At Adamson Ahdoot LLP, we help our clients get justice in motor vehicle accidents all over California.
Those living in the Los Angeles area know you need a vehicle to get around. This also means there is a risk of being involved in a car accident on any California road.
As a state famous for its freeways, having a car accident lawyer is critical. Every year, thousands of traffic collisions occur in California. In 2022 alone, approximately 24,710 wrecks were reported to local law enforcement. With such a high number of accidents, having a skilled and experienced attorney by your side is essential.
If you have been involved in an accident, do not hesitate to call Adamson Ahdoot LLP.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, we are the #1 choice for personal injury accident cases in California. Our bilingual team of car crash attorneys provides personalized attention and outstanding results. We are committed to obtaining the highest possible compensation for injured victims.
Call us today at (800) 310-1606 or submit your inquiry through our website.
What to Do After a Car Accident?
After an accident occurs, calling the police and ambulance services, if needed, should take priority.
Take photos of all damage to your vehicle and possible personal injury if you can.
Calling your lawyer at the accident scene can have several benefits if you are conscious and without serious injury. At Adamson Ahdoot LLP, we offer prospective clients a free consultation where a lawyer will collect and discuss all the pertinent details of your car accident case.
During this free consultation, a car accident lawyer can advise you on how to issue your statement to the insurance companies, police, and other involved parties.
You might feel that your accident is too minor to warrant a call to a personal injury lawyer, but you should call an attorney in any accident requiring a trip to a doctor’s office.
It’s also important that you seek immediate medical attention after the incident. Make sure you document your medical bills, treatments, and official diagnosis.
It would be best to get a thorough medical examination after a car accident, as not all injuries are visible. These injuries still play a role in your case and settlement. While you may not see concussions and internal bleeding, both require urgent medical attention.
Take photos of all damage to your vehicle and possible personal injury if you can. Smartphone cameras offer a convenient way to take quick snapshots of the scene and close-ups of damage, which you can send to your lawyer and insurance company.
The other driver or at-fault parties may take their pictures for their records. During this time, exchange information with the other driver. However, do not apologize or comment on who is at fault or caused the collision.
Request their full name, insurance provider’s name, policy number, address, and contact details, including phone number and email. It’s important to remember this step even if the other party is only visiting California.
We also recommend noting the other vehicle’s make, model, year, registration, and license plate number.
The police report should include relevant information about the accident’s date, time, and location. However, it is prudent to keep track of these facts for your records. Ask the police officer for their name, badge number, and contact information.
Note the direction you were traveling, the nearest intersections, and your recollection of the events leading up to the car accident. It’s also important to consider the weather conditions when the incident occurred.
If there are any witnesses, collect their names and contact information, as well.
These factors carry weight when filing a car accident lawsuit or a car accident claim. Once you have as much information as possible, your lawyer can begin work on your case.
Don’t Make These Mistakes After a Car Accident
Moments after an accident, you might rush to apologize or admit fault. Resist the urge to do so, as it can harm your case.
Auto accidents can be traumatic and sometimes devastating. You may make misguided or misinformed decisions in the moments following an accident.
With this in mind, we stress the importance of calling an auto accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Your attorney will help minimize the room for error and poor judgment.
Without a lawyer, victims are more prone to making these common mistakes after a car accident:
- Choosing not to call the police – You might think your accident isn’t severe enough to report, but an official police report provides vital evidence for your case in court. The police will collect this evidence, prepare a report, and issue any necessary citations for infractions.
- Admitting fault – Moments after an accident, you might rush to apologize or admit fault. Resist the urge to do so, as it can harm your case.
- Leaving the scene – If you leave the scene, you can be accused of a hit and run or other violations. For this reason, you should stay on the scene until the police have arrived.
- Rejecting medical treatment or otherwise downplaying injuries – Some accident victims will reject medical treatment while their adrenaline is still high. Some injuries may present hours, weeks, and even years after an accident, so you must keep detailed medical records should you ever need to file a personal injury claim.
- Not following doctor’s orders – If your doctor gives you a treatment plan, follow it. In car accident cases, you must show that you have made every effort to recover using the resources you have. Failure to do so will undermine the severity of your sustained injuries.
- Forgetting to collect information and gather evidence – Take photos, exchange contact information, and look for witnesses. This information helps any future investigation and gives your lawyer material to build your case.
- Disclosing too much to the insurance companies – Insurance companies want to minimize their payouts. Victims often fall for tricks and disclose information that can be used against them later. Qualified car accident lawyers will advise how best to issue your statement to your insurance company.
- Accepting a settlement prematurely – Litigation is exhausting, and you want to move on from the incident as soon as possible. However, a reliable car crash attorney will do everything in their power to win you the best settlement, even if it is not the first one offered.
