When an unforeseen car accident incapacitates you, and you are not wholly responsible for it (or only partially liable), you may be entitled to restitution. The defendant’s insurance firm will likely proceed by offering you a settlement, typically equating to a lump sum payment. The catch, though, is that the payout is invariably lower than your case’s actual worth.
If such a car accident befalls you, it’s crucial that you realize your entitlement to claim both financial and non-economic damages as part of your compensation package. This restitution exists to lessen both the economic and emotional pressures often paired with these regrettable occurrences.
Firstly, we delve into economic damages. These cover restitution for any financial expenses you’ve incurred as a direct result of your car accident. The scope isn’t merely limited to immediate costs related to the mishap, such as hospital fees or ambulance costs. It also covers therapy, counseling or any other treatment you may require to handle the trauma and facilitate your recovery process.
Beyond this, you could potentially receive compensation for any income you’ve missed out on due to your inability to work following the accident. Suppose you’re permanently incapacitated and unable to return to work. In that case, you’re eligible to receive the projected earnings you would have accumulated during your working years. Additionally, you’re entitled to compensation for repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle, which falls under the ambit of economic damages. For severe injuries that demand alterations to your living environment or in-home nursing care, financial provision may be extended as well.
Moving on from the concrete expenditures, you can also claim non-economic damages. These represent the intangible, personal costs attached to your accident. This category covers compensation for any pain and suffering you’ve had to endure, the mental distress and anxiety you may have experienced, and any disfigurement or physical impairments suffered. Even the loss of life quality or the loss of consortium, which refers to the companionship of your spouse, are counted as non-economic damages.
Such unfortunate incidents carry far-reaching consequences that impact not only your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. That’s why we’re here to support you, steadfastly committed to ensuring you receive every penny to which you’re entitled. By considering both your economic and non-economic losses, we strive to offer comprehensive representation that will aim to alleviate your burden during this challenging time.
To book a complimentary case review and discover your claim’s potential worth, do not hesitate to call or message experienced accident attorney Belal Hamideh through our site or by calling.
Some of the Ways a Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Turn to Belal Hamideh, your trusted car accident attorney in California, to claim every dollar you rightfully deserve following a car accident. Having aggressively represented our clients for several years, we’ve become adept in ensuring they receive maximum compensation for their ordeals. The good news is, our expertise is now available to you. Additionally, we offer services in Spanish.
It’s important to note that we operate on a contingency basis, where you don’t have to worry about attorney’s fees unless we win your case. However, if we don’t prevail, rest assured we won’t charge costs. It’s a testament to our winning streak that we boast a 99% success rate in all the cases we’ve taken on. If you think there’s a glimmer of hope that you have a case, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a completely free consultation through our site or by calling.
What should one do immediately after a car accident?
The foremost rule is never to leave the scene of an accident. In a situation where the other driver flees, it’s essential to capture pictures or video footage of their license plate number to aid authorities in tracking them down.
Despite the panic that might occur amidst such chaos, strive to keep calm. First, ensure no one is injured and then inspect your vehicle for any damages. Remember, there’s no need to make impulsive decisions on the spot.
Safety is the key priority. Scan your surroundings to ensure your security. If there’s incoming traffic, alert them by turning on hazard lights, employing flares, among others. This could also mean moving your vehicle out of traffic, if required.
Following a thorough safety check, your immediate next step should be to dial 911. In case of any injuries, avoid moving the injured person, unless absolutely necessary to keep them out of harm’s way. You should also keep them warm if possible.
Once you’re assured that everyone is safe and help is on the way, get as much information as possible. This includes the personal and vehicle details of all the drivers involved, such as their names, license plate numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers. Also, gather information about witnesses, passengers, involved vehicles, and their locations.
Document the incident by taking photographs of the damage inflicted on your vehicle, the accident scene, and any injuries sustained. This could be crucial evidence for your case.
Avoid apologizing to the other driver involved as this may be inadvertently construed as admitting fault. Keep your conversations brief and factual. Discussing the accident details should primarily be done with the police and your insurance company.
This comprehensive guide, coupled with the aggressive representation provided by Belal Hamideh, your California car accident lawyer, will ensure you are well prepared in the event of a car accident.
When is the Right Time to Engage a Lawyer Following a Vehicular Mishap?
The short answer is: as soon as possible. This urgency is amplified if the car accident resulted in injuries to you or your loved ones. In California, the statute of limitations is generally two years, although certain conditions may shorten this timeframe.
Furthermore, it is crucial to be aware that the opposing party will not waste time in building their case. The insurance company representing the other driver will resort to any possible means to minimize the compensation you receive. They may overwhelm you with questions, intentionally confuse you, or make unsatisfactory settlement offers.
By engaging an attorney swiftly, you can impede these tactics. Your attorney can commence work on your case immediately, enhancing your chances of securing the deserved compensation.
When Should I File a Car Accident Claim in California?
If the accident resulted in injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000, it is mandatory to notify the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days. However, bear in mind this is distinct from suing for damages.
