Best Car Accident Lawyers in West Covina

FAQs

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

  To get touch with the West Covina Police Department for non-emergency assistance, call (626) 939-8500 or their 24-hour hotline (626) 939-8500.

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

  You can get a copy of your traffic collision report by emailing a request to reportrequest@wcpd.org. Please attach a copy of your valid ID and indicate the following details: type of report, incident date and time, report number, and your name and date of birth. You can also go to the front counter of the West Covina Police Department at 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina, CA 91790. Another option is to look up and purchase the report at https://ecrash.lexisnexis.com/ui/home.

• What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in West Covina, CA?

  According to the California Civil Code of Procedure Section 335.1, car accident lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. If you are suing a government entity for the car crash, however, you need to enter a Government Tort Claim within six months from the crash date. It is recommended that you work with a West Covina car accident lawyer who understands local procedures to ensure your claim or lawsuit is filed on time.

• What damages can you recover after a car accident in West Covina, CA?

  You can recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include all calculable expenses resulting from the car crash, such as medical bills, physical therapy, home modifications to accommodate your injuries, lost wages, property damages, and long-term care for severe injuries. Non-economic damages address the emotional impacts of the crash, from pain and suffering to anxiety, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

• Can undocumented immigrants file a car accident claim in West Covina, CA?

  Yes, immigrants in West Covina can claim compensation or file a lawsuit for their injuries without fear of being deported. Based on Assembly Bill No. 2159, effective February 2017, an individual’s immigration status is not admissible evidence in personal injury cases. Under the same bill, the calculation of the car accident victim’s lost income will be based on what they would have earned in the U.S. instead of their home country.

• Can you still file a personal injury claim if you were partially responsible for a car accident in West Covina, CA?

  California uses the pure comparative negligence system, so even individuals who are 99% responsible for an accident can still claim damages. If you were injured in a West Covina car accident but were found to be 60% at fault for speeding, you may still recover 40% of your damages, and you will be liable to pay 60% of the other injured people's damages. So if you claim for and have been awarded $50,000 in damages, you will only take home $20,000.

• If you have only minor injuries from a car accident in West Covina, CA, are you required to report it?

  Yes, it is your legal duty to report the accident in West Covina. California Vehicle Code Chapter 1 Section 20008 stipulates that drivers of vehicles involved in accidents resulting in injury or death must report them or cause them to be reported within 24 hours. A written report must be made to the local precinct or the Department of the California Highway Patrol. It is recommended that you get a copy of the accident report afterward.

• 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.