Car Accident Lawyer Reseda, CA
Barry P. Goldberg, a car accident lawyer Reseda, CA residents trust, knows that car accidents are devastating. Even the most minor of accidents can ruin your entire day and cause lingering side effects that you were not expecting. However, many people may not expect that one of the side effects they experience could be post-traumatic stress disorder. Our Reseda, California car accident lawyer, understands that after a car accident, you likely want compensation for the injuries you sustained and the property damage that occurred. However, you may not realize you can also get compensated for the emotional pain that happened as well. We believe it is vital to seek help from a clinical psychologist after an accident like this so that you can have your mental health assessed, which is good for both your recovery and the car accident claim we are going to pursue.
What happens when you talk with the insurance company?
Our Reseda, CA, car accidents lawyer, will share that the insurance adjuster may attempt to persuade you to drop claims related to emotional and mental anguish. This is because, in the eyes of the insurance company, psychological injuries are not considered to be serious. However, we know that the mental and emotional damage you experience can be just as harmful as if you did not get help for your physical injuries. Some people may find that being in or around cars causes their heart rate to skyrocket after an accident. Maybe they choose not to get in a car anymore, instead, trying to find alternative transportation. Our car accident lawyer in Reseda, CA, believes that this kind of thinking can make it very hard to travel and get around in the future.
What You May Be Experiencing
- The psychological injuries you may experience after a car accident are essential to treat. Mainly because those injuries are not as visible, a clinical psychologist can assess and help prove that you are having problems. This means that you may be able to get compensation for your pain and suffering, your mental anguish, and the cost of therapy visits. It may be possible to receive compensation for the psychological impact an accident has had on you. This may include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Nightmares
- Phobias
- Being emotionally withdrawn
How Do You Photograph a Car Accident Scene
While you may already know the importance of taking pictures immediately after a car accident, you deserve to know how to take pictures correctly. That way, your car accident lawyer in Reseda, CA, from Barry P. Goldberg has reliable evidence to build your case and help you recover damages.
Use Multiple Angles
When snapping images of damage to your car, use multiple angles rather than one. Take pictures of all sides of the car that sustained damage, and ensure you have all four corners of the vehicle. If you notice fluids leaking from underneath your car, snap images of that, too.
Take Images From Various Distances
If safe to do so, stand at least 10 feet away from your vehicle while documenting the scene. Use the same distance when taking pictures of all other vehicles and damaged property involved in the accident. Then, move closer to the point of impact, snapping images every few feet.
Provide a Sense of Scale
An experienced car accident lawyer in Reseda, CA, knows how deceptive some car accident images can be if they do not have a sense of scale. It’s a good idea to hold up an object like a key or coin next to vehicle damage when taking images.
Take Images of the Surrounding Area
To give your legal representative from Barry P. Goldberg as much useful evidence as possible, snap pictures of the area around the car accident. That means images of the road, traffic signals, traffic lights and skid marks. Documenting the surrounding area helps “tell the story” of the accident.
Document Your Injuries
If you sustained harm in the car accident, document it thoroughly. You may need help if you cannot gather such evidence yourself. It’s also a good idea to provide additional images as you heal to show recovery progression or complications.
Capture Images of Helpful Items
If something like a pothole, an object in the road, debris or something similar contributed to your accident, take a picture of it. Even if you feel unsure whether the object contributed to your collision, take an image of it anyway and let your legal team decide if it’s important to your legal case.
Take Pictures of Your Car’s Interior
Do not forget to document what it looks like inside your vehicle after the accident. Focus on evidence like deployed airbags and shattered glass. If you have damaged personal property inside the vehicle, such as a laptop or expensive equipment, document that, too.
Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer in Reseda, CA Now!
If you have recently been in a car accident and are experiencing psychological injuries after, please reach out to a trusted Reseda, CA car accident lawyer, Barry P. Goldberg, to see how we can work with a clinical psychologist to help you.