- Posting information about the accident to social media – Avoid posting accident information or photos online. If you do not post anything about the accident, it cannot be used against you.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident
In the state of California, drivers are obligated to follow safe driving protocol. Failure to do so constitutes negligence.
In California, drivers must follow safe driving protocols. Failure to do so constitutes negligence. In car accident cases, injured parties must demonstrate the other driver’s negligence to receive compensation.
California law dictates that negligence occurs when:
- The driver fails to follow safety regulations and traffic laws
- The driver fails to operate their vehicle per regulations
- The accident occurs as a direct result of the other driver’s actions
- The accident has caused injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens.
At Adamson Ahdoot LLP, our experienced team of auto accident lawyers conducts a thorough investigation to support the claim of negligence in your case. Sometimes, the inquiry may lead to a personal injury lawsuit filing.
California law uses comparative negligence, which indicates that each person involved in a car accident is liable for a portion of the damages.
In an accident where both parties are at fault, the court will determine a percentage of fault to calculate the final award for monetary losses for each driver involved. For example, if the total damages were calculated at $100,000, someone who is 20% liable for their accident would receive $80,000.
Even if you suspect you have any fault or responsibility, you should refrain from making a statement on the matter until you consult your attorney.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can lead to various injuries, from minor scrapes to life-altering conditions. Some common examples include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury common in rear-end collisions, causing pain and restricted mobility.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of impact in a car accident can lead to broken bones, which may require surgery and extensive recovery.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, can result from the impact of a car accident.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe accidents, spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis and lifelong medical challenges.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains and sprains, can cause prolonged discomfort and hinder.
Read Related Injury:
Can an Immigrant Lacking Permanent Legal Status File A Lawsuit?
California’s AB 2159 law has made it clear that immigrants lacking permanent legal status will not be deported if they sue someone for personal injury.
Yes, an immigrant lacking permanent legal status can file a lawsuit in California. According to the 14th Amendment’s equality clause, no state “shall deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
The United States Supreme Court emphasizes that the clause applies to everyone within the United States, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.
Fear of Deportation & Other Negative Repercussions
It’s common for an immigrant lacking permanent legal status to fear the court system. Some think they’ll be deported if they file a lawsuit against someone. However, California’s AB 2159 law has made it clear that immigrants lacking permanent legal status will not be deported if they sue someone for personal injury.
The Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) reiterates this statement, confirming no system informs them of a noncitizen’s status once they file a claim. Even if you decide to sue the other driver for your injuries, there’s no way for the INS to know about the lawsuit.
Furthermore, it’s illegal for immigration authorities to deport plaintiffs who lack permanent legal status. Deporting an immigrant while they have an ongoing case within the state is seen as a form of obstruction of justice.
The bill also prohibits defendants from using a plaintiff’s immigration status against them in any civil proceedings for personal injury and wrongful death.
California Evidence Code Section 351.2 states that “evidence of a person’s immigration status shall not be admitted into evidence, nor shall discovery into a person’s immigration status be permitted.”
However, this does not mean that you should hide your true immigration status from your lawyer. Most legal counsel and staff are bound by client-attorney confidentiality. They are not allowed to reveal their client’s immigration status to anyone.
Considerations When Hiring a Car Accident Attorney
Like many car accident attorneys, Adamson Ahdoot LLP offers you a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and any relevant injuries. After your free consultation, our law firm will not bill you until we win your case.
With a free consultation, an attorney from Adamson Ahdoot LLP can assess whether your case, including common car accident injuries, warrants a civil claim at no cost. With thousands of cases under our belt, our law firm has been proud to serve in various motor vehicle and personal injury cases.
Litigation is expensive and exhausting, especially if you’re recovering from serious injuries or coping with the grief of a deceased loved one.
Do not make the mistake of downplaying your injuries or motor vehicle damage. Let an experienced car accident attorney decide how to proceed.
Call us at (800) 310-1606 to schedule your free consultation today.
Preparing for Your Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer
Case assessments can occur online, over the phone, or during an initial visit
Car accident lawyers typically conduct independent investigations of motor vehicle accidents on their client’s behalf. To ensure the best results and minimize wasted time and money, clients should come to their free consultation prepared.
Consultations typically start with a case assessment. Case assessments can occur online, over the phone, or during an initial visit. Your attorney will ask you to describe the facts of the accident and any injuries or damages you sustained.
They may also ask you the following questions:
- Have you spoken to any insurance company representatives? What did you say?
- Who else have you spoken to about the incident, including family, first responders, medical professionals, and other drivers?
- What do your auto insurance and health insurance cover?
- Do you know of any witnesses? Do you have their contact information?
