Altadena Car Accident Lawyer

Altadena Car Accident Attorney

Few incidents in your life can be as traumatizing or devastating as a car accident. They can range anywhere from small inconveniences to monumental catastrophes, depending on the exact nature of the accident in question. Even if you don’t suffer many physical injuries, the emotional trauma that could result from the accident might take a long time to fully overcome. You may want to take legal action against the one who caused it with the help of an Altadena car accident lawyer.

Getting in a Car Accident in Altadena

Every car accident situation is going to be different, as no two accidents are exactly alike. You should never discount the possibility of a car accident. Regardless of where you are driving, how you are driving, or when you are driving, an accident is always a possibility. The more you realize that, the higher the likelihood that you will take action to avoid causing one yourself. When you decide to seek legal action, you may also be dealing with severe injuries.

With the help of an experienced car accident lawyer, you can take the necessary steps to hold the right people accountable for what happened to you. A good lawyer can take control of your case and allow you to focus on healing from the accident. Having someone in your corner who understands what’s at stake and can provide consistent advice, solutions, and empathy really can make all the difference, especially when you are unsure of how to approach your case alone.

Statute of Limitations

Choosing to proceed with legal action against the negligent driver is a big decision, and you shouldn’t take it lightly. A good lawyer can provide advice on the most effective way to proceed. If you do decide to move forward with a legal claim, you need to be mindful of California’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including car accident cases. Generally, the state will give you two years from the date of your injury to file your claim.

That means you will have two years to establish grounds for your claim, build a strong enough case, gather enough evidence to prove your story, consult with a car accident lawyer, and file your claim for compensatory damages. If you are not able to file your claim before two years have passed, there is a strong chance your claim will be denied, and your case will be thrown out. Building a strong accident case can take time, so you should file sooner rather than later.

Handling Yourself After a Car Accident

You should never forget that the actions you take in the wake of a car accident will be reflected in your accident claim and in the police report. You should make a conscious effort to do things the right way and take the necessary steps to protect not just yourself but your future legal claim.

Here are some important steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of your accident that can give you extra protection down the road:

• Stay Calm: It may seem impossible, but you should try your hardest to stay calm after the accident. Staying calm after having just been in a car accident is not going to be easy, but it is a vital necessity. Despite being in a tough spot, you must make some important decisions, and you should do so with a clear head. Take a few deep breaths, gather yourself for a few minutes, and try to assess your situation.
• Don’t Flee the Scene: After you have been in an accident, you may feel an urge to hit the gas and speed off while acting like it never even happened. This is one of the worst decisions you could possibly make after an accident.
  California state law requires that any driver who is involved in an accident must remain at the scene and provide assistance to injured persons while waiting for the police. Failure to do so could result in serious legal consequences.
• Check for Injuries: Depending on how badly you might be in shock, there is a strong chance you could be severely injured and not be aware of it. As soon as you can, you should start checking your body for any injuries you may have sustained in the accident. Look for blood, red areas, bruises, protrusions, sprains, and anything that seems like it could be broken. When the EMTs arrive, don’t be afraid to tell them where it hurts.
• Call 911: You need to reach out to the authorities as quickly as possible. Get police and EMTs to the scene promptly. When the police arrive, be honest and civil with them but do not accept any blame for the accident. Let the EMTs look you over and be honest about where the pain is located in your body. See a doctor later just to be sure.
• Move Your Car: If the police tell you it’s okay, you should move your car out of the road. Otherwise, you risk causing another accident. If your car is too damaged to move or you are too injured to move, just leave the car where it is. It will be moved at some point.
• Exchange Information: Make sure you exchange the relevant insurance and contact information with the other parties involved.
• See a Lawyer: When you have gathered enough evidence for your case, be sure to reach out to an experienced Altadena personal injury lawyer who can help you strengthen your claim and establish your case.

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Today

Nobody likes being in a car accident, and the resulting legal drama can be frustrating. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you figure out a plan and ensure that you don’t get taken advantage of.

The legal team at the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes understands the kind of legal help you need throughout this ordeal. We can help you gather evidence, build up your case, and protect your interests. Contact us today to speak with a member of our legal team about your case.