Do I Need a Lawyer to Settle my Car Accident Claim?

A common question that most people have after a motor vehicle accident in California is whether they need a lawyer to settle their claim.  Some people even ask if they need a lawyer to sue their car accident cases.  There is no requirement under California law that requires a victim to have a lawyer to settle or bring a car accident lawsuit.  Indeed, there are plenty of self-represented litigants in the courts.  But our Los Angeles lawyer knows that a victim who tries to negotiate a car accident claim without legal training, education, or experience is likely going to get a lot less than they should. 

Said differently, no you do not need a lawyer to represent you.  Yes, you should absolutely get a lawyer because you will be guaranteeing yourself less than you deserve.

When you have suffered damages from a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance will be financially responsible for those damages. But that is where the simplicity often ends. Perhaps you disagree with the determination of who was at fault. Perhaps the other driver’s account of the accident is not exactly what happened, but it is a matter of he said, she said. What happens if the police report is not correct? When there are matters of liability in question, there may be further evidence required to prove your claim.

Then there is the matter of insurance. Insurance companies are very good at downplaying their financial obligations toward an injured party. Quite often, the first settlement offer is nowhere near what an injury victim is really entitled to in order to compensate for damages stemming from the accident, from medical bills to property damage to lost wages.

Going up against an insurance company can be overwhelming and frustrating, especially at a time when you need to be healing. And the more involved the claim, the more valuable an attorney will be. Retaining a Los Angeles lawyer to negotiate a car accident claim allows a skilled legal professional to take the helm, getting you a fair settlement from the insurance company, and defending your claim. For more information and a FREE case review, contact us today at (888) 588-1777.  We are ready and willing to help.