Santa Monica Car Accident Lawyer
Trusted Car Accident Attorney in Santa Monica, CA
Across Santa Monica, car accidents happen each day. However, if someone else caused your wreck, it can be hard to collect the compensation you deserve without the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. A lawyer can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and make the whole accident recovery process much more straightforward. Connect with a Santa Monica car accident lawyer at Shaffer Law to discuss your accident and take legal action.
About Shaffer Law
Whether your accident happened near Ocean Park or Pico, locals count on the experienced team at Shaffer Law for their accident recovery. If you need to speak with a reliable Santa Monica car accident attorney, we are here to listen to your side of the story and start investigating your accident right away. We have handled car accident claims for SoCal residents and have a well-developed understanding of state car accident laws.
All accidents are unique, and we can explore all available compensation for your specific injuries and medical expenses. We can discuss how to build a compelling personal injury claim in order to enhance your full accident recovery. Since 1984, founding attorney Douglas D. Shaffer has been actively assisting clients with their personal injury recovery across California.
California Car Accident Basics
Most car accident claims start by filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s policy. However, California’s mandatory minimum coverages are typically not enough to cover severe accidents. If you’ve been involved in a serious accident, your medical bills and lost wages can quickly add up to much more than basic policy limits. As a result, Shaffer Law can build a personalized strategy for our clients to pursue full compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Santa Monica, California
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, there are several important steps to take:
- Safely move to the shoulder of the road if your vehicle is drivable. Then, turn on your hazard lights.
- Move somewhere safe and check for any injuries.
- Call 911. Request police presence and request a police report because an official police report serves as critical documentation for your insurance provider.
- Exchange information, including the full names and contact information for everyone involved, the driver’s license numbers, insurance company names and policy numbers, license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions.
- Document the scene by taking photos and videos. Try to capture vehicle damage, license plates, traffic signs, road conditions, and visible injuries. Write down the exact time, date, weather conditions, and location of the crash.
- Seek medical attention. Visit a doctor right away. Sometimes, hidden internal injuries, concussions, or whiplash symptoms might take hours or days to appear.
- Notify your insurance company to report the incident, but avoid giving any recorded statement before consulting with a car accident attorney.
Reasons to Hire an Attorney After an Accident
While California does not require you to hire a lawyer after a car crash, it can be challenging to manage an insurance claim and a personal injury claim alone while also recovering from your injuries. Partnering with a Santa Monica attorney allows you to focus on healing while a legal team manages your case. They can also uncover other paths to compensation and work to optimize your final payout based on your specific case.
FAQs
How Much Does a Santa Monica Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
It is challenging to provide reliable information about the cost of hiring a Santa Monica car accident lawyer because all California lawyers set their own fees. Lawyers base their fees on their years of experience, how long they expect to spend on your case, and other case-specific factors. If you’re ready to hire a car accident lawyer, ask about their written fee agreement. At Shaffer Law, we offer free consultations, which are a perfect time to discuss our fees.
Is It Worth Filing a Claim for a Car Accident?
It’s worth filing a claim for a car accident if someone else is at fault or if you sustained serious injuries and/or property damage. An attorney can discuss the personal injury claim process. Every day, 6,500 people are hurt in motor vehicle accidents, and in 2023, wrecks claimed the lives of 40,901 drivers. That same year, 2.44 million individuals were hurt in accidents across this country. If you file a claim, you’re definitely not alone.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Expect for My Car Accident in California?
If you have a successful car accident case, you can expect to recover a variety of damages for your California car accident. These may include:
- Economic damages include medical expenses, property damage to repair or replace your vehicle, lost wages, and lost earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and loss of consortium
- Other accident-related damages
Do I Have to Hire an Attorney for My Car Accident Claim in Santa Monica?
While you do not have to hire an attorney to help you file a car accident claim in Santa Monica, many people find that having an attorney throughout the claims process is helpful. An attorney can provide reliable answers to any questions you may have. They can offer peace of mind throughout your recovery, and they can pursue compensation on your behalf. They can communicate with insurance companies, which many people find challenging.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer at Shaffer Law
Whether you were hit along the I-10 or near PCH, our team can help explore your options and help you take action. We have successfully recovered over $100 million of auto accident claims. At Shaffer Law, we investigate the cause of your accident to prove the other driver was at fault. If your accident was caused by a driver who was distracted, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or was otherwise responsible for your injuries, we understand how to hold them responsible. We gather compelling evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Our law office is in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica with direct access to the I-10 East, providing our clients with constant, uninterrupted accessibility. Contact Shaffer Law today to schedule your initial consultation with an experienced and dedicated auto accident lawyer.
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