The Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in National City
Every year, there are close to 200,000 people injured in car accidents throughout California. A severe car accident can completely upend your life. You may be left with physical injuries, emotional scarring, and significant medical bills.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, you might be unsure of whether or not you need to hire a car accident lawyer. Some car accident victims choose to handle their claims on their own. However, there are many benefits to having an experienced lawyer represent you after a collision.
A personal injury attorney can play a vital role in ensuring you receive rightful compensation after a car accident, working hard to protect your legal rights during the claims process. This article will discuss some of the many benefits of hiring a National City car accident lawyer.
Car Accident Lawyers Have Knowledge of Personal Injury Law
If you have not filed a car accident claim before, you may not be fully aware of your legal rights or the amount of compensation you are entitled to pursue. When you hire a San Diego car accident lawyer, though, you will have someone on your side who has a deep understanding of the laws relevant to your case.
Lawyers can help you identify any potential legal issues since they understand the legal process and how to navigate roadblocks. When you hire a lawyer who clearly understands the law, you increase your chances of winning your case and securing fair compensation for your losses.
A Lawyer Can Investigate Your National City, California Car Accident
Solid evidence is the foundation for any car accident claim. You will need to provide proof showing that the other driver was responsible for the collision and that the accident caused you to suffer losses.
A San Diego personal injury attorney can investigate your car crash and collect the evidence needed to build a strong case for you.
Examples of evidence used in car accident cases include:
- Physical evidence: A car accident lawyer will often start the investigation by visiting the scene of the crash. Elements such as skid marks, property damage, vehicle positioning, and road conditions can provide important details about how the accident occurred.
- Eyewitness testimony: Eyewitnesses could include other drivers, pedestrians, or even people in nearby buildings. Witness statements can provide an impartial perspective on the accident. They may be able to corroborate your version of events or reveal new details.
- Visual evidence: Photos and videos can provide invaluable evidence in car accident cases. If possible after an accident, take photos of your injuries, property damage, road and weather conditions, and anything else that may establish fault. Your lawyer may also seek out visual evidence from security cameras, traffic cams, bystanders, or dashcams.
- Police report: A police officer at a car accident scene will typically compile a police report that details his or her observations, compiles statements from involved parties, and lists any citations issued. Accident reports may also include diagrams that illustrate the vehicle positions, direction of travel, and other relevant details.
- Accident reconstructionist reports: In situations where it is unclear how the crash occurred, a car accident attorney may consult an accident reconstructionist. These professionals will use the available evidence to recreate the accident digitally and provide a clear narrative of how the incident unfolded. This makes the details of the car crash clear to insurance companies, judges, juries, and others.
Car Accident Lawyers Can Offer Peace of Mind and Support
The days and weeks following a major motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming and stressful. This is especially true if you have suffered severe injuries. A car accident attorney can provide you with much-needed support and guidance during this difficult time in your life.
When you have a personal injury law firm handling your case, your legal team will answer any questions that you have, provide regular updates on your case, and offer support throughout the entire claims process.
Having a lawyer represent you alleviates the stress of having to communicate with the other party’s lawyers and with the insurance companies. You can have peace of mind knowing that your lawyer is handling all communication on your behalf and that your lawyer will fight for fair compensation for your injuries.
A Car Accident Lawyer Will Determine the True Value of Your Claim
A National City car accident may leave you unable to work and with a pile of medical bills to worry about paying. It is understandable that you may be tempted to accept the first offer that an insurance adjuster makes you. However, the first offer will likely be far less than what your claim is actually worth.
Personal injury lawyers are able to use their knowledge of California statutes, personal injury laws, and the insurance industry to help determine how much compensation to pursue for you.
When calculating the value of your claim, your lawyer will examine medical records, speak to doctors, and gather other evidence to get a thorough understanding of your injuries and how these will affect you now and moving forward.
Types of damages available in car accident cases can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life and more
If you choose to handle your own insurance claim, you may overlook certain damages or underestimate their value. Hiring a lawyer from a personal injury law firm helps ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available for all your losses.
Lawyers Can Expedite the Car Accident Claims Process
After being severely injured in an auto accident in San Diego, it’s understandable that you want your compensation to come as quickly as possible. Car accident attorneys know how to navigate the legal system efficiently and can expedite your claim.
