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How Do Personal Injury Claims Work? A Guide for Car Accident Victims
A car accident can be a life-altering experience, leaving you with painful injuries and mounting medical bills. If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a car accident injury claim. However, navigating the legal process can be daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with personal injury law basics.
In this article, we'll help you understand how personal injury claims work so you can make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes that could impact your settlement.
How Do Personal Injury Claims Work?
The process of filing a car accident injury claim typically follows these steps:
- Seek medical attention, even if you don't feel immediate pain
- File a police report and notify your insurance company
- Gather evidence and collect witness information
- File an insurance claim
- Negotiate a settlement
- If needed, file a lawsuit
The first three steps may seem pretty straightforward, but things get complicated when it comes to steps four through six. Many people don't even know where to start—where to file, how to file, or what evidence is needed to prove their case. This is where working with an experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference.
Remember, you can't rely on your insurance representative to help you file injury claims. Their goal is to protect the insurance company's bottom line, not yours. What you truly need is an advocate in your corner—someone who understands the law and fights for you to receive the compensation you're owed.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury?
The answer depends on your state's statute of limitations. In California, for example, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the deadline may be significantly shorter if the at-fault party is a government entity.
Even though you technically have up to two years to file a car accident injury claim, time moves faster than you think. Between medical treatments, insurance paperwork, and daily life, it's easy to let deadlines slip by. What many people don't realize is that two years may not be enough time, especially if you're unaware of the full extent of your injuries.
Additionally, if you wait too long to seek medical care, the insurance company may use the delay against you. Insurance adjusters look for reasons to minimize or deny injury claims, and delaying medical treatment gives them an opportunity to argue that your injuries weren't caused by the accident.
Post-Accident Tips
When dealing with insurance companies, keep these key points in mind:
Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice. Even a seemingly innocent comment could be used to downplay your injuries.
Don't accept the first offer, as initial settlement offers are usually lower than what you're entitled to.
Let an attorney handle negotiations. Insurance adjusters can be aggressive, using tactics designed to pressure you into settling for less. An experienced car accident attorney knows how to push back and fight for maximum compensation.
Why is all this so important? Because even a casual "I'm doing fine, thank you" in response to a polite question could be twisted into proof that your injuries aren't as serious as you claim. As we mentioned earlier, insurance companies are not on your side. They rely on the fact that most people don't know personal injury law basics or understand how the system works.
Need a Car Accident Lawyer in North Hollywood or Pasadena?
By knowing what to say (and what not to say), seeking legal guidance early, and allowing an attorney to advocate on your behalf, you can protect your rights and significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
If you need legal advice, contact Yepremyan Law Firm to book an appointment with a personal injury attorney in Pasadena or North Hollywood. With 24/7 support, our firm offers free case evaluations to assist injured victims during challenging times.
As an established personal injury law firm in North Hollywood, we serve clients all over Southern California. Call us today and let us know how we can help. Our attorneys work on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters—no recovery, no fee.
*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.
