When to Get an Attorney for a Car Accident

If you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you might be wondering whether it's time to hire an attorney after a car accident. At Vaziri Law Group, our seasoned auto accident attorneys are here to help. By reaching out early, you can focus on recovering from serious injuries. At the same time, we handle the complexities of your case, from dealing with insurance adjusters to gathering medical records and witness testimony.

Filing an insurance claim or pursuing a car accident lawsuit can be overwhelming, especially when facing medical bills and lost wages. Let us guide you through the process, establish fault, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. With Vaziri Law Group, you can focus on healing while we protect your rights.

Why Hiring a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Is Always Recommended

After a crash, car accident victims face more than just physical injuries. Dealing with auto insurance companies, mounting medical costs, and damage to your vehicle can quickly become overwhelming. If the at-fault driver denies responsibility or the driver's insurance company offers a low settlement, having a reliable attorney on your side is crucial. A lawyer ensures you get the insurance coverage you're entitled to while protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.

Insurance companies have teams of claims adjusters and lawyers working to reduce payouts. Without legal support, you risk accepting a car accident settlement that doesn't cover all your expenses. Whether it's recovering future medical bills, lost wages, or property damage, an auto accident lawyer fights to secure every dollar you deserve. If the negligent driver was engaging in drunk driving or reckless behavior, we can pursue additional compensation as your attorney.

Many assume they can handle their personal injury cases alone, but missing legal deadlines or giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company can hurt your case. We can help you with these complexities while gathering evidence to establish fault. If the other driver's negligence caused the crash, we negotiate aggressively, ensuring you're not pressured into accepting an unfair offer from an insurance agent.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee agreement, meaning you don't pay unless they win your case. If you're struggling with uninsured motorist coverage issues or need help obtaining compensation for your injuries, legal representation gives you the best chance at justice. You deserve compensation, and we're here to fight for it.

Filing an Insurance Claim

If you have suffered an injury in a car accident, the first step to take when it comes to seeking car accident compensation is to file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company will ask for the details, including the time, date, and location of the car accident and whether you suffered any injuries.

You may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit if another party's negligence caused your accident and if you suffered injuries that caused you to seek medical treatment. Eventually, the nature and extent of your injuries are likely to determine the value of your claim.

There are cases where the other driver may not have insurance or may not have sufficient insurance to cover all your losses. In these situations, you may be able to seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of your auto insurance policy. While you may have questions before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it is important to start this process soon after your car accident.  A knowledgeable attorney can help evaluate your losses and explore all of your options.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

While a majority of car accident cases settle out of court, some do go to trial. This is often because an insurance company is reluctant to make a fair settlement offer. You need an attorney who is not just a skilled negotiator but also an excellent litigator who can present your case to a judge or jury if that becomes necessary.

A lawyer can also help you understand the time you have to file a lawsuit and ensure that all court filings are completed on time.

What Not to Do After a Car Accident

Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers advise our clients to get prompt medical attention and file a police report after the car accident. It is also important to know what you should not do after a car accident. These mistakes could potentially jeopardize your car accident claim:

Failing to report your accident. Some people may believe they have not been seriously injured in the crash. Therefore, they may not file a police report. However, some injuries could take several days to surface. Always report your accident and get a copy of the police report for your records. Your car accident lawyer can help you obtain a copy of the report.

Blaming yourself for the accident. It is never a good idea to admit blame for the accident, even if it may appear at the time that you may have been at fault. This is because you don't have all the information right away. Saying anything that might seem like you are accepting blame could jeopardize your claim later.

The insurance company may try to offer you a quick settlement. But, it is not a good idea to take such an offer because it might not fully cover your losses. Don't sign any agreement without speaking with your lawyer.

When to Call a Lawyer

When you choose to reach out to a lawyer after a car accident, it could depend on how severe or complex your case may be. However, if any of the following applies to your case, it is best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible:

• If you or a loved one has suffered major injuries.

• If the fault hasn't been clearly determined in your case.

• If you don't agree with the determination in the police report.

• If your accident involved an uninsured or underinsured driver.

• If you are looking at significant medical expenses and time off work.

• Any crash involving multiple vehicles and parties.

• If you are having trouble with insurance companies.

In California, the statute of limitations, or the deadline to file a personal injury claim, is two years. In some cases, such as in claims involving governmental agencies, the deadline might be much shorter. For example, if a government employee caused your car accident, you have 180 days or six months to file a notice of claim with the governmental agency. Because of these complexities, it is crucial that you contact a California car accident lawyer as soon as possible, even if you are not sure if you want to file a lawsuit.

Assessing the True Value of Your Case

At Vaziri Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to assess the true value of your case after a car accident. You may be dealing with car accident injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of dealing with your own insurance company. That's where we step in. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the claims process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

First, it's crucial to seek medical attention and see a doctor immediately after the accident. Not only does this prioritize your health, but it also creates a clear record of your injuries, which is vital for your case. Furthermore, make sure to report the incident to a police officer and obtain an official report. This documentation can be a key piece of evidence when determining the value of your claim.

