Best Car Accident Lawyers in La Crescenta-Montrose, CA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in La Crescenta-Montrose, CA?

  818-248-3464 is the non-emergency number of the La Crescenta-Montrose police station.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in La Crescenta-Montrose, CA?

  Call 562-345-4441 to make an appointment to go to the La Crescenta-Montrose Public Services Station, which is at 12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 120, Norwalk, California 90650, and get a report on a traffic accident.You may also submit a written request through the mail to: Records and Identification Bureau Attention: Records Inquiry, Non-Law Enforcement Section 12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 400 West Norwalk, California 90650 (562) 345-4448

• What factors should car crash victims consider when choosing a La Crescenta-Montrose car accident lawyer?

  La Crescenta-Montrose residents who have been in a car accident must choose a lawyer who has been in business for a certain number of years. This is so that the lawyer knows how to deal with the complicated personal injury laws in California. Plaintiffs should be aware of whether the attorney bills by the hour or at a fixed rate, and whether they offer an upfront estimate of the case's expense. They should also feel at ease with and trust their selected attorney when it comes to their private information.

• What are the different types of car accidents in La Crescenta-Montrose?

  One of the most frequent types of car accidents on La Crescenta-Montrose roads is the distracted driving accident, which can involve distractions from billboards, animals, and scenery to kids, smartphones, and music. In La Crescenta-Montrose, weather-related vehicle collisions account for nearly 156,000 yearly crashes on ice roads, which is another factor leading to vehicle accidents. There are also rollover crashes, high-speed collisions, and side impact incidents like T-bone and sideswipe.

• Why is it important to hire a car accident lawyer in La Crescenta-Montrose?

  A La Crescenta-Montrose car accident attorney can ease the burden of filing claims by providing expert resources and procedural and legal knowledge. They are aware of laws that impact legal responsibility, such as the negligence system, traffic rules, theories of fault, and limitation periods. To assist clients in establishing their innocence and pursuing financial and physical losses recompense, La Crescenta-Montrose automobile accident attorneys frequently work with various specialists, including expert witnesses, doctors, and accident reconstructionists.

• Is missing therapy or doctor appointments going to affect the La Crescenta-Montrose car accident case?

  Yes, if they miss checkups, therapy sessions, and other medical appointments, La Crescenta-Montrose car accident plaintiffs may have a more difficult time getting paid and winning their case. Their injuries are not considered serious, so they cannot receive compensation if they do not visit the doctor and follow his or her instructions. After a car crash, the victims should have their injuries evaluated immediately by a physician or nurse in an ambulance or urgent care center.

• Do car accident victims in La Crescenta-Montrose need to speak with the other motorist's insurance company directly?

  No, people hurt in car accidents in La Crescenta-Montrose shouldn't talk to the insurance company directly. If they do, they will be forced to downplay the severity of their injuries, tricked into admitting fault, and offered a small settlement. Accident victims in La Crescenta-Montrose should hire a car accident attorney to deal with and confront insurance companies, defend their legal rights, gain access to their medical records, and assist them in drafting a practical witness statement bearing accident law in mind.

• 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.