Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, you might qualify for compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurance company.

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices may be able to help prove the negligence that led to your accident, assign liability to the at-fault driver, and negotiate a settlement with their insurance company. We also handle all communications on behalf of our clients.

While our team is focused on your financial recovery, you can focus on your physical recovery. Depending on the details of your accident and your injuries, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices by calling (888) 522-6291 to learn more about your options in a free case review with a member of our team. We can go over your accident, your injuries, and our services during this call.

Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices offers representation on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payments required. In this arrangement, we do not charge attorney fees unless and until you recover compensation via a settlement offer or court award.

What Lawyer Deals with Car Accidents?

When you are preparing to pursue compensation for damages from a car accident, a personal injury lawyer might be able to represent you. Personal injury lawyers handle insurance claims, settlement negotiations, and personal injury lawsuits on behalf of their clients. A personal injury lawyer might be able to help you prove:

• The at-fault driver’s negligence
• The cause of the accident
• Your resulting injuries
• Your resulting expenses

By carefully calculating your financial expenses and losses, a lawyer may be able to ensure your compensation claim is accurately valued before any settlement talks begin. Your lawyer may also help you compile an evidence file, obtain and complete required insurance forms, locate and identify accident witnesses, and glean important accident details from your crash report and medical records.

Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices is a personal injury firm that handles car accident cases in Los Angeles. We offer free, no-obligation case reviews to Los Angeles car accident victims.

If you qualify, we may be able to work for you on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payments required. In this arrangement, you only pay us attorney fees if and when you win your case and recover compensation via a settlement offer or court award.

For a Free Legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers serving Los Angeles, call 888-522-6291

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

Are you considering hiring a lawyer after a car accident in Los Angeles? While you are allowed to settle your compensation claim on your own, a car accident lawyer may be able to remove the burden of legal work from your shoulders.

While you concentrate on your physical recovery, a lawyer may be able to handle all aspects of your case. Your car accident lawyer may be able to:

• Communicate with all parties on your behalf
• Read and review your injury-related health care records
• Review and calculate your current and future accident-related expenses
• Identify and interview anyone who witnessed the accident
• Prove the required legal elements of your compensation claim
• Accurately assess the monetary value of your claim
• Negotiate for a financial settlement with the at-fault driver or their insurer
• Take your case to trial, if necessary
• Give you legal advice and updates on your case

If a favorable settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer might also represent you in court. In order to safeguard your filing ability, a car accident lawyer might be able to ensure that you understand and comply with the deadlines in your case. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, there is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in California.

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 888-522-6291

Is It Worth Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?

If you or a family member were injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, you might find it worth hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you. Your lawyer can focus on your compensation claim while you focus on getting better.

Because California is a comparative negligence state, if the at-fault driver assigns any portion of the accident to your actions, your potential financial recovery could be diminished. A lawyer can help you defend your rights by collecting evidence of the full extent of the responsible party’s liability.

A lawyer may also be able to:

• Communicate with all parties in your case on your behalf
• Prove the cause of the accident
• Define the total cost of the accident
• Build a complete case file
• Negotiate for a fair settlement
• Meet the statute of limitations

Your lawyer may also provide support while you cope with the aftermath of the accident. Additionally, they may be able to instruct you on important next steps and on matters of law that affect your right to compensation.

At Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, we operate on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning our clients pay nothing upfront, and we do not collect attorney fees unless and until our clients win their case.

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Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer for a Minor Accident?

Even a seemingly minor car accident can come with a hefty price tag for physical injuries and property damage. Hiring a lawyer after a car accident can help to protect your rights and recovery options in the event that your injuries and property damage are more extensive than they initially appeared to be.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that even a minor car accident can cause injuries such as whiplash. Whiplash can include long-term pain, require costly medical care, and may force you to miss time at work. A lawyer might be able to help ensure the at-fault driver is held responsible for the treatments and related expenses whiplash or your other injuries require.

It may be challenging to recover compensation for your damages, even after a minor car accident. A car accident lawyer can handle all of the communications, deadlines, and paperwork in your case, freeing up your time so that you can focus on your recovery and moving on with your life.

At Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, we invite anyone who is thinking about working with a lawyer after their accident to call our firm at (888) 522-6291 for a free, no-obligation case review with a member of our team.

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What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?

Because car accident settlements can vary greatly, the average settlement amount can be difficult to determine. In general, a settlement offer is based on the value of the victim’s damages. The potentially recoverable economic and non-economic damages in a car accident case may include:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Loss of earnings
• Property repair or loss
• Necessary domestic assistance
• Pain and suffering
• Mental suffering

A different set of damages may be available in a wrongful death case, such as funeral costs, pre-death medical care, loss of companionship, and more.

Any financial compensation you receive may be a combination of one or several of these damages. Accordingly, the financial value of a car accident can vary drastically on a case-by-case and person-by-person basis.

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices might be able to help you prepare a solid case file that accurately depicts the financial impact of your accident and helps ensure your injuries are not undervalued.

Contact the personal injury team at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices at (888) 522-6291 to learn more about the potential value of your car accident claim in a free, no-obligation case review.

What Damages Can I Collect for a Car Accident?

In California, you may be able to collect a wide range of damages based on your accident-related injuries and their impact on your life.

According to California Civil Code (CIV) §1431.2, you may be able to request recovery of these economic damages in a personal injury case:

• Current and upcoming medical expenses
• Current and upcoming earnings loss
• Property damage or destruction
• Substitute domestic services, if needed
• Loss of business or employment opportunities

If a member of your family was fatally injured in a Los Angeles car accident, you might be able to pursue the at-fault driver for your loved one’s reasonable funeral and burial expenses, pre-death medical care, and other economic damages.

Economic damages are accident-related costs that are often verifiable with receipts, invoices, or other documents. Precise calculations of your financial damages are an important part of your injury claim after a car accident.

Along with economic damages, you might also qualify to collect the following non-economic damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional suffering and distress
• Loss of society, companionship, or consortium

Non-economic damages might be more difficult to calculate on your own. A lawyer may be able to help determine which expenses are compensable and estimate the financial value of your intangible losses.

Can I Sue Someone Personally After a Car Accident?

Yes, you can sue someone personally after a car accident. You may wish to do this if your damages exceed the limit of the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage or if the at-fault driver was uninsured.