We also advise you to avoid speaking to insurance adjusters or admitting fault at the scene. Even a simple statement could be used against you later. Instead, let us handle the conversations with your insurance company. We know how to protect your rights and build a strong case on your behalf.

Ultimately, assessing the true value of your case involves more than just adding up medical bills. Our personal injury attorneys consider lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts on your life. With our expertise, you can focus on recovery while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Major Challenges of Handling a Car Accident Case Without a Lawyer

Taking on a car accident case alone can feel like stepping into a fight you're not prepared for. Insurance companies have teams trained to minimize payouts, offering settlements that barely scratch the surface of your car accident injuries. Without an attorney by your side, you could walk away with far less than what you truly need for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery.

The claims process is a maze, full of confusing paperwork, strict deadlines, and legal loopholes. One wrong move—like missing a filing date or misinterpreting an insurance policy—can cost you the compensation you deserve. A lawyer knows how to cut through the red tape, making sure you don't get lost in the system.

Then there's the insurance adjuster—the person whose job is to pay you as little as possible. Even your own insurance company is not on your side. They may sound friendly, but their goal is to settle fast and cheaply. Without legal backing, you risk taking an offer that doesn't even cover the basics.

And let's not forget the pressure to explain what happened. Whether you're speaking with a police officer or an insurance rep, every word matters. Say the wrong thing, and they'll twist it against you. Never admit fault, even casually. A lawyer ensures your story is heard the right way—clear, strong, and backed by facts.

Common Mistakes Injured Parties Make When Filing a Case By Themselves

Filing a claim without legal help can be overwhelming. Many injured individuals believe they can handle the process alone, only to realize too late that small missteps can cost them their financial recovery. Here are the most common mistakes we see:

• Accepting the first offer: Insurance companies move quickly to settle for less. What seems fair now may not cover future medical expenses or lost wages.

• Missing critical deadlines – The legal system doesn't wait. Filing late or submitting incomplete paperwork can jeopardize your entire case.

• Saying the wrong thing – A simple comment like “I'm fine” can be twisted to downplay your injuries. Anything you say can be used against you.

• Underestimating long-term costs – Some injuries don't show their full impact right away. Without legal guidance, you may settle before knowing the true cost of your recovery.

At Vaziri Law Group, we ensure every step is handled correctly so you get what you truly deserve.

Benefits of Hiring Vaziri Law Group

When you're injured in a crash, the last thing you need is to battle insurance companies, chase paperwork, or worry about missing deadlines. Here's how we fight for you:

• Taking on insurance companies that play hardball – We've recovered over $1 billion for our clients. Insurance companies know we won't back down, and they fear going to trial against us.

• Handling every piece of paperwork – From filing claims to gathering medical records, we ensure no detail is overlooked.

• Protecting your rights by meeting all deadlines – Missing a deadline could cost you your claim. We make sure that never happens.

• Fighting for every dollar you deserve – We pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

• Building a strong case with solid evidence – We conduct thorough investigations to support your claim with undeniable proof.

FAQs

1. When should I hire a car accident attorney?

You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after a crash, especially if you suffered injuries or significant property damage or if the insurance company is delaying or denying your claim.

2. Do I need a lawyer if the accident was minor?

Even in minor accidents, legal guidance can help ensure you receive fair compensation. Insurance companies may undervalue your claim or refuse to cover hidden medical costs.

3. How can an attorney help with my car accident claim?

A lawyer handles negotiations with insurance companies, gathers evidence, calculates damages, and fights for the compensation you deserve. If needed, they take your case to court.

4. What if the insurance company offers a settlement?

Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurers often make lowball offers that don't cover long-term medical expenses or lost wages.

5. Can I still hire an attorney if I already started the claims process?

Yes. If you're struggling with the claims process or feel the insurance company isn't being fair, an attorney can step in at any point to protect your rights.

6. What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?

A lawyer can help you explore options, such as filing a claim through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or pursuing legal action against the at-fault driver.

7. Do I need an attorney if I am partially at fault?

Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. An attorney ensures you aren't unfairly blamed.

8. What happens if I wait too long to hire an attorney?

California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Waiting too long can hurt your case or make it impossible to recover compensation.

9. How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?

Most personal injury attorneys, including Vaziri Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless they win your case.

10. What should I do before speaking with an attorney?

Gather evidence, including accident reports, medical records, and photos of the crash scene. Avoid giving statements to the insurance company until you've consulted a lawyer.

Contact Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

If you've been in a car accident, the road to recovery can be tough. Medical bills pile up, insurance companies push back, and the stress of the claims process can feel overwhelming. You shouldn't have to fight alone.

At Vaziri Law Group, we stand up for car accident victims. We handle insurance negotiations, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether your case involves serious injuries or property damage, we've got your back.

Our consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we win. Call us today at (310) 777-7540 — Justice starts with one conversation.