Car Accident Lawyer In Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for many great things. Traffic isn’t a big deal. There are endless streams of cars on the highways, resulting in over 55,000 accidents a year in the city. (Car Accident Lawyer In Los Angeles)
Under most circumstances, insurance carriers deal with accidents without any worries. However, there are times when having a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles will help you get the remuneration you deserve.
When you need a lawyer, you don’t want anyone taking over the case. You want a seasoned veteran who can fight for you and deal with the other party, their insurance company, and your carrier if necessary.
We have put together what you should consider when looking for a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
Find A Car Accident Lawyer In Los Angeles
Car accident lawyers fall under the category of personal injury lawyers, and many in Los Angeles have billboards and bus ads everywhere.
Because there are so many options, you should systematically approach how you interview and select a car accident attorney.
Here are five things to consider when choosing a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
Ask friends for referrals
Because there are so many accidents each year, there is no doubt someone in your network of friends, family, and coworkers has had an accident and needs an attorney.
Ask around to get referrals, and don’t hesitate to ask what they like and dislike about the attorney.
Remember that there are many lawyers to choose from, and you don’t have to pick just anyone. You want the right fit for you in your time of need.
Get Car Accident Experts
Because car accident lawyers are typically personal injury lawyers, they may cover more than just car accidents.
Feel free to ask about their niche and ensure they have the proper background and resources to address your case.
If the attorney does other personal injury cases, such as workers’ compensation, ask them what percentage of their cases is on car accidents. This is important because you want someone well-versed in dealing with car insurance companies.
Know Fees
Most car accident attorneys will not charge an hourly fee to retain them. They work on contingency, which is excellent in most cases.
What you want to be careful of here is the amount they charge. Los Angeles car accident attorneys typically charge between 33% and 40% of your settlement or judgment.
Lawyers overcharging should be red flags to look out for. This will rarely get you higher settlements that are worth the extra fee.
Research their prior litigation experience
Not every car accident attorney has the courtroom experience to handle larger cases. Only 5% of car accident cases go to trial.
This is a small percentage, meaning that litigation experience is not always important.
However, if you were involved in a serious accident with significant injuries, you will want an attorney who can go the distance. In severe cases, you can seek lost wages and damages for considerable pain and damages.
Set clear expectations for communication
Many lawyers are good at selling their services but lack traditional communication skills when in the middle of a case. Find a lawyer who communicates the way you prefer.
Because a car accident case can drag on for a while, especially if your injuries are protracted, you want to know what to expect by way of communication with your attorney.
Ask how often they send updates and how. Some attorneys will communicate primarily via email. You may prefer someone who picks up the phone.
Why You Should Hire A Car Accident Lawyer In Los Angeles
Not every car accident requires hiring a lawyer. If your injuries are serious, you may want to obtain legal representation, especially if you are on the run from insurance companies.
Keep in mind that if you hit someone else, their insurance company handles your claim and that insurance company’s goal is to pay the least amount possible.
Without an attorney, you may not be aware of all of your rights to compensation. Plus, dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, so having someone take the lead can be good.
Getting the most out of your case
To get the most out of your car accident case, you want to provide your attorney with as many details and evidence as possible.
Make sure you get the contact information of witnesses and file a police report for the accident.
Coordinate communication between your doctors and your legal team to ensure that it contains the medical details about your case that help determine your settlement.
Communication among your entire team is essential to maximizing the results of your case. Your attorney may have referrals to doctors who specialize in injury cases, can better assist you with your injuries, and are adept at documenting things concisely for attorneys.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in California?
Car accident cases across the United States typically settle for between $14,000 and $28,000, with an average of $21,000. This amount can and will vary based on the unique details of each case.
How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in California?
In California, insurance companies have a total of 85 days after filing a car insurance claim to settle it.
There can be a delay if you have serious injuries that are sustained or there are claims disputes that must be addressed. The insurance company must notify you of the delay in writing.
We hope you like our article on Car Accident Lawyer In Los Angeles.
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