No matter how cautiously you drive on the roads of California, you could end up in a mishap that wasn’t your fault. Auto accidents are not rare in Huntington Beach, and it can be hard to react immediately after. In this post, we are discussing key aspects that matter, along with state laws and why you need a Huntington Beach personal injury attorney.
Right after the accident
- Pullover and call the local police
- Wait at the scene and take photos of everything, including vehicles and your injuries
- Call 911 if you are injured or when someone needs emergency medical care
- Inform your insurance company
- Take details from witnesses
- Note down the insurance and contact details of the involved drivers
State laws about auto accidents
In California, the at-fault driver is responsible for the injuries and losses caused to others because of their fault. What happens when two drivers share fault for the accident? The state laws are claimant-friendly, and you can seek a settlement even if you are more at fault than the other side. However, your fault share will eventually decide what you get from the compensation awarded to you. For example, if you were 50% at fault and received $50,000 in a settlement, your final settlement would be $25,000.
Deadline for auto accidents
As per the state’s statute of limitations, you have two years to file a lawsuit in the civil court system. If you don’t file a lawsuit within two years from the accident date, your case will be dismissed in all likeliness. The deadline is the same for wrongful death lawsuits. Please note that the deadline is for civil lawsuits only and not for insurance claims.
Hiring an accident lawyer in Huntington Beach
Not all lawyers are experienced in handling auto accident claims. You can shortlist a few names based on online reviews or can ask around for references. Most law firms in Huntington Beach don’t charge a fee for the initial meeting, but you can use this window to know your claim. The lawyer will share what you can expect from the case, and more importantly, they can warrant that you don’t settle for less. Also, auto accident lawyers don’t demand an immediate fee, but if you win, they will charge a fixed share of the settlement, not exceeding 40% for most cases.
Check online now to find out more about accident lawyers in Huntington Beach and get a free case evaluation.
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