Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Pedro

FAQs

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

  Call 877-ASK-LAPD to report any non-emergency issues. The San Pedro neighborhood is served by the Harbor Community Police Station.

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

  To request a police report by mail, download and complete the Traffic Collision Report Request and mail it along with a $16.00 check or money order made payable to the LAPD (do not send cash) to:

  Los Angeles Police Department Records and Identification Division Document Processing Unit P.O. Box 30158 Los Angeles, CA 90030

• Who is responsible for a drunk driving accident in San Pedro?

  Even though getting behind the wheel after drinking is illegal, it is not always easy to hold the driver accountable in a drunk driving accident lawsuit. Your personal injury lawyer needs solid proof to make a compelling argument for a claimant. These include: -A conviction for drunk driving -Arrest records -Police reports -Testimonies from witnesses -Photos of the accident

  • CCTV footage or dash cam -Evidence presented in a criminal trial

• How can you obtain the highest insurance settlement if you are not at fault in a San Pedro auto accident?

  Your insurance settlement depends on your injuries and property damage. Your lawyer will try to prove how the San Pedro accident affected you and your family. There are both financial and non-financial damages. Some examples are medical bills, costs for rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses. An insurance settlement can pay anywhere from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. A lifetime injury could result in higher monetary compensation than a minor injury that heals in a few months.

• What rights do you have if you are a hit-and-run accident victim in San Pedro?

  In a personal injury lawsuit, you may obtain financial compensation if a careless driver harms you or damages your property. However, due to the absentee defendant, hit-and-run situations may make this process more complex. The wounded party can only receive money for damages if the hit-and-run motorist is located. Your motor insurance may cover medical, financial, and property costs if the driver is unknown. If covered, you can file an uninsured motorist claim. If you discover the motorist who caused your collision, you can submit a personal injury claim or a lawsuit for compensation in San Pedro.

• Is accident reconstruction important in your San Pedro personal injury claim?

  In contested liability, the accident reconstruction specialist is crucial to constructing the case. If the case goes to court, the jury can understand it and rule fairly. Understanding accident reconstruction and how advanced collision analysis aids your case might also improve your understanding. Drivers can rest assured that they did not cause an accident in San Pedro that hurt persons and damaged property and recover the maximum compensation to cover medical expenses, losses, and future recovery.

• Where do automobile accidents usually occur in San Pedro?

  Recent news articles state that automobile accidents in San Pedro took place in the following locations: the intersection of 26th Street and Kerckhoff Avenue, the 100 block of East Swinford Street, South Alma Street in the neighborhood of West 9th Street, and the vicinity of W 22nd Street and S Grand Avenue.

• 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.