02 Feb Is It Worth Getting An Attorney For A Car Accident? | Sette Law Office
A car accident can be physically and mentally taxing, especially if you have suffered injuries and are now facing mounting medical bills. In California, victims have the right to hold other drivers accountable for their negligence during a car accident. Working with an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer can help significantly minimize the stress you may encounter while maximizing your compensation from the negligent parties and the insurance companies involved.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Sacramento, the experienced and dedicated team of lawyers, investigators, and paralegals at Sette Law are here for you. Our firm works with victims just like you to offer dedicated and thorough legal support after your car accident.
Call Sette Law to schedule your free case consultation and get the settlement you deserve.
How Can A Lawyer Help Me?
Often, many victims wonder if it is worth getting an attorney for a car accident. Depending on your case, it might be.
At Sette Law, our lawyers have detailed knowledge of California’s personal injury and auto insurance laws. Our team can help you build a robust case while supporting you through the legal process. The following are some key benefits of working with a lawyer:
Get Support Throughout The Legal Process
A good lawyer will do more than just interpret and apply laws relevant to your case. They will provide additional support to help you navigate your car accident so you come out stronger on the other side.
Focus On Your Healing
One of the main benefits of working with a car accident attorney is that you’ll have a legal representative you can default to so you don’t get overwhelmed by the legal process. Because of that, it’s much easier to prioritize your health as you won’t have to deal with the nuances of evidence collection, deadlines, negotiating with insurance companies, and other tedious tasks after your accident.
Lawyers Know How To Work With Auto Insurance Companies
California is one of 38 states that follow at-fault auto laws. This means whoever is mainly responsible for causing the car accident will be responsible for covering any damages the other driver sustains. Under California’s auto laws, all drivers must carry auto insurance with the following minimums:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage
After a car accident, insurance companies negotiate damages, liability, and settlement amounts. Dealing with insurance companies can be intimidating because they limit their liability and pay out as little as possible when a policyholder is at fault for an accident.
To minimize liability, insurance companies will often do the following:
Insurance Will Use What You Say To Pay Less
Insurance companies can use the victim’s words against them to minimize liability. As a general rule of thumb, you should never sign any documents or statements or agree to share a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
If you work with a lawyer, you’ll have a legal professional who knows what to do in your case. They will speak on your behalf and know how to talk to insurance companies so you do not say anything that could minimize a payout.
Insurance Companies Will Try To Pay Quickly To Pay Less
Insurance companies may incentivize victims to take a lowball settlement because they may offer payment as soon as 48 hours after the accident. Never accept or agree to any settlements until you’ve had a car accident lawyer look at it first.
Speak With A Car Accident Attorney Before Speaking With Insurance Adjusters
While you can certainly hire a car accident lawyer even after you’ve spoken with insurance companies, it’s always best to contact an attorney as quickly as you can. An experienced lawyer will begin communicating with all parties on your behalf, so you can focus on your health and recovery.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Help When Fault Is Disputed
As an at-fault state, it is common for fault to be disputed after a car accident. Generally, if an accident occurs, both drivers will contact their insurance company to begin the claims process.
These insurance companies will negotiate amongst themselves and reach an agreement on who was at fault. An adjuster will be involved to inspect the vehicle and determine the monetary loss. Once an agreement of fault has been reached, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will close the claim after payment has been made to the victim.
Unfortunately, there are many instances where fault may be challenged. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to accuse you of actions that can minimize their liability. For example, they could claim you were distracted, on a cellphone, or were otherwise at fault. When this happens, a car accident lawyer will step in to defend your rights and push back against any claims made against you.
We Can Help Fairly Determine Your Damages
You may be entitled to compensatory damages for your losses after a car accident under California’s Civil Code § 1431.2.
Compensatory damages are monetary rewards for financial losses and pain and suffering after an accident. These damages cover losses including:
- Loss of income and lost wages
- Cost of property damage
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, treatment costs, and other expenses
- Prescription costs
- Medical equipment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional suffering
- Pain and suffering
A car accident attorney will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine your damages. In some cases, one entity may be more liable for your losses than another. An attorney will establish fault and fight to hold negligent parties responsible for these damages.
Your Car Accident Attorney Will Negotiate A Fair Settlement
An overwhelming majority of car accident cases result in a settlement. Working with a car accident lawyer gives your case a leg up to reach a fair and comprehensive settlement. Lawyers are expert negotiators, have experience working with insurance companies and the legal team of defending parties, and will leverage their skills in your favor.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached between you and the involved parties, your car accident lawyer will represent you in court. At Sette Law, our attorneys have expert knowledge of the Sacramento court system and will offer comprehensive representation if your case does go to court.
When Should I Consider Hiring A Car Accident Lawyer?
While you might not need to hire a lawyer after a fender bender, there are instances where you should consider legal support after a car accident. If any of the following factors exist in your case, you should seek legal guidance from an experienced car accident lawyer.
You Have Suffered Injuries
Car accidents, even minor ones, can cause severe and life-altering injuries. Whiplash, lacerations, broken bones, neck and head trauma, and chronic pain are common injuries after an accident. You have the right to hold responsible parties accountable for the negligence that caused your car accident injury, and an attorney can help you do that.
The Accident Involves Multiple Parties
If multiple parties are involved in your car accident, seeking legal guidance can ensure all parties are held accountable to the fullest extent of California law.
For example, if your accident resulted from poor roadway maintenance, you could hold the city or township where your accident occurred accountable. Consulting an attorney is the best way to determine and go after all responsible parties.
The Insurance Is Offering Less Than Your Damages
It’s no secret that insurance companies will try to minimize compensation to cover your damages. Under California’s personal injury law under the California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have the right to pursue economic and non-economic damages if someone else’s negligence has injured you.
When The Accident Involves A Commercial Vehicle
If your car accident involves a commercial truck, additional parties can extend beyond just the driver. Trucking companies, third-party maintenance companies, and even a trucking company’s driving school can be found negligent for causing your accident.
Speak With The Sacramento Experts At Sette Law Today
Consulting a car accident attorney early is critical. An attorney will offer the guidance you need, so you don’t say or do anything that could cause you to lose out on the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a car accident, Sette Law is here for you. Contact our team today to schedule your free case consultation.