The stress and frustration of a car accident might be increased when you learn the driver who hit your car did not have insurance. You might be able to sue an uninsured driver personally to cover the costs of an accident they caused. If you hire a car accident lawyer to represent you, they might be able to help you determine other avenues for financial recovery from an uninsured driver.

Even though minimal car insurance is mandatory for every vehicle registered in Los Angeles, according to the California Department of Insurance (CDI), not every driver carries insurance or demonstrates financial responsibility. According to the CDI, if you included optional Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC) in your insurance policy, you might also be able to seek compensation from your own insurer.

Do not give up on financial recovery because the driver who collided with your car was uninsured—they might still be financially liable for your car accident expenses. A car accident lawyer may be able to help you evaluate your options and pursue compensation through all available methods, from insurance claims to a personal injury lawsuit.

Will My Car Accident Lawyer Deal with the Insurance Companies for Me?

Yes, your car accident lawyer can deal with the insurance companies in your case for you. A lawyer’s services typically include communicating with all parties—including the insurance companies—on your behalf.

If an insurance company tries to contact you while you have legal representation, you can refer them to your lawyer. Keep in mind that any statements you give to a car insurance company regarding your injuries or the accident may be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Your lawyer might request and review the at-fault driver’s insurance policy to determine coverage options and maximums. They might also request and complete any required insurance forms on your behalf. When dealing with the insurance company, your lawyer may also:

• Help you avoid a premature settlement offer when the total cost of the accident is unknown
• Counsel you on the finality of accepting a settlement offer
• Advise you on the feasibility of each offer you receive
• Negotiate for a fair settlement offer on your behalf
• Take your case to trial, if necessary

Your lawyer might also be able to ensure that your claim is fully assessed and that your right to compensation is protected by filing your lawsuit in compliance with the statute of limitations.

How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take to Settle?

The time it takes to settle a car accident claim in California can vary greatly from case to case. During the process of reaching a financial settlement, time-consuming steps in your case may include:

• Waiting for all bills and estimates to arrive
• Proving the at-fault driver’s financial liability
• Negotiating with their insurance carrier
• Weighing and reviewing each monetary offer
• Accepting an offer and signing required paperwork
• Taking your case to trial, if necessary

Your lawyer may be able to help you understand the settlement timeline and your potential amount of recovery. They may also speak to you about other ways time might affect your compensation claim because of various legal deadlines in your case.

For example, according to CCP §335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. Although your goal may be to reach a settlement, it is important to keep your right to sue active in case you decide to take the case to trial.

A representative of Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can discuss what time frame may apply to your claim when you call our firm at (888) 522-6291 for a free case review.

Do You Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident?

You do not necessarily have to go to court for a car accident in Los Angeles. Like many personal injury claims, yours might be resolved with a financial settlement that lets you and the at-fault party avoid a trial. If your lawyer can help you prove the at-fault driver’s negligence, they or their insurance company might agree to a financial settlement.

The American Bar Association (ABA) suggests keeping these important guidelines in mind when settling your car accident claim out of court:

• A settlement will release the at-fault party from additional liability in writing
• Your signed settlement agreement will be final and binding
• Your personal injury lawyer can assess each offer you receive
• The final decision to accept or reject an offer is yours to make

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices may be able to help you avoid going to court by negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf. However, if the responsible party refuses to make you a fair offer, we are more than willing to defend your right on trial.

For a free case review, contact the personal injury team at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices by calling (888) 522-6291.

What Happens if the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Car Insurance?

All registered vehicle owners in California are required to carry insurance, according to the California Department of Insurance. Unfortunately, many drivers still break the law and risk driving while uninsured.

If you are injured in an accident by a driver who does not have the required insurance, you may still have options for financial recovery. If your insurance coverage includes Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC), you might be able to tap into that coverage. Through UMC coverage, you may be compensated for recoverable damages, including:

• Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) may cover the cost of your physical injuries, up to the same limits of your liability coverage
• Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) may cover the cost of your vehicle damage up to $3,500

UMC coverage is optional. However, all insurance companies in California must offer UMC coverage, and you typically must sign a waiver to reject it.

If you do not have UMC, your lawyer may be able to help you find other ways to seek payment for your damages. Your options may include a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver or an insurance claim against any other parties that may have been liable for your accident.

Who Can Be Sued in a Car Accident Case?

CIV §1714 allows you to sue the negligent party in a car accident case. California law holds each citizen responsible “for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care.”

Accordingly, who can be sued in a car accident case depends on whose negligence contributed to the accident. The liable party may be:

• The driver of another vehicle
• A company, if your accident was caused by its employee while operating a commercial motor vehicle
• The vehicle’s manufacturer or a negligent mechanic, if the collision caused by a faulty vehicle or one with faulty components
• The municipality responsible for road safety, if a road hazard or a defective traffic signal caused your accident
• You may also be able to sue multiple parties in accidents with multi-party liability

Sometimes, the at-fault party for a car accident is obvious. Other times, assigning liability may require an investigation into the cause of the accident.

A car accident lawyer may be able to help you determine the right party to pursue. They might also be able to help you identify your damages and define the total compensation amount you might be entitled to seek from the liable party.

What Should I Do in the Days Following a Car Accident?

If you have not already done so, you should receive medical treatment for your injuries. Even if you believe your injuries are just minor, a diagnosis and medical record of your injuries may be an essential piece of evidence in your car accident case. The sooner you see a doctor, the less chance you give the defendant to argue that your injuries may have come from some cause other than the accident.

In the days following a car accident, you should also:

• Follow all directions from your healthcare provider
• Obtain a copy of your official crash report
• Take pictures of your injuries and your car
• Start building a file of relevant bills and receipts

You should also be cautious when speaking to any representatives from their at-fault driver’s insurance company and remember that they may be able to use your statements against you.

You may also wish to call a personal injury law firm to discuss your case. Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices offers free, no-obligation case reviews to car accident victims in Los Angeles. If we work together on your case, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer from our firm can manage all of the legal work on your behalf, including communications with the insurance companies.

What Should I Do at the Scene of a Car Accident?

At the scene of a car accident, the California Department of Insurance recommends taking these actions:

• Leave the scene for emergency medical treatment, if necessary
• Immediately call 911 if anyone in either vehicle is injured or if there were fatalities
• Move your car out of the flow of traffic, if possible
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver
• Ask anyone who witnessed the accident for their contact information
• Take pictures of your car from a variety of angles and of the at-fault driver’s car

Calling the police to the accident scene is always recommended, but is required by law if anyone is injured, if there are fatalities, or if either car has more than $1,000 in damages. The crash report generated by the responding officer may be used as evidence in your case.

