There is no adequate compensation for the impairment, disability, and death caused by a car accident. But the recovery of your financial losses will help you reclaim your old life or be better prepared to begin your new one. You don’t have to start over with nothing, or worse, huge amounts of debt. If you or your loved one suffered physical, financial, or emotional harm in a car accident, seek legal representation today.

Should I hire an attorney after an auto accident?

Even for a minor car accident, or a car accident that you believe wasn’t your fault, you should hire a lawyer. In some cases, an injury like whiplash may not surface for weeks. The later you file a claim, the weaker it is. An experienced car accident lawyer knows what to watch for how to prepare.

By representing yourself, you also leave yourself vulnerable to insurance companies and may pay more than you need to. It’s equally possible that if you have suffered pain and financial difficulties, you could be leaving money on the table. A car accident lawyer helps you pursue the full list of claims available to you under the law. We also provide guidance to prevent you from jeopardizing your own claim. It’s always worth getting a car accident lawyer.

What questions should I ask an attorney for a car accident?

A qualified car accident attorney will have handled similar cases, and ideally specialize in personal injury. They need to know what questions to ask to get you the best chance of settlement. They should also anticipate the defense’s counter-questions to ensure you don’t risk losing the maximum payout.

Here are questions to consider when measuring the impact of the car accident on the life of you and your loved ones:

• Are you able to participate in the activities you enjoyed prior to the accident?
• Have your current or future employment opportunities been affected?
• Have you lost income due to injury or time away from work as a result of the car accident?
• Have you incurred medical and/or funeral expenses?
• Will you need ongoing treatment, medication or physical rehabilitation?
• Have you endured any resulting emotional trauma?
• Did you suffer property damage? How minimal or extensive?
• Were there any additional factors, like road sign visibility, infrastructure damage, etc.?

At Nelson, Rozier, & Christenson, our decades of experience in auto accident lawsuits includes previous work defending insurance companies. This allows us to provide skilled Visalia car accident lawyers to help you receive coverage. Again, you won’t be responsible for case-related costs if we do not secure you compensation.

How long do you have to get a lawyer after a car accident?

In California, you have three years to file property damage and injury claims. Unfortunately, evidence begins to deteriorate within days and even hours of your car accident. Skid marks on the road begin to fade, and so will bruises from seat belts and air bags. Even witness testimony will prove less reliable over time. You’ll want to hire an accident lawyer as quickly as possible.

A car accident attorney will work to preserve all relevant evidence, which is why they’re helpful at the start of your case. Before you meet with your attorney, document your evidence, including:

• Medical consultations sought
• Medical bills
• Photographs of injuries before and after treatment
• Photographs of the scene, including road conditions and signage
• Photographs of car damage

It’s important to get ahead of the defense. Document visible injuries before they heal and identify physical factors in an accident as soon as possible before infrastructure updates, environmental changes, etc. Your attorney will also take written statements from witnesses and may involve calling accident reconstruction experts to investigate the scene.

How long does a car accident lawsuit take?

An auto accident defense attorney can estimate the time it takes to resolve your case based on similar cases they’ve had with past clients. It can take anywhere from months to years and largely relies on evidence. A car accident attorney is also huge factor in the length of your case. They can work around the clock on your lawsuit while you focus on recovery, as well as your daily responsibilities like your job and family.