From dealing with injuries to managing repairs and medical bills, the stress after a car accident can be overwhelming. Many people find themselves asking, “Am I getting the compensation I deserve?” Unfortunately, the answer is often no—especially if you’re trying to handle the insurance claims process on your own. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize payouts, which can leave you with far less than you need to cover your expenses and get back on your feet.
This is when having a knowledgeable Sherman Oaks car accident attorney can make all the difference. An experienced attorney understands the legal process and knows how to fight for the compensation to which you are entitled. In Sherman Oaks, where traffic accidents are all too common, working with a top quality attorney can be the key to maximizing your compensation and ensuring that your rights are fully protected.
Understanding Your Rights After A Car Accident
In California, car accident victims are protected by laws and rights designed to ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses. These include the ability to seek damages for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. California follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault. According to the California Civil Code, you have the right to pursue a claim against the responsible party, but doing so can be quite difficult without proper legal representation.
An experienced car accident attorney plays a crucial role in safeguarding these rights. They help navigate the legal process, protecting you and making sure that no one takes advantage of your situation. The attorney will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Understanding your rights is essential because it empowers you to make informed decisions about your case and ensures that you are exploring all the available sources for compensation. In 2019, there were over 3,500 fatalities in traffic accidents in California, the were many more accidents resulting in serious injuries. If you or a loved one are unlucky enough to fall under one of those categories, you need strong legal representation to help you maneuver through the aftermath of a serious accident.
How Can A Sherman Oaks Car Accident Attorney Help?
A Sherman Oaks car accident attorney plays a pivotal role in helping victims build a strong case to secure the compensation they deserve. From the moment you engage their services, the attorney begins by thoroughly investigating the accident. This includes gathering critical evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and, if necessary, expert testimony. There are many elements to building a case, one of the key factors is determining fault and how the accident happened. A good car accident attorney knows how to piece together the facts to build a winning case and show who was responsible for the accident.
Local knowledge is another significant advantage when working with a Sherman Oaks attorney. Understanding the specific legal landscape, including familiarity with local courts, judges, jury pools, local laws and even traffic patterns in the area, can provide an edge in navigating your case to a success outcome. Local expertise helps the attorney anticipate challenges and craft strategies that are tailored to the unique circumstances of your case and Sherman Oaks. In 2020, there were over 3,700 traffic fatalities in California, and many more accidents resulting in injury. Because these accidents have serious, life-changing consequences to a victim’s life, having a top-rated local attorney handle your car accident is incredibly important.
The Key Factors That Influence Compensation In Car Accident Cases
Several critical factors determine the amount of compensation you may receive after a car accident, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your quality of life, and any loss of income due to your inability to work. For instance, serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries can significantly increase compensation due to the long-term care and rehabilitation required. Your attorney plays a crucial role in accurately calculating these damages by considering both your immediate medical expenses and your long-term needs, such as ongoing medical treatments or diminished earning capacity. An experienced attorney will meticulously document every aspect of your losses and advocate fiercely to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible. It’s also important to remember that compensation isn’t just about covering your current bills; it’s about securing your future. According to the National Safety Council, the average economic cost of a motor vehicle crash in 2019 was approximately $1.75 million for a disabling injury, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive compensation calculations addressing your life-long needs.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies after a car accident can be one of the most challenging aspects of securing fair compensation. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts to protect their profits. They will immediately call you after an accident is reported and try to get you to give a statement, they act like they are trying to help, but in reality they are trying to trick you into making a mistake. This often leads to lowball settlement offers that don’t adequately cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. They will also try to entice you to signing a settlement right away for a very low amount. And they do this right away, when you are in need of money to fix your car or pay your deductible. They make an offer under the guise of trying to “help you”, but they want you to sign away your rights before you get a chance to evaluate your injuries and damages. According to the Insurance Research Council, people who hire an attorney receive settlements that are, on average, 3.5 times higher than those who don’t. A seasoned car accident attorney understands the tactics that insurance companies use, such as delaying negotiations or questioning the severity of your injuries, and employs strategies to counter these tactics effectively. They will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, ensuring that the settlement offer reflects the true value of your claim. Having an experienced negotiator by your side not only increases the likelihood of a fair settlement but also relieves you of the stress of dealing with insurance companies during an already difficult time.
Pursuing Compensation Beyond Insurance Settlements
Sometimes, insurance settlements simply aren’t enough to cover the full extent of your losses after a car accident. When this happens, it may be necessary for us to pursue additional compensation through a lawsuit. We take this step when the insurance company’s offer doesn’t reflect the true value of your medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. The process of filing a lawsuit involves several stages, starting with the preparation of a strong case. At The Law Office of Pablo G Pinasco, we meticulously gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your situation. We guide you through each phase of litigation—from filing the initial complaint to representing you in court—ensuring that your case is presented in the best way possible. Our goal is to secure the compensation you deserve, even if it means fighting for you in the courtroom.
Conclusion
Hiring a Sherman Oaks car accident attorney is one of the most important steps you need to take after an accident. With the right legal representation, you can maximize your compensation, protect your rights, and ensure that you have the financial resources you need to recover from your injuries.
En La Oficina de Derecho de Pablo G Pinasco, we help you every step of the way. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Sherman Oaks, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you explore your options for maximizing your compensation and securing your future. Taking the first step toward legal action can make all the difference in your recovery, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.