Car accidents can leave victims feeling overwhelmed as they face mounting medical bills, the inability to return to work due to their injuries, and pain and suffering. If you are struggling following a car accident, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to learn how a Los Angeles car accident lawyer may handle your case.
Responsibilities Following a Car Accident
If you were in any way involved in a car accident and suffered injuries, you should follow these steps to help protect your health and legal rights.
Contact the Police
Following an accident, you have a right to inquire about the official police report and request copies. Police reports may indicate negligence on behalf of the other party and help provide evidence when establishing liability for losses. A lawyer can also help you obtain the police report.
Medical Treatment
Even if you decide not to go to the emergency room, you should always visit a physician the next day to have your injuries assessed. Often, the adrenaline or shock following an accident prevents a victim from fully realizing the extent of their injuries. Make sure to place your health as a priority. Receiving a diagnosis and following up with treatment may also help you establish actual losses as a result of your accident.
Additionally, if you visit an emergency room or physician, and later discover that you have additional or worsening symptoms, you should immediately return to be re-evaluated regarding any injuries suffered from the car accident. Sometimes, certain severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, are not immediately present with complete symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. Always err on the side of caution and seek medical care when you are suffering or feel any additional symptoms or pain.
Insurance Companies
Make sure to contact your own insurance company following the accident as well to let them know that you suffered injuries or property damage in a collision. While you may feel hesitant to contact an insurance company, do not wait too long to do so. Make sure to follow these guidelines regarding your visits with insurance company adjusters so that your legal rights remain protected:
- Do not accept blame or responsibility for all or a portion of the accident.
- Never state that you are “fine” in response to the insurance adjuster’s question, “How are you?” They may use anything you say as a basis to offer you a lower settlement amount.
- Always keep your conversations with an insurance adjuster brief and without any additional commentary regarding any opinions you may have with respect to the car accident.
- Following an investigation done by the insurance company, the insurance adjuster will likely offer you an initial settlement that may not accurately reflect your losses. While you always have the choice to accept any offer, it is important to note that if you have lost wages, the inability to return to work, and substantial medical bills, you have a right to negotiate for more. You also have a right to legal representation.
Keep in mind that if you cash a settlement check, you are waiving your rights to continue to pursue a claim in court against the insurance company for any additional compensation.
Types of Compensation Available in Car Accident Cases
Every car accident case is different, and the amount of compensation you may receive as a victim of someone else’s negligence will largely come from the facts and circumstances surrounding your particular case. Some of the types of compensation that a victim may obtain with respect to their car accident settlement may include the following:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses encompass a variety of items and services, including doctor’s visits, surgeries, emergency room visits, physical therapy, medicines, mental health therapy, occupational therapy, medical aids, diagnostic testing, or any other bills that relate to the physical or emotional health of the victim.
Lost Wages
Some victims of a car accident remain unable to immediately return to work due to physical and emotional injuries. The time that a victim spends unable to work and taking sick leave, vacation leave, or simply leave without pay may qualify you for compensation from a claim.
Pain and Suffering
If a victim suffers a personal injury of any kind, pain and suffering may accompany that injury. Courts and insurance companies may allow compensation for pain and suffering under certain circumstances.
For a free legal consultation with a Car Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
How Much Does Legal Representation Cost?
We look to advocate for car accident victims, so take cases on a contingency-fee-basis. This means we only collect payment if we secure a settlement or award in your favor. You have nothing to lose by taking advantage of our free, no-obligation consultation.
Los Angeles Car Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Consider a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
If you were a victim of someone’s negligence, such as distracted driving, and suffered injuries in a car accident, you may have the right to receive compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages, and other losses. Consider hiring a Los Angeles car accident lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Call us at (800) 794-0444 to learn how we can help you understand your legal rights and help you with your personal injury claim following a car accident.
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