If you did not leave the scene of the accident for emergency medical treatment, you might want to see a doctor as soon as possible to create evidence in your medical record that your injuries came from the crash.

Taking these important actions can ensure that your version of the accident is supported. It can also establish the date that governs the statute of limitations. These details may help your lawyer prove the cause and cost of your injuries.

What Can I Do to Protect My Rights After a Car Accident?

Depending on the cause of your accident, you might have a right to financial compensation. To protect your rights after a car accident, you should:

• Call the police and file a crash report
• Take pictures of all involved cars
• Exchange required information
• Avoid talking about the accident with the responsible party’s insurance company, other people involved, or publicly on social media
• File your personal injury lawsuit on time

Your crash report and witness statements might help prove the responsible party’s negligence. Make sure the pictures you take depict the road and weather conditions as well as any traffic signs or signals at the accident scene.

It is also essential that you comply with CCP §335.1 to protect your right to sue. This law imposes a general two-year statute of limitations, or legal time limit, on personal injury lawsuits in California.

To learn more about what to do aftr your car accident, call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices at (888) 522-6291. A member of our car accident team can discuss your legal options in a free, no-obligation case review. If you qualify, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer from our firm may be able to provide you with representation on a contingency-fee-basis.

How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Many car accident lawyers will represent you on a contingency-fee-basis, which means they will represent you at no cost to you unless and until a settlement offer or court award is reached. The lawyer may then take their fee out of any financial recovery you receive.

According to the ABA, a car accident lawyer may charge around 33% for their contingency fee. The exact percentage may be lower or higher and should be established clearly in any agreement you sign with a lawyer when you hire time. Furthermore, according to the State Bar of California, a lawyer may not charge or accept a fee that is considered unconscionable.

For their contingency fee, your lawyer may fight for compensation via an insurance claim or take your case to trial. Your lawyer might also take these actions to pursue compensation on your behalf:

• Identify the cause of the accident
• Collect evidence of the value of your damages
• Negotiate for a financial settlement
• Present your evidence to a judge or jury if your case goes to trial

There are no up-front payments required in a contingency-fee arrangement. If your lawyer is not able to win your case and recover compensation on your behalf, you are typically not obligated to pay them attorney fees.

How Much Should You Settle for After a Car Accident?

How much you should settle for after a car accident depends on the severity of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the damage to your personal property.

In general, the cash value of your compensation claim after an accident is a combination of economic and non-economic damages. According to CIV §1431.2, you might qualify to receive:

• Past and present medical bills
• Past and present loss of wages
• Damaged or destroyed property
• Necessary in-home care
• Pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional anguish
• And other types of damages

Another factor that may affect the value of your settlement is what percentage of fault you had in the accident. If you are partially responsible for your accident in California, your compensation may be reduced by your degree of fault.

Because no two car accidents will result in identical physical and financial damages, you may want to work with a car accident lawyer to estimate the value of your case. A lawyer may be able to make sure you do not accept a speedy but flawed settlement and can represent you in settlement negotiations with the responsible party’s insurance company.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?

In general, CCP §335.1 imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in California. The statutory clock starts ticking as soon as the car accident occurs.

Some circumstances could alter the deadline in your case and require you to act even sooner. For example, if your lawsuit is going against a government agency, the California courts say that you may have just six months to one year to take legal action. This deadline may apply if your accident was caused by a municipal bus, a police car, or another type of vehicle operated by a government agency.

Your car accident lawyer may use your crash report and medical records to establish the filing deadline and ensure it is met. Filing your lawsuit outside the statute of limitations is risky. It could mean the courts dismiss your lawsuit without it ever being heard and that you are unable to recover compensation for your damages.

Because of missing the deadlines in your case, Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices recommends that you call our client intake team as soon as possible after your accident for a free case review and information on what specific deadlines pertain to you.

Should I Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident Even if I’m Not Hurt?

Yes, you should go to the hospital and have a thorough exam after a car accident, even if you do not immediately feel injured. According to the Merck Manual, the swelling and other symptoms of some soft tissue injuries might not be immediately apparent. Other injuries that may feel like they will go away on their own, such as neck pain, could indicate a persistent condition such as whiplash that requires treatment.

In addition to swelling, other symptoms of soft tissue injuries might include bruising, muscle spasms, and numbness. To diagnose soft tissue and other car accident injuries, your health care team might conduct a complete physical exam and request x-rays and other types of imaging.

If you do not go to the emergency room straight from the accident scene, be on the lookout for sudden or otherwise unexplained pain, tingling, and other odd sensations or injured areas that seem misshapen or distorted. If you notice any of these symptoms or warning signs, seek immediate medical attention.

Another major benefit of seeing a doctor after a car crash is that it can create proof in your medical record that your injuries came from the accident.

Keep track of your ambulance and emergency room expenses, in-office visits, and follow-up medical care. Your lawyer may be able to have these costs included in your compensation claim.

What Are the Main Causes of Car Accidents in Los Angeles?

Knowing what caused your car accident is an important part of your claim for financial compensation. The State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reports these common causes of car accidents:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Wrong-way driving
• Improper turns
• Failure to yield
• Disregarded traffic signs

The causes listed above are not the only things that can make someone liable for a car accident. If another party’s negligence caused your accident in any way, they might be liable for your damages in a personal injury case.

If you believe another party’s negligence caused or contributed to your car accident, you may want to share your concerns with a personal injury law firm. A lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation in an insurance claim or lawsuit. You should also obtain a copy of your crash report. It may provide many objective details of the accident that can help both sides understand its cause and its consequences.

Contact the personal injury team at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices by calling  (888) 522-6291 to find out how a Los Angeles car accident lawyer from our firm might be able to help you prove the cause of the accident and determine your ability to compel payment from the at-fault driver.

How Does a Car Accident Lawyer Calculate Pain and Suffering?

Unlike the tangible expenses that stem from a car accident, such as medical bills or lost wages, calculating the intangible costs of your physical and emotional pain and suffering can be complex.

