When Do You Require a Car Accident Lawyer in Oakland?

Oct 18, 2021 Reading time : 4 min

Stats show that over 34% of Oakland car accidents are rear-ended collisions. Oakland drivers are required to follow strict traffic rules and regulations while on the road. Irresponsible driving behavior could cost you thousands of dollars and other punishments.

The legal consequences are especially severe if you cause fatal injuries to someone during the accident. Whether you were involved in a trivial fender bender or a severe car accident, it’s best to seek help from an Oakland car accident attorney at the earliest.

In regard with this, you can also read: 6 Essential Things You Should Do After a Car Accident

Your car accident attorney can guide you through the claim filing procedures and other related legal aspects. Additionally, even no-fault accidents will go into your California driving records.

To Prove Negligence

Your car accident lawyer can assist you in proving the other party’s negligence. Conversely, if you are the at-fault party in an accident, the car accident attorney can help find ways to minimize the percentage of fault on your side.

Some tactics they use include discouraging victims from getting extensive medical treatment and fast-talking settlement offers. Oakland follows an at-fault approach when it comes to car accident insurance.

The party who caused the car accident in Oakland is responsible for compensating the party who sustained personal injury damages and property damages due to the accident. If two or more drivers are responsible, the court will calculate the percentage of each of the drivers (or pedestrians) and decide on compensation accordingly.

To recover insurance compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company, you will first have to prove negligence. Car accident lawyers use their in-depth knowledge of accident laws, insurance, and other related laws to build a strong case on your behalf.

When Insurance Companies Try to Make You Settle for Less

California drivers are required by law to have car insurance. The Oakland at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to offer you a lower claim or deny your claim altogether. What’s more? These insurance companies usually have a team of in-house legal professionals to protect their legal interests and motives.

The services of your Oakland car accident lawyer will be extremely valuable in this case. They will help you collect and organize evidence, witness statements, and prepare solid legal submissions.

Additionally, insurance companies and insurance claim adjusters are bound to take you more seriously when they know you are working with an experienced car accident lawyer.

The minimal coverage requirements include:

Bodily injury coverage of $15000 per person and $30000 per accident
Minimal property damage coverage of $5000
Uninsured motorist bodily coverage of $15000 per person and $30000 per accident

Stats show that the average settlement after a car accident in Oakland is around $20000. You will have to submit medical bills and car repair cost bills to claim personal injury and property damage compensation.

Your Oakland car accident attorney can help ensure you get the highest compensation based on your damages.

If the Car Accident Leads to Litigation

As much as 85% of Oakland car accident cases are resolved through voluntary settlement procedures between insurance companies. Only a small percentage of Oakland car accidents cases go to court.

Most of these cases involve heavy property damages or severe or fatal personal injuries. DUI accidents and hit and run accidents can have severe legal implications in Oakland and California as a whole.

If your car accident case goes to litigation, your attorney can offer legal representation services. Your lawyer may be able to get you a plea bargain if you are the at-fault party.

Wrapping Up

The services of an experienced lawyer are almost vital if you are involved in a car accident. It’s best to have them involved at the earliest to minimize the legal hassles associated with the process.