Car Accident Lawyer

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Car accidents happen regularly in California; many hazards exist between congested roads and out-of-state drivers. Even if you drive safely and take every precaution, the chances of a car accident are still high. This is because you cannot control other driver’s negligent behavior. If someone’s negligence was the cause of your car accident in San Diego, Los Angeles, or anywhere in California, you could claim compensation for your damages. A skilled car accident lawyer will protect your rights and help you maximize your compensation.

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

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How Can A Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

You can handle an insurance claim for a minor fender-bender by yourself. However, if you have injuries, then you will need the assistance of a car accident lawyer. This is because insurance companies are reluctant to award a fair settlement. They are a business looking to maximize profits rather than look after you. A car accident attorney is skilled in negotiating with insurance companies and will take them to court if necessary. While recovering, your car injury attorney will investigate your car accident and gather evidence to support your claim. This evidence will include the following:

  • Photographs of the crash site and damage to your car
  • CCTV or dashcam footage of the crash
  • Witness interviews
  • Police report
  • Safety inspection reports
  • Medical bills and Medical records
  • Expert testimony

Determining liability is the cornerstone of a car crash case; without it, you cannot claim compensation. Your car accident lawyer will build a strong case against the negligent party with this evidence. Your car accident attorney will also be able to assist you in calculating your damages and submitting a claim with the insurance company. A skilled car accident lawyer is your best chance of maximizing your compensation.

When Should a Person Visit a Doctor About Back Pain after a car accident

Back pain can be a sudden and sometimes debilitating affliction. After experiencing a work accident or car crash, an individual may not always feel the discomfort all at once. Instead, it may grow in intensity over a few days. Other times, the pain hits all at once. Regardless of when the back pain kicks in, ignoring it is not advisable.

Thousands of people suffer injuries in car accidents every year, and many others suffer injuries while at work. The grim reality is that a significant number of instances are not dealt with properly by those involved, which can lead to medical consequences for the victims.

Just because an individual may feel alright following an accident does not mean that he or she is okay. Pain could begin hours or days following the accident. It is common for back pain to have a delayed onset after a car accident. In fact, this kind of pain may be symptomatic of a spine injury, an injury to soft tissue, or a herniated disc.

Sometimes, following a crash, an individual may feel okay enough to go home. However, after the adrenaline passes, he or she may begin to feel severe back pain days or weeks after the accident. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible, even in the absence of pain.

By seeking medical care following an accident, an individual may be protected in case the pain becomes worse than initially thought. Also, if an individual waits to get medical care until days or weeks following the incident, he or she risks insurance companies showing reluctance to pay; they may argue that subsequent activities caused the injuries, not the incident.

After an individual has received a diagnosis and is on the mend according to a doctor’s treatment, it is the appropriate moment to speak with an attorney who focuses on cases related to back injuries. These claims can get quite complex and usually involve major medical costs. This can result in contested claims. Therefore, it is important to hire a lawyer who is experienced in these matters.

Car Crash Injuries

The injuries from a car accident can vary just as much as the causes of the collisions. You may sustain minor injuries such as cuts and bruises, or you may sustain life-changing injuries. You will need a car accident lawyer if your injuries require recovery time. You will be able to take the time to recover, knowing they are working to safeguard your financial future. You will have medical bills piling up, and you may need to take time off work. A car accident lawyer will maximize your compensation, so you are not out of pocket.

When Should I File A Car Accident Claim?

California has a two-year statute of limitations on car accident claims. This means you have two years from your accident to file your lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you cannot claim for this accident. It is essential to speak to a car accident lawyer right away so they have time to prepare the evidence. Often your car accident attorney will negotiate with insurance companies first; the sooner you start the process, the better.

How To Seek Compensation For  Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries are painful, but following a car crash, there is much more stress on top of your recovery. Often you will be unable to work; you will have a car to repair, medical bills to pay, and uncertainty about your future.

The first step to seeking compensation is to prove that the other driver was acting negligently during the accident. After that, your car accident lawyer will prove these negligent actions were the cause of your crash and, therefore, your injuries.

We recommend consulting with a car accident lawyer, even if you do not plan to hire one. Car accident lawyers can help you file an auto collision report and tell you how much compensation you need for your recovery. A skilled car accident attorney will have tried similar cases and know previous settlements. Also, most will work with experts to calculate the financial ramifications of your injuries. Call 619-550-1321 today to book your free consultation with a  car accident lawyer.

