Car Accident Lawyer Woodland Hills, CA
Does it Make Sense to Hire Legal Representation Following a Minor Car Accident?
The term “fender bender” is often used to describe minor car accidents, even if the car’s fender remains unaffected by a collision. When this term is tossed about in conversation, it is generally treated as a casual subject. But the truth of the matter is that not all seemingly minor car accidents are actually insignificant. Our car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA from Barry P. Goldberg has seen this many times. This is one reason why we offer accident victims of any type of car accident a free initial consultation with our car accident lawyer. It’s an opportunity to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options, especially if you sustained an injury that turns out to be serious.
Common Injuries in Minor Car Accidents
Sometimes, a motorist or a passenger involved in a car accident who seemed fine at the scene may later develop severe medical symptoms like concussions, soft tissue damage, potentially life threatening infections from cuts or internal bleeding. Our car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA from Barry P. Goldberg is aware of many victims who should have sought immediate medical attention after a “minor” accident but did not.
Because seemingly insignificant accidents may result in significant long-term consequences, it may be a good idea to contact our car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA in the wake of a fender bender. While consulting with our firm will likely not take you much time or energy, failure to seek adequate legal counsel in the wake of your accident may cost you in significant ways down the road.
Claims and Damages
Far too often, individuals who are involved in minor accidents are shocked when they receive legal paperwork related to the collision sent by an attorney retained by another individual who was involved. One of the reasons for hiring a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA following an accident is that if the liable party pursues legal action against you, you already have a legal advocate.
Similarly, individuals involved in minor accidents are often understandably frustrated when either their auto insurance or medical insurance provider rejects an injury claim from the collision. A car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA from our firm may be able to assist you by negotiating a settlement on your behalf.
Finally, if it turns out that the car accident was not truly minor because you or a loved one ended up suffering related medical challenges that were not initially detectable, our car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA can help you file a personal injury suit if that course of action is appropriate and the healthiest option for you and your family.
Legal Help Is Available
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle collision, consider contacting Barry P. Goldberg. Sometimes even the most seemingly minor accidents cause significant injuries to those involved.
A Car Accident Lawyer Woodland Hills, CA Victims Recommend Can Help You
If you have been injured in a car accident, you are likely overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Many car accident victims have to deal with the pain and treatment of their injuries as well as the stress of paying for medical care and vehicle repairs from the collision. They don’t know how they will pay the medical bills. If their injury prevents them from working, they may not even have an income.
Barry P. Goldberg is a Woodland Hills, Car accident lawyer who may be able to help you.
California state law allows an accident victim to pursue a personal injury claim or a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident that resulted in their injuries. The legal team at Barry P. Goldberg has helped accident victims get the compensation to which they may be entitled for all of their losses.
What is the Car Accident Claim Process?
Many victims are unsure of how they should initiate an accident claim when they have been injured. Although every case is different, the following is an overview. As an experienced Woodland Hills, CAr accident lawyer, Barry P. Goldberg can guide you through the entire process.
- The victim meets with a Woodland Hills, CAr accident lawyer for a free case evaluation. This appointment is completely confidential no matter what the victim decides to do.
- Once the victim has retained the services of a Woodland Hills, CAr accident lawyer, the attorney will contact both the victim’s insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurance company by letter. The letter will detail the client’s accident losses and a statement to the effect that the other driver is responsible for paying those costs.
- The victim continues to obtain medical treatment for their injuries. They need to make sure they keep all appointments and follow all instructions by doctors, therapists, and any other specialists. The victim should focus on their injuries and recovery and the Woodland Hills, CAr accident lawyer will focus on their injury case.
- The Woodland Hills, CAr accident lawyer will request all of the victim’s medical records, records of lost wages, and records of any other financial losses the victim has suffered.
- The attorney will prepare all of these financial documents and send to the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. These documents will verify the quantifiable financial losses the victim has suffered. The attorney will also determine the other losses the victim has sustained that do not have quantifiable losses – such as pain and suffering and emotional anguish – and will use a formula to calculate how much those losses are worth.
