I Was Rear Ended in an Accident. Do I Need an Attorney When Liability Is so Clear?
Many prospective clients call and ask whether they need to hire a Los Angeles auto accident attorney when liability is clear. In accidents involving a rear ending vehicle, a negligent lane change, or a left turning vehicle that fails to yield the right-of-way, police reports are frequently prepared that demonstrate the prospective client has no potential liability and has a claim against the other driver. However, the claim process does not just stop at the determination of liability.
The claimant, or our prospective client, must demonstrate they were injured in the accident. The injuries must be demonstrated by medical reports and records that show the extent and nature of the injury. Loss of range of motion is an important factor in measuring injury as is reticular symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, and potential spinal injuries like disc injuries and the need for surgery.
An automobile accident attorney will know what records, reports and documentation will be necessary for you to advocate your case. If your injuries dissipate within days to a couple of weeks, chances are you do not need an attorney. In these kinds of cases, you can usually settle your case individually with the insurance carrier or take your case to small claims court. However, in more significant injury cases, insurance companies train their adjusters well in an effort to save the company money. To save money, the adjuster will wind on you, argue about the reasonableness of the medical treatment, suggest or implicate you in some type of efforts to make more of your injuries than really occurred, dispute your wage loss, and dispute the amount of medical bills they wish to pay.
Insurance company adjusters are also famous for trying to dig up past medical history unrelated to the accident but which they know will embarrass you or otherwise provide you with less incentive to prosecute your action fully and completely. That is why it is best for you to hire an Orange County auto accident attorney to represent you for your injuries and damages. We will protect your medical records not related to the accident. We will protect your past history and help you to describe the changes in your condition. We will also advocate for the fair and reasonable payment of pain and suffering damages as well as all the medical expenses.
If you've been involved in an accident in Los Angeles or Orange County, California, we invite you to contact us immediately to discuss your case. We guarantee that you will leave that discussion more fully informed, with options available to you, and with the determination as to how you should proceed. We guarantee this to all of the prospective clients that call us, and all persons who are not prospective clients, because we know that if you call us and you have a good experience, you are likely to refer others that you know who are in need of a competent and qualified, fair and knowledgeable Orange County personal injury attorney. Therefore, please call us at (888) 752-7474 or contact us through our web e-mail contact.
James Ballidis is the managing attorney for Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie and has been practicing personal injury law for over 35 years.
If you need assistance or want to speak to an attorney about your accident or injury, call (888) 752-7474 or contact us.
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You were wonderful throughout my case. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the process so that I could feel comfortable. When I was hurt, I really did not know where to turn and Suzanne was comforting and knowledgable. Thanks again for all you did.
- H.P.