One of the first calls you should consider making following an accident is to a car accident lawyer Reseda, CA victims recommend. It’s only natural that you will need answers to the number of questions you may have following the car accident you have experienced. Physical injuries and exorbitant medical expenses are just a few of the ways that a car accident stands to impact those involved. That’s where Barry P. Goldberg comes in. Our Reseda, California car accident lawyer can help answer your questions and assist you in taking legal action in the wake of your car accident.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
At the accident scene, you must take many steps to ensure that you are safe and receive the care that you need. Following a car accident, our Reseda, CA car accident lawyer shares that you should always consider taking the following steps:
- Make sure you move your car, or yourself, out of harm’s way if you are able
- Ensure that law enforcement is called to the scene
- Always obtain the driver’s information
- If necessary, contact emergency services to ensure critical medical care can be administered at the scene
- Gather as much evidence at the scene as possible, i.e., photographs, videos, witness information
Will my case be impacted if I do not seek medical care from a provider right away?
Our Reseda, CA, car accident lawyer, recommends that you seek medical attention from a professional soon after your accident. This can help to strengthen your claim by tying the injuries you sustained to the accident that you were fell victim to. However, we do realize that in some cases, your injuries may not be immediately apparent. Should this occur, you must contact a medical provider as soon as possible.
What are the critical pieces of evidence that my Reseda, CA car accident lawyer might recommend?
Evidence is essential to not only proving your case but determining a fair value for your losses. Examples of evidence needed to support your claim can include:
- Medical Bills
- Photographs of the Scene
- Photographs of the Injuries
- Paystubs
- Medical Documentation
- Statements from Eyewitnesses
How will my lawyer help determine the value of my car accident claim?
Working with a Reseda, CA car accident lawyer can play an essential role in ensuring that a car accident claim is appropriately valued. They will take the time to review your claim carefully so that nothing is left out of the equation. This will take a careful assessment of all economic and non-economic damages, for example:
Economic Damages are out of pocket costs such as:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Property Damage
Non-Economic Damages are less tangible assets that can include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Physical Disfigurement
After a car accident, contact Barry P. Goldberg as soon as possible. We have the experience and tenacity necessary to help you reach the resolution you require. For more information, schedule a complimentary consultation with our Reseda, CA car accident lawyer today!
5 Questions To Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer
Life after a car accident can make you feel stressed and out of control. If you find yourself in this distressing situation, a car accident lawyer in Reseda, CA can help guide you through the aftermath of an accident. Here are some questions to ask your lawyer as you begin to recover.
1. What information will you need from me?
Your lawyer will need certain information from you that supports and protects your case. Photographs of the accident scene, witnesses, police reports, medical reports and receipts, for example, may serve as evidence in your case.
2. Do you believe that I have a strong case?
Car accident lawyers review the facts and evidence in your case to calculate the losses you’ve suffered. From there, they can project fair compensation accordingly. Your lawyer should be upfront about your case and the potential compensation it may reward.
3. How long do you estimate my case will take to resolve?
While every case is unique, you should ask for a general time estimate for your own case. The timing of a claim or lawsuit can range from weeks to years after an accident. It’s important to allow time to pursue full compensation for your losses, but getting an idea of the timeframe for your case can give you direction to move forward. You should also ask about the legal deadlines related to your case.
4. How should I respond to my insurance company?
It’s best to consult your car accident lawyer in Reseda, CA before communicating with or accepting any offers from an insurance company. Insurance companies often seek to pay the minimum amount possible in the interest of their own profit margins. However, an experienced lawyer like Barry P. Goldberg who is commited to your own best interests can pursue the full compensation you deserve. Your lawyer may also handle much of the required communication with your insurance company for you.
5. How will you represent my case?
This is a big question to help you understand how your lawyer works. He or she can review the specific plan for representing your unique case. Barry P. Goldberg is a trusted lawyer who works hard to present the full extent of the injuries or damages you may have suffered while pursuing compensation on your behalf.
After a car accident occurs, there are precise steps that must be taken in order to receive compensation. A car accident lawyer in Reseda, CA should be one of your first calls to ensure that your case is handled as competently and efficiently as possible.
Reasons It’s Important to Contact a Reseda, CA Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can change your life before you even realized what happened. In many places, driving a motor vehicle is a primary way of getting from place to place. Accidents involving vehicles are quite frequent, resulting in millions of people visiting emergency rooms each year for treatment. When negligence is a factor, victims may be able to take action with Barry P. Goldberg, our car accident lawyer serving Reseda, CA. You need a lawyer when facing the consequences of a car accident for a variety of reasons:
Reason #1: To Assign Proper Value to Your Case
Representing yourself can come with several problems. Managing an accident case is stressful enough; holding the pressures on your own can be risky. You deserve to have the proper value assigned to your case. Should you choose to represent yourself, you could either undervalue your claim or ask for too much. Your Reseda, CA, car accident lawyer, can carefully review your case, your losses and ensure that you ask for the compensation you are entitled to.