- The Woodland Hills, CAr accident lawyer will then begin the negotiation process with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Once an offer is made that is acceptable, the two parties will proceed with the victim’s settlement. If the attorney and insurance company cannot agree on an amount, or if the insurance company is not negotiating in good faith, the attorney will then take the accident case to court for litigation.
4 Health Concerns That Can Affect You After a Car Accident
The injuries you have following a car accident may not always be apparent directly after you leave the scene. Some health complications may only appear days or even weeks after the accident, and can greatly impact your daily life.
1. Lack of Sleep
Struggling to relax and stay asleep throughout the night can leave you feeling drained when the morning comes. Although the crash may be over, you can still feel tense as you continually think about what happened and replay the incident in your mind. Even after finding a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, like Barry P. Goldberg, you still may notice physical fatigue from the injuries.
2. Mental Fogginess
While it may not be as obvious at first, head injuries can lead to a change in how much you can concentrate on everyday tasks. Feeling constantly irritable and dealing with blurry vision can also be signs of a concussion. These signs can start slow and grow more obvious as time goes on.
Mental fogginess can impact your work and home life, since it may be harder to hold a detailed conversation or remember important events and ideas. Talking to a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, such as Barry P. Goldberg, can help you take the next step.
3. Inability to Move Without Pain
Feeling a shooting pain whenever you stand up or sit down is one indication of injuries after an accident. This soreness can come in many forms, but most of them may impact how much you exercise or move in the weeks following a crash. Even simple actions like climbing stairs or holding your child may cause pain.
These problems can range from a sore back to a painful sternum, depending on where you got harmed in the crash. Contacting a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA could be a step you want to take if these injuries persist.
4. Lingering Stress
The time after a crash can feel complicated and confusing. Even though you are back home, the feelings of intense stress from this time can still persist and interrupt your work or family time.
Dealing with stress can leave you too nervous to even get into a car, and this fear can impact how you live your life. After dealing with this distress, you may even want to contact a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA to get more information on the legal aspect of car crashes.
Five Reasons You Should Hire a Lawyer When You’ve Been in a Car Accident
You may think that hiring an attorney is only necessary when you’ve been in a major accident or there’s some dispute over who is responsible. These scenarios would certainly warrant hiring a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, but the reality is that having legal representation is always a good idea. Even in the most minor accident where another driver is at fault, having an attorney is the right move. Here are five reasons why.
Understanding the Law
When it comes to the ins and outs of the law, it’s best to have someone experienced on your side. Your attorney understands the details of applicable regulations, especially when it comes to maximizing your advantage. Laws may change between the time of the collision and the time a settlement is finalized. It’s your lawyer’s duty to stay abreast of any changes that impact you and others involved in your case.
Navigating the Aftermath of an Accident
Following an incident, you may be injured, disoriented or distracted from noting key details that could impact the results of your case. Even if you have a checklist of things to do on hand, your attorney knows what to look for to help you get the compensation you need. When it comes to making your case, every little detail matters. Your attorney is a seasoned pro that helps to make sure every post-accident detail is noted for the record.
Getting to the Bottom of Things
Even in the most minor incidents, you may think that the facts are cut-and-dried. Perhaps an officer provided a report, you’ve exchanged insurance information and taken plenty of photos. You may think you’ve gotten all details. A car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, would know to look deeper for pertinent information that can affect your case. The reason for the collision may turn out to be different after a full investigation.
Talking to Insurance Companies
Successful insurance companies find ways to reduce payouts. That’s how they stay in business. Their goal is to minimize the amount they pay you. One of the ways to accomplish this is to use your words against you. Your attorney can handle all communications with an insurance company, representing your best interests with each interaction.
Handling Your Settlement
Your car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, is ready to fight for what you deserve. You might think your entitled to money to cover property damage and medical bills. What about your other losses? If your injuries prevent your from working or impacts your ability to earn an income, what recourse do you have? Your attorney takes a comprehensive view of your case to help you get the most out of your settlement.
Do’s and Don’ts of Car Accidents.
Do Immediately Call 911
First, you want paramedics on the scene to take care of any injuries, including your own, no matter how minor they may seem. Second, you want the police to come out and evaluate the accident. They’ll write up a report, which Barry P. Goldberg, a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills CA, can use in negotiating a settlement for you..
