Baldwin Park Car Accident Attorneys

Often, all it takes is one reckless, distracted, or drunk driver to turn a quick commute into a trip to the ER. Every day, motorists and passengers are killed or catastrophically injured in collisions involving errant drivers. If you were seriously hurt or lost someone close to you in a road wreck, our Baldwin Park car accident attorneys might be able to assist with your claim.  Our personal injury lawyers have decades of collective experience overseeing auto accident claims and many other different types of personal injury cases. During your free case review, we can assess your situation, answer your questions, and discuss how we might proceed with your case. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to find out more.

How Long Will My Car Wreck Claim Take?

From lost earnings to sky-high medical bills, the costs associated with a serious wreck can add up fast. As such, most victims are eager to settle their claims or sue the liable parties. In fact, one of the most common questions we get from our clients is, “How long will it take to obtain a financial award?” Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with any concrete answers. Every case is unique, and there are many different factors that could influence the course your case takes. Let’s take a look at some of these factors below:

• The Severity of Your Injuries: The road to recovery is rarely a straight line. As you grapple with the consequences of the accident, there may be many twists and turns along the way. You might have to undergo additional treatments, attend physical therapy sessions, or invest in home modifications to accommodate the limitations stemming from your condition. As such, it’s often advised to wait until you’ve achieved maximum medical improvement—the point in your recovery where your injuries have healed, or your condition is unlikely to improve with further treatment—before initiating a claim as you will have a better idea of the costs involved with treating your condition. Depending on the severity of your injuries, it could take weeks or even months until your healthcare provider can determine the expected date of maximum medical improvement.

• The Complexity of Your Case: The circumstances surrounding the car wreck will affect the scope and scale of your attorney’s investigation. If there’s only one other motorist involved and he or she isn’t disputing liability, then your attorney might be able to prepare your claim in a matter of days. However, if there are multiple parties involved, the insurer is disputing liability, or you suffered a catastrophic injury that will affect your earning potential among other aspects of your life, your attorney may need several months to obtain the necessary evidence and build a convincing case.

• Whether You Made Any Mistakes: After a car wreck, it’s normal to feel angry, stressed, and completely overwhelmed. With your emotions running high, you could make serious mistakes that might cost you a fair settlement. For instance, you may take to social media to vent your frustrations at the at-fault motorist, accidentally contradicting other evidence in your case. Alternatively, you might miss follow-ups with your doctor or fail to adhere to your treatment plan. There are several ways you could compromise your case, so it pays to consider every action carefully. Your attorney can help guide you through this challenging chapter of your life, advising you on the mistakes you should avoid in order to protect your claim.

How Can I Prove Non-Economic Damages after a Collision?

The impact of a car accident can’t be measured by receipts, invoices, and bills alone. While these expenses will represent a substantial part of the eventual recovery in your case, you shouldn’t overlook the other ways in which your injuries have affected your life. For instance, a spinal cord injury can leave you unable to live independently, turning once trivial tasks into insurmountable problems. Even minor injuries, such as whiplash, might leave you unable to enjoy your life to fullest. These effects fall under the category of non-economic damages. While such losses are difficult to prove, attorneys have a variety of methods to demonstrate the extent of a plaintiff’s non-monetary losses. Let’s take a look at the types of evidence your lawyer might use to prove your intangible losses:

• Psychiatric Reports: Scheduling therapy sessions with a qualified mental health professional could help improve your chances of obtaining compensation for non-economic damages. Their evaluations could show that you’ve been battling with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress in the aftermath of the crash.

• Social Media Posts: While you should stop posting on social media after the wreck, this doesn’t mean these online platforms can’t be an invaluable asset in your case. For instance, posts you published before the accident could be used to help demonstrate how your life has changed since the accident. You may, for example, have been an avid runner, posting your routes and racing achievements online; but since the accident you’ve been unable to engage in these activities and your social media activity will reflect this sudden dip in activity.

• Personal Injury Journal Entries: We may suggest that you start a personal injury journal to start tracking your pain levels, describe your limitations, and note how your condition has affected your everyday life. These entries can be illuminating, painting a clear picture of the impact your injuries have had on your physical and emotional well-being. Has your condition made it difficult to live independently? Do you need assistance with basic tasks such as grooming, bathing, and making meals? Are you unable to enjoy your hobbies? Answering these questions and describing your struggles in vivid detail could help your attorney build a strong claim for intangible losses such as loss of enjoyment, emotional distress, humiliation, and pain and suffering.

Connect with a Baldwin Park Car Accident Attorney 

Were you hurt in an auto accident? Are you seeking legal counsel? Our attorneys can assist with all aspects of your case. Call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our online contact page to lock in a free consultation.