Experienced California Car Accident Attorneys—The May Firm
The team of California personal injury lawyers at The May Firm understands the challenges you face as you navigate a car accident insurance claim. We are dedicated advocates for our clients and work hard to help them fight for the resolution they need for the injuries and losses they have suffered as part of a motor vehicle accident.
Successful Case Results for Clients of The May Firm
While these are only past results and can’t guarantee an outcome in any particular case, The May Firm is proud of our long track record of success.
Example include:
- $2.3 million settlement for clients that were involved in a rear-end collision caused by a utility vehicle
- $1.9 million judgment awarded to the family of a pedestrian who died in a crash with a negligent vehicle
- $1.5 million settlement for the victims of a rear-end collision
Why Do You Need to Know the Insurance Status of Another Driver?
The insurance status of the other drivers involved in a motor vehicle collision is pertinent to your case to determine the options available to you for compensation of your damages.
While you may file a claim with your own insurer for certain losses, call a lawyer for help doing that—and to see if you can file an accident claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party. Filing a claim with your insurer can cause your premiums to rise, and it is always best to avoid this option if possible.
Your attorney can help you decide the best way to proceed.
How Can a Lawyer Help You With a Car Accident Claim?
The insurance claims process in the aftermath of an accident can be burdensome and overwhelming. While recovering from your injuries, you may need deal with your insurance company, the at-fault party, and the insurer of the other driver.
A lawyer can help you navigate the insurance claims process and a lawsuit for your damages if needed.
Calculate Damages
A car accident lawyer will evaluate your case, injuries, and losses to calculate the overall damages you suffered in the accident. The calculation of damages is an important step for your claim to help you understand the extent of the damages and the compensation available to you under the law.
An insurance company will try to deny or resolve your claim for as little money as possible. A lawyer understands the intricacies of personal injury law, and what damages you can seek in an accident caused by another.
Gather Evidence
It is necessary to collect the evidence and information that supports the facts of your case and the severity of your injuries. A personal injury attorney has the resources and know-how to gather the information needed and present it to the insurance companies and at-fault parties to support your claim and demand damages.
Discover Liability
In some car accident cases, liability and fault are obvious but in others, there could be a dispute as to who is responsible for the accident itself and the damages that have occurred. A car accident lawyer will help you determine the potential liability in your case.
In some instances, it is possible that in addition to the liability of the at-fault driver, a car owner, employer or another third party could also be liable to you for your losses.
Negotiate a Settlement
When an attorney represents you in a car accident claim, all communications from other parties will go through them. This includes the negotiation of a settlement on your behalf.
You will discuss your damages and expectations with your attorney, who will then proceed with negotiations with the insurer or other third parties involved as your intermediary. Your attorney will then present you with all offers and advise you on your rights and options.
An Advocate for Your Rights and Interests
With the help of a qualified car accident lawyer, you can rest assured that your legal rights and best interests will be represented and advocated for every step of the way. Your attorney will make every effort to resolve your case in a settlement, but in some circumstances, your case may proceed to trial. If a trial becomes necessary in your case, your lawyer will then represent you before the court.
How Can You Obtain Car Insurance Information from the California DMV?
It is not uncommon for individuals to be involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run. If you are in an accident and the police did not arrive on the scene or did not provide you the insurance information of the other driver or vehicle involved, you can still find if a relevant insurance policy exists.
Keep in mind that more than one policy may apply to the accident.
You may call or visit your local California DMV in person to request the insurance lookup for the accident you were involved in:
- If you have the driver’s information, you can request the California DMV to look up their name for any applicable insurance coverage.
- If you have the license plate tag, you can provide that to the DMV to research whether the vehicle owner has any valid insurance policy on file.
California law requires that all vehicles present on a California road, whether parked or driven, must maintain valid insurance coverage to include liability insurance for injuries, death, and property damage.
In some cases, an insurance policy may apply to an accident even if the driver at the time was uninsured. This could happen when a driver is working for an employer during the accident or is borrowing a vehicle.
A car accident lawyer can research the specifics of your case and help you discover all potential liability for your damages and any insurance coverage that may be available.
