When Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies. But a skilled attorney can make a significant difference, from understanding the claims process to negotiating with insurance companies. But, when to hire a personal injury lawyer?

We’ll explore scenarios where legal expertise becomes crucial and shed light on the benefits of having a professional guide you through the complexities of accident claims. 

Whether unsure about liability or facing resistance from insurers, this blog will help you recognize when to hire a personal injury lawyer.  

5 Signs You Need to Hire A Car Accident Lawyer

The Statute of Limitations is Expiring

California’s statute of limitations gives you two years to file a personal injury claim for actions involving injury or death caused by the wrongful act of another. Meanwhile, the statute of limitations for property is three years from the day of the accident. After this period has lapsed, the court may not entertain the complaint.

Exceptions exist for the statute of limitations, particularly if the incident involves a state, federal, or government vehicle. In such cases, you must file an administrative claim with the government agency within six months.

Sadly, these claims often face denial. Following denial, you have six more months to file a court action. A car accident lawyer is invaluable in this situation, especially if the statute of limitations is near, as they possess the expertise to navigate the claim process. Researching how to file independently may take too long, risking a violation of the statute of limitations.

The Insurance Company Isn’t Giving You A Fair Deal

In California, the at-fault system means the responsible driver’s insurance covers damages. However, insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts to maximize profits. They may undervalue injuries or property damage, offering settlements below actual costs.

 A lawyer for car accidents plays a crucial role by negotiating with insurers, gathering evidence, and challenging low offers. This ensures fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses, protecting accident victims from being shortchanged by profit-driven insurance practices.

The Compensation Process Confuses You

Navigating the compensation process can be intricate, especially if you’re unfamiliar with legal procedures.

Your lawyer can make the ordeal much easier by helping you gather evidence to establish the other driver’s liability. Following this, they’ll assist you in drafting a demand letter detailing the accident, related costs, and the sought compensation amount, sending it to the insurer. 

If you’re dissatisfied with the offer, your lawyer negotiates for a fair settlement. Alternatively, you might resort to filing a lawsuit. Mediation or arbitration can be pursued for cost-effective, collaborative resolutions.

Should no agreement arise, the case proceeds to court, where your attorney presents evidence, examines witnesses, and advocates for a favorable judgment.

You Need Assistance to Prove Liability

Securing evidence to establish liability is crucial in car accident cases. An attorney aids in proving your case based on negligence, demonstrating that the other party had a legal duty, breached it, you suffered injuries, and the breach directly caused your injuries. 

Understanding relevant laws, such as right-of-way regulations, is also vital. Evidence supporting the breach may include video footage, accident scene photos, and witness statements. 

Medical reports, injury photos, and expert testimonies are necessary to validate your injuries. Your lawyer can guide you through these intricacies, countering objections from the other party and enhancing your ability to substantiate your claims.

You Have Severe Injuries or Emotional Distress

If you’ve endured severe injuries or emotional distress from a car accident, you may be entitled to damages. In California, injuries like whiplash, fractures, concussions, and emotional trauma are common. 

Proving these injuries is crucial for claiming economic damages, covering quantifiable losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. Additionally, non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, require careful demonstration of their impact. 

Your lawyer plays a vital role in presenting evidence and building a compelling case to secure both types of compensation.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer After a Car Accident

If you’ve experienced a car accident, contact Adamson Ahdoot’s attorneys. Our empathetic and experienced team offers legal services in English and Spanish.

With over a century of collective legal experience, our civil litigation law firm can successfully handle your case.

Contact us at (800) 310-1606 or visit our website for a free consultation.