If you have had the misfortune to have been in a car accident in the state of California then you likely have a number of questions about what to do next and what your legal options are at this point. As a practicing car accident attorney for over a decade in California, Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates has answered most of your questions many times before. While each car accident case is unique and each set of circumstances different, attorney Ledger has found that there are a number of questions that are common to most car accident cases.
1. How can I get my car repaired? If the accident was not your fault, then the other driver is responsible for all repairs to your vehicle as well as any consequential damages associated with the repairs such as a rental car.
2. Do I have to wait until the case has settled to get my car repaired? In most cases, when the other driver has admitted liability your car can be repaired shortly after the accident. You will not have to wait until the case has settled to be compensated for the damages to your vehicle.
3. What if I don’t have medical insurance but I was injured in the accident? If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, then talk to your car accident attorney about medical treatment. In many cases, your car accident attorney can refer you to doctors that will work with you regarding treatment. Many times these doctors will wait until the case is settled to receive payment for their services.
4. What if I didn’t have insurance but the accident wasn’t my fault? California law requires all drivers to prove financial responsibility (in most cases to carry insurance). If you were uninsured at the time of the accident you may still be entitled to recover economic damages. California law does not allow you to recover non-economic damages if you were not insured at the time of the accident. Speak to your car accident attorney for a more detailed explanation of the difference between economic and non-economic damages.
5. How long will my case take? That will depend on factors such as the extent of your injuries and whether or not negligence is clear. Many cases are resolved within a few months but some cases can take over a year. Your car accident attorney can give you a more precise estimate.
6. Do I have to hire a car accident attorney? No. You are never required to hire a car accident attorney. If your injuries were minimal and the other driver accepts responsibility you may be able to handle the case without the help of a car accident attorney. Remember, however, that settlements are statistically significantly higher when you are represented by a car accident attorney.
This is certainly not a complete list of possible post accident questions, but may answer some of the most common questions for victims of a California car accident. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact California car accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit the firm’s website at www.ledgerlaw.com.