The lawyer who represents you may use your medical records and proof of required physical and occupational therapy and emotional counseling to prove the extent of your pain and suffering. A lawyer may also be able to collect testimony from medical experts about your pain and suffering or witness statements from your friends or family regarding the impact of your injuries on your life.

The compensation you might be able to recover for your pain and suffering is governed by CIV §1431.2, which allows you to hold the at-fault driver responsible for a wide variety of non-economic damages. You may wish to retain any proof of the extent of your post-accident pain and suffering, such as mental health counseling records or other evidence that demonstrates the physical, mental, and emotional impact of the accident.

A lawyer may have several additional methods of calculating pain and suffering to use when assigning an overall value to your compensation claim.

Do You Always Get a Settlement from a Car Accident?

Although many personal injury claims are resolved with a settlement, not all of them are. If an insurance company refuses to make you a settlement offer, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them and take your case to trial. This may allow a judge or jury to award you compensation instead.

There are two additional reasons you might not get a settlement from a car accident.

California is a comparative negligence state, meaning if the at-fault driver’s insurance company believes that you bear responsibility for the accident, they may not offer you a settlement. If you take your case to trial and a judge agrees that the defendant was not at fault, you may receive no court award.

If you are found to bear partial responsibility for the accident, any financial damages you recover may be decreased by the percentage that corresponds to your assigned degree of fault.

Another factor that may limit your potential recovery is California’s statute of limitations. CCP §335.1 imposes a general two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits. Even if you prove all the required legal elements of your lawsuit, failure to meet the statute of limitations could mean you can no longer compel compensation from the at-fault driver.

When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

If you are considering hiring a lawyer after a car accident, you should do so without delay. While you are allowed to resolve your compensation claim on your own, you may want to hire a lawyer if:

• Your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from fully participating in your compensation claim
• A loved one was fatally injured in an accident, and you would rather focus on your family’s comfort than the legal proceedings
• You are unaware of the statute of limitations and how it might impact your ability to seek compensation

A lawyer can communicate with all parties on your behalf, so hiring one early could save you the stress of speaking with insurance agents about your case. Working with a lawyer can also let you focus on your recovery while they fight for compensation on your behalf.

In general, CCP §335.1 limits your right to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit to two years. If your lawsuit is for personal injuries, the time starts running on the date you were injured. If the lawsuit is for the wrongful death of a family member, the time starts running on the date of your loved one’s death.

How Do I Find a Good Car Accident Lawyer?

In the aftermath of a car accident, you may want to let a lawyer handle your personal injury claim rather than tackling it on your own.

To find a good car accident lawyer, you might consider asking for recommendations from friends and family. It can also mean choosing a lawyer who:

• Has a full support staff
• Is attentive and responsive
• Is aware of the timeline
• Has a proven track record
• Has client testimonials

The car accident lawyer you choose should be willing to keep you updated on the progress of your case. Your lawyer should also be able to ensure compliance with California’s statute of limitations. They should understand the value of your crash report, the state’s insurance laws, and the importance of making you financially whole after an accident.

Your car accident lawyer might be able to negotiate a favorable financial settlement. If not, they should be willing to continue the fight for your financial recovery on trial.

At Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, we want our clients to feel comfortable and confident when they sign up to work with us, which is why our team provides free, no-obligation consultations to Los Angeles car accident victims.

What Happens When You Go to Court for a Car Accident?

When a financial settlement cannot be reached, and your lawyer prepares to take your car accident injury claim to court, the ABA outlines the following steps that may lead to your lawsuit:

• You (the plaintiff), the at-fault driver (the defendant), and their insurance company might each engage in legal representation
• During the discovery process, each side might start by learning about the facts of the accident and collecting supporting evidence.
• You may have to have a deposition while under oath
• Both sides may go to trial in front of a judge or a jury

The evidence that you or your lawyer produce might lead to a financial settlement that lets you avoid the time and expense of a trial. Your lawyer can review any settlement offers you receive and advise you on accepting an offer versus continuing your case in court.

Contact the client intake team at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices by calling  (888) 522-6291 today to learn more about working with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer from our firm. In cases where the responsible party is unwilling to make you a fair settlement offer, Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices are happy to continue defending your rights by taking your case to trial.

When Will I Start Getting Paid from My Car Accident Settlement?

How long it takes for payment from a car accident settlement to arrive is different in every case. It may take time to identify the liable party, catalog your damages and their value, file an insurance claim, and negotiate for a settlement.

Once a claim is filed, the California Department of Insurance provides this general timeline:

• After receiving your claim, the insurance company has up to 15 days to acknowledge its receipt
• Your claim must be accepted or denied within 40 days of its receipt
• After accepting your claim’s validity, the insurance company must pay it within 30 days

The settlement check may be sent to your lawyer (if you are working with one), who may deduct their attorney fees and pay you the remainder. If you are representing yourself, the settlement check may be sent directly to you.

A lawyer might be able to explain the estimated timeline in your case in greater detail. In addition, a lawyer may be able to help you with the time-consuming tasks of building your case file, obtaining evidence, filing paperwork, and communicating with other parties on your behalf. A lawyer can also confront an insurance company for you if there are delays in issuing your payment.

How Do I Get a Car Accident Report?

After a car accident, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) allows you to request a car accident report by mail or online, depending on the circumstances. The cost of an official crash report is $18. To obtain yours, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Name, contact information, and date of birth
• LAPD report or incident number
• Names of parties included in the report
• Accident date, time, and location
• License plate number and registration

Specific restrictions to obtaining a car accident report online include if anyone involved in the accident was arrested, fatally injured, or a minor. Reports that fit these criteria must be requested by mail. You will also be asked the reason for your request.

If you are seeking a car accident report from another jurisdiction, you may want to check that law enforcement agency’s website or call their non-emergency number for information on how to obtain a report.

Once you receive your car accident report, give a copy to your lawyer. It may contain a wealth of information that may support your compensation claim, such as contact information for the at-fault driver, their insurer, and anyone who witnessed the accident. It may also indicate whether the accident resulted in physical injuries, property damage, or fatalities.

What Will My Car Accident Lawyer Look for in My Claim?

To pursue compensation after a car accident in Los Angeles, your lawyer will look for proof of negligence. CIV §1714 allows you to hold the at-fault driver responsible for your injuries if their willful act or failure to provide you with ordinary care led to the accident.

