How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney
It is no secret that it can be difficult to win a legal claim, even if you were clearly harmed by another person or entity. That is why hiring a lawyer is in your best interest, particularly if your case is complex or against a large corporation. Although it may seem daunting, it is important that you hire a lawyer who is both a good fit for you personally and who possesses the skills and experience needed to successfully litigate car accident cases. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when searching for legal representation.
The first is past experience and a proven track record of success. The attorney you hire should have a lot of experience in handling cases similar to your own. Of course, no two cases are exactly alike, but if you are taking on a big corporation concerning the negligence of one of its employees, , your ideal attorney would have a record of successfully resolving these cases.
At Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman, our legal team has handled many car accident claims, including those involving trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. However, please keep in mind that past success does not and cannot guarantee a favorable outcome for your case, and it is wise to be wary of any legal adviser who promises such a guarantee.
Since a car accident is often more complicated than it initially seems, researching an attorney’s areas of practice is also vital because they should reflect all of the complexities involved with litigation these types of accidents. If your accident involved multiple parties — for instance, multiple cars and/or trucks — that is no issue for the car crash lawyers at Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman. We have the resources needed to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to uncover the evidence needed to secure justice and compensation for you.
Another factor to consider is the attorney’s reputation. Read consumer reviews and client testimonials. For verified reviews, you can inquire about their past cases and request references when you first speak to them. If they are well-respected by their peers and clients, they will be more than willing to provide you with references that vouch for their skill and experience.
Lastly, the reputation of the law firm the attorney works for should also be considered and researched, as it is a direct representation of the attorneys themselves. Moreover, it is common for more than one person from a firm to work on your case, so it is important that you hire a firm that you feel confident in.
Covered Injuries
Accidents victims who are likely to be eligible to make a claim include those who sustained significant injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Partial or full paralysis
- Broken or fractured bones
- Lost limbs
- Eye injuries
- Orthopedic injuries
What Damages Can I Recover?
If your car accident lawsuit is successful, you may be compensated for all damages related to the accident, the amount of which is determined by the severity of the injury, including economic damages (i.e. medical expenses, lost wages) and any applicable non-economic damages (e.g. physical pain and suffering, emotional distress).
Damages paid out for car accident lawsuits in Los Angeles frequently include:
- Medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Short-term or long-term disability care
- Therapy and counseling bills
In the case of wrongful death, damages recovered may include loss of income for dependents, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of companionship, care, comfort, guidance, and affection.
Cases of Shared Liability
In the event that fault is shared between two or more parties, including yourself, you may still be able to recover damages through the civil justice system if the other driver is only partially at fault. Since Los Angeles courts consider what is called “comparative negligence,” the judge and/or jury will use evidence to determine shared liability by assigning percentages. Thus, partially responsible claimants will have their compensation scaled back according to the percentage of fault they are assigned, but they will not be barred from pursuing a claim.
Why Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman?
Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman is acclaimed by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, National Trial Lawyers, U.S. News — Best Lawyers®, and many others. We genuinely care about our clients and understand the hardships associated with life-changing injuries. Our lawyers have dedicated their careers to fighting solely for the victims of negligence, whether they must take on another driver or a large manufacturing company.
Don’t wait. Contact our Los Angeles car accident attorneys online today or call (855) 948-5098 to get started.