Do Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company as Soon as You Can
Your insurance company needs to hear from you that you were involved in an accident. Give only the bare facts and don’t admit fault or take responsibility for the accident.
Do Exchange Information With the Other Parties Involved
You want to make sure to get the other parties’ contact information, photos of their license, insurance card and license plate and a description of their vehicle including make and model.
Do Get the Contact Information of Any Witnesses
As with the other parties in the accident, you’ll want to collect names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. Keep in mind that any passengers in vehicles involved in the accident are not witnesses; they’re victims.
Do Call an Attorney
You want to speak with a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills CA, as soon as possible after the accident. You’ll need his advice on what to do and not do moving forward.
Don’t Panic
Whatever you do, try to stay calm. Panic will mess with your memory, obscuring the facts of the accident. It can also have a negative impact on any injuries you may have sustained. Keep your cool as best you can.
Don’t Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of a car accident is a crime in California. Stay at the scene of the accident, but move yourself out of harm’s way as best you can.
Don’t Discuss the Accident With Anyone
Don’t talk to your friends or relatives about the accident, and absolutely don’t say you were at fault. Your car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills CA, Barry P. Goldberg, is the only person it’s safe to discuss your accident with.
Don’t Speak to the At-fault Person’s Insurance Company
If you speak with the at-fault person’s insurance company, it can be easy to accidentally say the wrong thing, which they could twist into meaning you were at fault or you’re not as injured as your claim says you are. Refer all matters to your car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills CA.
Don’t Sign Any Papers Given to You by Any Insurance Company
Signing papers is worse than talking to the other party’s insurance company, because there could be legal jargon you don’t understand. Your signature makes that jargon legally binding.
What To Look For In a Car Accident Attorney
Being in a car accident can be traumatic and life-altering no matter how big or small the accident was. From the trauma of the actual accident to the difficulties of the aftermath, there are many reasons you might need a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA. You may have been unable to work because of injuries or from the sudden loss of your vehicle. Some people struggle to make ends meet after a collision because the insurance company is slow to compensate. Below are some of the characteristics you should look for in an attorney when seeking representation.
Good Communication Skills
You will need to communicate with your attorney and his or her office staff regularly. You may have questions or concerns that come up along the way and you need to be able to speak easily with them. That means they should be very accessible through multiple forms of communication, so email, phone, or maybe even an online chat service. You should feel that they can easily understand you and what you want from their legal representation. It’s also critical that you understand what your attorney is doing to fight for you so that there are no surprises. Barry P. Goldberg is an attorney that can walk you through the process of your case and help you understand all your options.
Understanding of Insurance Company Procedures
Sometimes the biggest struggle you face as a car accident victim is navigating all the interactions and procedures of your insurance company. Insurance companies have regular processes of how they go about dealing with car accidents and an experienced car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA can help you through their procedures. They can give you valuable tips on what to say or not to say and help you understand all the rights you have according to California law.
Cares About Your Well-Being
You definitely want an attorney that doesn’t see you and your case and just a bunch of dollar signs. Barry P. Goldberg cares about his clients and wants to see their lives and wellness restored as much as possible to how they were before the collision. Your case isn’t the only important thing, as your wellness matters more. A good car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA will make sure that you are getting the proper medical and mental health care after your accident. They will make sure your case moves forward while you take time to heal and recover.
3 Questions to Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, is a significant decision. During your first consultation, you will have time to ask questions and discuss your case. Most personal injury laws will not ask for payment during the consultation, so it is an excellent time to ask all of the questions you need to decide. After the first consultation, you can determine if you want to move forward with the lawyer of your choice.
1. What Is Your Level of Experience?
When you hire a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, you want to be sure that he or she has experience in your type of case. Before you hire a lawyer, make sure his or her specialty is in car accidents. Those who focus on car accident lawyers know more about cases like yours. They will have the skills necessary to navigate car insurance negotiations and will be able to collect the evidence required to build your case. You never want to hire a lawyer outside of your case’s specialty.
