Moreno Valley Car Accident Attorneys

The smartest step you can take after a serious collision is to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. The insurance company is not on your side; they have incentive to pay you as little as possible. Our Moreno Valley car accident attorneys won't let the insurer take advantage of you. We will aggressively pursue the full compensation you are owed, and we won’t settle for anything less than you deserve. Simply hiring an attorney will send a message to the opposing party that you expect fair treatment. Our lawyers have a reputation for being tough litigators, which often gives us an edge during settlement negotiations. For a free case evaluation, call 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

What Does Joint and Several Liability Mean?

Many people assume that hiring a personal injury attorney isn’t necessary if another driver admitted fault; however, it’s not uncommon for multiple parties to share liability for a single accident. And often, it’s not possible to identify all liable parties without performing a thorough investigation. You may be wondering, “What is the benefit of identifying multiple liable parties?” In the state of California, the defendants in a personal injury case can be held jointly liable for a plaintiff’s economic damages such as medical bills, lost income, domestic help, transportation, and vehicle repairs. That means if one defendant doesn’t have the insurance to pay for their share of your damages, you may be able to recover the difference from another defendant. Unfortunately, joint liability only applies to economic damages; it does not apply to non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of life enjoyment. Defendants would be “severally liable” for these damages, which is why this law is called “joint and several liability.” The Moreno Valley car accident attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in cases that involve shared liability. We also have a mastered understanding of the case law and statutes that pertain to auto accident claims. That means we know the best strategies for maximizing the potential payout for victims and their families. It’s not uncommon for people who are injured in serious collisions to accept settlements that are far lower than what they deserve. We can make sure this does not happen to you.

What If the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay a Fair Settlement?

Just like any other enterprise, insurance companies want to maximize their profits. That means they have incentive to deny or undervalue claims whenever possible. It’s certainly not unheard-of for car insurance companies to deny claims that should have been approved or to leave certain damages out of the initial settlement offer. Our Moreno Valley car accident lawyers will do everything in their power to get you fairly compensated. If we don’t think the insurance company is offering a fair payout, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit and proceed to litigation. The vast majority of auto accident claims are resolved without going all the way to trial, but if a dispute arises, it may be necessary to proceed to discovery. This is the first stage of litigation. Your attorney and the legal team of the defense will exchange documents and evidence in an attempt to better understand the claims and defenses made on either side. Depositions may also be taken from those involved in the accident, expert witnesses, and percipient witnesses. If no settlement is reached through discovery, the case might proceed to alternative dispute resolution. Examples of ADR include arbitration and mediation. Arbitration involves a neutral judge or attorney who reviews the evidence and renders a decision. It can be either binding or non-binding. Mediation, however, is never binding; it also involves a neutral judge or attorney who moderates a settlement negotiation session, but either side can refuse to accept the mediator's proposals. If your case is not resolved through these stages of litigation, trial would be the next step. Although most cases do not proceed all the way to trial, it’s still important that you hire an experienced trial attorney. Your lawyer’s litigation credentials can influence whether the opposing party has the confidence to enter litigation. If you hire an attorney who is reluctant to file a lawsuit, the insurer might be more inclined to take a hardline during settlement negotiations. Since there’s no guarantee that the opposing party will agree to pay a fair settlement, it’s essential that you hire a seasoned litigator so you’re prepared for all eventualities. Our Moreno Valley car accident lawyers have a track record of success in litigation, with numerous settlements and verdicts won for clients in high-stakes cases.

Call Us Today to Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Moreno Valley

We will review your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. If you decide to hire our law firm, we will handle your case on a contingency fee basis. To set up a case assessment, send us a message or call 1-800-GO-HARRIS.