Being involved in a car accident can be terrifying.
The aftermath often adds additional stress as you are left fighting with the other driver’s insurance company to pay for your car repairs and injuries.
Fortunately, you have legal rights. Having a legal advocate on your side can make a world of difference.
If you sustained injuries in a car accident, contact a skilled car accident lawyer in Sherman Oaks, CA.
The attorneys at Starpoint Law provide the best legal representation for our clients.
Let us review your case if you are searching for a lawyer in Sherman Oaks for a car accident claim.
What to Do Following a Car Accident in Sherman Oaks
It’s crucial to know what happens after a car accident. You must take certain steps and be cautious about what you say at the accident scene.
Following a car accident in Sherman Oaks, you should:
- Contact the police to respond. If injuries are severe, you should request medical assistance.
- Always exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties.
- Get the contact information for any witnesses who are present.
- Take photos of the damage, skid marks, debris, and surrounding scene if you can do so safely.
- If you did not go to the emergency room from the accident scene, get checked out by a doctor right away. Be sure to follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Contact a skilled car accident lawyer in Sherman Oaks.
The other driver’s insurance company will likely try to dissuade you from hiring a lawyer in the early stages of your claim.
They hope you will agree to a recorded statement without legal representation. The adjuster is counting on you to say something they can use against you during the claims process.
Even something as innocuous as “I didn’t see the other driver before they ran the red light” will be used against you.
Before agreeing to any statements with the defendant’s insurance company, speak with an experienced lawyer.
Proving Liability in a Sherman Oaks Car Accident Claim
Before collecting any compensation for your injuries, you must prove the defendant was at fault.
Proving liability can be complicated, which is why you should hire a Sherman Oaks car accident lawyer to represent you.
California is a pure comparative negligence state, which means you can still receive compensation even when you’re partially at fault.
However, the defendant’s insurance will fight vigorously to show you are primarily at fault.
The claims adjuster for the defendant’s insurance company cares about one thing only—the company’s financial payout.
The adjuster doesn’t care about your injuries, no matter what they try to make you believe. You need a legal advocate looking out for your best interests.
You need strong evidence against the other driver to bolster your claim for damages. Your percentage of fault in the accident will reduce your payout proportionately.
For example, if you are 25% at fault, you will receive 75% of your damages. If you’re 75% at fault, you will receive only 25%.
The more negligence you can show against the defendant, the higher your potential compensation.
Potential Compensation in a Car Accident Claim
Understandably, prospective clients want to know how much they will receive for their injuries.
Every case is different, so it’s impossible to provide an average amount our clients receive.
In general, some types of damages you might demand compensation for include:
- Medical expenses to date,
- Future expected medical treatment costs,
- Loss of earnings to date,
- Future loss of earning capacity,
- Disability and permanent impairment,
- Property damage,
- Pain and suffering,
- Reduced quality of life, and
- Emotional distress.
Should an accident victim pass away from their injuries, certain surviving family members have the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in CA
The deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in California is two years from the accident date. In special situations, the deadline might increase or decrease.
However, do not assume any of these extensions apply to you without first speaking to a lawyer.
In fact, you might have significantly less time to file a claim when your case involves a government agency vehicle. Missing the filing deadline means you cannot pursue compensation.
Don’t risk your case by not filing before the statute of limitations is up.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Sherman Oaks, CA
If you suffered injuries in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, don’t attempt to pursue a claim independently.
Contact Starpoint Law today to schedule an initial consultation.
We are very selective about the cases we take on because we strive to achieve the best results and provide you with the best service.
We genuinely care about your injuries and fighting for your rights.
To learn more about how we can assist you, speak with one of our Sherman Oaks car accident lawyers today.