If you have sustained injuries in an accident, you may be confused and have no idea what to do about your situation. You may not be able to return to work for a while as you recover from your injuries while you face mounting bills. Thankfully, the law allows you to seek compensation from the party responsible for your accident.
After sustaining injuries due to another party’s negligence, you must seek and get the financial compensation that covers all your losses. You can accomplish this through the personal injury claims process that a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you navigate. When filing a personal injury claim, there are steps you must take:
After sustaining injuries in an accident, seek immediate medical attention. You must do this even if you only feel minimal or no pain. Some injuries may present symptoms hours or even days after the accident. You want to be seen by a doctor, so you will have medical records that reflect your condition during the initial medical examination. If you sustained injuries that will cost you more than your insurance coverage, you should file an injury claim against the party responsible for the accident. In general, you need to take the steps below to pursue a claim in the state’s civil court system:
Establish Legal Standing
In California, you must establish your right to file a suit. This can be done by linking yourself to the lawsuit’s subject. This means you need to show that the opposing party directly harmed you through their action or inaction.
In addition, you need to demonstrate that you are an individual or entity with legal status to file a suit. Lastly, you must show your legal capacity to file a lawsuit.
Hire an Attorney
Your decision to hire or not to hire an attorney will impact the success of your claim. You must pick an attorney you trust and feel comfortable working with. Remember that you will be sharing private information with your attorney. You want to work with a professional attorney who will support you throughout the claims process.
Your lawyer will collect evidence that can be used to support your claim. They will file your claim before the two-year legal deadline expires. Then, they can handle talks with insurance companies if you get calls from them. Also, they can negotiate settlements and accept only a reasonable offer from the insurer.