Motor Vehicle Accidents are not unusual in Los Angeles. More often than not, such mishaps hurt innocent pedestrians who have no fault in the entire situation. If you were injured in an accident and have reasons to blame the driver of the vehicle, you should consult a pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles immediately. Claims concerning pedestrian accidents are often complex and hard to understand, and more often than not, people don’t understand their rights. Here are some reasons why a competent lawyer can help.
Decide what’s best for you
Following a pedestrian accident, you may have injuries and losses to deal with, and as you recover, you would want to know whether you can recover compensation from the at-fault party. Most law firms in LA specializing in injury claims offer free consultations for injured victims. You should consider meeting at least two lawyers from different firms to understand the legal options. There are usually two options after a pedestrian accident:
- You can file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- You can file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party
In both situations, you need to be clear about the process and how to deal with the situation. This will ensure you don’t end up with a low settlement.
Benefits of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer can be a smart move after an accident, especially if the collision has caused injury or death in LA. While it’s true that you may be able to represent yourself in court, it’s also wise to weigh some of the benefits that a legal professional can offer you.
They are experienced in handling these types of cases and will know how best to pursue your claim and prosecute your case. They will have extensive knowledge regarding state and local laws related to pedestrian accidents, which may come into play during the trial. This can help you build the most effective case possible for your particular situation.
In addition, they are aware of all time limits for filing a claim and can use their experience to put together an effective strategy throughout the entire process. By having an attorney on your side, you may enjoy some peace-of-mind from knowing that someone is looking out for your interests throughout this ordeal.
The truth about insurance companies
The insurance company will not try to help you – period. No matter how friendly the claims adjuster may seem, they have tricks to get you to accept their offer. You could be asked to sign a release and other documents, which may mean you are giving up on your rights. You could also be asked to give a recorded statement, and things you say can be used against your claim. Hiring an attorney becomes even more critical when you don’t know how to deal with the adjuster after a pedestrian accident. The lawyer will negotiate for you, and if things don’t move as expected or when the settlement offer is too low, they can file a lawsuit.
Cost of pedestrian accident lawyers
Most lawyers in LA take up pedestrian accident claims on a contingency fee. You don’t have to pay an hourly rate or an upfront fee to get the lawyer on board. Instead, when you recover a settlement, the lawyer receives a share, and for pedestrian accidents, the range is between 25% and 40%, depending on the facts of the case.
