Understanding Your Right to Recovery After a Car Accident in California
Few things are more stressful than being involved in a serious auto accident. An unexpected collision can create a financial hardship as you try to figure out how to repair your vehicle and pay for your medical bills. Obtaining compensation after an accident can be difficult without the help of an experienced attorney.
The trial lawyers at Westlake Injury Law can help you obtain the recovery you deserve after a car accident. Our experienced legal team has recovered millions in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact our office at (805) 338-6880 to schedule a free consultation.
Insurance Company Settlement Offers
If you are injured in a car accident, you need to act quickly to protect your right to compensation. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you and provide you with a settlement offer. These early settlement offers rarely reflect the true value of your claim and generally fail to fully compensate you for your losses.
You should never sign anything or accept a payout without first consulting with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help negotiate a more favorable settlement, ensuring that you receive compensation for all of your damages.
If the insurance company tries to downplay your injuries or deny your claim altogether, an attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Fair and Full Compensation
To receive full and fair compensation after a car wreck involving injuries, you need legal representation.
Early insurance settlement offers usually do not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Unrepresented accident victims may find that there is little to no compensation for future damages such as future medical treatment and loss of future earning capacity.
Understanding your rights and the claims process is critical to obtaining the compensation you need to cover your losses. An attorney can help you every step of the way, always advocating for you to receive the largest possible recovery.
The Importance of Getting Medical Attention
After a car accident, many people wrongly assume that they are fine. They may dismiss their injuries as minor or unimportant. Unfortunately, not seeking medical treatment could delay your physical recovery and directly impact your ability to receive compensation.
You should always seek and continue medical treatment if you are involved in a collision. The true extent of your injuries may not be apparent for weeks. Failing to be seen by a doctor may make injuries worse or lead to serious complications.
California Law Regarding Fault
Another misconception about car accident liability is that someone who is partially to blame for the crash is unable to obtain compensation for their injuries. Pursuant to California’s comparative fault law, a person injured in an auto accident is still entitled to damages from an at-fault party even if their negligence contributed to the crash.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that a person can obtain damages even if they were more at fault than the other party or parties. Your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
Hiring the Right Attorney
If you are injured in an accident, you need an attorney that knows the law and will fight to get you the money you deserve. Compensation after a car accident is designed to make you whole again. By proving that another person was at least partially to blame for your injuries, you can receive damages to cover your losses.
Damages in a car accident claim may include compensation for your:
- Medical bills
- Future care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
It is important to remember that insurance settlement offers not negotiated by an attorney may not include compensation for non-economic losses like pain and suffering. They may also fail to cover all of your out-of-pocket expenses or take into account the severity of your injuries.
Hurt in a Car Accident? Call for a Free Consultation
At Westlake Injury Law, our legal team knows how to handle insurance companies. We fight to make sure that our clients receive the maximum compensation allowed. We know the tactics that insurance adjusters use to devalue your case and will work hard to ensure that you receive coverage for all of your losses.
Contact our office today at (805) 338-6880 to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. All consultations are free and without obligation to retain our services.
