When you’re in an auto accident, it can be hard to know what to do next. But if you’ve suffered any injury, even something that seems minor, you should engage with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Even a minor 5 MPH collision could result in back, neck, and spine pain. The Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Cha Cha Cha Law understand the physical, financial, and legal toll that even low-impact accidents can have. Personal injury attorneys should have the experience to evaluate your claim and inform you of what type of personal injury claim you may have.
We help ensure you’re getting the right care, properly documenting your injuries, and taking the steps needed to recover the compensation you’re entitled to.
Why Contacting an Attorney Early Matters
There is no specific deadline or guideline when or if you should hire a personal injury attorney, but acting early can make all the difference in your case.
A personal injury attorney can:
- Evaluate your claim and inform you what type of personal injury claim you may have
- Help interpret the medical records you obtain from your physician
- Ensure you are receiving the best care and attention for your injuries
- Recover the best settlement for your past and future medical expenses
Insurance representatives will try to minimize the amounts that their companies pay out in personal injury claims. They will often try to get you to make statements that may potentially be harmful to your claim. That’s why it’s important to speak to a personal injury attorney before doing any of the following:
- Making a recorded statement
- Sharing your medical records
- Signing any insurance paperwork
Avoid Rash Decisions After an Accident
After an accident, pain, frustration, anger, and even fear may impact your ability to see the facts of your case clearly. In most situations, in order to obtain a fast payment, you may end up making a rash decision. But your personal injury attorney will help you evaluate your case from an objective view and provide advice that is in your best interest for a more appropriate settlement.
Your Compensation Depends on the Severity of Your Injuries
The amount of compensation you ultimately receive for your injuries largely depends on how severe your injuries are.
Insurance companies typically measure this by:
The type of injuries you sustained
- The amount of your medical bills
- The length of your recovery time
As the amount of your potential compensation increases, the more likely you are to reach the policy limits of the at-fault party’s insurance policy. If that happens, the insurance company may only be able to pay you a fraction of what you deserve. In these types of cases, you should hire a personal injury lawyer to make sure you receive the total amount of compensation to which you are entitled.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in California?
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, there is a two-year deadline for filing a personal injury claim, which starts on the date of the incident.
We recommend you consult an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines and to get help handling your injury claims and medical treatment.
Long-Term or Permanent Injuries? Hire a Lawyer Immediately
If you sustained serious injuries in an accident that will require long-term care or left you with permanent disabilities, you should hire a personal injury lawyer immediately. Understanding how those injuries affect your long-term earning capacity and quality of life can be complex and usually requires professional assistance.
To get the most out of your personal injury claim or lawsuit, you need a lawyer who can pursue all available forms of compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Can’t Afford a Lawyer? Here’s the Good News
If you’re worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer, you’re not alone, but you don’t have to let it stop you. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- Your lawyer only gets paid if you win your case
This allows injured individuals to access legal support without the pressure of hourly rates or out-of-pocket retainers.
Contact the Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys at Cha Cha Cha Law to Start Moving Forward
At Cha Cha Cha Law, we are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights, protect their health, and pursue the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re dealing with back pain from a fender bender or serious injuries from a major crash, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact our office today online or by calling (213) 351-3513 for a consultation.
Disclaimer: Accessing this website does not establish an attorney-client relationship. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only; materials and documents on this website are general and should not be considered as legal advice from our office. Information in articles and posts on this website may be outdated as the law is constantly changing. If you would like to discuss a specific case or any legal matters please contact our office.
