Car Accident FAQs Answered by Orange County Attorneys

A car crash with injuries is a traumatic event, no matter how severe the damage. Following a car accident, you probably have many questions about what to do next, and what it will take to get your life back in order. Here we have answered some frequently asked questions about car accidents.

Do I Have to Go to Court If I File a Personal Injury Claim After a Car Accident?

You may not have to go to court for a car accident personal injury claim. Our Orange County auto accident lawyers have been able to negotiate full and fair settlements out of court for many of our car accident clients. On the other hand, if the other side offers an unfairly low settlement, we do not hesitate to fight for a fair level of compensation in court.

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What Types of Damages Can I Claim After a Car Crash Caused by Another Driver?

After a car accident in California caused another person’s negligence, you can typically claim the following types of damages:

• Medical expenses related to the crash
• Wages or earnings lost as a result of your injuries
• Economic and property damage compensation
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional, caused by the accident

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I Am Self-Employed. Can I Recover Compensation for Earnings Lost Because of a Car Wreck?

Yes. If you were unable to work because of your auto accident injuries, you are entitled to pursue compensation for lost income. You may also be entitled to seek compensation for costs incurred by having to hire someone to cover for you while you were away from work.

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Can I Recover Damages for a Car Accident If I Wasn't Wearing a Seatbelt at the Time of the Crash?

If you were injured in a car crash that was someone else’s fault and weren’t wearing a seatbelt, the other driver’s insurance company will undoubtedly use the seatbelt defense to try to minimize the payout. Both drivers and passengers are required to wear seatbelts in California. A person injured in an auto accident may still bring a claim for personal injury, including pain and suffering, against the negligent driver, even if he or she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. However, if some of your injuries could have been avoided if a seatbelt had been worn, it could reduce your compensation.

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Another Driver Caused My Car Accident and Injuries. Should I Release My Medical Records to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Adjuster?

No, you should not sign a release for your medical records without first consulting with an experienced auto accident attorney. It could hurt your claim for compensation to put your medical records into the hands of the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Remember, insurance companies are in business for profit, and their goal is to minimize their payouts.

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I've Been the Victim of a Hit and Run Accident. How Can I Recover Compensation for My Injuries and Property Damage?

After a hit and run accident, call the police and get a report on file. If you have uninsured motorist coverage under your auto insurance policy, file a claim with your insurer. Uninsured motorist insurance covers you for damage caused by uninsured drivers or hit and run accidents.

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I Was Injured in a Car Crash Caused by Another Driver. Should I File a Lawsuit, or Just Let the Insurance Company Handle It?

Lawyers for the insurance companies may eventually arrive at a fair settlement between them. In many cases, however, injured people can benefit from having an experienced auto accident attorney on their side. Our Orange County auto accident lawyers at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie have recovered hundreds of millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Contact us at (949) 752-7474 to see how we can help you today!

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