Being involved in a car accident in the city of Los Angeles can be a traumatic event. From vehicle damage to medical injuries to inability to work, you may have to deal with many things. The weeks and months following a car accident can be challenging. For many, a car accident is their first experience with personal injury, which is why they often get tricked.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by another party, you may be entitled to compensation. Regardless of whether you have a severe injury or not, you should seek the legal expertise of an attorney to avoid making the wrong decisions. Here are some key questions and answers about car accidents that you may find valuable.
Key questions after an LA car accident
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Should I agree to a written or recorded statement?
After a car accident, the insurance company or law enforcement could ask you for a recorded or written statement. They may also ask you to sign certain documents. Remember that providing them with anything is unnecessary unless you have spoken to an attorney. You have the right to refuse and remain silent.
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When is hiring an attorney a good idea?
Hiring an attorney is recommended if you have suffered a severe car accident and someone else was at fault. Other factors to consider include the severity of your injuries, medical bills, loss of capability to work, how severely the accident has affected your life, etc. All these things indicate that your accident is serious and needs expert legal assistance.
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Are there alternatives to court in Los Angeles car accidents?
Yes. Instead of going to court, you can submit your medical reports and other evidence to the insurance company of the responsible party and demand compensation. You could also opt for mediation to arrive at a conclusion. If you are not able to agree to a settlement amount, you can then take your case to court.
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Can I recover compensation if I was partially responsible for the accident?
Yes. The law in LA, California, follows pure comparative fault, meaning you can still get some compensation if you had some share of fault in the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your level of fault. For example, if your damages are worth $10,000 and you had 20% of the fault, you would only receive $8,000. 20% of $10,000 ($2000) will be subtracted from the awarded amount.