Your lawyer might be able to build a solid case file that proves the required legal elements of your claim. Your case file might also contain your medical records in order to prove the cause of your injuries and the cost of treating them.

Your case file might also contain your crash report. This document may tell the story of the accident, help define cause and fault, and provide valuable contact information.

If you have them, your file might also hold pictures of your injuries, your damaged or destroyed vehicle, the other involved vehicle, and the accident scene if road or weather conditions contributed to the accident. Provide your legal team with any other evidence that you believe is beneficial to your personal injury claim.

A lawyer may also be able to hire outside experts, such as accident reconstruction experts and medical witnesses, to testify in your defense.

What Happens if Another Car Causes You to Crash?

If you swerved to avoid another car because its driver was reckless, careless, or negligent, you might have the basis of a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit for financial compensation. According to CIV §1714, negligence is assigned to the driver whose actions intentionally or unintentionally caused an accident.

If another driver took negligent actions—such as failing to yield the right of way, making an illegal lane change, running a red light, etc.—and you crashed your car trying to avoid a collision with them, they may be liable for your damages.

A car accident lawyer may be able to help you identify the responsible party and collect evidence of their liability in this type of case.

Provide your lawyer with a copy of your crash report. It may indicate the number of cars involved in the accident, the position of each car, and each car’s identifying information. To prove another car caused you to swerve, to slam on your brakes, or to crash for any other reason, your lawyer may search for witnesses, traffic cameras, and residential or commercial still or video cameras.

After establishing liability, your lawyer can define the monetary value of your claim and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Who Is at Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Car Accident?

Just as a negligent driver would be liable in a two-car accident, the driver whose negligence initiated a multi-vehicle collision is at fault for causing the accident, according to CIV §1714.

Describe the accident to your lawyer, including details on where each car was impacted and in what order. Using your smartphone, you should also take pictures to support your theory of the accident’s cause. Unless they required emergency medical treatment, each driver should remain at the scene until a crash report has been completed and all involved parties have exchanged information. Objective witnesses may indicate the sequence of the chain reaction in a multi-vehicle collision.

On your own, identifying the right driver to pursue may be difficult. When you work with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices on your case, we can coordinate all of the legal work on your behalf. When necessary, we can enlist the help of accident reconstruction experts to provide evidence in your defense. We are comfortable handling multi-party accidents and pursuing any and all parties that share fault for your damages.

For a free consultation on your case with our personal injury team, call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices today at (888) 522-6291.

Can I Sue for More than the Defendant’s Insurance Policy Limits?

If your damages exceed the limit of the responsible party’s insurance policy, then yes, you may be able to sue them for the remaining value of your damages. However, you may not need to do this to recover full compensation.

When you purchase auto insurance in Los Angeles, you are offered optional Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage, according to the California Department of Insurance. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM), if purchased, may help cover the expenses you incur if your accident damages exceed the at-fault driver’s maximum insurance coverage.

If you do not carry UIM—or if your damages exceed your UIM coverage as well—you may be able to pursue additional compensation against the responsible party in a personal injury lawsuit.

To prove the cause of the collision exceeds the at-fault driver’s coverage, your lawyer may read and review your medical records, bills, and property repair estimates and assess the value of your intangible damages such as pain and suffering.

Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices may be able to help you pursue compensation via insurance claims and/or a personal injury lawsuit when we represent you.

What Do I Do in a Hit-and-Run Case?

If you are involved in a hit-and-run crash, you may initially take many of the same steps you would if the at-fault driver had not fled the scene. According to the California Department of Insurance, in the immediate aftermath of the hit and run crash, you should:

• Call 9-1-1 to report the accident and request emergency medical treatment, if necessary
• Move your car if it is safe to do so
• If any vehicles involved in the accident remain at the scene, exchange driver and insurance information
• Obtain witness contact information
• Take pictures, if possible
• Call your insurance provider
• File a crash report

The police may launch an investigation into your accident to attempt to identify the hit-and-run driver. If they are able to do so, you may be able to bring a personal injury insurance claim against the responsible driver.

If the at-fault driver cannot be located, you may be able to tap into the Uninsured Motorist portion of your own insurance policy if you carry it.

If you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles, Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices invites you to call our firm for a free case review. We may be able to help you evaluate your legal options and provide you with further guidance.

How Is Fault Proven?

Proving fault is typically a necessary step in recovering compensation after a car accident via an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. In general, fault may be proven with evidence that one party’s negligence was the cause of the accident. Such causes may include:

• Violations of traffic laws
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving

Evidence of negligence may include:

• Your crash report
• Witness statements
• Photos and videos of the accident
• Testimony from accident reconstruction experts

According to the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles, a crash report is mandatory if injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000 occurred in the accident. This document may help you prove fault, as it may provide an official record of potential causes, violations, or criminal charges that occurred in your accident.

Witness statements may also provide impartial narratives of the accident. Witnesses outside of your vehicle might also see fault factors you did not see from inside your vehicle. This varied point of view and objective information may help prove fault.

Photos can provide visual proof of the physical and property damage the accident caused. Photos may also depict any road and weather conditions or vehicle flaws that may have contributed to the accident.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Negligence?

Proving negligence after a car accident means proving the at-fault driver’s recklessness or carelessness led to the accident that caused your injuries. CIV §1714 defines negligence as a willful act that disregards the duty of care the at-fault driver owed you and every driver on the road. To prove negligence, the lawyer who represents you might:

• Use the objective information found in your car accident report
• Use injury descriptions and causes found in your medical records
• Locate and interview independent witnesses to the collision

Your lawyer may also be able to conduct their own independent investigation into the accident’s cause. This investigation may produce testimony from accident reconstruction experts or footage of the accident collected from surveillance or traffic cameras.

Once fault is assigned to the responsible party, your lawyer may be able to establish the anticipated value of your compensation claim and negotiate for a financial settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Damages you might be able to recoup could include medical care, property damage, pain and suffering, and income loss. Review your full range of recoverable damages with your lawyer, who might also be able to ensure your claim is filed in time to comply with California’s statute of limitations.

Who Pays for the Rental Car While My Car Is in the Repair Shop?

Being without your car can be a huge inconvenience. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), car repairs after an accident take an average of two weeks. Who pays for your rental car for that period of time?

The answer might be twofold. If your insurance coverage includes rental reimbursement, you may get a rental car faster and easier by going through your own policy than you would if you waited for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pay.

