Getting injured in a sudden car accident in Los Angeles can be a frightening experience. California is a fault state. Suppose the accident happened because the other driver was speeding, reckless, or just negligent. In that case, you could file a third-party claim with their insurer and seek compensation for your losses and injuries. The compensation will cover your medical bills, income losses, pain & suffering. Winning a fair settlement won’t be easy, which is precisely why you need a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles. In this post, we are sharing a few details related to hiring lawyers for your case.
Accident lawyers usually offer a free assessment
Do you have a valid claim? What is your claim worth? What kind of damages can you recover through your accident claim? These are some basic questions that a lawyer can answer for you. The good news is personal injury lawyers in California usually offer a free case assessment for accident victims. You can book an appointment with one of the shortlisted attorneys and get an overview of your case.
No lawyer can guarantee an outcome
Even the best lawyers cannot promise an exact settlement amount or outcome for your accident case. In fact, if a lawyer says so, you should consider that as a red flag. However, PI lawyers often have the experience and expertise of handling hundreds of auto accident cases and lawsuits, and they can definitely suggest the expected outcomes. Remember that some things are beyond the control of your attorney.
You don’t have to pay an upfront fee
Accident victims often don’t want to seek legal counsel because they fear the costs of hiring an attorney. Criminal and family lawyers usually take an hourly rate or a flat fee for most cases, but personal injury lawyers are different. PI lawyers typically charge a contingency fee, which is only payable when you win. In other words, you can only expect to pay a fee when you have won a settlement from the other party.
You should hire a lawyer early
You need evidence to prove that the other party acted negligently and caused the accident. Gathering details and investigating an accident can take time, and you have a deadline of two years to file a civil lawsuit from the accident date. You should consider hiring a lawyer as soon as you can after the incident to avail of their expertise and allow them the time to work on the case.