Sherman Oaks Car Accident Lawyers

What Can an Accident Attorney Do for You?

Even when you have auto insurance on your vehicle, you are not necessarily guaranteed full compensation for your damage and injuries. The insurance company’s interests will always lie in saving money, and your needs may take a backseat to the insurance company’s bottom line.

Your attorney, on the other hand, acts as your advocate. A car accident lawyer works first and foremost to protect your rights and interests in the event of an accident. Some of the things an attorney can help with include:

• Handling the claims process and working as a go-between for you and the insurance company, saving you the time and hassle involved with fielding insurance calls and paperwork.
• Helping to determine liability in a car accident or dispute an insurance company’s liability assessment. If you are found to be at fault for an accident, you may be held liable for damages; your attorney can review the case and determine whether you should truly be held liable. Many car accident lawyers specialize in accident reconstruction and liability assessment.
• Seeking financial compensation for damages, especially injuries sustained in an accident. It can be a challenge to get the money you need for medical expenses, lost work, pain and suffering and other accident-related costs. Having an experienced attorney on your side helps to ensure you get the settlement money that you deserve.

You don’t have to navigate the claims process on your own. Insurance law is complex, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. You don’t want to run the risk of missing out on money owed to you as a result of your own inexperience or the pushy behavior of an insurance company. Count on a law firm that can help you seek the compensation you deserve so you can rest easy knowing your claim is being handled correctly.

Have You Been Involved in an Accident in Sherman Oaks, CA?

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, the first step is to remain calm. There are a few things you can do immediately after your accident that can help the outcome of your claim. Here are some tips:

• File a police report. Even if there are no injuries, it’s always a good idea to have the police come to the scene to take statements and record damage. Details may become foggy after the fact, and having a third party there to help with exchanging information and taking down the facts will help you later. If it is practical, move vehicles to the shoulder and away from traffic. This will prevent obstruction and limit the risk f other vehicles piling on to the collision.
• Do not admit fault. Do not apologize or say anything that might be construed as admitting liability at the scene. Instead, keep conversation with the other party to a minimum. Gather the other person’s name, phone number, and insurance information. Then let them know that police are on the way and return to your vehicle.
• Go to the doctor. Even if you’re feeling all right at the scene, you may sustain injuries that could take a few days to notice. Soft tissue injuries to the neck and back often take time to appear at full strength, but they can linger a long time. Go to the doctor right away after the accident to get checked over, and keep all of your records. These may prove useful later when filing for medical compensation.

After you’ve done these three important things, your next step should be to contact an attorney who specializes in auto accidents. A car accident lawyer in Sherman Oaks should be able to walk you through the next steps of the claims process and advise you on the best course of action.

Depending on your situation, you may need to call your insurance company to report the accident or contact the other driver’s insurance company instead. In some cases, the attorney may wish to make this contact on your behalf, serving as your go-between to handle all aspects of the claim until it’s been settled. Be sure to discuss these options with your attorney: Once a lawyer is involved, you may not be able to speak with your insurance company directly, so you need to be clear on how the claim will be handled and how repairs and medical expense reimbursement will be coordinated.

For more information, or to request a consultation with a car accident lawyer, contact us today.