Pasadena Car Accident Lawyers
Being involved in a car accident is a troubling experience, often made worse by medical expenses, property expenses, and mental distress. In the most severe of situations, car accidents can result in wrongful death, leaving a person’s family and loved ones to navigate the tumultuous aftermath of the incident. Navigating insurance claims following an accident is complex, however, and moving through the process alone can undermine your compensation.
Making a timely injury claim regarding car accidents is critical to the success of your matter. Insurance companies often use lags in time to destroy evidence, or poke holes in the legitimacy and severity of your claim. The first few after a tragedy is an important footrace against insurance companies to obtain the evidence necessary for you to get justice. It’s critical for you to contact a Pasadena car accident lawyer at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri today at 855-WINNING (855-946-6464) or file a claim now here. Our team has handled thousands of personal injury matters throughout California since 1979 – we are the BIG GUNS that other law firms call when they need an experienced and consistently successful firm.
At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, we represent victims of car accidents, providing tailored guidance on insurance claims and navigating compensation after an accident. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident, time is of the essence. The sooner you seek legal assistance, the sooner you can begin repairing your life. Consider calling us today to learn more about how we can fight for your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our Pasadena car accidents attorneys handle matters involving:
Car Accident Claims in Pasadena, California
California law sets forth how car accident claims and insurance issues are handled in Pasadena. There are procedural requirements for how the aftermath of an accident is handled. For example, in California, any person involved in a car crash must report the accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days if:
- Any person sustained injuries due to the accident
- Any person died as a result of the accident
- The accident resulted in over $1,000 in property damages
It is also necessary to report the accident to your insurance provider, as stipulated in your policy contract. Once the accident is reported, the insurance company will investigate the claim. Waiting too long to file can result in the denial of a claim.
Common Misconceptions Related to Car Accident Claims
After spending over four decades representing victims of car accidents, we have come across some common misconceptions that may have resulted in serious financial and legal consequences for our clients if they failed to contact us for assistance. Some of the most common misconceptions that we encounter when navigating car accident cases include:
Filing a Claim vs. Suing for Damages
It is a commonly held belief that filing an insurance claim is the same as suing for damages. These are not the same, however. Filing a claim is a formal request to recover compensation after an accident. When you file a claim, you are not taking the issue to court, but rather negotiating with your company and the other party’s company to negotiate a settlement privately.
If the insurance company refuses to meet your fair and just demand, it is possible to file a lawsuit to recover the full amount of compensation. In such situations the courts must now be used to hold the other party and their insurance carriers accountable.
How is Fault Decided in California?
California is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning fault is assigned in percentages. One driver may be 70% accountable while the other is 30% at fault for the accident. Under such a system, it is possible for both drivers to receive compensation, but the amount will be lower or higher depending on their level of fault. If, for example, you have been rear-ended and it has been determined that you were 10% at fault for the accident, you can recover damages minus that 10%. So, while you may have $10,000 in damages, the insurance payout will instead be $9,000 to account for your fault.
“I Only Need to Seek Medical Attention if My Injuries Are Severe”
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is the belief that medical attention is only necessary in the most serious of accidents. In actuality, it is important to seek medical attention even if you feel fine after an accident. Insurance companies will look to see if you have been evaluated by a medical professional and this information will factor into your settlement. Failing to seek medical attention, or waiting too long to see a professional, can undermine your case.
Experienced Car Accident Attorneys at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri Can Help You File a Claim
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is important to act quickly and with haste. Wasting time or taking too long to seek legal assistance can work against your case. At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, we help our clients avoid the common pitfalls that car accident victims fall into when filing claims. In this way, we help clients optimize their compensation and ensure their full financial recovery following an accident. To learn more about how we can help you, consider setting up a consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys in Pasadena, CA at 855-WINNING (855-946-6464).
