We believe that a personal injury law firm has many responsibilities to clients. Yes, we represent our clients as aggressively as possible. We guide our clients through every step of the process, from a free case evaluation through a successful resolution. That said, we also keep up to date on any changes in the law, as well.
Our clients have enough to worry about. It’s our job to be up on the law, to let them know what to do as soon as the crash occurs, and so forth.
Helping You Even As the Law Changes
In the case of Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, a woman named Howell was involved in an auto accident and she had total medical charges of roughly $175,000.00. She used her insurance, which only had to pay $41,000.00 to take care of the $175,000.00 in medical bills. She argued to the Court that she should be able to recover the $175,000.00 for medical expenses, but the Supreme Court ruled that she can only recover the $41,000.00.
So how does it work? Howell is a post judgment remedy. Basically, the jury has a special verdict form where there are slots for amount of medical expense awarded, amount of pain and suffering awarded, amount of lost wages awarded etc.
At first, the jury is shown the full amount of the charged medical expenses. Then they award that full value in the medical expense awarded on the special verdict form. Then the defense makes a motion to reduce the medical expense rewarded to the actual amount that the insurance paid.
As you can see, this can become complicated rather quickly. Belal Hamideh can take care of all of this for you, letting you know exactly what your claim is worth and then working to make sure you get it.
Personal Injury Law Firm Advice for When You’re in an Accident
After an accident, knowing the appropriate steps to take can make a significant difference in protecting legal rights and ensuring fair compensation. Accidents are stressful and disorienting, but acting quickly and decisively is essential for physical recovery and safeguarding a potential claim.
Remaining at the scene of an accident is not only crucial for personal safety but also a legal requirement. Leaving the site prematurely can lead to severe legal consequences, even if the incident seems minor. Staying put ensures compliance with the law and facilitates proper documentation of the accident.
Safety should be the top priority. This includes checking for injuries and, if possible, moving to a secure location to avoid further harm. Using hazard lights and other warning signals can alert oncoming traffic, reducing the likelihood of additional collisions.
Contacting emergency services is a critical step. Dialing 911 ensures that medical assistance and law enforcement are dispatched promptly. If there are injured parties, avoid moving them unless immediate danger necessitates it.
Even in situations where injuries are not apparent, having a police officer document the incident creates an official report that could be vital for a future claim.
Thoroughly collecting information at the scene is another key action. This includes gathering the names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers of all involved parties. Witness contact information can also be invaluable.
Photographs of the accident site, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries should be taken, provided it can be done safely. These records serve as evidence that can strengthen a claim.
It is essential to avoid admitting fault at any stage. Comments that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt might harm the ability to secure full compensation.
When to Contact an Attorney
Reporting the accident to the insurance company promptly is necessary. While doing so, it is important to provide accurate information without embellishments or assumptions. Sticking to the facts ensures that the report remains consistent with other evidence.
Seeking a legal evaluation as soon as possible can help accident victims better understand their options. Belal Hamideh can assess the situation, advise on potential compensation, and navigate the complexities of the legal system. Scheduling a no-cost consultation offers an opportunity to determine the best course of action without financial risk.
What an Attorney With Experience Can Do for You
Simply put, they can meet all of the deadlines and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
For most personal injury cases in California, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date. However, cases involving government entities require filing a claim within six months, with an additional six months to file a lawsuit if the claim is denied. These deadlines emphasize the importance of seeking legal assistance early to preserve all options.
Factors such as medical bills, future medical care, lost income, vehicle repairs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering must all be considered. An experienced attorney’s understanding of these elements ensures that victims receive appropriate compensation for their losses.
Additionally, Belal works closely with medical providers who offer care on a contingency basis, ensuring that accident victims receive necessary treatment without upfront costs. This arrangement allows individuals to focus on recovery without worrying about medical expenses interfering with their legal claims.
If You Were in an Accident, an Attorney Can Help
In the aftermath of an accident, taking the right steps and having skilled legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of a claim. Belal Hamideh and his team are dedicated to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve, allowing them to move forward with confidence and security.
Call or message through this site for a free case evaluation.
