Maison Law helps anyone injured in a car accident in California. We help our clients by answering all of their questions, especially those involving their settlement. For some clients, child support payments are garnished. If you’re one of these clients, you may be wondering if your car accident settlement can be garnished. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
Will My Car Accident Settlement Be Garnished?
Being injured in a car accident in California brings a lot of challenges, both financial and physical. That’s the main reason why you’re able to file an injury claim to begin with: to recover some of your losses.
Financially speaking, though, a car accident settlement is going to provide money in a lump sum. However, this settlement can be garnished for child support only when:
- There’s a court order in place.
- You’re behind on payments
- Both parents agree on a payment schedule outside of court.
So, outside of these scenarios, your settlement from your car accident claim is safe from being garnished. However, since each situation is unique, it’s important to get the most out of your claim.
What’s Available in a Car Accident Settlement?
Obviously, every car accident is different. This impacts not just how your claim plays out, but what you can get in a settlement. Still, there are a few things that are generally available when you file claim, regardless of the circumstances of your car accident:
- Medical expenses and future care – This covers the cost of hospital visits, doctor appointments, medications, and therapy, plus any future treatment you may need.
- Lost wages – If you missed work because of your injuries, you can get money for the wages you lost, including what you may lose in the future.
- Property damage – You can also recover costs related to repairing or fully replacing your car.
- Pain and suffering – This covers the physical pain and emotional stress you’ve gone through due to the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If the accident has stopped you from enjoying activities or spending time with others, you can get compensation for how it has affected your life.
Even though you don’t have to worry about your settlement being garnished, a car accident can be incredibly damaging to you. This is the main reason there’s a legal process in place that allows you to recover these damages.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Choosing whether to hire a lawyer after a car accident can be tricky. Legally, it’s not required to have a lawyer, especially for minor accidents where injuries and damages are minimal. However, if your accident results in serious injuries or substantial damage, having a lawyer can be very beneficial. Here’s how we can help you:
- Explaining your rights and options – We’ll provide a clear understanding of your legal rights and the options available to you. This includes informing you about the laws related to car accidents and what you can realistically expect in terms of compensation.
- Helping you get evidence – We can help you collect and organize critical documents such as medical records, accident reports, and other evidence that will support your case. This is essential for building a strong claim and proving your damages.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. We will handle negotiations to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and losses, protecting you from lowball offers and making sure your interests are represented.
- Filing a lawsuit – If negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory settlement, we can help you file a lawsuit. Our team will guide you through the legal process, from filing the necessary paperwork to representing you in court.
Whether you were driving, a passenger, or a pedestrian involved in the accident, our team at Maison Law can support and guide you through the claims process. Our goal is to make the legal process as straightforward as possible for you. Additionally, since we work on a contingency-fee basis, you won’t need to pay any upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case, making it easier for you to get the legal support you need without financial stress.
Get Help From Maison Law After a Car Accident in California
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are worried about getting financial support and what comes next, you can count on our team at Maison Law.
Our experienced California car accident lawyers will listen to your concerns, explain your legal options, and work to protect your rights. We’re here to help you get a fair result. Contact us today for a free consultation and start the process of getting the support you need.