If your insurance coverage does not provide you with a rental car yourself, you may need to pay for a rental car out of pocket and then attempt to claim the costs of your rental car on your fault-based insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices may be able to help you include the cost of rental reimbursement in the economic portion of your compensation claim. In addition, we can compile a detailed list of your other accident-related damages, such as lost income, and collect evidence of their value.

For a free consultation on your case with a member of our personal injury team, call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices today at (888) 522-6291.

Should I Exchange Auto Insurance Information After a Car Accident?

Yes, after you are involved in an accident, you should exchange auto insurance information with any other involved drivers. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) also suggests that you:

• Call 9-1-1 if anyone is injured
• Call the local police to generate a crash report
• Jot down the license plate and VIN (vehicle identification number) of all vehicles involved in the accident
• Exchange contact and driver’s license information with all involved drivers
• Take photos of the damage to all involved vehicles
• Ask witnesses for their contact information

According to the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles, a crash report is mandatory for any accident involving injury, death, or where over $1,000 of vehicle damage is readily apparent.

It is recommended that you do not make any agreements verbally or in writing at the accident scene or accept any offers to pay your insurance deductible or vehicle damages. Avoid arguing with the at-fault driver, assigning blame, or making any statements at all, except answering police questions, at the scene of the accident.

If you decide to work with a lawyer on your case, they can communicate with all parties and pursue compensation on your behalf. The potentially recoverable damages in your case may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What Are Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages are damages paid to an injured party in addition to the economic and non-economic damages typically awarded in a personal injury claim due to negligence. According to the ABA, punitive damages are rarely awarded and are reserved for civil cases where the at-fault party’s actions are deemed to have been intentional.

Because punitive damages are awarded by a judge as a way of punishing the defendant, punitive damages are typically only available in lawsuits.

Without punitive damages, the economic and non-economic recoverable damages you might qualify to receive, according to CIV §1431.2, may include:

• Health care expenses
• Loss of income
• Property repair or replacement
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress

Your lawyer may work closely with you to accurately value your potential compensation package. They might request your medical bills, repair bills, vehicle value estimates (if your car is damaged beyond repair), and check stubs or tax records to determine your total income loss.

Create a case file so that you have a single, convenient place to store receipts and other records that demonstrate the financial impact of the accident. Share this file with your lawyer to help ensure no legitimate expenses and losses are inadvertently omitted from your financial recovery claim.

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

CIV §1714 holds the driver whose negligence caused your accident financially responsible for their willful or negligent actions. Accordingly, the at-fault driver may be responsible for your medical bills.

In keeping with CIV §1431.2, the costs you might be able to recover from the at-fault party after an accident include your full range of medical care, such as:

• Post-accident emergency treatment
• Surgery
• Hospital stays
• Medication and therapy
• Your estimated future costs of medical treatment.

In addition to medical care, you might also be able to compel payment for income loss for your initial injuries and follow-up medical care, the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged or destroyed car, and for your pain and suffering.

Your lawyer might be able to help evaluate your injuries and expenses to arrive at a monetary value for your case. If a loved one was fatally injured in the accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim for damages such as pre-death medical care.

A wrongful death claim may compensate your family for final arrangements for your loved one, the loss of their companionship, and the loss of their financial contributions to your family.

How Does a Car Accident Settlement Work?

Settling your car accident claim out of court means you will agree to accept a specific amount of money in exchange for releasing the at-fault driver from any further financial responsibility for the accident. A settlement offer might be extended or accepted at any point in the personal injury process.

Because a settlement is permanent, an accurate value of your claim is critical. A miscalculation could mean that your damages are not fully covered. If that happens, you may not be able to request additional compensation later because you will have signed a binding release.

Some insurance companies may try to take advantage of car accident victims by making them a low settlement offer soon after the accident.

Avoid accepting a premature settlement offer—or any offer—before understanding the full value of your damages. A lawyer might be able to examine the at-fault driver’s insurance policy and your injury-related expenses and help you make an informed insurance settlement decision.

Through a settlement agreement, you might be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses without having to endure a trial.

What Does It Mean When You Total Your Car?

According to the III, your car is considered totaled when the cost to repair it is more than its cash value. When your car is declared a total loss, the insurer might offer to pay the current Kelley Blue Book or the fair market value of your car in cash rather than pay to repair your vehicle.

You do not have to accept the value the insurance company assigns to your totaled car. You have the right to have your car examined and valued by your own appraiser, who may negotiate the value with an appraiser from the insurance company before a neutral umpire, according to the California Department of Insurance.

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices may be able to help you recover compensation for your totaled vehicle and your other accident-related damages when we represent you. We can also help you review an offer from the insurance company for the value of your totaled vehicle and help you determine if it is fair.

For a free case review with a member of our car accident team, call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices at (888) 522-6291.

How Long After an Accident Can You Get Whiplash?

According to Cleveland Clinic data, some car accident victims might feel the symptoms of whiplash immediately after an accident. Others might not feel its effects for several days.

Seek medical attention if you believe you might have suffered whiplash as the result of a car accident, especially if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Painful, stiff neck
• Muscle spasms
• Limited range of motion
• Headache or fatigue
• Anxiety and irritability

Whiplash cases range from mild to severe. This potentially debilitating condition can last for several months or years. Some people may suffer chronic whiplash injuries.

Whiplash treatment may include pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, and specialized range of motion exercises. Stay on the treatment plan your health care team prescribes.

The cost of your medical care may be the responsibility of the at-fault driver. Provide your legal team with any medical records and bills that show the cost of treating your whiplash and other accident-related expenses.

A car accident lawyer can help you include the cost of your whiplash treatments in your compensation claim. If your accident caused you other damages, such as lost wages or pain and suffering, you might be able to request compensation for these losses as well.

Can You Get PTSD from a Car Accident?

A car accident can be an overwhelming and harrowing experience that may have physical, emotional, and financial consequences. The Mayo Clinic includes accidents and life-threatening injuries on its list of traumas that might lead to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

PTSD can make future car rides frightening and difficult to manage. Reported symptoms of PTSD might include:

• Disturbing memories
• Avoiding car rides
• Mood swings
• Emotional reactions
• Depression

PTSD may require long-term cognitive and behavioral therapy and various coping skills to treat. If you believe a traumatic car accident led to your PTSD, share your medical records and diagnosis with your car accident lawyer. Your lawyer might be able to include the cost associated with your PTSD treatments in your car accident claim.

