For millions of Los Angeles residents, driving is a daily routine. With
a myriad of city streets and freeways, from the I-5 to the U.S. 101, it
comes as no surprise that, sadly, many people are injured and killed in
car accidents every year. If you are the victim of an accident, you can
seek to hold the negligent party responsible.
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney
It is no secret that it can be difficult to win a legal claim, even if you were clearly harmed by another person or entity. That is why hiring a lawyer is in your best interest, particularly if your case is complex or against a large corporation. Although it may seem daunting, it is important that you hire a lawyer who is both a good fit for you personally and who possesses the skills and experience needed to successfully litigate car accident cases. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when searching for legal representation.
The first is past experience and a proven track record of success. The attorney you hire should have a lot of experience in handling cases similar to your own. Of course, no two cases are exactly alike, but if you are taking on a big corporation concerning the negligence of one of its employees, , your ideal attorney would have a record of successfully resolving these cases.
At Wisner Baum, our legal team has handled many car accident claims, including those involving trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. However, please keep in mind that past success does not and cannot guarantee a favorable outcome for your case, and it is wise to be wary of any legal adviser who promises such a guarantee.
Since a car accident is often more complicated than it initially seems, researching an attorney’s areas of practice is also vital because they should reflect all of the complexities involved with litigation these types of accidents. If your accident involved multiple parties — for instance, multiple cars and/or trucks — that is no issue for the car crash lawyers at Wisner Baum. We have the resources needed to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to uncover the evidence needed to secure justice and compensation for you.
Another factor to consider is the attorney’s reputation. Read consumer reviews and client testimonials. For verified reviews, you can inquire about their past cases and request references when you first speak to them. If they are well-respected by their peers and clients, they will be more than willing to provide you with references that vouch for their skill and experience.
Lastly, the reputation of the law firm the attorney works for should also be considered and researched, as it is a direct representation of the attorneys themselves. Moreover, it is common for more than one person from a firm to work on your case, so it is important that you hire a firm that you feel confident in.
Covered Injuries
Accidents victims who are likely to be eligible to make a claim include those who sustained significant injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Partial or full paralysis
- Broken or fractured bones
- Lost limbs
- Eye injuries
- Orthopedic injuries
What Damages Can I Recover?
If your car accident lawsuit is successful, you may be compensated for all damages related to the accident, the amount of which is determined by the severity of the injury, including economic damages (i.e. medical expenses, lost wages) and any applicable non-economic damages (e.g. physical pain and suffering, emotional distress).
Damages paid out for car accident lawsuits in Los Angeles frequently include:
- Medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Short-term or long-term disability care
- Therapy and counseling bills
In the case of wrongful death, damages recovered may include loss of income for dependents, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of companionship, care, comfort, guidance, and affection.
Cases of Shared Liability
In the event that fault is shared between two or more parties, including yourself, you may still be able to recover damages through the civil justice system if the other driver is only partially at fault. Since Los Angeles courts consider what is called “comparative negligence,” the judge and/or jury will use evidence to determine shared liability by assigning percentages. Thus, partially responsible claimants will have their compensation scaled back according to the percentage of fault they are assigned, but they will not be barred from pursuing a claim.
Why Wisner Baum?
Wisner Baum is acclaimed by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, National Trial Lawyers, U.S. News — Best Lawyers®, and many others. We genuinely care about our clients and understand the hardships associated with life-changing injuries. Our lawyers have dedicated their careers to fighting solely for the victims of negligence, whether they must take on another driver or a large manufacturing company.
Don’t wait. Contact our Los Angeles car accident attorneys online today or call (855) 948-5098 to get started.
Car Accident FAQ:
What if I am in a car accident with an uninsured driver?
If you have been involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still be able to recover damages for your injuries and losses. Here are some options you may have:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. UM coverage can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident, up to your policy limits.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the other driver has insurance, but their policy limits are not enough to cover your damages, you may be able to file a claim under your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. UIM coverage can provide additional compensation beyond what the other driver's insurance policy covers, up to your policy limits.
- Lawsuit against the at-fault driver: If the other driver was at fault for the accident and does not have insurance, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them to recover damages. However, collecting damages from an uninsured driver can be challenging, as they may not have the assets or income to pay the damages.
- Personal injury lawsuit against a third party: In some cases, a third party may be liable for the accident. For example, if the accident was caused by a defective car part, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer
Can I recover damages for pain and suffering after a car accident in Los Angeles?
Yes, you may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering after a car accident in Los Angeles. Pain and suffering damages are considered non-economic damages and are intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the crash.
In California, pain and suffering damages are calculated based on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact they have on your daily life and activities, and how long it is expected to take for you to fully recover. Your attorney may use medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to help establish the extent of your pain and suffering and calculate an appropriate amount of damages.
How do insurance companies measure pain and suffering? Generally speaking,
insurance adjusters often use the following approaches:
- Multiplier Method: Your economic losses, including medical care, lost wages, and other damages, are compiled and then a multiplier is chosen. If your car accident claim is evaluated with $50,000 in economic damages and a multiplier of '2' is selected for pain and suffering, $100,000 will be awarded.
- Per Diem Method: Once you are completely recovered from your injuries after a car crash, the insurance company will assign a dollar figure for pain and suffering for each day you were recovering. If a per diem sum of $200 was chosen, and it took you 100 days to achieve a full recovery, $20,000 would be awarded for pain and suffering.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim or offers a low car accident settlement?
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a low settlement after your car accident, we highly recommend you seek legal help as soon as possible. You likely have options and rights that a Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you understand and assert. An experienced lawyer can review your policy, negotiate with the insurer, or file a car crash lawsuit if necessary to ensure you are fully and fairly compensated.
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