Were you hurt in a car accident in Los Angeles? You may decide to settle your claim outside of court in this situation. A settlement can allow you to get compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. In this situation, how much should you settle for in your car accident in Los Angeles, CA?
In truth, the amount you settle for will depend upon the facts of your case. Find out how much compensation you could be entitled to with the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group. Get personal support by calling (310) 896-2723 to speak to our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles.
Types of Compensation Offered by a Settlement in Los Angeles
Determining how much you should settle for after a car accident in Los Angeles can be complicated. Your lawyer will first need to assess the total losses caused by the collision. For example, you may deserve compensation for your medical expenses, including your:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Medical procedures and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and medications
You may also be entitled to damages for the cost to repair your motor vehicle. Even time off work while you recover could be covered by a settlement in California. Finally, in some cases, your lawyer can bring you damages for your pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
A Lawyer Can Work to Ensure All Your Losses Are Recorded
It’s important that you work with a legal professional after a car accident to make sure that your losses are appropriately reported. You should also visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you are hurt in a collision.
You can only get compensation for your losses if your lawyer can prove that:
- You were in an accident
- Someone else caused the accident
- The accident caused your injuries
Waiting to get medical treatment can make it more difficult to prove that your accident caused your injuries. For this reason, the professionals recommend that you get medical treatment without delay and that you ensure all your treatment is reported by a medical professional.
Understand the Limits on a Car Accident Settlement in Los Angeles
You should be aware that you cannot receive an unlimited amount of compensation through a settlement in Los Angeles. In fact, your compensation can be limited based upon the amount of insurance coverage carried by the other driver. Drivers in California are legally required to carry a minimum of:
- $5,000 for property damage for one accident
- $15,000 for injuries to one person
- $30,000 for injuries for one accident
Some drivers carry higher levels of insurance, but this is not always the case. Your medical expenses and repair costs may greatly exceed the value of another driver’s insurance policies. In this situation, the funds you receive in a settlement could be limited.
Consider Comparative Negligence When Settling After a Car Accident
You should be aware that your compensation in a settlement may also be limited based on your level of fault for the accident. California uses comparative negligence regulations to cover compensation in car accident cases.
Comparative negligence means that multiple people can share responsibility for an accident. You will receive a reduced amount of compensation if you bear a percentage of responsibility for the collision. A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can take steps to show that you were not at fault for the collision.
We can go over the facts about the accident, talk to witnesses, and review the police report to establish fault for the wreck.
Options Beyond Settling a Car Accident Case in Los Angeles
Note that, sometimes, settling your car accident claim may not allow you to get full compensation for your losses. In this situation, your lawyer may take your case to court. You can file a lawsuit against the driver responsible for your accident.
The team at the Simmrin Law Group can work to bring you a verdict in your favor if your case goes to court. A judge and jury can decide how much compensation you deserve if your car accident case is handled in court.
Talk to a Lawyer About Settling in a Car Accident Case in Los Angeles
How much should you settle for in your car accident case in Los Angeles, CA? It depends on the losses you experienced in the collision, the other driver’s insurance policy, and your level of responsibility for the accident. Get specific answers about your case by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group for a FREE consultation.
You can call (310) 896-2723 or fill out our online contact form to reach our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles.