Car accidents happen all the time. They can range from mildly inconvenient to totally catastrophic, but they can always result in compensation from the party or parties at fault. Seeking financial compensation for a car accident is a normal reaction to a life event that can be quite traumatizing. If you have been in a car accident in Riverside, reach out to a Riverside car accident lawyer as soon as you can.
Regardless of how much distress, pain, or damage the accident may have caused, you can still sue the one responsible for the accident. You may be eligible for compensation that will help you financially and emotionally recover.
Why Hire a Lawyer?
Immediately following a car accident, you may be dealing with a lot of stress. You are now dealing with issues like your car is likely damaged, you may be suffering from injuries, you want justice or financial compensation, etc. Having an experienced car accident attorney in your corner can make all the difference. They are knowledgeable in their field and know exactly how to help you destress and get the compensation you deserve.
If you are dealing with any of the following after a car accident, you should contact a car accident lawyer quickly:
- Serious injury: If the accident left you significantly injured, such as with a concussion, spinal fracture, broken bones, brain injury, or a permanent disability, contact a lawyer after getting yourself documented medical help. Documenting your complete medical history following the accident is extremely helpful when proving your claim.
- Contested liability: If the other driver has lawyered up and is blaming you for the accident, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Getting ahead of their claim and gathering evidence that supports yours is paramount to your case.
- Disputed insurance: If your insurance or their insurance denies you coverage, contact a lawyer to help you navigate the insurance companies. An attorney can also help evaluate your options if the other driver does not have insurance.
- Lost income: Dealing with the fallout of a car accident can lead to missed work days and a loss of income. A lawyer can help you recover lost income in court as part of your compensation claim.
Fighting for your claim alone is entirely possible, but having someone on your side who is trained to handle cases like yours can only help your outcome. A knowledgeable attorney can potentially increase your settlement by thousands of dollars compared to what you could get on your own.
Seeking Damages
The aftermath of a car accident can be insanely stressful, confusing, and hard to deal with. A skilled lawyer can advise you on how to seek damages for your pain and suffering. Here are just a few possibilities that you can sue for in California:
- Medical bills: You can sue to have the guilty party pay for all of your medical costs, including surgery costs, physical therapy, medication costs, ambulance trips, and any hospital stays.
- Property damage: You can sue for the damage done to your vehicle and anything inside the vehicle that was broken due to the crash.
- Emotional distress: You can sue for compensation for the emotional trauma you may have sustained due to the crash, such as any lingering anxiety that is affecting your life.
- Negligence and liability: If the other driver was clearly at fault and their reckless actions caused the accident, you can sue to hold them accountable in a court of law. This could lead to them losing their driver’s license or receiving some jail time.
- Insurance disputes: Insurance companies often fail to pay an appropriate amount to the injured party after an accident. You can sue to negotiate a fairer settlement amount if you feel you have been shorted a fair amount.
FAQs
Q: How Much Can Someone Sue for After a Car Accident in California?
A: Every accident settlement is different. Every situation is subjective. It depends on the severity of the damage, who is at fault and why, and the results of independent investigations. In a low settlement, the possible amount ranges between $5,000 and $25,000. In a moderate settlement, it ranges between $25,000 and $100,000. In a high settlement, it ranges between $100,000 and upwards of $1 million.
Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?
A: The average settlement for a car accident lawsuit in California ranges between $3,000 to $7,500, depending on the factors of each individual case. There is no guarantee that your settlement will be within that range. The settlement is based on the total damages you incurred due to the accident, from economic to non-economic.
Q: How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in California?
A: You have two years from the date of the accident to file a car accident claim in California. There are some exceptions, but two years is the typical time. This is to ensure the claim is filed as quickly as possible without putting excessive pressure on the injured party. Witnesses’ memories can fade, evidence can degrade over time, and injuries heal. You have to get started on your claim while everything is still recent and fresh.
Q: Can Someone Sue You After Insurance Pays Out in California?
A: Generally, you cannot be sued after the settlement has been accepted. This means the case is over, and one party has won. However, if there are multiple parties involved in the claim, you can settle things with one party and still pursue legal action with the other party. Additionally, if you discover that your settlement was coerced or you were defrauded, you can file a new lawsuit for this new emotional distress.
Hire the SoCal Lawyer That’s Right for You
At My SoCal Lawyers, we know exactly what you need. Being in a car accident can be the most traumatizing experience of your life. It can change your life’s trajectory and take things away from you that you didn’t even know you could lose. But it doesn’t have to be the end. We can make sure you are financially compensated for what you have lost. Contact us as soon as you can to schedule a consultation. You deserve the right kind of help.
