Irvine Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents happen in a number of ways. When they do, they can result in some of the most serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more. If you have been hurt, you can file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company to recover damages. You are likely wondering how much you can claim, how long the process will take, and what next steps you should take. Below, our Irvine car accident lawyer explains more.
How Much is a Car Accident Settlement?You can pursue damages for your injuries and other losses. No one can determine exactly how much you can receive in your car accident settlement without first examining the facts of your case. Still, knowing the common damages awarded in car accident claims can help you estimate how much you can receive. The most common damages include:
- Medical costs
- The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for a spouse or partner
The amount of damages is usually limited by the defendant’s insurance policy limit. You can obtain more damages if multiple people are liable, allowing you to file multiple claims on different policies.
How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take?Just as there is no way to determine the exact amount of damages you may receive, it is also not possible to determine how long any one case will take. The statute of limitations, or time limit, on car accident claims is two years from the date of the crash. Your case does not have to be finalized by that time limit, but you must file your claim within that time. If you do not, you will forfeit your legal right to claim any compensation. Most car accident cases take approximately 18 months, but the time can vary from a few months to a few years.
What to Do After a Car AccidentThe steps you take after a car crash can greatly help or hurt your claim. The most important steps are as follows:
- Seek medical attention either at the scene or immediately after you leave.
- Exchange names and contact information with any other driver involved in the crash.
- Exchange insurance information with anyone else involved in the accident.
- Take pictures of your injuries, property damage, the scene as a whole, and other evidence, such as tire marks on the road.
- Locate eyewitnesses and ask for their names and contact information.
- Report the crash.
- Contact a car accident attorney in Irvine for legal advice.
At Brod Law Firm, our Irvine car accident attorney knows how devastating the injuries sustained in a crash are. It is why we are dedicated to helping accident victims claim the full and fair damages they deserve. We can put that expertise to work for you, too. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case.