While you focus on your recovery, your car accident lawyer can gather evidence and file all necessary paperwork. He or she will negotiate with the insurance company and keep your claim moving forward.
Trying to handle your car accident claim on your own can lead to delays and errors that prolong the financial recovery process. You may even say or do something that jeopardizes your ability to recover compensation.
A car accident attorney can speed up the recovery process, helping you seek the money you deserve as soon as possible.
Your National City Car Accident Attorney Will Negotiate With Insurance Companies
It is important to keep in mind that insurance adjusters are more concerned about the profit of their companies than offering you the compensation you need and deserve. Insurers often take advantage of the stressful time after an accident to pressure claimants into accepting a low settlement.
If you go up against the car insurance company on your own, it is unlikely that you will receive the amount of money you need to make a full financial and physical recovery. On the other hand, car accident lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and opposing attorneys.
A personal injury lawyer will know and understand the insurance laws that may impact your car accident claim. The legal jargon in an insurance policy can be difficult to interpret. An experienced attorney, though, can thoroughly read over the provisions of the policy and then explain the coverage options, exclusions, and limitations to you.
An insurance company is usually more inclined to settle when they know they are dealing with a car accident attorney who understands the true value of a claim and is prepared to fight for fair compensation.
Help You Meet Important Legal Deadlines
Another benefit of hiring a personal injury law firm is that your attorney will have knowledge of important legal deadlines. Your lawyer will be aware of the date that your car accident claim needs to be filed and will work fast to get everything submitted on time.
Each state sets its own statute of limitations, or time limits, on filing personal injury cases. In California, you have 2 years from the date of injury to file a claim. If, for some reason, your injury was not discovered right away, you have 1 year from the date the injury was discovered to file.
If you fail to properly file your claim before the statute of limitations runs out, you will most likely be unable to recover compensation.
Your National City Personal Injury Attorney Can Identify All Liable Parties
In California, you have the right to pursue compensation from all parties who caused or contributed to your car accident. Your personal injury lawyer can investigate your auto accident and identify all liable parties.
Parties that may be liable for car accidents include:
- Other drivers
- Motorcyclists
- Passengers
- Trucking companies
- Government agencies
- Transit companies
- Rideshare companies
- Mechanics
- Manufacturers of vehicles and auto parts
The best way to know who is liable for your accident is to hire an attorney. An attorney can conduct a detailed and thorough investigation on your behalf.
Your National City Car Accident Lawyer Will Take Your Case to Court If Needed
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial. If this is your situation, it is essential to have an experienced accident lawyer representing you.
Your lawyer will file the car accident lawsuit for you and ensure the necessary documents are filed correctly and on time. During the trial, the lawyer will strategically present all available evidence. Your lawyer will utilize his or her legal knowledge and tactics to present a compelling case on your behalf.
Trying to represent yourself in front of a judge or jury can be intimidating, especially if you do not have prior knowledge of legal proceedings. A car accident attorney, though, can help you navigate the courtroom and present your case effectively.
Most National City Car Accident Attorneys Work on Contingency
Some people hesitate to contact a lawyer after a car accident because they are worried about paying high legal fees. It is understandable why you would not want to take on any additional costs after being injured in a car accident.
The good news is that most personal injury law firms take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not have to pay any upfront fees or costs.
Under the contingency fee arrangement, your lawyer will only get paid if your case is successful. Your lawyer’s fee will then be a percentage of your monetary settlement or award. The percentage your lawyer takes will be explained and included in your legal contract.
This arrangement is beneficial to car accident victims in at least two ways. For one, it motivates your lawyer to work hard to secure compensation for you. It also allows you to pursue legal action without having to worry about the financial cost.
Contact Our National City, California Car Accident Lawyers Today
This article has discussed some of the many benefits of having a personal injury lawyer represent you after a car accident – including the time limit you are facing.
Now is the time to take action and contact Harker Injury Law. Our law firm has years of experience in helping car accident victims secure top compensation for their losses.
We know that you have your pick of many personal injury law firms in National City and throughout the San Diego area, but when you choose our law firm to represent your case, you can be sure of the skilled and compassionate legal team on your side. At Harker Injury Law, we treat our clients like family.
Let us help you secure fair compensation for your car accident injuries. Complete the contact form here on our website to schedule your free case evaluation.