You may be able to recover your full range of accident-related physical, mental, and emotional health care in a personal injury case. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or mental anguish, may also be available.

These damages may be the financial responsibility of the party whose negligence led to your car accident. A personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit might help you recoup these costs and start getting your life back on track. Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can help you pursue compensation for PTSD and other injuries when we represent you.

What Happens if I Don’t Feel Any Pain Until Days After My Car Accident?

If you start to feel any otherwise unexplained pain in the days after a car accident, seek medical attention right away. According to the Merck Manual, some soft tissue injuries you might experience after a car accident may not produce immediate pain or other symptoms. Injuries such as nerve and blood vessel damage might not become obvious to you for days, the Merck Manual reports.

Furthermore, the Cleveland Clinic cites a sometimes days-long delay in the pain and other symptoms of whiplash. Depending on its severity, whiplash can have long-term or even chronic symptoms.

Seek medical care if you experience pain after a car accident. A definitive diagnosis and correlating treatments can prevent your condition from worsening. An effective treatment plan can also help you get started on the road to physical healing and overall recovery.

Furthermore, getting treatment for your injuries as soon as their symptoms appear may help you create evidence in your medical record that your car accident was their cause and not something else.

The expenses of diagnosing and treating your accident-related injuries might be compensable in a personal injury case. Make sure to keep track of your medical records and bills for any insurance claim or lawsuit you may file.

What Not to Say to Your Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

After a collision, you should report your accident to the at-fault driver’s insurance company and your own insurance company. If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, you might need to tap into your insurance coverage for financial protection.

Your insurance company might want to know details of the accident and contact information for the other involved driver’s insurance company. They may also request a copy of your crash report, which is mandatory if there were injuries or over $1,000 in property damages in your accident.

When talking to the responsible party’s insurance company, do not say anything that might indicate you were at fault for the accident. Remember that you are not obligated to accept an initial settlement offer if it does not reflect the full value of your damages. Also, accepting any settlement offer may require you to release the responsible party from any further liability.

If you decide to work with a car accident lawyer on your case, they may be able to handle all of the communications with the insurance companies on your behalf. They can also help you estimate the value of your case and may be able to negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.

What Do You Do if You’ve Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Car Accident?

If your family lost a loved one in a car accident, you might be able to hold the at-fault driver financially responsible for your loss. You may want to consult a personal injury law firm to explore the possibility of filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. Do so without delay, as CCP §335.1 generally limits your ability to file a wrongful death lawsuit to two years from the date of your loved one’s death.

Additional steps you might want to take include obtaining copies of their medical records, crash report, and death certificate. Your lawyer might request other documents and evidence. You might also need paperwork that defines your relationship to the decedent and documents that demonstrate their financial contributions to your family.

The potentially recoverable damages in a wrongful death case may include funeral costs, pre-death medical care, loss of income, and more.

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices might be able to help you build a solid case for wrongful death compensation if another driver’s negligence led to your loved one’s death. For a free case review, contact the wrongful death team at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices by calling (888) 522-6291 today.

Who Can Sue in a Fatal Car Accident Claim?

The unexpected loss of a family member can lead to grief, stress, and financial anxiety. After an accident such as this, your family may want to hold the at-fault driver accountable in a wrongful death lawsuit.

CCP §377.60 allows the following surviving relatives of the decedent to sue for financial compensation after a fatal car accident in California:

• Spouse
• Domestic Partner
• Children
• Grandchildren
• Parents

A car accident lawyer may be able to help you determine which family members can pursue financial recovery in your case. A lawyer may also be able to help you estimate the potential value of your claim.

According to CIV §1431.2, the potentially recoverable damages in a wrongful death case might include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Current and future loss of earnings
• Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of society
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium

Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices handles wrongful death cases, and on behalf of our firm, we are sorry for your loss. We may be able to coordinate all aspects of your wrongful death case when we represent you. Our services may include assigning a financial value to your claim and negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf.

What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Los Angeles?

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) lists speed- and alcohol-related crashes as two of the most common types of car accidents in Los Angeles County in 2017.

Other common types of car accidents include:

• Rear-end accidents
• Distracted driving accidents
• Failure to yield accidents
• Illegal turn or lane change accidents
• Intersection accidents

If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you might be able to hold them financially responsible for your injuries in a personal injury claim.

According to CCP §335.1, an at-fault driver’s negligent or careless behavior may entitle you to recover economic and non-economic damages such as:

• Accident-related medical expenses
• Accident-related lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Property damage

Do not settle for a smaller insurance payout than you may be rightfully entitled to. Your legal team can work with you to create a detailed list of the expenses and losses you might be able to receive.

Your lawyer may also be able to help you prepare your case, prove its legal elements, and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for a settlement. If they are not willing to make you a fair settlement offer, your lawyer can take your case to trial.

How Long Does the Insurance Company Have to Pay a Settlement Claim?

After a car accident, you might be anxious for your settlement to be paid so you can get back on the road and start putting your life back together. According to the California Department of Insurance, after a claim is filed, the at-fault driver’s insurance company must comply with the following guidelines under the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations:

• Within 15 days: acknowledge receipt of your claim, begin their investigation process, provide you with required forms for completion, and reply to your communication efforts
• Within 40 days: accept or reject your claim
• Within 30 days: pay your claim

You do not have to battle an insurance company on your own. Your lawyer might be able to help ensure the insurance company complies with these timelines and that your claim is not unnecessarily or unfairly delayed.

If you need assistance dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier and getting your claim paid in a timely fashion, a car accident lawyer might be able to help. A car accident lawyer may also be able to estimate the value of your damages and negotiate for a fair settlement offer on your behalf.

What Do I Do if the Insurance Company Denies My Car Accident Claim?

If you file an insurance claim and it is denied, you may have several options. You or your lawyer may be able to present the insurance company with additional evidence of their client’s liability to convince them of their responsibility to pay you for your damages.

Once you bring a lawyer on board your case, they may be able to help by collecting as much evidence as possible of the responsible party’s liability. This evidence may include things like security footage of the accident, witness statements, or testimony from accident reconstruction experts.

If the responsible party’s insurance company still refuses to make you a settlement offer after seeing new evidence, you or your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit against them and take your case to trial. This process may allow you to present your evidence to a judge or a jury, who would then decide if the defendant owes you compensation and how much.

