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5 Questions To Ask Your Personal Injury Attorney After A Car Accident In California

  • By: Alan Nicolette, Esq.
Damaged vehicle after a car crash in California: legal guidance for victims

In this article, you can learn about:

  • Why it is important to know the attorney’s experience in handling car accident cases.
  • Why you should assess an attorney’s communication efficiency.
  • Whether and how the California Fault Law will affect your case. 

1. What Experience Do You Have Handling Car Accident Cases In California?

The injury attorney you choose plays a significant role in the outcome of your accident claim. Taking the time to find the right attorney is essential to ensure your case is handled effectively. A key part of this process is asking the right questions to evaluate their qualifications and fit for your needs.

When assessing an attorney’s experience, it’s important to look at both their pre-litigation and litigation background. Pre-litigation experience includes handling cases with insurance companies, particularly their ability to negotiate effectively with insurance carriers. This skill can make a significant difference in resolving your claim without the need for a trial.

However, not all cases settle during negotiations. If that happens, the case proceeds to litigation, requiring your attorney to file it in court. This is where their courtroom experience becomes critical. You need to know whether the attorney has the skills to represent you through every stage of the legal process—from filing a formal complaint to conducting depositions and presenting your case in court.

By choosing a personal injury attorney in Riverside County with both pre-trial negotiation expertise and trial experience, you can ensure they are prepared to handle your case from start to finish, no matter where the process leads. Asking these questions upfront can help you feel confident that you’re placing your case in capable hands.

2. How Do You Handle Negotiations With The Insurance Company?

Negotiations are a key part of the claims process and often happen before litigation begins. As a result, working with a personal injury claims attorney who has strong negotiation skills can help you get the compensation you deserve while keeping legal costs down.

How negotiations are handled depends on the type of case and the party responsible for your injuries. For instance, if the defendant is a large corporation with a third-party administrator (TPA) managing claims, those negotiations will look different than dealing with an in-house adjuster for a well-known insurance company like State Farm, Allstate, or Mercury.

Other factors that influence negotiations include:

  • The type and severity of the injury.
  • The age and personal circumstances of the injured party.
  • What steps are taken early in the case to build a strong position.

Your attorney will discuss a negotiation strategy based on your case’s unique facts. Before negotiations begin, it’s important to agree on your goals—what outcome you hope for and what would be an acceptable resolution. 

3. How Will My Medical Bills Be Covered If The Personal Injury Case Takes Months To Settle?

Medical expenses are the biggest concern for the claimant in cases of extensive injuries. Medical costs can be financially draining, yet it is necessary to ensure that injuries are fully recovered and that the claimant is in good health. 

Although medical costs can be included in the claim, how you handle the medical expenses at the beginning of the case will depend on the injured victim. It will depend on: 

  • Whether you are employed, 
  • Whether you have insurance through your employer, 
  • Whether they are elderly or over the age of 65, 
  • Whether they have Medicare, 
  • Whether they have any other government funding, Medi-Cal, or 
  • Whether they have no access to any insurance at all and require that a medical provider help them obtain medical services on what is called a lien, 

If we are representing you, our office will assist you every step of the way, from the moment you are injured to the end of the case at settlement or trial. We’ll also help you handle your medical expenses.

In some cases, you may need to go to an outside provider that does not accept Medicare. Also, it may be beneficial for the injured victim to go through Medicare. You should bear in mind that Medicare and some of the group medical providers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield or Aetna, will ultimately require reimbursement. 

Our firm is here to assist you every step of the way. We can help negotiate any carrier reimbursement requirements, whether they involve statutory insurance obligations or contractual reimbursement agreements.

Guiding injured clients through this process is a key part of our role. From coordinating medical treatment to addressing reimbursement issues, we work to ensure that every decision aligns with your best interests. No matter the specifics of your case or circumstances, we are committed to supporting you from the beginning to the resolution of your claim.

4. How Will You Keep Me Updated On My Case’s Progress?

Most accident victims aren’t familiar with the claims process, which can leave them feeling anxious and uncertain about how their case is progressing. Many law offices are focused on managing communication with insurance companies, medical providers, and defense attorneys to move the case forward. While this work is critical, it can sometimes leave clients feeling out of the loop.

In many cases, attorneys only reach out when there’s a development in the claim or when they need specific information or documents. While this approach may work for some, it can leave others waiting days or even weeks for an update.

At our firm, we prioritize frequent and proactive communication. We make it a point to call you before the next stage of the process to ask any necessary questions and keep you informed. More importantly, we encourage you to reach out to us anytime you have questions or concerns about your case. Your peace of mind matters to us, and we aim to address your concerns quickly and clearly.

If you’re ever unsure about something or just need an update, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us. We’re here to provide answers and ensure you feel confident and reassured throughout your case.

5. How Does California’s Comparative Fault Law Impact My Case?

Under California law, the legal system assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident. Before you can receive compensation for damages, you must establish that the other party was at fault. Compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses.
  • Future medical expenses.
  • Lost wages.
  • Future lost wages.
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Impact on your daily life and activities.

As the injured party, you carry the burden of proving that the other party’s negligence or violation of a vehicle code caused the collision and your injuries. This requires demonstrating that their actions—or lack of reasonable care—were a substantial factor in causing your harm.

To strengthen your case, it’s crucial to gather evidence early. Document the scene, report your injuries to your doctor thoroughly, and note any immediate or long-term impacts on your health and daily activities. This documentation can be pivotal in proving that the collision or negligent act directly contributed to your injuries.

Under California’s comparative fault system, you must show that it’s more likely than not that the other party’s actions caused the accident and were a significant factor in your harm. Establishing this connection is key to obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Looking For The Right Personal Injury Attorney Near You? Call Nordstrom, Steele, Nicolette and Blythe Today.

Choosing the right personal injury attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Nordstrom, Steele, Nicolette and Blythe, we have the experience, qualifications, and commitment needed to handle your case with care and determination.

While every attorney must pass the state bar, not all have the depth of experience or proven results that our firm offers. We’ve successfully handled cases like yours and know how to navigate the claims process to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

We also believe that trust and communication are key to a positive attorney-client relationship. That’s why we take the time to explain every step of your case, answer your questions, and ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.

At Nordstrom, Steele, Nicolette and Blythe, we don’t just represent you—we’re here to support you every step of the way. Call us today and take the first step toward resolving your case with confidence.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Working With A Personal Injury Attorney After A Car Accident In Riverside County, CA, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (760) 852-7134 today.

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