To file for personal injury claims, you will have to go through a lot of hectic processes in California. The challenges are even more when you have to deal with extra losses, like car accident injuries and financial losses. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and know your rights under California personal injury law. The involved steps in Personal Injury Laws make it easier for you to claim the deserving compensation. Below is a detailed guide on the steps involved while filing a personal injury claim in California, along with the best lawyer for car accident recommendations.
Steps to file a Personal Injury Claim for a Car Accident Injury in CA
We will delve into the steps on how to file a personal injury claim for a car accident injury in CA.
- Documentations of the Accident Scenario: It is important to collect information about the car accident scene as much as possible if it is physically possible for you at that moment. Documentation includes taking pictures of the car accident injury, the conditions of the road, the various road signs, if any, along with the cars or other vehicles involved. These would act as crucial evidence while claiming your injury. Gathering contacts of everyone around at the time of the car accident injury also plays an essential role since statements from third-party witnesses matter a lot.
- Reporting the Accident: California car accident laws specify that you are required to file a report legally to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of any car accident injury. This report should be filed in 10 days, and your driver’s license will be curbed if you fail to do so within that time. It is also important to file a report to the police, which also acts as evidence supporting your side of the story. A copy of the report must be taken at the very moment it becomes available.
- Let your Insurance Company know: Notify your insurance company as soon as you get time after the car accident injury. Being a fault-based state, in California it is the fault of the driver at the scene of the accident, and it is his responsibility to cover the claims. Regardless, your insurance company should be aware of everything. However, it is suggested that while telling them the details, you should have your personal injury lawyers sign any documents or record any statements since there have been cases where insurance companies have minimized personal claims or even denied them.
- Consulting the Best Lawyer for Car Accident Injury: In case of serious injuries or disputed liabilities, personal injury litigations should be handled by the best lawyer for car accidents in your town, even if you can handle the personal injury claim yourself. A lawyer with a lot of experience in California personal injury law is highly recommended. Also, there’s very little financial risk in hiring the best personal injury lawyers, since they take their fee only if they win the case.
- Receive Compensation: Upon winning your case or reaching a settlement, you will receive compensation for your damages. This compensation can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial burdens resulting from the accident. Once you receive your compensation, your attorney’s fees will typically be deducted from the total amount if you are working on a contingency fee basis.
Wrapping Up
After these steps, one should negotiate a settlement or even file a lawsuit, if necessary, and if you are lucky enough, you will get your compensation. The entire process can be very tiring, hectic, and time-consuming; if one follows the steps elucidated above, the process will take place more smoothly and effectively.
At the Law Office of Raphael B. Hedwat, we have a team of experienced personal injury lawyers. Our lawyers can maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today and get a free consultation from our lawyers at (888) 854-9909.
