Being in a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and pushback from insurance companies. If you were hurt in a San Diego car accident, having an auto accident attorney on your side can make a real difference in how smooth and successful your recovery process goes.
After a car accident, it is essential to understand your legal options and the process involved so you can make the most informed decision. Some of the most frequent questions about hiring a San Diego car accident attorney are outlined below:
1. Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been in a car crash and things are getting complicated, and you’re dealing with injuries, taking time off work, or facing blame, it may be time to consult a lawyer. A car accident attorney knows how the laws of California work and can handle the back-and-forth with insurance companies, who will try to lowball you.
Having the right legal aid might make all the difference between getting just a little and getting what you truly deserve. They will handle everything for you, gather evidence, perform paperwork, and even represent you in court if needed. That way, you will have a good chance of getting fair compensation and be able to rest while you heal.
2. How Much Does a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most San Diego car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay any lawyer fees directly. The attorney is typically paid a percentage, ranging from 30% to 40%, of your final settlement or court award.
If you lose, you pay nothing. This fee structure provides quality representation to car accident victims without requiring them to incur out-of-pocket expenses. At your initial consultation, be sure to ask about fee percentages, additional fees, and how payment is structured if the case runs longer than expected.
3. What Do I Take to the First Meeting with an Attorney?
To get the most out of your consultation, bring as much documentation as possible. This can include the police report of the accident, medical records and bills, insurance policy details, photographs of the damage and accident site, proof of lost wages, and any communication with insurance providers.
These documents enable the lawyer to assess the value and merits of your case. Without all of it, that is okay; the lawyer will tell you how to obtain missing documents.
4. How Much Time Do I Have to File in California?
In California, generally, you have two years from the time of the accident in which you can file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. Failing to do so within that timeframe means that the court will dismiss your case, regardless of its validity.
If the lawsuit is against government vehicles or public agencies, the timeframe is even shorter, just six months to file a claim. Seeing an attorney sooner rather than later ensures that you do not miss any critical deadlines and gives your lawyer time to build a solid case.
5. What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
California is a comparative fault state. That means you may recover even if you were contributorily negligent; your recovery only gets reduced by your degree of fault. An attorney can help prove the other party’s higher degree of fault.
6. Will My Case Go to Court?
Not necessarily. Most auto accident cases are settled out of court. But if the insurance company refuses to provide a reasonable settlement, your lawyer may suggest going to trial to seek a complete recovery.
7. How Long Will My Case Take?
It depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and whether it settles or goes to trial. Some of them settle within two or three months, while others do not pay for more than a year. A good lawyer will keep you informed on how everything is progressing step by step.