Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

i was rear ended in a car accident and myself and all passengers have injuries, do i need a lawyer to settle?


Asked on 7/26/10, 8:52 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Stone-Molloy The Lion's Law Office

That depends on how well you want to settle. If you're OK with having the insurance company take advantage of you and pay you peanuts on what your case is worth, then no, you don't need a lawyer. But if you want to be paid what's fair, what your case is really worth, then yes, you absolutely do need a lawyer.

The fact is that insurance companies only respect people who are serious about protecting their rights. In other words, people who are "lawyered up" and ready to go to court. It's just plain business: they pay more to settle bigger risks. If you don't have a lawyer, then you're not prepared for court, so you're not as big a threat, and they won't pay as much.

Also, a lawyer knows how to investigate your case and gather the proof you will need to show all your damages. Are you seeing the right doctors? How will you prove that you lost time from work? These are questions a lawyer can help with, which greatly affect the value of your case.

To get started with your case, you can call me toll-free at 877-LION-FOR-LAW (546-6367) or email me at [email protected]

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Answered on 7/27/10, 4:56 am
Steven Kuhn Steven Kuhn

The other answer is correct in part. It depends on the nature and extent of your injuries if you need an attorney. If your injuries are minor, you can handle the matter yourself and go to Small Claims Court for up to $7,500 each. Our office provides a free consultation on how to handle Small Claims Court matters. If your injuries are more serious, then you would be better off retaining an experienced personal injury attorney. Visit our website at www.lawkuhn.com for more information or call (949) 218-6600 or (877) 238-3086 for a free consultation.

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Answered on 7/27/10, 8:28 am
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates

Yes!

My firm handles car accident cases all over the State of California. You may call me for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1.

My website is located at www.thepersonalinjury.com .

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Answered on 7/29/10, 1:19 am
Robert Worth Robert J. Worth , Professional Law Corporation

I also agree that you should strongly consider representation. I used to be in claims before I was a lawyer and understand how they think. Honestly, where the claimant was not represened, the claim almost always settled for less. Unless that does not concern you it is clear that an attorney can protect you rights. Many (but not all) claims representative will try to resolve a claim for much less than its true value believing that an person who does not have experience will not know how to analyze the liability issues of the claim, evaluate and negotiate a reasonable resolution. Be on your guard when dealing with the insuance company. I had one that denied my client's case in writing and orally and when I filed a lawsuit their attorney requested an early mediation and the case resolved for six figures (but obviously the value of each case must be taken on its own merits). I hope this helps you. Bob Worth

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Answered on 7/30/10, 11:02 am


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