Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on our roads, and dealing with the aftermath can be challenging. Hiring an experienced North Hollywood car accident lawyer, like Gary K. Walch of Walch Law Corporation, with his 45+ years of experience, can significantly ease the burden.
Four Steps to Take After a Car Collision in North Hollywood, California
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in North Hollywood, it’s essential to take immediate and proactive steps to safeguard your health and rights. Many people make errors in the aftermath of an accident, and insurance companies often exploit these mistakes. Here are four key steps to take after a car accident in North Hollywood:
- Stop Your Vehicle, Exchange Information, and Call the Police: In California, all drivers involved in a collision must stop, exchange vehicle and insurance information, and remain at the scene unless there is a medical emergency. Report the crash to the North Hollywood Community Police Station or another law enforcement agency.
- See a Doctor Right Away if You Sustained a Physical Injury: If you have any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem, seek medical attention immediately. Early medical intervention can reveal injuries that might not be immediately apparent and provide an official medical record of your injuries.
- Carefully Document Your North Hollywood Crash: Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damages, traffic signs, and road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses and keep a detailed record of any medical treatment you receive.
- Consult with a Car Accident Attorney Before Speaking to an Insurance Adjuster: Insurers are not on your side. Before giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, consult with a North Hollywood auto accident attorney. Your lawyer can help navigate the complexities of insurance claims, ensuring your car accident claim is handled correctly.
An Overview of Auto Accident Liability in California
California operates under a fault-based system for car accidents. The driver (or other party) deemed at fault for a collision can be held liable for the resulting damages. For this reason, every severe crash in North Hollywood should be thoroughly investigated to determine what happened and why. Fault is based on negligence, which broadly means failing to take due care. Common examples of negligence in car accident claims include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Failure to yield
- Following too closely
- Drunk driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Manufacturer defects
- Trucking company negligence
California uses a pure comparative negligence standard, meaning each party to a collision can be held liable for their proportionate share of the blame. For example, if you were involved in a crash and sustained $25,000 in damages but were found to be 20 per cent at fault, you would be responsible for 20 percent of your damages, allowing you to recover $20,000.
Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident in North Hollywood
Through a car accident injury claim in North Hollywood, you can pursue financial compensation for both economic and intangible damages. As insurance companies typically handle car accident claims, expect some pushback on the settlement, especially if you suffered a major injury or were involved in a complex accident. Regardless of your circumstances, our car accident lawyers are ready to take assertive legal action to help you secure the highest possible settlement or verdict. Your financial recovery may include compensation for:
- Car repairs
- Emergency room care
- Hospital bills
- Other medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning power
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death
How Our North Hollywood, CA Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help
Managing the aftermath of a serious car accident is challenging. At Walch Law Corporation, we devote our legal practice to helping car accident victims and their families navigate the legal claims process. Our North Hollywood car accident attorneys are prepared to:
- Listen to your story, answer questions, and explain the next steps
- Thoroughly investigate your car accident, ensuring access to relevant evidence
- Handle insurance paperwork and represent you in settlement negotiations
- Develop a comprehensive strategy designed to help you secure the best results
We firmly believe that personalized representation is essential in car accident claims. Your personal injury claim should never be treated like just another case number. You can review our client testimonials and case results and reach out to us directly with any specific questions. Our North Hollywood car accident lawyers handle claims on a contingency basis: there are no upfront costs or hourly bills for our clients.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in North Hollywood, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact Walch Law Corporation today at +1 844-999-5342 to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your case and achieve the justice you deserve.