If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, then there are some things you need to know. Many people believe that you don’t need to hire a lawyer after a car accident, and while this may be true technically, having a lawyer’s presence can help maximize the amount of compensation you receive. Insurance companies know that most people don’t understand the true value of their claim. This leads to victims accepting less compensation than what they deserve. If you or a loved one was recently in a car accident, we strongly suggest speaking with our Tarzana, CA auto accident lawyer so that we can handle the legal tasks while you undergo medical treatment and take care of yourself. Let us be of support during this difficult time and help you get payment for your losses. Our team at Goldberg Injury Lawyers is ready to assist you. Call today for a free consultation.
Don’t Accept A Settlement Offer Yet
After you notify your insurance company about a car accident, you are likely to be contacted by an insurance adjuster. This person is going to ask you questions about the car accident, the extent of your injuries, and other factors. This person may seem well intentioned, however, chances are they are looking for ways to minimize your claim. Despite insurance companies supposedly being there to help people when they need it the most, many find out this is not the case. Insurance companies are not afraid to offer low ball settlement offers to innocent people who deserve so much more. If you have been offered a settlement amount, we suggest not accepting it yet. Let our knowledgeable auto accident attorney evaluate what the true value of your claim is worth based on your injuries and losses. We can negotiate with insurance companies so that you get the most possible for what you have gone through. If you do speak with an insurance adjuster, here are some tips to consider:
- Do not offer more information than what is asked of you
- If you do not know the answer to something, say you do not know
- When referring to your injuries, don’t say that you are “fine” or “okay”
- When answering their questions, stick to facts about the accident
- Do not hesitate to have your lawyer handle this conversation instead
Building Evidence For Your Auto Accident Insurance Claim
Our trusted Tarzana auto accident lawyer knows that dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident can be overwhelming, especially when your insurance company wrongly blames you for the incident. Understanding how to navigate this challenging situation is crucial for ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Attorney Goldberg has garnered many awards and accolades over his 35 years in the industry and can help you with your case.
Understanding The Importance Of Accurate Documentation
When your insurance company disputes your claim, one of the most critical steps is to ensure that you have comprehensive and accurate documentation of the accident. This includes police reports, medical records, and any photographs or videos taken at the scene. These pieces of evidence can be instrumental in challenging the insurance company’s assessment and demonstrating that you were not at fault.
Communicating Clearly With Your Insurance Company
Effective communication with your insurance company is essential. Start by reviewing your policy thoroughly to understand your coverage and any specific procedures you need to follow. When discussing the accident, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements. Clear, factual communication helps build a strong case and avoids unnecessary complications.
Seeking Witness Testimony
Our Tarzana auto accident lawyer knows that witnesses can play a pivotal role in supporting your claim. If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information and statements. Witnesses can provide an unbiased account of the events, which can be crucial in disproving the insurance company’s claims. Be sure to present these statements to your insurance adjuster to strengthen your case.
Consulting With Legal Professionals
Navigating an insurance dispute can be complex, and having the right legal support is invaluable. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and the best course of action. Our team specializes in handling cases where insurance companies wrongly assign blame. We can guide you through the process, ensuring that your interests are represented and that you have the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Gathering Expert Opinions
In some cases, obtaining expert opinions can be beneficial. Accident reconstruction specialists can analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and other factors to provide a detailed report supporting your claim. Medical experts can also provide insights into the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. These expert opinions can be powerful tools in challenging the insurance company’s findings.
Persisting Through The Appeals Process
If your initial claim is denied, remember that you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can be lengthy and requires persistence, but it is an important avenue for challenging an unjust denial. Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurance company and continue to provide any additional evidence or documentation that supports your case.
If you are facing an unfair denial of your insurance claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Let us work together to challenge the insurance company’s decision and secure a fair outcome for your case. Attorney Goldberg has received the “Trusted Advisor Award” and can advise you through your claim. Contact our Tarzana auto accident attorney today for a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your dispute.
How To Document Your Vehicle Damage For Insurance Claims
Your Tarzana auto accident lawyer can walk you through the aftermath of your car crash. Every case is different, and from hit and runs to accidents with uninsured drivers, we’re here to make sure you know your next steps. Here’s what you should do right away:
1. Take Immediate Photos
As soon as it is safe to do so, take comprehensive photos of your vehicle from multiple angles. Capture all areas of damage, no matter how minor they may seem. These photos should include wide shots to establish the context of the accident and closer shots to detail specific damages. If possible, also take pictures of the accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and any debris or skid marks.
2. Record A Video
A video can provide a dynamic overview of the damage and the accident scene, offering a clearer sense of the impact and the surrounding conditions. Walk around your vehicle, narrating any damage you see and its possible effects on the vehicle’s functionality. This can be particularly helpful during the claims process to convey the extent of the damage more vividly.
3. Keep A Damage Log
Start a log or journal detailing the damage and any related experiences, such as issues you notice when driving the vehicle after the accident, if applicable. This record should include dates, descriptions of the damage, and any changes in vehicle performance. A detailed log can be invaluable in disputes about the scope of the damage or the accident’s impact on the vehicle’s value.
4. Obtain A Professional Assessment
Have your vehicle assessed by a professional mechanic or a body shop. Request a detailed report that includes not only the current damages but also an estimate of the repair costs and the potential impact on the vehicle’s overall value. This assessment can serve as a critical piece of evidence when negotiating with insurance adjusters.
5. Collect Maintenance Records
Provide documentation of your vehicle’s condition before the accident. This includes maintenance records, recent inspection reports, and any other documents showing the care you have taken of your vehicle. These records can help prove that the damages claimed are solely due to the accident and not due to prior neglect or wear.
