Beverly Hills Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Beverly Hills Rear-End Accident Attorney

When a driver is involved in a rear-end accident in Beverly Hills, CA, it can be shocking and scary. Depending on how fast the rear car was going when it slammed into another car, the impact can be extremely severe. If you were involved in a rear-end accident, whether you were the victim or the driver, speaking with an accident attorney can help you understand your rights in accordance with state personal injury laws.

Beverly Hills personal injury attorney and law firm Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, has a proven success rate in representing both Los Angeles rear-end accident victims and liable drivers. Our approach to our clients is personal and responsive, as we believe in having a relationship with them on a personal level so we can represent their needs wholly. We have won some of the most challenging legal claims in the country, and we are willing to openly answer the questions that our clients have regarding their cases.

What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Rear-End Accident

After getting in a rear-end accident, the first thing you should do is check if anyone is injured and assist them in getting care. Next, move your vehicle out of the pathway of traffic if it’s safe to do so. Next, exchange information with the other driver, and take a quick glance at the damages. State law says that accidents with damages of less than $1,000 do not have to be reported to the police. However, unless you’re a mechanic or an insurance adjuster, you probably don’t know what $1,000 looks like in terms of the damages done to your car, or other cars involved for that matter. Thus, for these and many other reasons, you should always call the police following any type of accident.

The Most Important Thing That You Should Do After You’ve Been Rear-Ended

The most important thing that you can do following your accent is to call the police and file a report. One reason this is important is that there are many scams that target drivers as prey for insurance fraud. Another reason is that, if you are injured or realize later that you are injured, you cannot file a personal injury claim or insurance claim without a police report. You may not feel physically injured at the time of the accident due to adrenaline. There is also the fact that injuries sometimes take time to present themselves over the course of a day or two following the accident.

Filing a police report serves as a documented account of what happened. This report is oftentimes essential to establishing liability and causation. Many people think that they don’t need to call the police following an accident, but don’t make this mistake. Without a police report of your accident, you won’t be able to get compensation for your injuries or damages to your vehicle. Another at-fault driver may know this and try to deter you from calling the police, downplaying the accident or making you feel like it was your fault. It is the police’s job to determine fault.

How to Talk to the Police Following an Accident

The more detailed the police report, the better case you will have if you do end up needing to file a claim. Therefore, don’t hold back on answering questions, and do so as honestly as possible. Do not, however, admit fault to the police officer when reporting your accident, and you should not blame the other driver, either. Just tell the facts about the accident. Ask for the police officer’s badge and ID number as well as their name, cell phone number, and the accident report number of your case. This number is essential for accessing your police report once it’s filed.

You should also take pictures before leaving the scene or ask someone else to do so if you are unable to. Then, call an accident lawyer or a reputable Beverly Hills personal injury attorney who can help you get compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and any damages to your car.

FAQs About Beverly Hills Rear-End Accident Laws

How Much Is a Rear-End Settlement in California?

In California, the average settlement for a rear-end collision that results in a serious injury is typically limited to the driver’s insurance coverage. The maximum amount that the policy covers is typically what the settlement ends up being. Therefore, if the at-fault driver’s policy covers up to $30,000, the settlement award will be $30,000.

Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision in California?

The at-fault driver can be any driver in a rear-end collision. If the negligent driver was in the front, or the leading driver, and they were driving under the influence, brake checking the vehicle directly behind them, or acting in some other form of road rage, they would be held more responsible for the accident than the subsequent drivers. However, if the last driver in the rear-end sequence was following too closely or not paying attention, they would be held liable for causing the accident.

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in California?

Car accident lawyers in California often work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they don’t get paid unless a settlement is awarded to the victim. At that time, they receive anywhere from 30% to 40% of the client’s awarded settlement amount. Otherwise, they don’t collect a fee if their client does not win the case.

Am I at Fault If I Hit a Car in Front of Me Because the Driver Suddenly Slammed on Their Brakes?

While it may seem like it’s the fault of the lead driver who suddenly stops abruptly, resulting in an accident due to a subsequent pile-up, rarely is responsibility put on the lead driver. Rather, because it is the responsibility of all drivers to maintain a safe amount of distance between their car and the car in front of them, to avoid a rear-end collision when sudden stops occur in front of them, fault is almost always on the rear-end driver.

Calling an Experienced Beverly Hills Personal Injury Attorney

Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, represents personal injury claims as well as liable parties after they have been involved in a rear-end accident in Beverly Hills. We have extensive success in negotiating with insurance company adjusters and are well-equipped to handle your case, whether we get it settled outside of court or it requires litigation. Contact one of our knowledgeable Beverly Hills accident lawyers today to discuss your case and learn how we can serve your needs.