What Kind Of Damages Can I Claim Following A Car Accident?

A skilled car accident lawyer can tell you what damages you are due. However, you will be eligible to claim more than you will expect. Car accident damages fall into two categories, economic damages and non-economic damages. Monetary damages are financial losses that can be proven and valued through bills, invoices, and receipts. Non-economic damages are harder to value as they relate to emotional suffering due to your pain or the change to your lifestyle. Some examples of common damages a car accident lawyer will claim are:

  • Lost wages
  • Reduced or lost earning capacity
  • Current and future medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Disfigurement or disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Inconvenience
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Emotional distress

While economic damages are easy enough to calculate, you will need the help of a car accident lawyer to calculate non-economic damages. The burden will fall on your car accident attorney to value and prove these damages.

Punitive damages are expected if the defendant is acting to cause harm. These are meant to act as a deterrent, but you will receive these as part of your compensation. Punitive damages are at the discretion of a judge.

What Are California’s Negligence Laws For Car Accidents?

When you consult with a car accident lawyer, you need to be honest about your role in the car accident. California has comparative negligence laws, meaning if you are partially to blame for the crash, you can still claim damages. However, your car accident attorney will need to know everything so they can strengthen your case.

If you are partially liable for the car accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your blame. If you are to receive $100,000 in compensation and you are 20% at fault, you will receive $80,000 in compensation. An insurance company would try and prove you are partially liable for the accident even if you were not. Call a car accident lawyer to help protect your rights and innocence.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After A  Car Accident

We all purchase insurance because we will have money available if we have a car accident. However, insurance companies are reluctant to pay compensation; they are a business protecting their profit margins. Some even go as far as using suspect tactics to reduce your settlement.

Our car accident lawyers have seen insurers trying to blame the car accident victim for the car crash. If you represent yourself, they will give lowball offers, hoping you will not know the value of your claim. With California’s comparative negligence laws, you would receive a lower settlement if you are even partially to blame for the car accident. Without a skilled car injury attorney, you might be out of pocket thousands of dollars.

Our car accident attorneys are trained in negotiating with insurance companies to maximize our client compensation. Brad Nakase started his career representing insurance companies, offering him invaluable insight into their tactics. Call 619-550-1321 today to book your free consultation with a  car accident lawyer.

Car Accident FAQ

A car accident causes so much devastation and confusion; you will be hurt and not know where to turn. Our car accident attorneys are here to support you through this difficult time. We will bring the negligent party to justice and seek compensation for your injuries. Here are some frequently asked questions our clients have for our car accident attorneys. If you have a question that needs to be answered below, contact our office for a free consultation.

Will I Need To Go To Court After A  Car Crash?

Yes, you might have to go to court following a car accident. We know court can seem intimidating, but our car accident lawyers will be with you through your court case. Our skilled car accident attorneys an excellent at negotiating with insurance companies. Sometimes, insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements; we must take them to court. Nakase Law Firm’s car injury attorneys put our clients first. While we cannot promise your case will avoid court, we can promise that our car accident lawyers will keep you informed every step of the way. We prioritize securing the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

What If I Cannot Afford A Car Accident Lawyer?

You can afford a car accident lawyer. Nakase Law Firm offers free consultations to get legal advice following your car crash. If you choose to work with us, we will work on a contingency fee basis, no matter your case. This means you will only pay us once we win your case. You will not pay us anything upfront to afford quality legal representation.

Our car accident lawyers will discuss what percentage of your winnings will be appropriate for their fee. We are very transparent about our fees in the consultation because we are on your side. You will receive far more compensation from us than you would alone.

My Child Was Hurt In A Car Crash; Can I Seek Compensation For Them?

Yes, minors cannot legally file a lawsuit against negligent parties, but a parent or guardian can file on their behalf. They are still eligible for compensation for their injuries which might change the course of their future.

Let Our  Car Accident Lawyers Help You

An insurance claim can seem straightforward; you file some forms and receive compensation. However, by handling your claim yourself, you will be shortchanging yourself and impeding your recovery. Working with Nakase Law Firm’s car accident lawyers gives you the best chance at getting the compensation you need for a full recovery.

Do not deal with the insurance companies alone. Ouclient’sjury attorneys are passionate about our clients’ rights and will advocate aggressively for you. Call 619-550-1321 today to book your free consultation with Nakase Law Firm’s car accident lawyers.

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