Not only does California have the single largest population in the United States, it also has the highest population of immigrants in the country–10.5 million people according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Immigrants have incredible stories of overcoming tough struggles to improve their lives. Throughout California, they play a crucial role in the community and economy.
However, they also face significant challenges. Many immigrants face discrimination and other forms of mistreatment. On top of that, many immigrants struggle with the language and other cultural barriers, as well as fearing that their immigration status could be called into question. So when there’s an accident and an injury, they may feel hesitant to fully pursue their legal options.
Put Your Trust in Maison Law’s Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyers
When you get hurt, it can be really hard both physically and financially. As an immigrant, you should take every opportunity you can to make sure you get the benefits and support that are available under the law, and our firm can make sure you get the amount you deserve.
At Maison Law, you can put your trust in our team of experienced California personal injury lawyers. If you want to know more about how our firm can help you, contact us today. We offer free consultations to talk about your situation.
What Should You Do After an Accident in California?
Regardless of the circumstances, the immediate aftermath of an accident is critical to what you’ll be able to do going forward. it’s crucial to take certain steps to protect your claim for damages. The actions you take, or don’t take, can affect how the insurance company handles your case. Follow these important steps:
- Ensure safety and seek medical care – Your well-being is always a top priority. Move to a safe location after the accident and seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately due to adrenaline, it’s essential to get checked by a healthcare professional. A medical record of your injuries will serve as important evidence for your compensation claim.
- Contact authorities – In California, it is legally required to report accidents to the police or other authorities. Even if they don’t need to be called in certain situations, it’s advisable to inform them. They will create an accident report that can support your claim.
- Gather information – Exchange contact and insurance details with the other party involved in the accident. If possible, approach any witnesses and ask if they have any photos or videos of the incident. Keep your own notes as well.
After completing these steps, you can focus on assessing the extent of your injuries and other damages. This includes understanding the different types of actions that are available to you as a victim under California law. More importantly, these options apply regardless of your immigration status.
Does Immigration Status Affect Your Legal Rights in California?
The good news is that your immigration status generally doesn’t affect your rights if you’re injured in California. The laws here protect everyone, no matter where they come from. If you get hurt because someone else was careless or did something wrong, you have the right to ask for money to cover your injuries.
When you’ve been injured in an accident, the legal system cares more about what happened to you and who is responsible, rather than your immigration status. They want to make sure everyone is treated fairly and has access to justice, no matter where they’re from.
Should you Hire a Lawyer?
It’s important to know that getting help from a lawyer who knows about personal injury cases can make things easier. At Maison Law, our team of experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyers takes pride in our ability to help all of our clients, regardless of their citizenship status, get the treatment and support they deserve. We’ve developed a proven system of success by providing the following legal services to our clients:
- Talking to the responsible party’s insurance company.
- Investigating your accident and collecting evidence to prove who caused it.
- Gathering and organizing your medical records and bills to show how you were affected.
- Talking to your medical providers to get any missing records.
- Hiring and consulting with medical experts to provide the necessary medical information for your claim.
- Negotiating with lien holders, like health insurance or workers’ compensation, to potentially reduce the amount you owe.
- Negotiating with the insurance adjuster or defense attorney to reach a satisfactory settlement.
- Supporting your claim throughout the legal process.
- Representing you in court, if needed.
What is the Legal Process in a California Personal Injury Case?
When it comes to filing a personal injury claim in California, there are important details to consider. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you can seek damages from the at-fault party. However, California follows a “comparative negligence” system, which means that if you contributed to the accident, your awarded amount may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Generally, there are three options for filing a personal injury claim: filing a claim with your own insurance company, filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance, or filing a lawsuit.
Filing a claim with your insurance company is usually the first step after getting injured. This provides important documentation for your case, should it proceed to a lawsuit.
The next step is typically making a demand to the at-fault party’s insurance company to settle the case before filing a lawsuit. This may be suitable for smaller claims or those likely to settle quickly. However, if there’s a lot at stake or serious injuries are involved, the case may require a lawsuit. The decision to settle or proceed with a lawsuit is up to you.
Personal injury cases can be complex, involving:
- Negotiation
- Litigation
- Mediation
- Trial
The discovery process begins once your lawsuit is filed, which can be intricate and time-consuming. Both sides may object to certain requests for information, leading to delays. If the case goes to trial, it can be a lengthy and costly process with unpredictable outcomes.
Throughout the process, our firm will keep you informed and work towards the best possible outcome.
Damages
The ultimate goal of a California personal injury claim is to pursue damages to recover what you lost due to the accident. This may include things like:
- Medical expenses – If you were injured, you can seek compensation for the costs of medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income – If your injury caused you to miss work or affected your ability to earn money, you can claim compensation for the wages or income you lost.
- Property damage – If your property, such as your car, was damaged in the accident, you can seek reimbursement for the repair or replacement costs.
- Pain and suffering – If you experienced physical or emotional pain due to the accident, you can seek compensation for the discomfort and distress you endured.
- Emotional distress – In addition to physical pain, if the accident caused you significant emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, you can claim compensation for the emotional harm you suffered.
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship – If your injury has negatively impacted your ability to enjoy life’s activities or has affected your relationships with loved ones, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment or companionship.
It’s important to remember that the availability and specific amounts of these damages can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. While you have the right to handle your claim on your own, our firm has the experience and knowledge to assist you. Insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing payouts. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers can position your case for success and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Get the Treatment You Deserve With Maison Law
As an immigrant, you work hard to give yourself and your loved ones a better life. No matter what your citizenship status is, California law protects your rights after being injured in an accident. At Maison Law, our team of experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to make sure you get the treatment and legal support you deserve. Don’t hesitate to take full advantage of your legal options. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
