If you’ve been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering if you need to hire a lawyer. The answer is usually yes. Here’s why hiring a lawyer is so important after a car accident, even if you weren’t at fault.
You May Still Need to Prove Fault
Just because you believe the accident wasn’t your fault doesn’t mean the insurance companies will see it that way. The other driver’s insurance company will likely argue that you share some percentage of fault or were completely responsible.
Without objective evidence and legal advocacy on your side, you may end up shouldering more blame than you deserve. An experienced car accident lawyer Los Angeles will investigate the accident, gather evidence of what happened, and fight to prove the other driver’s fault.
The Insurance Company Isn’t on Your Side
Insurance adjusters want to pay as little on claims as possible. They are not looking out for your best interests. A lawyer who understands car insurance policies and negotiations can deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Your lawyer will demand full and fair compensation for your damages.
You May Have Damages Beyond Insurance Payouts
The at-fault driver’s insurance will only cover certain losses up to the policy limits. If you have extensive damages, you may be able to go after the driver personally for compensation above and beyond the policy limits. A lawyer can help determine all your losses and pursue additional compensation through negotiations or a lawsuit.
A Lawyer Can Handle Paperwork and Deadlines
After an accident, you’ll need to navigate insurance claims, accident reports, medical bills, and possibly disability or lost wages. These tasks can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. A lawyer has the resources to handle paperwork, communicate with insurers and health providers, and meet important deadlines.
You May Need Help Navigating Injury Claims
If you’ve suffered any injuries in the accident, a lawyer can help get you the compensation you need for medical treatment. Personal injury claims can be complex and insurance companies often try to downplay injuries or delay treatment approvals. An attorney will fight to get your bills paid and make sure treatment isn’t interrupted.
A Lawyer Can Negotiate Effectively
Most car accident claims settle out of court through negotiations between attorneys. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer knows how to present a persuasive settlement demand to the insurance company. They can negotiate firmly on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. If a reasonable settlement can’t be reached, the lawyer can take the case to trial.
Legal Help is Affordable
Many accident lawyers offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront. The attorney receives a percentage of your final settlement or award. If there is no recovery, you don’t owe any fees. The lawyer handles all case costs. So, legal help is affordable, even if money is tight after an accident.
How a Lawyer Proves Fault After an Accident
Even if you know the other driver caused the accident, proving it through insurance claims and potential lawsuits takes experience and resources. Here are some of the ways a personal injury lawyer establishes fault:
Investigating the Scene
Your lawyer will visit the accident scene as soon as possible while evidence is still present. Skid marks, debris, road conditions, and visibility are all documented. Photographs and videos are taken. Physical evidence is preserved.
Obtaining Police Reports
Police reports contain officer observations and statements from witnesses. Your lawyer will access the traffic collision report and any follow-up reports. Witness statements are crucial for identifying fault.
Interviewing Eyewitnesses
Your attorney will locate independent eyewitnesses and get recorded statements. Witness accounts help reconstruct how the crash happened and corroborate your version of events.
Consulting Traffic Experts
For complex accidents, lawyers hire accident reconstruction experts. These traffic specialists use physics calculations, video analysis, and computer modeling to piece together what occurred. Their expert testimonies carry significant weight.
Examining Vehicle Damage
Your lawyer will meticulously document damage to all vehicles involved. The location of the damage points to which vehicle was hit, and the extent indicates severity. Your lawyer may consult auto mechanics or hire crash experts to analyze damage.
Reviewing Medical Records
Medical records reveal the types and severity of injuries sustained. By tying injuries to the negligent actions of the other driver, your lawyer can prove greater fault.
Sending Evidence Demands
Your lawyer can send spoliation letters requiring the at-fault driver to preserve evidence. Then they can send evidence demands requesting cell phone records, EDR crash data, maintenance records, and other relevant evidence from the defendant.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Skilled lawyers use their thorough evidence file to negotiate aggressively with insurers. Adjusters are compelled to make fairer offers when presented with convincing proof of fault and damages.
With legal representation building your claim every step of the way, you have the strongest case possible to recover rightful damages from the at-fault driver. The other party is held fully accountable for causing the crash.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights After an Accident
To make the strongest possible injury claim and recover maximum damages, it’s critical to act fast after an accident:
- Report the crash to the police and ask your attorney to contact your insurance provider. Provide a clear statement about how the collision happened while the facts are still fresh. Ask witnesses to stick around and give statements.
- Seek prompt medical care. Getting evaluated and starting treatment quickly shows the severity of injuries. Gaps in care can reduce the value of claims.
- Document the scene through photos or video. Take pictures of vehicle damage and skid marks before evidence disappears.
- Keep detailed records of accident-related expenses, missed work, and the impact on your daily life.
- Should I hire a lawyer if the car accident wasn’t my fault? Yes, you should consult an attorney ASAP. An immediate investigation gives your lawyer a head start on building your claim. Strict deadlines also apply, so don’t delay.
Contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, contact our Los Angeles law offices today for a free consultation. Call us at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) to discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. We relentlessly fight to get our clients the maximum compensation they deserve. With years of experience successfully resolving auto injury claims, we have the legal skills and resources to prove fault, maximize damages and negotiate fair settlements on your behalf. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies and hold negligent drivers fully accountable.
Don’t go through this difficult process alone. With the legal team at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle negotiations and build a strong claim for you.
