In a matter of seconds, a car crash can change the trajectory of your life by jeopardizing your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.
If you find yourself hurt and in need of help after a crash, keep in mind that car accident victims are eligible for compensation, provided that the collision was not their fault.
If that describes your situation, you can give your personal injury claim the best possible chance of success by partnering with a Los Gatos car accident lawyer at Golden State Lawyers, APC.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Perhaps the first obstacle on the road to getting fair compensation after your crash is dealing with insurance companies.
Insurers, just like any other business, exist to make money. You can be sure that they’ll attempt to reduce the amount of money they give you, whether through getting you to make an incriminating statement or coaxing you into accepting an inadequate settlement.
Whatever the insurance company’s tactics are, you generally want to avoid speaking to an insurer without first consulting with a qualified lawyer. Let a Los Gatos car crash attorney deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
The Details Matter
After you’re hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, the big picture is what matters most: You’re entitled to compensation, and you need it in order to make a full recovery.
However, picky legal details can get in the way. That’s why it’s so helpful to hire a Los Gatos car accident attorney to handle the details for you.
For example, California has a statute of limitations of two years for personal injury cases, meaning you must present a suit within two years of your car accident. Building a viable claim takes time, however, so it’s important to let your lawyer get started as early as possible.
Perhaps more importantly, it’s vital to understand the concept of comparative negligence, which is a guiding principle of California personal injury law.
Under comparative negligence, multiple parties can be held partly responsible for a car accident that injured someone. For instance, if you are found to have played even a minor role in causing your crash, you might be found partly liable, which could leave you footing part of your own bill.
Damages You May Seek
Every car accident is different from the last, but many of the distinguishing features of crashes carry on from one case to the next.
Common damages sought in Los Gatos car accident claims include the following:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Diminished quality of life
- Costs of retrofitting your property to accommodate your injury
To maximize your payout, you will want to account for every loss or injury you have suffered.
Contact a Los Gatos Car Crash Lawyer
If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, you know all too well how stressful the ordeal can be. You deserve fair compensation for all the hardships you’re facing, but it’s by no means guaranteed without the proper legal team.
For experienced legal representation, contact Golden State Lawyers, APC. Call us at 408-279-4222 or fill out the online contact form at the bottom of the page to speak with a Los Gatos car accident lawyer.