4 FAQs about Filing a Car Accident Claim in California

A serious car accident can change the course of your life in an instant. Instead of returning to your normal routines, you’re likely looking down the road of a long recovery and have been left to shoulder a never-ending list of unexpected costs.   

Thankfully, many of the losses associated with a wreck might be recoverable. As long as you can show the other driver was at fault for causing the accident, you may receive compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost earnings, replacement services, and many others.   

In this article, we answer a few of the most common questions about car accident claims in the state: 

What Evidence Can Help Strengthen My Case? 

To recover compensation in a car wreck claim, you will need to provide strong evidence to demonstrate liability and damages. While the types of proof you will require can differ from one case to the next, here are a few examples of evidence that might play a role in your case: 

  • Surveillance camera footage 
  • Photographs of the accident scene 
  • Medical records 
  • Financial documents such as invoices, estimates, paystubs, and tax returns 
  • Eyewitness statements 
  • The official police accident report 
  • Blackbox data 
  • Cellphone records 

How Much Is My Case Worth? 

After a car wreck, it can feel like your bank account has sprung a leak. From lost income to medical expenses to your everyday expenses, each new day can bring its own new financial woes. While you might be eager to find out how much your case is worth, no attorney or law firm can guarantee a specific outcome. There are many different factors that could affect your eventual settlement, so a personal injury lawyer will first need to investigate the accident and assess your damages before he or she can help approximate fair compensation for what you’ve lost.  

What Mistakes Should I Avoid during Proceedings? 

If you’re planning to file a personal injury claim, you will need to think carefully about everything you say or do. One misstep could give the insurer room to dispute your case and reduce how much they have to pay out. Common errors to avoid include posting about the wreck on social media; providing a recorded statement before you’ve had a chance to investigate the accident; failing to seek medical treatment in a timely manner; deviating from your treatment plan; and not tracking your damages accurately. 

How Can an Attorney Assist with My Claim? 

While you won’t always need the help of a lawyer to file your personal injury claim, having a skilled legal professional in your corner could alleviate much of the stress associated with proceedings. A personal injury attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence to prove liability and damages, approximate the value of your damages, negotiate a settlement, and litigate your case if necessary.  

Discuss Your Situation with a Car Accident Attorney in California 

Were you injured on the road? It may be in your best interests to speak to a skilled personal injury lawyer. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team has handled a wide variety of different claims, from slip and falls to dog bites to car wrecks.  

Not only do we have an in-depth understanding of the relevant laws, statutes, and proceedings that might play a role in your case, but we are also intimately familiar with the types of tactics used by insurers to dispute claims. To request a free case review with a California car accident attorney, reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or by sending us a message via our contact page HERE.