A car accident lawyer can coordinate all aspects of your settlement negotiations or personal injury lawsuit when they represent you. Depending on the details of your case, the potentially recoverable damages may include your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What Happens if I Get in a Car Accident in a Rental Car?

If another party caused your car accident while you were driving a rental car, they might be liable for your damages, and you may be able to pursue them in a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit. If you caused an accident while driving a rental car, you might be responsible for the resulting damage.

According to the California Department of Insurance, if you purchased insurance from the rental agency when you rented the car, it might cover all or part of the damages from an accident. You might have coverage for the damage to the rental car as part of your own insurance policy. Some amount of insurance may also be provided by the credit card you used to rent the vehicle if your credit card company offers this perk.

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices might be able to help you navigate a complex insurance situation and pursue compensation for your injuries if another driver caused your rental car accident.

Contact the personal injury team at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices at (888) 522-6291 for a free, no-obligation case review. We work on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payments required.

What Happens if I Get in a Car Accident in a Company Car?

If you were driving a company car and another driver caused your accident, you would largely follow the same steps you would follow if you were injured by a privately owned vehicle. At the scene of the accident, the California Department of Insurance recommends taking the following steps:

• Call the police and an ambulance if one is needed
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver
• Request contact information for accident witnesses
• Take pictures of the scene and all involved vehicles
• Notify your insurance company of the accident
• File a crash report to capture important accident details

Accept emergency medical care if needed or see your doctor immediately for a thorough examination. You should also notify your company about the accident as soon as possible.

If another party caused your accident, you might be able to pursue them for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages in a personal injury claim.

A car accident lawyer can help determine the right party to pursue for compensation. Your lawyer might also be able to help you assign the right value to your compensation claim and negotiate a financial settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Do Insurance Companies Settle Accident Claims Before They Go to Court?

According to the ABA, a settlement offer may be reached at any point. After reviewing your proof and hearing the story of the accident, the at-fault party’s insurer might offer you a settlement to avoid the time and cost of going to court.

Even if a personal injury court case is already underway, the insurance company might still offer a settlement, and you are free to accept it if it meets your requirements, as long a verdict has not already been reached in your case.

Agreeing to a settlement typically means:

• You accept a specified amount of money in lieu of going to court
• You relieve the at-fault driver from any further obligation to compensate you

Your lawyer may be able to help you make a strategic decision on a settlement offer. Your lawyer may also be able to manage all communications and negotiations with the responsible party’s insurance company on your behalf.

If the responsible party’s insurance company refuses to make you a fair settlement offer, you have the right to sue them and bring your case to trial. If a judge or jury sides with you, they have the authority to award you compensation and to decide how much compensation the defendant owes you.

How Long Does Settlement Negotiation Take?

There is no set time frame for how long settlement negotiations may take. You, not your lawyer, have the final say on when to accept an offer or break off negotiations in favor of going to trial. Accordingly, your negotiations may last as long as it takes for you to receive a fair offer.

Sometimes, insurance companies make a low offer at the start of settlement negotiations when they know accident victims may be anxious for compensation. Rather than rushing or being pressured into accepting a speedy settlement offer, a lawyer might advise you to wait for the full financial impact of the accident to become clear. Doing so could help you avoid a settlement offer that is too small to fully cover the cost of the accident.

If you can present solid evidence of their client’s liability and the extent of your damages, an insurance company may make you a fair settlement offer in a timely fashion. If they refuse to make you a fair offer, you can take your case to trial instead.

Keep in mind that CCP §335.1 generally requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident in California.

If you work with a car accident lawyer on your case, they may be able to inform you about the timeframe for your settlement negotiations.

How Do Settlements Get Paid?

How your settlement is paid might vary depending on your insurance company and whether you negotiate on your own or hire a lawyer to handle your claim and negotiate on your behalf.

If a lawyer represents you on a contingency-fee-basis, the insurance company will pay your lawyer, your lawyer will deduct their fee, and you will receive the remainder. If you represent yourself, the settlement may be paid directly to you.

Your lawyer can make sure that your claim is accurately calculated before you accept a settlement offer. According to CIV §1431.2, a settlement or court award may cover the following damages:

• Health care costs
• Lost wages
• Vehicle repairs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Physical impairment

You might have recoverable damages that are not included on this list. Be sure to review all of your damages with your lawyer to ensure they are included when your claim is assigned a value. An inaccurate claim evaluation or insufficient settlement amount could mean you unintentionally agree to an offer that leaves you with out-of-pocket expenses.

Remember that you do not have to accept an unfair settlement offer, and you may be able to take your case to trial if the responsible party’s insurance company refuses to make you an adequate offer.

What Can I Physically Expect After a Car Accident?

The physical impact of a car accident depends on factors like your injuries, your health, and the type of medical care that you receive.

Make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. After evaluating your and diagnosing your injuries, a doctor may be able to best tell you what to expect physically as your recovery moves forward.

There is a wide range of injuries that can occur in a car accident. The injuries you sustain can be minor, like cuts and scrapes, or more severe, like whiplash.

Other physical injuries you might sustain in a car accident include:

• Broken limbs
• Skull injuries
• Torso injuries
• Severe burns
• Loss of consciousness
• Full or partial paralysis

These injuries can lead to costly and long-term treatments, hospital admissions, and physical and occupational therapy.

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can help you fight for financial recovery after a car accident. While you cope with the physical trauma of the accident, we may be able to manage all aspects of your case. For a free case review, contact the personal injury team at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices by calling (888) 522-6291 today.

Put a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer to Work on Your Claim

If you or a member of your family was injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices might be able to help you pursue the at-fault party for financial compensation.

Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can help you identify the responsible party in your accident and collect evidence of their liability when we represent you.

We can also catalog your damages and estimate their value. Depending on the nature of your case, your potentially recoverable damages may include:

• Immediate and future medical expenses
• Lost wages for when your injuries or injury treatments made you miss days at work
• The cost of repairing your car or replacing it if it is deemed a total loss
• Pain and suffering

In general, there is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in California, per CCP §335.1. Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can manage all paperwork on your behalf and help you meet the filing deadline in your case when we represent you.

Contact the personal injury team at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices at (888) 522-6291 for a free consultation on your case. We may be able to represent you on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payments required.

Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form