What Happens if Someone Sues You After a Car Accident?
Getting involved in a car accident is bad enough but if you’re being sued too, that’s even worse. You are probably overwhelmed with anxiety, worried sick over what is going to happen.
You may be wondering if the case against you will settle out of court. Since around 95% of all car accident and personal injury cases do, there’s a good chance yours will too. Whether you end up going to court or settling, you’ll need a Car Accident Attorney Los Angeles to guide you through the process and navigate the legal system for you. There’s a lot involved for someone who isn’t familiar with Personal Injury Law even if your case is somewhat simple.
What if I Lose a Car Accident Lawsuit Against Me?
If a lawsuit isn’t settled before the court, it goes on to trial. You may feel like your entire future is at stake and in a way, it is.
Getting sued means that the other driver feels you’re at fault for the wreck. You can accept the fault or deny it. If you accept it, it will behoove you to settle outside of court. If you feel, however, that you were not responsible for the car accident and are up for protesting it, it is your right to take the case to court so you can plead your innocence.
There’s a lot at risk so be sure you have a Car Accident Attorney Los Angeles by your side who is capable and willing to defend you. You will want to hire an attorney who is experienced in car accidents in Los Angeles.
What’s the Difference Between a Judgement and a Settlement?
While a judgment and a settlement both mean the defendant is going to be paying out money, there is a lot of difference between the two and the implications they entail.
A judgment is an official and formal outcome that results when a plaintiff has won in his or her court case against the defendant. The amount is typically determined during or after court. If you are being sued and it goes to court and you lose, the amount you are ordered to pay is called the judgment. Unpaid judgments can be recovered through the post-judgment collections process that the court may arrange such as garnished wages.
If an agreement for a certain amount of compensation is reached prior to court, it is called a settlement because the two parties settled on an amount. It is better to have a settlement than a judgment.
The Legal Process and the Vital Role of a Los Angeles Car Attorney
Initially, the plaintiff’s attorney will file a lawsuit against you. You will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Your Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney will tend to formally enter your plea.
The plaintiff’s attorney, your attorney, and your insurance company will go back and forth with the injury and damage claim and other legal and financial details. The opposing lawyer will present evidence such as medical records, police reports, and bills. Negotiations will begin. Depending on the knowledge, experience, and skill of your lawyer, he or she may be able to lower the amount by citing weak evidence or by introducing another valid argument. The goal is to agree in negotiations rather than go to court but to reach the most favorable settlement possible.
If a settlement is not reached and the case goes to trial, your Car Accident Attorney Los Angeles will be responsible for defending you so be sure the lawyer you hire is outstanding in litigation and is willing to fight for you.
The Good News
Regardless of whether you reach a settlement or end up with a judgment against you, you will have to pay the plaintiff for the damages they sustained. If you had liability insurance at the time of the collision, however, the funds won’t be coming out of your pocket. Your insurance will cover it which should come as quite a relief. If the balance exceeds the limit of your insurance coverage, your insurance rate will most likely go up.
Your attorney will navigate through the process, be it a settlement or court. He or she will deal with the other party’s attorney and your insurance company. Your lawyer can also find out if your insurance coverage rate will go up and if so, approximately how much.
If you’re thinking you can’t afford a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney, you may not realize what your legal team will do for you and what an asset having one is. Without representation, your outcome is almost guaranteed not to be as successful. If a settlement is not reached prior to court, anything can happen in your trial. You may be subject to paying much more than the amount of coverage you have on your insurance policy. Don’t take chances. Be sure to hire an attorney who is an experienced expert in car accident cases.
What to Look for in an LA Car Accident Attorney
When hiring a Car Accident Attorney Los Angeles, it’s a good idea to set up an initial free consultation. Before you go, check into the law office to see how long it has been established. Read client reviews. Look into the success rate. Be sure the attorney specializes in car accidents in Los Angeles.
Once you meet with the attorney, you’ll be able to tell if the two of you are a good match. If you don’t like his or her personality, don’t commit. The two of you will be doing a lot of communicating and you certainly need someone you get along with and trust to handle your case.
When you find an attorney who’s a good fit for you, it’s wise to hire their service as soon as possible so you can move forward.
Turn to the Experts You Can Trust – Point Law Group
If you are being sued after a car accident and need a Car Accident Attorney Los Angeles to represent you, call the experts – Point Law Group to set up a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation at (310) 560-0606.
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