Aside from preparing for these questions, we recommend you bring any relevant documents during your consultation. If you have access to your medical records, the crash report, and photos from the incident, make sure you present them to your lawyer.
Here are other strategies you can use to prepare yourself for your initial consultation with your car accident lawyer:
Establish A Detailed Timeline
An experienced attorney will try to piece together the events that led to your incident. It’s one of the first things they’ll do during your initial consultation. They’ll ask you to share your story from when you started driving to the exact moment when the accident happened.
This approach allows them to understand better the sequence of events that led to the crash.
So, it would be best for you to create a detailed timeline of the incident before your appointment. Try your best to be as detailed as possible and include everything you did before the crash.
No matter how small the detail may seem, we suggest you still include it in your timeline, as it can still help your lawyer.
Set Your Goals
Think about what you want to achieve in your initial meeting with a lawyer. Do you want to verify if you have a concrete case on your hands or do you want to determine the value of your claim?
Setting your goals beforehand will help you make the most out of your initial consultation. But make sure that your goals are realistic. For instance, a lawyer may not be able to give you an exact amount of the damages you’re entitled to until they’ve taken the time to assess your case.
They can only give you a potential amount based on the evidence you’ve presented to them. But until they’ve conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, it’s hard to guarantee anything.
Make A List of Questions & Concerns You Want to Ask
If you have any questions or concerns about your case, now’s the right time to ask them. Write all of the questions you want to ask your lawyer, so you won’t forget to mention your concerns during the consultation.
This is also the perfect time to ask them about their experience, success rate, and openness to trial if your claim calls for it. You want to ensure that your lawyer is someone willing to go to great lengths to advocate for your rights.
We also suggest asking how they handled previous cases similar to yours. Doing so will give you an idea of how they strategize and approach car accident claims.
If you’re unsure of what to ask, here are some ideas:
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
- How do you communicate with your clients?
- What’s your fee structure? Do you offer your services on a contingency basis?
- Can you give me any references of your past clients?
What Will a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Help?
The best way to find out what Adamson Ahdoot LLP can do for you is to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer at our firm by calling (800) 310-1606.
During our free consultation, an experienced accident attorney will work with you to discuss the details of your car accident case, understand your recollection of events, and determine the best course of action for you.
The attorneys at our law firm have over 100 years of combined legal experience litigating cases involving vehicle accidents in California. While this may be your first car accident, we have the best car accident lawyers at Adamson Ahdoot LLP, well-versed in the nuances of accident law.
With your help, accident attorneys can organize the details of your case, argue on your behalf, represent your best interests, and ensure a smooth road to getting your entitled compensation.
In cases involving injuries or vehicle damage, experienced car accident attorneys can guide you through filing your claim and giving your statements.
Accident attorneys have the experience necessary to navigate negotiations with insurance companies and responsible parties. They will also identify inaccuracies in your statement and the other driver’s account.
One of the most common mistakes victims make after an accident is settling too soon. Greedy insurance agents typically offer lump-sum settlements before the case can go to court.
This fast cash can entice victims, but a knowledgeable auto accident attorney will prevent you from making the same mistakes. Our lawyers know that the first offer for settlement is rarely the best and will fight aggressively for justice on your behalf.
At Adamson Ahdoot LLP, each lawyer in our law firm awaits the opportunity to advocate for vehicle accident victims.
Call us at (800) 310-1606 to schedule your free consultation today.
Common Related FAQ’s:
Why Adamson Ahdoot LLP is the Right Choice for You
Adamson Ahdoot offers free consultations
At Adamson Ahdoot, you can trust that the best motor vehicle accident lawyers handle your case. Our law firm offers the intimacy and attention to detail of a smaller firm with the resources and expertise of a larger one.
While you may think your accident is too minor to warrant hiring an attorney, skilled representation from a Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you navigate complex legal proceedings and get the compensation you deserve.
Many drivers live in fear of being the victim of a serious accident. However, fender benders and other minor accidents can cause fatal injuries.
After a car wreck, you may feel frustrated, disoriented, and injured. In this state, you are likely to make poor decisions and may not be able to provide complete information right away. Therefore, a qualified car accident attorney will help you overcome these difficulties.
We put people first. Our car accident lawyers proudly serve a diverse clientele with their motor vehicle needs. We also offer free consultations in English and Spanish.
The attorneys at Adamson Ahdoot LLP are compassionate to your unique circumstances. Our commitment to approachability means you can approach us with questions and concerns anytime.
At Adamson Ahdoot LLP, we strike the perfect balance between assertive advocacy and unwavering client support. As a full-service civil litigation firm, we offer over 100 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases and car accident claims.
Contact us at (800) 310-1606 to schedule a no-cost consultation with a premier injury attorney today.
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