2. How Do You Accept Payment?
When you hire a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, you may not have to pay right away. Most lawyers work for a contingency fee. This is generally a 30% fee when you receive your settlement. The lawyer only gets paid when you get paid. In addition to working out the percentage the lawyer will receive, you also need to figure out who pays for the other costs. There are court fees and other expenses involved with filing a claim. Some lawyers will ask you to pay the costs upfront, whereas others may bill you at the end of the trial. Always work out the contract ahead of time, so you have no surprise expenses.
3. Do You Think the Case Is Strong?
Your lawyer will know whether you have a strong or weak case. Most car accident lawyers will not accept issues that they do not think will win. After all, most lawyers do not receive a payment if you lose your claim. You should ask whether he or she believes you have a good chance at receiving the settlement you feel you deserve.
A car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, will be more than willing to answer any questions you have about your case or the procedure. No one wants to enter into a personal injury claim blindly. If your lawyer makes you comfortable and answers your questions honestly and thoughtfully, you may be able to make your choice more clearly.
Facts for Dealing with Insurance After a Car Accident in California
An experienced car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, like Barry P. Goldberg, knows that, while most of us learn about the rules of the road and the chances of being in a car accident at a young age, we don’t actually anticipate that occurring. For some, they may feel as though they are invincible, like nothing bad will ever happen to them. Others may practice safe driving habits as a way to ward off being part of a vehicle collision. Unfortunately, even those who drive safely may get hit by a car anyways, because another driver was being reckless on the road.
After a car accident, the victim driver is likely going to contact their insurance company to report what happened. In the days and weeks to follow, he or she may receive plenty of calls from representatives of insurance-related companies that want to know more about the accident. You may be thinking about contacting a car accident lawyer for Woodland Hills, CA. Here, the office of Barry P. Goldberg has answered a series of questions about how to protect yourself when communicating with these agencies:
Q: Should I notify my car insurance agency right away?
A: Yes, it is highly encouraged that any driver involved in a vehicle accident, contacts his or her car insurance agency that same day. Of course, if you are hospitalized then you will probably not be able to make this call. If that is the case, you can contact your insurer at a later time once your health is stable, to let them know what has unfolded. If your insurance provider is being especially pushy, it may benefit you to wait and speak with a Woodland Hills, CA car accident lawyer first, in order to protect your rights.
Q: What if my insurer wants a statement about what happened?
A: When filing a claim with your insurance, you will have to provide information about the accident. But, do not admit or state blame, and just stick to facts. And remember, you do not have to provide more information other than what is necessary. Your insurance company is there to protect you, but they must also protect the company from losing money. On the other hand, if you work with a car accident lawyer whose job it is to fight for victims in Woodland Hills, CA, you may be better protected against corporate greed.
Q: What if I get a call from an insurance adjuster? Is that the same as my insurer?
A: An insurance adjuster is not the same as your car insurance company. What an insurance adjuster does is investigates claims, to evaluate the extent of the insuring company’s liability. So, if you get a call from an adjuster, they might be hoping you say something that enables them to deny your claim or at least minimize your injuries. The representative may ask you questions about how you are feeling after the car accident, which could be viewed as just a genuine inquiry and greeting. However, this could be part of the investigation process.
Q: Should I hire an attorney?
A:Victims of car accidents may suffer both physical and financial damages. The costs for medical care and vehicle repairs can add up quickly. Many victim drivers may consider filing a lawsuit against the driver at-fault for compensation. It can be helpful to hire an attorney like Barry P. Goldberg, in order to receive the guidance you need to have a successful lawsuit. Also, a car accident lawyer serving Woodland Hills, CA can help protect you against insurance adjusters and fight for the compensation you require in order to get better.
Barry P. Goldberg: A Car Accident Lawyer Woodland Hills, CA Drivers Appreciate
If you have been injured in a car accident and need to retain the services of a car accident lawyer Woodland Hills, CA offers, contact Barry P. Goldberg for a free case evaluation and to find out how much your case may be worth.
Client Review
“Gary is the attorney you want to go to for Uninsured Motorist Arbitration cases!!! He knows what he is doing and is regularly consulted by other attorneys!!!”
Brad Brown
