Do you need to go to court for a car accident case in California? While you may choose to file a lawsuit, in many situations, you can get compensation to cover your losses by allowing your lawyer to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
You can discuss your legal options in greater detail with a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles. Our team at the Simmrin Law Group can step in to help you by investigating your situation and tracking all of your losses.
Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
Should You Go to Court After a Car Accident?
You have several legal options to secure compensation after a motor vehicle collision in California. In many cases, lawyers focus on negotiating insurance settlements to help clients get fair damages.
However, insurance companies can treat drivers unfairly. Sometimes, these companies try to deny drivers fair compensation or even blame innocent people for a collision.
Your Los Angeles personal injury lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit in these situations. Lawsuits may take longer to resolve than settlements and often come with court fees, so consider this option carefully before you take it.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Can You Get Compensation if You Go to Court?
Filing a lawsuit can allow you to secure fair compensation to cover all your losses after a car accident. Depending on your situation, you may receive funds for your:
Medical Costs
People often need medical treatment for concussions, broken bones, and internal injuries after car accidents. A lawsuit could provide compensation for emergency medical care, time in a hospital, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and medications.
Property Damage
Your lawyer may help you seek compensation to cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident. We also review other forms of property damage, including the destruction of any mobile devices in your car during the collision.
Lost Wages
Sometimes, drivers need time off work to recover from an accident. Your lawyer can use a lawsuit to bring you funds for your lost:
- Pay
- Bonuses
- Raises
We can also focus on your lost earning potential if the accident leaves you with a disability that prevents you from returning to your prior career.
Pain and Suffering
You may get compensation for your non-economic losses with a lawsuit. We know how to calculate pain and suffering after a car accident in California and use this skill to help clients seek fair compensation.
What Happens if You Go to Court for a Car Accident Case?
Your lawyer must file a lawsuit against the liable party before you go to court after a motor vehicle collision. Generally, lawyers investigate to collect evidence before taking this step. Investigations may involve:
- Finding and questioning car accident eyewitnesses
- Getting copies of any official accident reports
- Visiting the scene of a collision
- Looking for videos or pictures that caught the accident
- Working with car accident experts
You can expect to wait some time after filing a lawsuit before your court date. Your lawyer may handle some pre-trial hearings and continue negotiations with the insurance company during this period.
Once your case goes before a judge and jury, your lawyer will present evidence and question witnesses, making your case for compensation. The judge and jury decide how to rule on the case and what compensation you should receive.
How Long Do You Have to Go to Court After a Car Accident?
You need to file a lawsuit for your personal injury case before the statute of limitations expires. The statute of limitations is different for each state. For example, an injured accident victim in California will have two years to file a claim. You’ll likely have a few years to begin the legal process, though professionals recommend reaching out to a lawyer as soon as possible for the best results.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How Much Does It Cost to Take a Car Accident Case to Court?
Lawyers handle car accident claims on a contingency basis in California. Therefore, the firm will get a percentage of your final compensation as payment for legal fees, only receiving this payment after resolving your case.
The use of contingency pricing means lawyers receive a different amount of payment for each claim they handle. We can provide more information about the system when you contact us for help after a collision.
Talk to Us About Going to Court for a Car Accident Case
Do you need to go to court for a car accident case in California? Sometimes, suing the at-fault party is the best option for getting compensation for your losses. However, in many cases, your lawyer may help you negotiate a settlement with the insurance company instead.
Find out more about your options with our team at the Simmrin Law Group. You can call or complete our online contact form to learn more.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form