Altadena Car Accident Lawyers
Enduring a car accident is an immensely traumatic experience, often exacerbated by the subsequent financial strain of medical expenses, property damage, and the emotional impact of the event. In the most severe instances, such accidents can lead to the heartbreaking loss of life, thrusting families and loved ones into a challenging and painful period of recovery. Navigating insurance claims in the aftermath of an accident can further complicate matters, and attempting to handle this process without expert advice may risk undermining the compensation you are entitled to.
Taking immediate steps to file an injury claim following an Altadena car accident is essential for achieving a positive result. Any delay in this process can provide an opportunity for insurance companies to reduce or dispute the legitimacy and severity of your claim. It is critical to collect evidence promptly in the days right after the accident. This quick action is key in your negotiations with insurance providers, ensuring that you possess the necessary documentation to affirm your rights and obtain the justice you deserve.
It’s incredibly important for you to contact an Altadena car accident lawyer at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri today at 855-WINNING (855-946-6464) or file an accident claim now here. Our law firm has handled countless cases of accident & collision cases throughout Southern California since 1979 – we are the BIG GUNS that other attorneys refer to when they need an trial tested law firm.
DeWitt Algorri & Algorri is less than 10 minutes away from Altadena at 25 Union St. in Pasadena near The Container Store at the corner of Union & Fair Oaks Ave for over forty years (just 4 miles from the Altadena Town & Country Club). Click here to open Google Maps to navigate to our office.
Name plate plaque on our building.
At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, we focus on advocating for car accident victims, offering personalized advice on insurance claims and compensation processes post-accident. If you or someone close to you has been in a car accident, acting quickly is crucial.
Promptly obtaining legal support can significantly aid in the recovery process. We encourage you to contact us today to find out how we can defend your rights and assist in securing the compensation you are entitled to.
Our car accident law firm handles matters involving:
Review from Google: “My case went to trial recently and I am beyond happy with the results. Patrick and Sam represented me in a jury trial and I was ruled in favor for over 10 million dollars… I felt like I was lost and I was doing everything I could on my own to no avail. But ever since DAA law started helping me through this situation, I have felt an incredible weight lifted off of my shoulders. The work they do at DAA is nothing short of amazing. I would suggest them to ANYONE who’s gone through a motor vehicle incident and has had some sort of personal injury. Please do yourself the favor and call DAA if you think you need the help. It’s a phone call you won’t regret!” Tristan H.
Step-By-Step Guide: Actions to Take Following a Car Accident with Injuries
- Prioritize Safety and Health: After an auto accident involving injuries, the first step is to focus on the safety and health of all individuals involved.
- Seek Immediate Medical Help: If anyone needs urgent medical care, call 911 or emergency services right away to report the accident and request medical assistance. If possible and safe, move your vehicle to a secure location to avoid additional accidents or hazards.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other parties in the accident. Gather names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, collect their contact details as well.
- Document the Accident: Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, and any pertinent road conditions. Record the date, time, and location of the accident, and note the names and badge numbers of any responding police officers. This documentation is vital for insurance and legal purposes.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, visit a healthcare professional for a check-up. This ensures your health and provides a medical record of any injuries, which is important for any legal claims.
- Report to Insurance: Contact your insurance company to report the accident. It’s advisable to do this with the guidance of an attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive fair treatment in the claims process.
Finally, It is critical that you consult with the experienced car accident attorneys at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri to understand your rights and legal options. Schedule a FREE consultation today at 855-WINNING (855-946-6464) or start your claim now here. We are equipped to guide you through the legal complexities of your case, assist in evidence collection, liaise with insurance companies, and strive for the highest possible compensation covering your medical costs, property damages, lost income, and, if applicable, pain and suffering. It’s essential to act swiftly and consult a law firm with extensive expertise in handling motor vehicle accident cases to safeguard your interests following a car accident that results in injuries.
Filing a Car Accident Claim
The state of California has established a set of procedures to be followed in the event of a car accident, particularly concerning the filing of claims and dealing with insurance issues. These procedures include mandatory steps such as:
1) Reporting to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Under California law, anyone involved in a car accident is required to report it to the DMV within a 10-day window if any of the following conditions are met:
There were injuries resulting from the accident.
The accident caused a fatality.
The property damage caused by the accident is valued at over $1,000.
2) Notifying Your Insurance Company: It is also essential to promptly inform your insurance company about the accident, in accordance with the terms of your insurance policy.
Following the initial reporting of the accident, your insurance company will undertake an investigation to assess the claim. It is important to note that any delays in filing your claim can potentially lead to its denial, emphasizing the importance of prompt action in these circumstances.
Understanding the Difference Between a Personal Injury Lawsuit and Filing an Accident Claim
There is a widespread misunderstanding that filing an insurance claim is the same as initiating a lawsuit for damages, but these are, in fact, separate processes. Filing a claim is essentially a formal request for compensation after an accident. This process typically involves negotiating with both your own insurance company and that of the other party involved, aiming to reach a private settlement without the need for court intervention.
If, however, your reasonable compensation demands are not met by the insurance company, you may then choose to file a lawsuit to seek the full amount of compensation you believe you are owed. In such instances, the legal system is employed to ensure accountability from the other party and their insurance provider.
Understanding Fault in California Accidents
California adheres to a pure comparative negligence rule for determining fault in accidents. According to this rule, responsibility is divided into percentages. For instance, one driver may be found to be 70% at fault, whereas the other may be 30% liable. Under this system, it’s possible for both parties to receive compensation, although the amount is adjusted according to their respective degrees of fault. For example, if you are deemed 10% at fault in a rear-end collision, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. Therefore, if your total damages amount to $10,000, you would be eligible to receive $9,000, taking into account your portion of the fault.
Correcting the Misunderstanding Regarding Medical Attention
A prevalent misconception is that seeking medical attention after an accident is only necessary for serious injuries. However, it’s vital to get a medical evaluation even if you feel fine after the accident. Insurance companies take into account whether an individual has sought medical assessment, and this can have a significant impact on the outcome of your settlement. Postponing or disregarding medical care can seriously undermine the strength of your insurance claim.
DeWitt Algorri & Algorri Can Help You File a Claim
If you or someone close to you has been in a car accident, prompt action is crucial. Delaying or hesitating to obtain legal help can negatively impact your case. At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, our focus is on helping clients sidestep the usual traps that many car accident victims encounter during the claims process. By doing so, we aim to maximize their compensation and facilitate their complete financial recovery after the accident. To learn more about how we can help you, set up a consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers serving Altadena, CA at 855-WINNING (855-946-6464).
