Azusa Car Accident Attorneys

Getting into a serious wreck can affect almost every aspect of your life. From impeding your ability to earn a living to causing severe, long-term health complications, an auto accident can have far-ranging consequences. Fortunately, you might be able to pursue compensation for the damages you’ve incurred, as long as you weren’t responsible for causing the crash. Our Azusa car accident attorneys can assess your situation and help you plot the way forward. Our attorneys have built a reputation for providing aggressive representation during settlement negotiations, litigation, and trial. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to find out more.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Film and television depictions of the courtroom are enough to scare anyone away from filing a lawsuit. While these on-screen dramas take more than a few artistic liberties, it’s almost always best to settle your claim outside of the litigation process. Going to trial can be time-consuming, confusing, and incredibly stressful. However, if the insurer or other opposing parties refuse to agree to a fair settlement, it might be in your best interests to take legal action.  Let’s look at a few factors that could influence how your case unfolds:

• Strength of Your Evidence: Strong evidence is the foundation for any successful auto accident claim. If there are any gaps in your evidence, the door will be wide open for opposing parties to challenge your case. For example, if you misplaced receipts or invoices detailing some of your injury-related expenses, the insurer may assert that these costs cannot be included in the final settlement amount. As with any dispute, there’s always the chance that negotiations will stall, which could mean you will have to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your damages.

• There’s a Dispute over Damages: If you suffered considerable damages, the insurer will be more incentivized to challenge your claim. After all, paying out a significant sum will affect their bottom line. If you are unable to overcome disputes during settlement talks, you may have to take your case to court. At HPI, our car accident attorneys can help you collect the necessary evidence to prove your damages and mitigate potential disputes.

• Your Own Negligence: From the outset, it may be clear that the other motorist is entirely responsible for causing the accident. However, you could still be held liable for some of your damages. For example, if your healthcare provider ordered you to take time off work to let your injuries heal, but you went against their instructions, the insurer might argue that you failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate damages. This can often lead to disputes over liability which, if they cannot be resolved during negotiations, may increase the chances of your case going to court.

Can I Use Social Media after an Auto Accident?

In the digital age, social media has replaced most conventional forms of communication, helping us stay in touch through posts, pictures, and emojis. Whether it’s celebrating a birthday, sharing your baking successes, or commiserating after a tragic event, new conversations are just a click away. However, this convenience can come at a cost.  It’s not just technology that has evolved, insurers have also adapted their approach to investigating claims. Where for most users, sites such as Facebook and Twitter represent new ways to stay connected, claims adjusters see these platforms as a treasure trove of evidence to use against claimants. As such, you need to be careful about what you publish on social media as even seemingly innocent pictures or comments could sink your claim. At HPI, we can advise you on how to protect your claim next time you go online. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

• Ramp Up Your Privacy Settings: If you haven’t tinkered with your privacy settings, there’s a high likelihood that your feeds are visible to anyone—including the claims adjuster and other individuals working for the insurer. By maxing out your privacy settings, you can limit access to only those in your circles.

• Double Check Connection Requests: If you plan to file a personal injury claim, you should never accept friend or follow requests from individuals you don’t recognize. There’s always the chance that these invites may be from someone working with the insurer or for another opposing party.

• Do Not Post Anything That Could Compromise Your Claim: Insurers have developed many methods to devalue or deny claims, including using social media posts to challenge the claimant’s version of events. As such, you should never discuss the accident, your injuries, or the claim; but even posts about your social life, work life, or expenses could be used against you. We often advise our clients to disable their profiles or abstain from posting until the claims process has run its course.

Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Discuss Your Claim With an Azusa Car Accident Attorney

At HPI, we understand the financial, physical, and emotional toll a sudden accident can have on victims and their families. If you were seriously injured in a road wreck, we can assist with every aspect of your claim such as gathering evidence, estimating the value of your damages, and negotiating a fair settlement. Connect with us on 1-800-GO-HARRIS or tap through to our Online Form to set a date for your free case evaluation.