Reason #2: To Negotiate Your Case with the Opposing Side
Whether you file a claim or a lawsuit, the process usually begins with negotiations. In fact, many find that they can settle their accident cases through negotiation. You may be left to negotiate with insurance companies and lawyers, which can be particularly challenging to manage on your own. Your experienced Reseda, CA car accident lawyer should be a skilled negotiator who will know how much to ask for and when it will be beneficial to accept a settlement offer. This can help to prevent challenges that may arise should you be unable to reach an agreement with the opposing side.
Reason #3: You Have Suffered Injuries That Have Impacted You
Our Reseda, CA, car accident lawyer will tell you that injuries from a car accident can range from minor to severe. Such damages can have a devastating impact that might result in not only physical pain but extensive medical expenses and even lost wages. You need a lawyer who can assist in reviewing your case, assigning value, and helping you to obtain compensation to help cover your losses.
Reason #4: Lawyers Have Extensive Experience in Personal Injury
A lawyer with experience in personal injury cases can play a crucial role in helping victims to put their best foot forward. Managing lawyers and insurance companies can be not only challenging but intimidating. Having a car accident lawyer in Reseda, CA who understands the ins and outs of car accident cases can give you a better chance at a favorable outcome.
Seven Things Not To Do After a Car Accident
Don’t Drive Away
Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime. You need to stay put so the police can take pictures, reconstruct the accident and make a full report. Your car accident lawyer in Reseda, CA, will use that report in negotiating a settlement for you.
Don’t Forget To Collect Information
You need to collect information from the other driver. The information you need includes:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company name
- Insurance policy number
- License plate
- Description of the vehicle
You also need contact information of any witnesses. That information includes their names, addresses and phone numbers.
Don’t Leave the Scene Without Taking Pictures
If it’s safe to do so, take as many pictures as you can. You want pictures of both vehicles, the damage done to them, any skid marks and your surroundings, including street signs. Barry P. Goldberg, your car accident lawyer in Reseda, CA, can use those pictures to gain a thorough understanding of what happened.
Don’t Decide Not To Call 911
At the very least, you want the police to come out and investigate the scene so they can file a report. It may be a good idea for a fire truck to come out if someone is stuck in their vehicle or if there’s any possibility of a fire.
Don’t Admit Fault
Don’t even say, “I’m sorry.” That could be construed as admitting fault. Ask if the other party is all right, ask if they need help and ask if there’s anything you can do. But don’t take responsibility for anything that happened that might have contributed to the accident.
Don’t Underestimate How Badly You’re Hurt
You should also let paramedics check you over for any injuries that may be masked by the adrenaline rush you experience when you’re in a car accident. You may also be in shock, either physical or psychological. You may have injuries that you wouldn’t see signs of for hours or days, where a doctor could diagnose them much sooner — which could be a life or death diagnosis.
Don’t Talk With the Insurance Company Without Your Lawyer
The insurance company is not your friend, no matter how friendly they may present themselves. Their insurance adjuster who wants you to make a recorded statement is looking for anything that could be construed that you’re less injured than your claim suggests. Barry P. Goldberg, a car accident lawyer in Reseda, CA is on your side and ready to do battle with the insurance company to get you the money you deserve.
Barry P. Goldberg Is Here To Help!
We know that facing a car accident can be a trying time. Our car accident lawyer serving Reseda, California, is prepared to help represent you to the fullest extent. Barry P. Goldberg knows that you may be facing significant damages, which is why we want you to know contacting us as soon as possible can help you to receive the support and guidance that you deserve. Barry P. Goldberg is a car accident lawyer representing Reseda, CA victims by:
- Answering questions in a timely manner
- Providing support and guidance during a challenging time
- Responding to you when you need us
- Applying our expansive experience to your case
- Helping to negotiate a favorable outcome for your case
Our reputation speaks for itself. Our many satisfied clients can attest to our dedication and results-oriented practice. We know that the days, weeks, and months can be full of unknowns. If you have been the victim of a car accident and have suffered damages, you need the help of our Reseda, CA car accident lawyer Barry P. Goldberg.