Maison Law helps car accident victims in California. If you’ve been involved in a freeway collision in California, you probably have a lot of questions. Hiring a lawyer might seem out of reach when you have other bills and expenses to worry about, but our team is here to guide you through the legal process and make sure your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost After a Freeway Accident?
The good news is that if you decide to explore your legal options after a car accident, you typically don’t need to pay anything upfront. Our firm works on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we take our fee from the settlement or verdict we get for you. So, there’s no cost to you personally. That should be reason enough to work with us, but we can help you in various other ways:
- Explaining your rights and options
- Helping you gather important evidence
- Investigating and reconstructing the accident to figure out who’s at-fault
- Talking and negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit, if need be
With our experience handling freeway accident claims in California, we’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. But the reality is that every car accident brings certain problems that you’ll have to deal with. That’s the main reason the legal process is even in place.
What’s the Claims Process After a Freeway Accident?
One of the good things about the claims process after any car accident in California is that it doesn’t matter where the accident happens. Your options are the same whether the accident happens on a freeway or a street.
You generally have two main options: filing an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Insurance claim – After the accident, your insurance or the other driver’s insurer will handle the claim. An adjuster will investigate the situation. Insurance settlements are usually quicker and cheaper, but they can sometimes be delayed or offer less money than you need.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance offer doesn’t fully cover your losses—something that often happens—you can file a lawsuit to seek more “damages” in court. This option takes longer and requires more effort, but it may result in a higher payout. You’ll be involved in the process, but our legal team will do most of the work.
Again, the entire goal of filing a claim after a freeway car accident is to get the financial support, or “damages,” you deserve based on your injuries and losses. When you file a claim, you may be able to recover things like:
- Medical bills
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Lost wages or potential future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life or loss of companionship
- Funeral expenses, in the case of a fatal accident
Though going to court doesn’t guarantee success, it’s a key option for getting the financial help you need. In California, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim. After that, you can’t recover damages. However, even if you file a claim, damages aren’t automatic–you must actively present your case and take steps to strengthen your claim.
How Can You Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim?
Filing a claim after a freeway accident is just the first step–it’s important to take actions that protect and strengthen your claim. While it can be tricky in some cases, especially one as dangerous as one that happens on a freeway, taking the following steps is very important:
- Move to a safe spot – If you can, move your car to the side of the freeway to avoid further accidents. Check for injuries and call 911 for an ambulance and medical help.
- Exchange information – Swap contact and insurance details with all drivers involved in the accident.
- Report the accident to the police – Ask 911 to send local police (usually the California Highway Patrol) if there are injuries, significant damage, or if anyone is uncooperative. They’ll manage the scene and help you get information.
- Collect evidence – Take photos and videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, and anything that might have caused the crash.
- Get further medical care – If an ambulance is available, seek immediate care, and follow up with a doctor or visit the emergency room for additional treatment.
- Keep evidence – Save all documents related to the accident, such as medical bills, repair estimates, and any communication with insurance companies.
- Be careful with statements – Stick to the facts when talking to the police or insurance reps. Don’t exaggerate, as anything you say could be used against you.
Although every accident is different, following these steps will help protect your health and strengthen your claim. This can lead to higher damages, and with an experienced legal team on your side, you’ll make sure your rights are protected and you get the financial support you need to get better.
Contact Maison Law After a California Freeway Accident
No matter what the circumstances are around your car accident on a California freeway, you have certain legal options. At Maison Law, we prioritize your best interests following one of these accidents. If you’re considering your legal options, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
