Being Sued Over an Auto Accident? Here’s What to Do.
Posted on July 31, 2017 Written By: iadminlaw
Finding yourself on the receiving end of a lawsuit is never fun. For those unaccustomed to such things, it can actually be quite intimidating—yet these things can happen. One of the most most likely reasons you could be sued? Disputes over an auto accident in which you were involved.
So, what happens, then, if someone sues you over a collision? There are a few steps we’d recommend to defend your rights. Below are a few general pointers from the auto accident attorneys at I Accident Lawyer
What to Do When You’re Sued Over a Car Accident
- First, remember that if you’re in a no-fault state, there are restrictions on personal injury lawsuits—although, California is not among the 12 states that qualify here.
- The first phone call you should make is to your insurance company. Let them know you’re being sued over the accident. Remember, they should already have all the facts about the accident, as you (hopefully) reported it right after the accident took place.
- The next phone call you should make is to your attorney. Let your lawyer know what’s happened, and enlist their legal guidance from the beginning of the process. A California car accident attorney, like I Accident Lawyer, can make the process run much more smoothly, minimizing the headache and hassle on your end!
- The next step in the legal process requires to you either deny or accept the legal allegations. In some cases, if the police report finds you clearly and completely at fault, you might be advised to accept—but most of the time, your attorney will urge you to deny them. Of course, you’ll want to talk over the specifics with your legal defense team.
- From there comes the discovery stage, in which an investigation into the accident will be opened. This might involve doctors’ reports, property damage assessments, the initial police report, and more. Your lawyer will walk you through this process.
- Following the discovery process, representatives of both parties will seek an agreement. It is likely that your insurance company will handle any expenses arising from a settlement, and that you will not be liable for any of it personally.
- In some cases—worst-case scenarios—a settlement cannot be reached, and the case will go to trial. This is when you will really need to rely on the expertise and passion of your legal defense team.
Being Sued Over an Accident in California
One more piece of advice: Don’t panic. This can be a frustrating experience, but if you have ace legal representation, you can rest assured that your rights will be upheld. I Accident Lawyer provides all of our clients with a robust defense—and we don’t charge you unless we deliver a victory!
If you need help defending your rights in California—especially in car accident suits—we invite you to contact our team. Contact I Accident Lawyer today.