Whether you need a northern or southern California accident lawyer, you must be able to call an attorney at the best possible time. An accident’s aftermath can become stressful and devastating. The timing of when you file a case is essential to your chance of winning it. Hence, you must know when to call a lawyer after a car accident.
Time plays an important role in the potential success of your car accident case. However, ideal timing can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. For instance, you might have sustained injuries from the accident. In this case, calling a car accident lawyer in California might not be your first priority.
Here are some information about when to call a lawyer after a car accident:
The Deadline to Sue for A Car Accident in California
In California, the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1 generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits. If you do not comply with this legal filing deadline, you might not be able to get compensation from the at-fault driver.
If you are considering working with a lawyer on your case, you may want to contact them as soon as possible after your accident. Early involvement may help ensure your legal team has time to comply with the legal deadlines in your case.
What Should I do After a Car Accident?
Now that you’re aware of timing, you must know important steps right after the accident. After an accident, your first priority should be your body. If you have any injuries, you must immediately get help and receive medical care. After making sure that you’re in a stable condition, here are some matters you need to keep in mind:
- Completing a Car Accident Report
- Identifying the Car Accident’s Cause
- Meeting the Deadline to Sue
A good California car accident lawyer can also help you with these items, including the next steps involving your case.
What to Do at the Scene of the Accident
According to the California Department of Insurance, you must take these following steps at the scene of a car accident :
- Stop your car immediately
- Move your car to a safe location, if possible
- Call an ambulance if anyone is injured
- Call the police to complete a crash report
- Exchange information with the other drivers
- Get contact information from any witnesses
- Take pictures to supplement your evidence file
You might also want to call a personal injury law firm soon after a car accident. A lawyer can help you take steps to establish your potential right to compensation.
What Can I Physically Expect After a Car Accident?
A car accident can lead to physical damages that can range from minor to catastrophic. Your next course of action can depend on the severity and degree of your injuries. According to the Department of California Highway Patrol (CHP), the physical impact of an accident might include injuries like:
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Sprained or broken limbs
- Tissue, muscle, and organ damage
- Head, neck, and skull injuries
- Burns
- Loss of consciousness
- Spinal injuries or paralysis
- Cuts, scrapes, lumps, and bruises
The injuries you sustain in a car accident can lead to long-term and costly financial damage. Although, your car accident lawyer can help you assess the costs of treating your injuries, define the costs of their related expenses, and develop a plan. These are also necessary to seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver.
Learn more about how a California car accident lawyer can help with your injuries. An accident can also leave you with delayed pain. Read more about it here.
Know the Value of Your Claim
Finding out the value of your compensation can become complicated. On your own, you may encounter issues with the following:
- Ensure all expenses are included before entertaining settlement offers
- Accurately calculate anticipated costs like future medical care or income loss
- Understand how to value intangible damages like pain and suffering
According to California Civil Code (CIV) §1431.2, you might be entitled to the following tangible and intangible damages:
- Past and upcoming medical expenses
- Past and upcoming loss of earnings
- Damage or loss of your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
If you don’t know the correct value of your claim, you might end up accepting a small financial settlement. This can cause financial problems later on when unaccounted accident-related costs start piling up.
Why Get a Car Accident Lawyer in California for Your Case
Car accident cases must follow appropriate deadlines to ensure compensation. If you don’t act soon enough, your lawsuit can get dismissed. Getting a California car accident lawyer in time can also help you track deadlines. Likewise, this can greatly help build a strong case. Also, your lawyer can receive the right amount as compensation.
Are you worried that getting a lawyer right away might cause excessive costs? Don’t worry because some of the most skilled car accident lawyers California has to offer usually work on a contingency-fee basis. This means involving them early in your claim won’t even cost you anything out of pocket.
If you were injured in a car accident, you don’t have to fight for compensation on your own. A California car accident lawyer from Jacoby and Meyers can help you. We have a team of the best personal injury and car accident lawyers in California, including Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Fresno, and Sacramento. Hire one of our car accident lawyers to help you get justice. Also, they can give you advice about complicated topics, including car accident settlements and more. In addition, they can help you:
- Prove negligence
- Define the Cost of Damages
- Build a strong claim
- Negotiate a Settlement
- Proceed with important deadlines in mind
Give us a call today at 888-960-0480 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you.