, bruises, wounds
- Traumatic head injury
- Crushed extremities
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Facial and dental injury
- Mental anguish
If you suspect that you may be injured after an accident, you must seek treatment right away. If you delay in getting care, it can hinder your chances at receiving fair compensation. By getting medical care shortly after the accident, it shows that your injuries were serious enough to warrant a doctor. As a car accident lawyer Los Angeles, CA victims trust from Cohen Injury Law Group, P.C. would suggest, be sure to get copies of medical documentation as an element of evidence for your case.
9 Reasons To Hire A Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
Whether or not you need to hire a Los Angeles car accident lawyer depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Here are some factors to consider:
- Severity of Injuries: If you or anyone involved in the accident suffered serious injuries, it’s generally a good idea to consult with a car accident lawyer. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive appropriate compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
- Liability Disputes: If there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident, an attorney can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to establish liability.
- Insurance Issues: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex and challenging. A lawyer can assist in negotiating with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Complex Legal Issues: Some car accidents involve complex legal issues, such as multiple parties at fault, government entities, or defective auto parts. An attorney with experience in handling such cases can be invaluable.
- Long-Term or Permanent Injuries: If your injuries are long-term or permanent, you may require ongoing medical care and compensation for future medical expenses and lost earning capacity. An attorney can help calculate these future damages and pursue a claim accordingly.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one died in the car accident, you may have a wrongful death claim. An attorney can help you seek justice on behalf of your deceased family member.
- Time Limitations: Statutes of limitations vary by state and can affect your ability to file a lawsuit. Consulting with an attorney early ensures you don’t miss any deadlines.
- Settlement Offers: Before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company, it’s advisable to have an attorney review it to ensure it’s fair and covers all your damages.
- Stress and Complexity: Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and complex. An attorney can handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
It’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer for a personalized assessment of your situation. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations, during which they can evaluate your case and advise you on whether hiring an attorney is in your best interest. Ultimately, the decision to hire a lawyer will depend on the specific details of your accident and your individual needs and priorities.
California Car Accident Laws
California is considered a comparative fault state. What this means is that if a plaintiff contributed to the car accident by any degree, then their compensation amount is reduced by this percentage at-fault. Keep in mind that even if the collision was not your fault, you could be found to share liability, even in a small percentage.
As our lawyer can explain, if the driver was tailgating someone else and a crash ensued between the two, and then you crashed into the driver that was tailgating, it may be decided that you could have given more space on the road and allowed yourself enough time to maneuver out of the way. This doesn’t mean that you should readily accept blame to any degree, as insurance companies may go to great lengths to reduce a person’s settlement award.
If you have been unfairly blamed for an accident you had no part in causing, then you may need a Los Angeles car accident lawyer you can rely on to intervene and protect you. We can perform our own investigation of the accident and speak with insurance companies for you, so that you are not taken advantage of for not knowing California car accident laws. We can be that source of information you need.
Questions you should ask a Los Angeles auto accident lawyer before hiring them:
When hiring a Los Angeles auto accident lawyer, it’s essential to ask a series of questions to ensure you’re making an informed decision. Here are some questions to consider:
- What is your experience in handling auto accident cases in Los Angeles? Look for an attorney with a track record of successfully handling cases similar to yours.
- Are you licensed to practice law in California, specifically in Los Angeles County? Ensure that the attorney is licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction where your accident occurred.
- Have you handled cases involving the specific type of accident or injuries I’ve suffered? Different accidents and injuries may have unique legal considerations, so it’s crucial to choose a lawyer with relevant experience.
- Can you provide references from past clients or case results as examples? This can help you assess the attorney’s success rate and reputation.
- How do you charge for your services, and what are the fees? Discuss the attorney’s fee structure, whether they work on a contingency basis (meaning they only get paid if you win your case) or charge hourly rates. Make sure you understand all potential costs.
- What is the estimated timeline for my case? Ask about the expected duration of your case and any factors that may affect the timeline.
- How will you communicate with me and keep me updated on the progress of my case? Clarify how often the attorney will provide updates and how you can reach them with questions or concerns.
- Can you explain the legal process and what I can expect at each stage? Understanding the process can help manage your expectations and reduce anxiety.
- What is your approach to negotiating with insurance companies? Learn about the attorney’s strategy for dealing with insurance companies and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
- How will you handle the investigation of my case, including gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses? Ensure that the attorney is proactive in collecting evidence to support your claim.
- What is your assessment of my case’s strengths and weaknesses? Get an honest evaluation of your case, including potential challenges and risks.
- Can you provide me with a written agreement or contract detailing our attorney-client relationship? Make sure you have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of your legal representation.
- Do you have any special affiliations or memberships in professional organizations related to personal injury law? Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice can indicate a commitment to staying up-to-date with developments in personal injury law.
- How can I reach you in case of emergencies or urgent matters? Know the attorney’s emergency contact information in case you need immediate assistance.
- Have you ever been disciplined or faced malpractice claims? Inquire about the attorney’s professional history to ensure there are no red flags.
Asking these questions can help you assess the qualifications, experience, and compatibility of a Los Angeles auto accident lawyer before making your hiring decision. It’s essential to feel confident in your choice of legal representation to pursue your personal injury claim effectively.
Compensation for Car Accident Victims in California
There are economic and non-economic damages that a victim may recover in a personal injury lawsuit. Economic damages are calculated by the actual costs to repay the plaintiff for costs they incurred due to the accident happening.
Examples of economic damages include lost wages, lost future earnings, property repair, property replacement, rehabilitation, talk therapy, assistive medical devices, medical treatment, prescription medications, and more.
Examples of non-economic damages can include restitution for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, limb loss or disfigurement, inconvenience, insomnia, anxiety, shock, grief, and emotional distress.
When meeting with your lawyer, be fully transparent about how your life and mental health has been adversely affected because of the car accident. We need to know so that we can accurately calculate a potential monetary award for you that truly compensates for every way you were injured. What we then do is work to gather evidence that supports your injury claims. Without reliable evidence, it can hinder how much you are given in compensation for what you went through.
Depending on the factors of the car accident, we may need to do further investigation in order to obtain the evidence needed to strengthen your case. Medical documents, witness statements, photographs and video, street camera footage, among others, can be influential to a claim outcome.
For a free consultation with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer, call us at Cohen Injury Law Group, P.C. as soon as possible.