How To File a Car Accident Claim in Lomita?
If you have been involved in a car accident, it can be challenging to know what to do next. You may be dealing with serious injuries, car and property damage, and emotional distress from the accident. While all of these factors are happening, it is vital that you take time to properly respond to the accident to ensure you can get compensation for your losses. It is essential that you seek help if you are unsure about how to file a car accident claim in Lomita.
Why Choose Us?
If you are facing the aftermath of a car accident, it is important that you receive trusted legal counsel as soon as possible. At Shaffer Law, we have helped countless clients who have faced similar circumstances to your case. Our firm has received over $100 million in compensation for our clients. Let us help you.
Steps to File a Car Accident Claim in Lomita, California
Countless car accidents happen daily. In 2021, 43,230 individuals were killed due to motor vehicle-related accidents, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation data. These accidents can lead to life-threatening conditions, and regardless of the severity of your accident, you deserve to be compensated for your losses.
The first step to filing a successful car accident claim in Lomita actually begins at the accident scene. Documentation is necessary for any car accident claim, so if it is safe to do so, take a moment to take photos and/or videos that show the damage. If you are able, collect the contact information of all involved drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
If you were injured, you should seek immediate medical care and keep a clear record of all your bills and medical appointments, as insurers will require evidence that ties your injury to the accident.
Ensure that the accident was reported to the police, located on Narbonne Ave, and DMV as soon as possible. If the accident is not reported, this can seriously damage the success of your case. All of these reports help to leave a paper trail that can help corroborate your version of the accident and help prove fault.
It is important to note that you do not have to accept the insurance company’s initial settlement offer and may be better off not to. Insurers are known for offering low-ball amounts, so it is helpful to negotiate a fair settlement if this is not possible.
Factors in a Successful Car Accident Claim
There are several key factors that can be found in a car accident claim that can help determine how much compensation you may receive. A primary factor that can influence the outcome of a claim is fault and liability. Because California uses a comparative negligence rule, compensation can reduce my percentage of fault, so it is important to prove fault.
It is a general rule of thumb that the more severe the injuries and damage, the higher the claim value may be. Having consistent and organized medical records and repair estimates can help to strengthen this factor of the claim.
The quality of your evidence overall can impact the outcome. Evidence such as police reports, photos, witness statements, and dashcam footage can all help support a successful claim.
It is important to avoid admitting fault at the scene of the accident and settling too early, as these are common pitfalls that can result in an unsuccessful claim.
FAQs
Q: How Long Do You Have to File an Auto Claim After an Accident?
A: The time that you must file an auto claim after an accident will depend on several factors. This includes your insurance company policy, the statute of limitations of the type of legal claim you are pursuing, and who the claim is against. In California, you can pursue a personal injury claim for up to two years after the injury, which means that you should act quickly if you were injured to ensure that you can get compensated for your losses.
Q: How Effective Is Working With a Car Accident Lawyer?
A: Working with a car accident lawyer is often highly effective, especially if you have been injured, liability is disputed, or you are having trouble with insurance adjustors offering a low settlement. A lawyer works to protect your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of at any step of the process.
Q: How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Lomita, CA?
A: In Lomita, CA, you must report a car accident immediately to local police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). You may need to report to the California DMV within 10 days of the accident if there was injury involved in the accident or property damage that totaled more than $1,000. It is also important to look into your insurance policy to determine the deadline by which you are required to notify your insurer, which is often within 24 and 72 hours.
Q: How Do You Have a Successful Car Accident Case?
A: To have a successful car accident case, you often need strong evidence and proof that the other party was at fault for the accident. Beyond proving fault, it is important to show a direct link between the accident and your injuries and damages. To do this, it is important to keep all key evidence and documentation organized.
Q: How Long Do Most Car Accident Claims Take?
A: The time that most car accident claims take can vary from case to case, as there are many individualized factors that influence the timeline. These factors include the severity of injuries and damage, whether liability is clear or disputed, how effective legal representation is, and the availability of the courts.
Speak With a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer Today
Do not wait to get the legal support that you need. Reach out to Shaffer Law today to set up an initial consultation and receive the care of a legal advocate who will have your back. During this initial meeting, we can walk you through your options and help ensure that you make informed decisions about your case, which can lead to a more favorable settlement outcome.
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