If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Manhattan Beach, you may find yourself having to file a personal injury claim to cover the costs of your accident-related losses. Most people choose to hire a personal injury attorney to represent their claim. Hiring a personal injury attorney is a smart way to protect your rights to get the total compensation you are owed for your injuries.
When you first speak with a personal injury attorney about your claim, he or she will ask you several questions about the accident. These questions are designed to give the attorney a better idea of the details surrounding the accident. The better prepared you are to answer these questions, the better attorney will be able to advise you. Some of the questions you can expect to hear include:
1. When did the accident happen?
Some people have trouble recalling the details of an accident after it happened. Make sure you know the date of the accident before speaking with an attorney. California has strict statutes of limitations for filing a personal injury claim — if you wait too long to take action the court cannot hear your case.
2. How did the accident happen?
The more details you can provide about the circumstances surrounding the accident the better. Share any evidence (pictures, names of witnesses, etc.) you gathered at the accident scene.
3. Is there an accident report?
California state law requires drivers involved in car accidents resulting in injury or death to file a written report with local police or highway patrol within 24 hours of the accident. The accident report provides an official record of the accident and will be important for establishing who was responsible.
4. How were you injured?
The injuries and the extent of those injuries will help determine the total amount of your damages. These include the nature and extent of your injuries, current medical expenses, as well as any ongoing expenses, resulting from your injuries.
5. When and where did you first seek medical treatment?
It’s important to seek medical treatment immediately following your accident. If you’ve failed to seek treatment for your accident-related injuries, you may have trouble establishing that you were actually injured as a result of the car accident.
6. Can you provide medical records?
Your medical records will document the injuries you suffered as a result of the accident and help determine the degree to which the accident is currently and will continue to affect your life. Without medical records, you may have trouble proving your case.
7. How have your injuries impacted your personal life?
You need to be able to explain to your lawyer exactly how your injuries have impacted your daily life. This will be important when determining both economic (medical costs, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering).
Why Are These Questions Important?
In order to prevail in a personal injury claim for car accident-related injuries, you’ll have to be able to show that:
- The other driver was at-fault in the accident.
- You were injured as a result of the accident.
- Your injuries have resulted in damages.
The answers to these questions will help the attorney professionally appraise the value of your personal injury claim. If they believe you have a valid case based on the answers to their questions, the attorney will probably offer to represent you.
Contact Manhattan Beach Car Accident Attorney Scott Dinsmore Today
Have you been injured in a car accident in Manhattan Beach that was caused by the careless actions of another driver? You may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation — but you have to act quickly. You can get off to a great start by calling the law offices of Manhattan Beach personal injury attorney Scott Dinsmore.
Scott Dinsmore has been representing clients who have been injured in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and big truck accidents in Manhattan Beach and other South Bay communities for more than 30 years. His legal knowledge and skills have earned his clients millions of dollars in settlements, including over $400,000 for a client who suffered a back injury as a result of a car accident.
Contact the Law Offices of Scott Dinsmore, APC today to schedule a free, initial consultation to discuss your case.