Best Car Accident Lawyers in Antioch

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Antioch, California?

  You may dial (925) 778-2441 to reach the non-emergency number of Antioch's local police station.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Antioch, California?

  You can request a copy of the police report from Antioch's APD Records Unit via call at 925/779-6830. Additionally, you may ask for the report via email. Send a copy of your CA Driver's License or identification card along with your request form to APDRecords@antiochca.gov.

• Where can you find the most dangerous intersections in Antioch?

  Antioch's most dangerous intersections are in Auto Center Drive and Highway 4, Contra Loma Boulevard and Fitzuren Road, James Donlon Boulevard and Ridgerock Drive, Putnam Street and Contra Loma Boulevard, and San Jose Drive and Buchanan Road. Intersections are found to be some of the most common spots where road accidents such as collisions happen.

• Can you represent yourself in a car accident case in Antioch?

  In some cases, getting your lawyer to represent you is optional in a car accident case in Antioch. To determine whether you can represent yourself, you must ensure that your insurance company is cooperative and that you are filing for a relatively simple damage claim. You will only need a lawyer to represent and handle your case if there is a dispute regarding settlement and liability or if you are heavily injured.

• How do you document a car accident in Antioch?

  Information about an accident is crucial for filing a case and recovering damage claims. If you are involved in a car accident in Antioch, one of the initial things you need to secure is documenting the scene. You can do this by taking pictures of the accident from different angles. It is also best to gather witnesses to create stronger support for your claim. You need to ask for a witness's name and contact information. Additionally, you have to jot down your recollection of the accident.

• How do you know if you can file for a car accident lawsuit in Antioch?

  To determine whether you can file for a lawsuit if you are involved in a car accident in Antioch, you must consider a few factors. It depends mainly on who is liable for the accident and the intensity of the damage and injuries. If you are not at fault and are severely injured, you can file for a damage claim to cover your loss and compensate for the damage caused by the collision.

• When can you file for a claim after a car accident in Antioch?

  The city of Antioch is under the state law of California. This fact means that you will have two years of a legal deadline to file a car accident claim. Ideally, it would be best if you acted immediately after the accident, as filing for a claim past the statute of limitation will likely result in the dismissal of your case.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.