If you’ve been in a serious accident in California, you probably have a lot on your mind. You may have outstanding bills, new physical limitations, and aren’t able to work. The last thing you need is to think about negotiating with insurance and filing a personal injury lawsuit.
That’s why a car accident attorney is helpful. A lawyer can handle your legal case and get you compensation while you focus on healing and recovery. They can also help you figure out what to do after an accident.
Things To Consider When Thinking About Hiring A Car Accident Lawyer
When deciding whether or not to hire a personal injury lawyer, you should take time to consider the following.
The Extent Of Your Injuries
Some people have severe and debilitating injuries after an accident. Examples of these injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
The more serious or complicated your injuries, the more likely you will benefit from a lawyer. That’s because these types of injuries can become expensive. They frequently require complex medical treatment and ongoing care.
If, for example, you need to take costly medication for the rest of your life, require multiple follow-up surgeries, or in-home around-the-clock care, you will need a significant settlement to cover those costs. You might also be unable to work and entitled to damages for lost wages or lost earning capacity.
In general, if you have a serious medical issue you should consider hiring a lawyer so that you don’t miss your opportunity to get paid for bills that may last you a lifetime.
The Effect On Your Quality Of Life
Physical injuries aren’t the only losses that happen after a car accident. It’s normal to experience psychological and emotional trauma as well. This type of loss can affect your quality and enjoyment of life. It is called non-economic damages.
If your accident completely changed your life you may not enjoy the same activities that you used to, you may have permanent scarring or disfigurement, perhaps you have PTSD, anxiety, or depression. You are entitled to compensation to cover this type of impact after an accident.
A lawyer can help you calculate the amount of your non-economic damages and get you compensated for the full impact of the crash.
Property Damage
If your car or other personal property was seriously damaged in a crash, a lawyer could help you get compensation for it. It doesn’t take much to total a car. You shouldn’t have to live without a replacement, especially when you need to get to work, school, or family obligations.
Who Is At Fault For the Accident?
When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you are blaming someone for negligently causing the accident. If there is no one to blame for the crash, then you can’t recover money from anyone except your insurance company. Your lawyer can help you identify who may be at fault for the accident. It may be multiple parties.
If someone else is to blame, it’s a good idea to hire a lawyer. This will make you more likely to win your case, but it can also help protect you from the other driver wrongfully blaming you.
California Comparative Fault Laws
California follows a pure comparative fault law. This means that you can recover damages even if you are 99% responsible for the accident. Although, you will only recover 1% of your damages because the other party is only 1% responsible.
If you think that you may be blamed for an accident, it’s best to hire a car accident lawyer who can help insulate you from unsubstantiated blame and make sure you recover the maximum amount.
