Preparing Yourself For An Auto Accident Case In California

This article explains:

• How courts determine the value of claims and the associated process.
• The best response you can have when in an auto accident.
• Ways to avoid falling prey to insurance companies after an accident.

How Much Is My Santa Clarita, California Car Accident Injury Claim Worth?

How much the court determines your personal injury from a car accident to be worth is dependent upon several factors, including:

• The nature and extent of the injury;
• The nature and extent of required medical care for your treatment and recovery;
• Whether there’s any permanent disfigurement or disability from the injury.

Some general rules of thumb:

• The more significant the injury, the greater the amount of medical care necessary to treat the injury.
• The extent of disfigurement or long-term/permanent disability, the greater the injury claim’s value.

How Long Will It Take To Get Compensation For My Injuries From A Car Wreck Near The San Fernando Valley, California?

The weightiest factor in determining how long it takes to obtain compensation for injuries suffered from a car accident is the nature and extent of the injuries. Courts cannot determine the amount of compensation due until determining the full nature and extent of injuries, preventing a court order and subsequent payout.

For example, suppose a person in a car accident is injured and goes to the emergency room. They require no follow-up care nor rehabilitation – the one-time visit to the emergency room is all the individual needs. This case would resolve relatively quickly.

In contrast, this would be a very different case if a person is in a car accident but is not taken to the emergency room because they only suffer soft tissue injuries to their back. Their treatment will likely require weeks, even months, of physical therapy. Courts cannot determine the amount of compensation they are entitled to until knowing all this information.

You cannot request additional compensation upon settling a case or receiving compensation. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose all injuries and complete all treatments fully or estimate the cost of all necessary treatments when you can reasonably do such, so it is relatively accurate. This best ensures you are made whole.

Should I Give A Recorded Statement To The Insurance Company Following A Car Accident With Injury In Los Angeles County, California?

We highly advise against giving any recorded statement, be it to your own insurance company or the opposition’s, to an insurance company after a car accident. Any statement you provide can be used to limit the amount of compensation you received. It is best to consult with an attorney experienced in handling car accident cases prior to speaking with or providing any recorded statement to an insurance company to maintain a position of legal strength.

Should You Call The Police After A Car Accident In Santa Clarita, California?

We advise you to call the police after a car accident. Requesting a traffic collision report is an excellent way to strengthen your case further down the road.

However, some jurisdictions may not issue a traffic collision report unless there are signs of physical injury or the accident seems to be an incident of driving under the influence or hit-and-run. Even still, it is best to request that the local police respond and take whatever action they deem appropriate.

What Defenses Do Insurance Companies Use To Deny Or Limit Injury Claims In California?

Insurance companies may deny or limit claims based on any number of defenses. They tend to do so using the following tactics:

• Claim the accident is not covered under the policy because:
  • The policy lapsed;
  • The policy did not properly have the driver listed;
• Outright deny liability.
• Claim the injury or the extent of injuries are not attributable to the accident due to:
  • Pre-existing conditions;
  • Other accidents or injuries;

It is best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure insurance companies do not unjustly deny or limit your personal injury claims.

How Does Your Reputation Affect How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Injury Claims From The Start Versus Someone Trying To Handle A Case On Their Own?

Insurance companies recognize that self-represented parties are inexperienced and do not have the knowledge necessary to obtain total compensation for their auto accident claims. Trained and experienced adjusters often exploit the system to limit the compensation you gain for auto accidents. As a result, self-representing individuals who deal directly with insurance companies routinely recover less than the amount that can be by experienced attorneys handling auto accident claims.

With the guidance of a skilled attorney for Auto Accident Cases, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we’ll make it look easy. For more information on Auto Accident Cases in California, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (661) 255-2233 today.