6. Secure Witness Statements
If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information and, if possible, secure written statements about what they saw. Witness accounts can support your version of events and the extent of the damage, which can make a huge difference when you contact your car accident lawyer.
7. Report To Your Insurance Promptly
While the focus here is on documenting damage, it’s also important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with initial evidence and inform them that more detailed documentation and professional assessments will follow. This initial report can start the claims process and set expectations with your insurer.
Tarzana Auto Accident Infographic
Tarzana Auto Accident FAQs
Being in a car accident can be stressful and confusing, especially when injuries or damages are involved. Many people aren’t sure of their rights or the steps they should take. Here are some of the most common questions people ask a Tarzana, CA auto accident lawyer. Goldberg Injury Lawyers specializes in car accident cases and has several different lawyers who can assist. Sometimes, you may go to court with your case. Other times, it is better to settle. We will help you every step of the way.
What Should I Do Right After A Car Accident?
Your safety comes first—check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, but avoid admitting fault. If it’s safe, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible, since some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Who Is Responsible For My Accident?
Liability is determined by who was at fault. This may be another driver, multiple drivers, or in some cases, a third party like a vehicle manufacturer or even a government entity responsible for road maintenance. A lawyer can review evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic laws to help identify the responsible party. A crash involving several vehicles can be more complicated, so it’s important to have a lawyer on your side.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?
The deadline, called the statute of limitations, varies by state but is often between one and three years. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to seek compensation. Because these timelines can be strict, contacting your accident attorney as soon as possible is the best way to protect your claim.
What Types Of Compensation Can I Receive?
Depending on the situation, you may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, car repairs, and pain and suffering. In serious accidents, compensation may also cover ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or reduced earning ability. Cases that involve brain damage from a car accident can recover even greater amounts of compensation because of the loss of so much with this injury. Every case is unique, so the amount depends on the impact the accident has on your life.
Do I Really Need A Lawyer For A Car Accident Claim?
While you’re not legally required to have a lawyer, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurers, build a strong case, and fight for fair compensation. Having legal support also means you can focus on recovery without worrying about paperwork, deadlines, or being pressured into a low settlement.
Car accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant, but the right guidance can make a huge difference. Speaking with our Tarzana accident lawyer can help you understand your options and give you the confidence to move forward. Goldberg Injury Lawyers can help. Reach out today so you do not miss the statute of limitations for filing.
Tarzana Auto Accident Glossary
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car crash, having accurate information can help you move forward with more clarity. Here at Goldberg Injury Lawyers, our Tarzana auto accident lawyer team works with clients who are facing real challenges after vehicle collisions. To support those seeking legal guidance, we’ve provided this glossary of commonly used legal terms and phrases. These definitions relate to the process of pursuing an insurance claim or settlement after a motor vehicle accident and are tailored to reflect what you may hear or read during your case.
Insurance Adjuster Evaluation
An insurance adjuster evaluation refers to the process by which an insurance representative reviews a claim to determine the amount of compensation they are willing to offer. This evaluation involves reviewing police reports, vehicle damage, and statements from those involved. The adjuster’s primary responsibility is to the insurance company, not the injured party. That means the initial offer may not reflect the full impact of the accident. Many clients come to us after realizing the adjuster’s proposal does not cover their full range of losses. Our role is to provide a more accurate assessment and support clients in presenting evidence that better reflects the claim’s true value.
Witness Statement Collection
A witness statement is a written or verbal account from someone who saw the car accident occur. These statements can be critical in building a claim because they provide a third-party perspective that may confirm your account of events. Witnesses often notice details the drivers involved may miss, such as vehicle speed, traffic signals, or unsafe driving behaviors. When we gather statements, we aim to do so as soon as possible after the crash to preserve the accuracy of the account. In many cases, strong witness testimony has helped support our clients’ positions and counter incomplete or biased accident reports.
Accident Reconstruction Report
An accident reconstruction report is created by a qualified professional who analyzes the scene, vehicle damage, and other available data to explain how a crash occurred. These specialists use their training in physics and engineering to offer insights that may not be obvious from the visual evidence alone. These reports are especially useful when the details of the accident are disputed or when multiple vehicles were involved. By illustrating angles of impact, vehicle speeds, or braking distances, a reconstruction can clarify key events leading up to the crash. We work with trusted professionals who can deliver detailed reports to support our clients’ cases when necessary.
Policy Coverage Review
A policy coverage review involves going through the language and limits of your car insurance policy to determine what types of benefits are available. Many clients are not aware of what their policy actually covers or what limits might apply. This step is essential before any serious discussions with an insurance adjuster begin. We frequently find that there are overlooked provisions that can increase compensation, especially in cases involving uninsured motorists or underinsured coverage. Reviewing the full scope of the policy can make a substantial difference in the outcome of a claim and helps guide strategic decisions about next steps.
Initial Claim Denial Appeal
If your insurance claim is denied, the appeal process allows you to challenge that decision by submitting additional evidence, clarifying documents, or legal arguments. An initial denial doesn’t mean your case is over. It may mean that some part of your claim was not well supported or that the insurer misinterpreted information. Our role is to gather the right materials to rebut the decision. This may include updated medical records, or new documentation of accident-related losses. Appeals often require persistence and careful documentation, but they are a key tool in achieving a fair outcome for clients.
Contact Our Tarzana Auto Accident Lawyer Today
Building a strong insurance claim after a car crash requires more than just reporting the facts. It involves a thoughtful approach to collecting and presenting evidence, understanding policy language, and responding appropriately to insurance company tactics. We take pride in offering personalized support to our clients throughout this process. If you’re searching for guidance after a crash, an auto accident lawyer is available to assist you every step of the way. Reach out to Goldberg Injury Lawyers today for a consultation. We’ll review your situation and let you know how we can help protect your rights and support your recovery.