Los Angeles is one the most congested cities in the United States, and with more cars on the roads, drivers must pay close attention and look out for the safety of others. Failing to do this can cause an accident and serious harm to those involved. If you have suffered injuries in a Los Angeles car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file a claim and pursue financial compensation. However, navigating the legal process alone can be daunting. With the help of the reputable team of personal injury attorneys at Callahan & Blaine, you can have the guidance you need to achieve a successful outcome.
With an accomplished team of 29 lawyers, all of whom have at least eight years of experience, you can trust us to handle every aspect of your claim while you focus on recovery. In our 40 years as a firm, we have obtained remarkable results, including the largest bad-faith insurance judgment in Orange County history, worth $58 million. Our passionate team of car accident lawyers in Los Angeles takes an aggressive, comprehensive approach to every car accident, developing a unique and innovative strategy tailored to your needs and situation. This gives you the best chance of securing a fair settlement while having a stress-free legal experience.
Understanding the Car Accident Settlement Process
After a crash, many accident victims wonder how the car accident settlement process works in California. The process begins when you file a car accident claim, either with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer. The goal is to recover compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. Most car accident claims are settled through negotiations, but some require legal action to reach a fair resolution.
An experienced lawyer can help manage every aspect of this process, from gathering evidence and managing communication with insurance companies to negotiating a fair settlement. Since many insurance company offers start low, having legal support helps level the playing field. Understanding how a car accident settlement is calculated is key – factors like medical treatment costs, pain and suffering, and the severity of the injury all contribute to the overall value of your claim.
How Car Accident Settlement Amounts Are Determined
The value of a car accident settlement depends on multiple variables. Medical bills are often one of the largest components, especially in cases involving more severe injuries. Other factors include time off work, the need for future care, and emotional distress. To determine a fair settlement, your car accident lawyer will review medical records, consult with healthcare providers, and calculate any lost wages.
In California, the average car accident settlement varies widely based on the specifics of each case. Accident settlements in California may also be affected by comparative negligence laws, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you were partially at fault. This is another reason why having an experienced personal injury lawyer is critical – they help ensure you’re not unfairly blamed and that your settlement truly reflects your damages.
Navigating Insurance Coverage and Denied Claims
One of the most stressful aspects of any auto accident is dealing with insurance companies. Whether it’s your provider or the at-fault party’s insurer, these companies often try to minimize what they pay out. If your car accident claim is undervalued or denied, you still have options. An experienced lawyer can help challenge those decisions by gathering strong evidence and pushing for a more appropriate resolution.
Some insurance adjusters try to exploit gaps in insurance coverage or use vague policy language to their advantage. By having legal counsel handle these conversations, you’re more likely to receive a fair settlement offer that accounts for all your losses. Don’t accept the first number an insurance company offers – most car accident claims deserve far more than what insurers are willing to pay initially.
What Happens If You Have Severe Injuries?
When more severe injuries are involved, the stakes in a car accident case increase dramatically. You may need extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or even long-term care. These cases often involve significant damages, and the car accident settlement process becomes more complex. Your legal team must account for future medical expenses and potential loss of earning capacity.
Personal injury lawyers work closely with medical professionals to document your prognosis, treatment plan, and any permanent limitations. This allows your attorney to build a case that fully reflects the long-term impact of your injury. Settlements for severe injuries typically involve higher compensation but also more pushback from insurers – yet another reason to hire a skilled personal injury lawyer who can fight for maximum compensation.
How Long Do Car Accident Settlements Take?
The timeline of a car accident settlement can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the responsiveness of the insurance company, and the severity of the injuries. While some accident settlements in California are resolved within a few months, others can take a year or more, especially if litigation becomes necessary. The discovery phase, medical evaluations, and negotiations all contribute to how long a case might take.
Even if the timeline feels long, thorough preparation is essential to achieving a fair result. Rushing the process could lead to accepting an offer that doesn’t fully cover your needs. Your car accident lawyer will help pace the settlement based on your medical recovery and ensure all damages – current and future – are included.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Car Accident Settlement Process
During the car accident settlement process, accident victims often make avoidable mistakes that can delay their cases or reduce their compensation. One common error is failing to seek immediate medical treatment after an accident. Not only can this jeopardize your health, but it can also create gaps in your medical records – key evidence in your car accident claim. Insurance companies often interpret delays in treatment as signs that your injuries were not serious or not caused by the accident.
Another frequent misstep is giving recorded statements to an insurance company without legal advice. While these statements may seem harmless, they can be used against you later in the process. An experienced personal injury lawyer will advise you on what to say– and what not to say – to protect your rights. Accepting a quick settlement offer without understanding the full extent of your damages is another major pitfall. These initial offers are rarely enough to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care associated with more severe injuries.
Working with a car accident lawyer helps you sidestep these issues and puts you in the best position to recover the maximum possible compensation. A lawyer ensures that all required documentation – such as police reports, medical records, and expert opinions – is properly gathered and submitted, strengthening your case from start to finish.
The Importance of Legal Representation in a Car Accident Case
Handling a car accident settlement without legal support may put you at a disadvantage. Insurance companies have trained adjusters and legal teams whose primary goal is to save money. Having an experienced lawyer on your side ensures your car accident case is taken seriously from the beginning. A lawyer can manage your claim, handle negotiations, and push back against unfair insurance delays or denials.
In addition, a personal injury lawyer helps avoid common mistakes – such as missing filing deadlines or underestimating your damages – that can negatively impact your car accident settlement. If your case goes to trial, having an experienced Santa Ana car accident lawyer who understands California law can be the difference between a minimal payout and the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 714-769-6913 or complete our contact form to schedule your initial consultation and work with our robust team to seek justice.
FAQ about Car Insurance Settlement Process
Does health insurance cover injuries from a car accident?
Yes, health insurance can help cover medical expenses from a car accident, but it depends on your policy. Some health insurance plans may require you to use auto insurance first before covering expenses. If you have Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on your auto policy, these will typically cover medical costs before your health insurance kicks in. Additionally, if another driver was at fault, their liability insurance may cover your medical bills.
How much bodily injury and property damage coverage do I need?
California’s minimum required coverage is $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage, but these limits are often too low to cover serious accidents. Many drivers opt for at least $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident for bodily injury and $50,000 to $100,000 for property damage to ensure adequate protection and avoid personal financial liability in a major accident.
What does property damage liability insurance cover in a car accident?
Property damage liability insurance pays for damage you cause to someone else’s property in an accident. This typically includes repair or replacement costs for other vehicles, but it can also cover damage to fences, buildings, traffic signs, or other structures. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle – collision coverage is needed for that.
