Car accidents happen every day across California. If you were recently involved in one, you may be wondering whether hiring an attorney is actually worth it.
So, is it worth getting a lawyer for a car accident? Yes, it’s worth getting a lawyer so you can build a strong injury claim and maximize your settlement.
Trying to handle your own car accident claim is risky. Without legal guidance, you could say or do something that undermines your case. A Fresno car accident lawyer can assist with your claim and help you recover compensation for your losses.
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Yes, it’s worth getting a lawyer for a car accident, especially in cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or unfair treatment from insurance companies. Our attorneys can step in and help by:
- Proving liability: We can gather evidence to prove who is at fault for the accident.
- Calculating your damages: We can evaluate your economic and non-economic damages and calculate the true value of your claim.
- Handling insurance negotiations: We can handle all communications with insurance companies and work to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Providing court representation: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we can file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.
- Protecting your rights: We can provide guidance throughout the legal process and help ensure fair treatment from the insurance company.
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Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault?
Yes, it is still worth getting an attorney even if you believe the other driver caused the crash. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means your compensation will be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for your accident.
For example, if your total damages are valued at $100,000 and you are found to be 10% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $90,000.
Because of this rule, even small disputes about speed or lane position can significantly affect your compensation. Our attorneys can protect you from the insurance company’s attempts to shift blame and present evidence that proves who is really at fault for your accident.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, our car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us any upfront fees. Instead, your attorney will receive a prearranged percentage of your settlement or court award.
If you don’t recover compensation, you won’t owe us anything.
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The Risk of Handling Your Own Claim
Handling your own claim might seem like a way to save money. However, that approach comes with many risks, including:
- Undervaluing your own claim: Many people underestimate their future medical costs, long-term care needs, and lost earning potential and end up accepting less compensation than they deserve.
- Giving damaging statements: Casual or unclear statements can be used to shift blame onto you or minimize the seriousness of your injuries.
- Not gathering enough evidence: Without legal help, important evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, or expert analysis may not be collected in time.
- Committing procedural mistakes: Filing errors, missed deadlines, or incomplete documentation can weaken your claim or even result in a denial.
- Having no leverage in negotiations: Insurance companies are more likely to take your claim seriously when a lawyer is involved.
When You Don’t Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident
While most car accident victims benefit from legal representation, there are some situations where hiring a lawyer may not be necessary. For instance, if you were involved in a minor traffic incident that didn’t cause any injuries or result in significant vehicle damage, you may be able to handle your claim on your own.
That said, it can still be beneficial to consult an attorney after a minor crash, especially if the other driver disputes fault or you encounter delays with your insurance claim.
Should I File a Claim or Get a Lawyer First?
In most cases, you should speak with a lawyer before filing a car accident claim. The early stages of a claim are where the most damage can be done to your case, because anything you say or do can later be used to reduce your compensation or even deny your claim altogether.
After a car crash, a lawyer can step in and help you avoid common mistakes that would hurt your car accident claim. Your lawyer can also help gather evidence and witness testimony that may otherwise disappear soon after the crash.
Should You Talk to a Lawyer Before Accepting a Settlement?
Yes, you should speak with a lawyer before accepting a settlement for a traffic accident. Early settlement offers from insurance companies are often lower than the full value of a claim.
Once you accept a settlement, your case is closed. You give up the right to pursue additional compensation, even if new expenses or medical complications arise later. Our lawyers can review your case and determine whether the offer is fair or if you should negotiate further.
How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?
Since every case is different, there is no average car accident settlement. Payouts vary widely based on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and insurance policy limits.
Minor accident claims may resolve for four- or five-figure amounts, while catastrophic injury cases can result in six- or seven-figure recoveries.
Talk to a Car Accident Attorney
Car accident claims have high stakes, and if you try to handle yours alone, you may walk away empty-handed. A dedicated car accident attorney from Fowler | Helsel | Vogt can assist with your claim, handle insurance negotiations, and work tirelessly to secure a fair settlement for you.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your accident with an attorney.
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