A car accident attorney may not always be the first person you go to after a crash. However, they are a valuable part of making sure you are properly compensated if you’re injured.

A Los Angeles car accident attorney can help you get more compensation after a crash. However, the amount you claim can depend on your record-keeping skills and your swift action. Knowing what to document in a car accident will go a long way in helping you maximize your compensation potential if you go to court.

Your attorney’s job is made simpler with the proper paperwork and evidence. The more detailed evidence you have, the better your chances are of getting more compensation.

When Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?

If you walk away from a car accident with serious injuries that affect your daily life, you will likely benefit from a chat with an attorney. You can also talk to an attorney if you feel your insurance company is acting dodgy or low-balling you. You can also reach out if your insurance company has not given you any updates after 15 business days. Whatever the situation, understand that insurance adjusters’ jobs are to save the company money while an attorney’s job is to get you just compensation. We always recommend talking with a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles before accepting a settlement offer.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

Car accident attorneys serve as representatives on your behalf, communicating with all the parties involved in your case. Hiring an attorney can help you focus on recovery while they negotiate with other parties and gather evidence for you. Attorneys play a crucial role in:

Investigation – California is an at-fault state. This means that at-fault parties must compensate victims for their losses. A part of an attorney’s job is to investigate liability by using the records available to them. These records include:

• Accident footage or images
• Medical Reports
• Interviews
• Police Reports
• Property and Vehicle Damage Reports

If you don’t have any of these pieces of evidence, an auto accident attorney can seek them out for you.

Negotiation – If you’ve hired a car accident attorney, chances are that your insurance company offers you the bare minimum in compensation. Hiring an attorney allows you to circumvent the insurance company’s tactics and ensures that you receive fair compensation.

Representation – If your case heads to trial, you have an attorney well prepared for your case. Having an attorney can be a great help to navigate the legal process in and out of the courtroom.

Counsel – Navigating a car accident is stressful. Hiring an attorney can help lighten the burden by allowing them to handle all your legal needs while you rest and recover. A good attorney will always update you and answer all questions about the process.

How To Get More Money in a Car Accident Lawsuit

Your case is only as strong as your record keeping. Without taking these steps below, your case will be harder to win. Ensure a winning strategy by collecting the following records either yourself or with a car accident attorney’s help:

File A Claim

Filing your claim with your insurance company is the key part in any car accident case. Sometimes, the offers insurance companies lead with are intentionally lower than your expenses, just to see what they can get away with. This is where your Los Angeles auto accident lawyer comes in to push for the maximum compensation possible.

Photo/Video Evidence

Dashcams are a great tool to ensure video evidence of your accident. Even if you have a dashcam, make sure to take videos and photos of the damage and injuries on your phone. This will help your lawyer make a clearer case of your injuries.

Medical Records

After a car accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay in the moment. Adrenaline and shock can hide injuries. Even if you feel fine in the moment, a quick doctor’s visit can ensure a clear and accurate record of your expenses and identify any potential injuries before they become a problem.

Car Expenses

If your car suffered damage that required fixing, keep those mechanic’s receipts! These can help you get reimbursed for repairs or help you buy a new vehicle if yours was totaled.

Lost Wages

If being in a car accident prevents you from going to work, you can potentially add your lost wages to your claim. Evidence of the length of time you’re unable to work and any new accommodations are vital pieces of evidence to help you maximize your potential compensation.

FAQs

How Long Should I Wait Before Calling a Lawyer?

If it’s been weeks since you’ve filed your claim with the insurance company and no one has reached out, or if the insurance adjuster is pushing you for a faster settlement than you’re comfortable with, talk to an attorney. You can even seek an attorney before an adjuster contacts you to ensure you’re treated fairly. Car accident recovery can be costly; it’s best to act sooner than later.

What If I Don’t Have Insurance?

Proposition 213, also known as the No-Pay, No-Play Law, limits the compensation you can receive. Due to this law, uninsured drivers cannot sue a person for ‘non-economic’ damages like pain and suffering. You can still sue for medical and repair expenses. However, you will have to deduct $10,000 as a penalty for driving uninsured.

What If I’m Not at Fault?

If you’re insured and don’t like the compensation your insurance is offering, meet with a car accident attorney for a review of your case. Bring all your records related to the car accident to the consultation. If you’re struggling to collect evidence, an auto accident lawyer can help you prove your case.

Do I Need an Attorney for Every Crash?

While having an attorney can be helpful, they are not necessary after every crash. Some accidents don’t result in injuries or major damage, but an attorney can always inform you of your rights. If you think you have a case, contact Vaziri Law for a free consultation.

Are Car Accident Attorneys Expensive?

Believe it or not, you can get started working with a car accident lawyer in LA like those at Vaziri Law for no upfront fees! Unlike other attorneys that charge hourly rates, Vaziri Law’s team of experienced lawyers work on contingency fees. In other words, you don’t pay anything until your case is resolved.

Are Car Accident Settlements Taxable?

In many cases, most of the money you receive from a car accident settlement is not taxable. Much of your car accident settlement reimburses economic damages like medical care and car repairs, so it’s seen as compensation, not earning. Noneconomic damages like pain and suffering or punitive damages may be seen as income, however, so these portions could be taxable. Make sure your case is properly reported on your taxes by talking to a tax professional.

Why Is Staying Off Social Media Important?

Every attorney will strongly suggest staying quiet on social media while you’re undergoing a car accident injury claim. This is for your protection. Information or sentiments about the accident, your injuries, your activities, and more can negatively impact your case. Any publicly available information about you can be used against you in court and lower your chances of receiving what you deserve. Avoid this by staying quiet online until the process is completed.

At Vaziri Law, LLP, our dedicated team has secured over $1 billion in compensation for our injured clients across California. If you’ve been injured, our lawyers will help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Vaziri Law, LLP, for a free consultation.