The laws in California permit you up to two years from the date of the incident to launch a lawsuit for personal injuries resulting from a car accident. In the case of property damage, the window extends to three years.
However, if you are filing a claim against a government entity, the timeframe condenses significantly. You are given a 6-month window to file a claim for damages, and an additional 6 months from the rejection of the claim to commence a lawsuit.
Other injury types, such as medical malpractice, carry a 1-year statute of limitations. As is evident, the time at your disposal is limited. It is thus advisable to act promptly and file a claim as soon as possible.
What are the Primary Causes of Car Accidents in California?
There is a diverse range of factors that contribute to vehicular accidents in California and neighboring regions. Some of the more prevalent causes include:
Overspeeding: Exceeding the speed limit lengthens reaction times, making it challenging for drivers to avoid obstacles and bystanders.
Impaired Driving: Approximately one-third of all fatal traffic accidents across the United States can be attributed to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, social media use, conversation, navigating, music selection can disrupt a driver’s focus.
Vehicle Defects: Faulty vehicle components such as seat belts, engines, or brakes can unexpectedly lead to accidents.
Driving Errors: A slew of driving mistakes can cause accidents, such as tailgating, failure to yield, running red lights, inattentiveness, abrupt lane changes, and more.
Determining Liability in Automobile Collisions in California
Every automobile collision is unique, meaning different parties may be held accountable for the damages sustained during your car accident. In California, it’s often the case that the party held responsible is another driver, someone whose thoughtless or negligent behavior resulted in your injuries.
However, there can be more than one party held accountable. If the person who hit your car was on duty, their employer could potentially be held liable. Similarly, the owner of the vehicle may also bear some of the responsibility. Over time, we have discovered that an array of individuals or entities can be held liable: advertising agencies, shipping firms, manufacturers, and even marketers. As automobile collision attorneys, it’s our duty to identify all the parties accountable for your injuries and ensure you receive the maximum compensation. This holds true even if you share some of the blame for the accident.
Common Injuries from Automobile Collisions & Calculating Compensation
Much like the accidents themselves, the injuries sustained in these incidents also vary greatly. Here are some common injuries:
- Whiplash
- Fractured bones
- Road rash or cuts
- Spinal injuries (potentially leading to paralysis)
- Head and Neck Traumas
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Extensive Bruising
- Emotional trauma (such as PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties)
The compensation received for your injuries hinges on several factors. These include the extent of your injuries and the degree to which you were at fault in the accident, amongst other variables. As your legal representative, we will advocate for you vigorously. We strive to do everything within our capabilities to ensure you receive the highest possible compensation for your suffering.
Benefit Entitlements Post-Automobile Collisions
Various factors play a role in determining your entitlements post-accident. A prevalent benefit is the complete coverage of your medical expenses. If you don’t already have a healthcare provider, we can possibly assist you in finding one who will work based on contingency, like us.
Furthermore, compensation for any future medical care needed due to this accident may also be possible. Payments for enduring current pain and suffering, as well as future pain and suffering, may also be a part of your compensation.
Vehicle repair (at no cost to you) could potentially be a benefit you receive, in addition to reimbursement for all out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. Many clients lose wages due to their incapacity to work post-accident. You may be able to recover these lost wages and may also be entitled to compensation for potential future lost earnings.
Why Belal Hamideh is the Lawyer You Can Trust in California
With a sea of legal representatives in California, our team strives to differentiate ourselves because your case is our top-most priority. The ethos of our practice lies in:
Securing Maximum Reimbursement:
Our veteran legal squad is dedicated to getting the most elevated compensation for your sufferings and injuries.
Referrals to Top-Tier Medical Professionals:
We commit to ensuring you get the finest healthcare to help in your recuperation process.
Ensuring Peace of Mind:
We tackle all legal technicalities on your behalf, allowing you to concentrate primarily on your recovery.
No Regrets:
Our client-centered efforts ensure you will never regret choosing us as your legal representation.
Financial Freedom:
We empower you to reclaim control of your life, alleviating the strain of monetary difficulties.
Choosing the Renowned California Car Accident Attorney to Manage the Insurance Companies
Surviving a car accident can make you feel like you’d rather not involve a lawyer and would prefer to navigate your case independently. However, that’s not advisable. The insurance companies are experts and know exactly the worth of your case. The moment they become aware of your accident, they mobilize their entire team, which includes insurance claims adjusters, lawyers, investigators, among others, to ensure that you get the least possible or even no compensation for your pain, your distress, and your damages.
But worry not, as we’re well-equipped to deal with insurance companies. Belal Hamideh is a compassionate and capable California car accident lawyer who genuinely concerns himself with his clients and their families. His broad-ranging portfolio is testimony to his proficiency, as are the impressive amounts of compensation he has secured for his clients and their loved ones.
If you’ve suffered injuries due to a car accident, there’s absolutely nothing to lose by reaching out to a proficient car accident lawyer who can assist you. Schedule a free consultation today either via a phone call or through our contact form. Belal Hamideh’s law practice is your lifeguard in the stormy sea of legal complexities.