Car Accident FAQs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

If you or a cherished family member has been injured in an auto accident, motorcycle accident, or bus or trucking accident, you are probably finding it difficult to know what you should do and where you should turn for help.  Laws pertaining to motor vehicle accidents can be complex and confusing and can vary drastically from state to state.  During what is probably among the most emotionally trying periods of your life, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you are entrusting your case, and your rights, to a lawyer worthy of such responsibility.

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If you are in the Santa Ana and Orange County region and have been involved in an auto accident, a car accident lawyer from Roberts | Jeandron Injury Attorneys can provide the guidance you need and the committed, trustworthy representation you deserve.  On this page, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about auto accidents.  Please note that these short questions and answers should not be construed as legal advice, but are intended for informational purposes only.  For detailed answers to questions regarding your specific case, please contact our law offices today.

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Against whom can I file a claim if I have been injured and it was someone else’s fault?

Anyone who is involved in an auto accident or is injured due to the negligence of another is entitled to bring a claim against the person or persons at fault, along with any other person or entity whose negligent actions may have caused the injury.

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I cannot afford an attorney. How can I obtain legal representation?

If we accept your case, Roberts | Jeandron Injury Attorneys will not require you to pay any legal fees until we successfully resolve your claim. Roberts | Jeandron Injury Attorneys Firm handles all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay any attorney fees unless you receive compensation for your injuries. If we win or settle your case and you receive compensation for your injuries, you pay a percentage of that compensation as a fee for our service. If you do not win the case or settle, you do not pay any attorney fees. Generally, if the case settles before we go to trial, you pay a smaller percentage as an attorney fee. This contingency fee agreement means that you face no risk in retaining the services of a Santa Ana and Orange County-area auto accident and car accident lawyer from Roberts | Jeandron Injury Attorneys.

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What is my case worth?

The worth of your personal injury case depends on the particular circumstances surrounding your accident, the medical expenses involved in treating your injuries, and the severity of your pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or any other type of accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses involved in treating your injuries (doctors’ bills, physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, etc.)
  • Lost income, both present and future
  • Pain, suffering, and inconvenience
  • Damage to personal property (vehicle damage, damaged property within the vehicle, etc.)
  • Expenses associated with disability (child care, shuttle service, medical supplies)

Schedule a consultation at Roberts | Jeandron Injury Attorney’s Santa Ana and Orange County-area office to speak with an auto and car accident lawyer and obtain a no-cost analysis of your potential case. We will explain your legal options to you, as well as what you may expect from your case.

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What if I’m injured as a passenger in a friend’s car and the accident is my friend’s fault?

While some people might refrain from filing an injury claim in this or a similar situation, any friend whose actions cause you injury is responsible for compensating you for those injuries. Additionally, keep in mind that if the friend has proper insurance coverage, it is the insurance company that will most likely have to pay the damages.

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What if I’m injured as a passenger in a car and the driver at fault doesn’t have auto insurance?

If you have your own auto insurance which provides uninsured motorist coverage, you may submit a claim for compensation to your own insurance company, even though you were a passenger.

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What if I’m hit by a car while riding my bike and the driver at fault doesn’t have auto insurance?

Bicycle accidents often result in serious personal injury, including brain and spinal cord injuries or even wrongful death. If you have your own auto insurance, or are named as an additional insured on any other person’s auto insurance, and such insurance policy provides uninsured motorist coverage, you may submit a claim for compensation to your own insurance company if you were injured as a result of a bicycle accident involving an uninsured motorist.

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What if I’m injured in an auto accident and I don’t have auto insurance?

If you are the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident, even if you are not at fault, you cannot recover damages for pain and suffering if you do not have automobile insurance. However, you may still recover money to pay for property damage, medical bills, and lost income.

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Should I call an attorney now or wait until I complete medical treatment?

To maintain the maximum value of your auto accident case, do not delay in contacting a car accident lawyer. There are time limitations for filing various types of claims — usually one to two years after the accident, but sometimes less.

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Can’t I just settle my claim without an attorney?

Yes, but you will most likely not receive the same compensation for your losses as you would through the representation of a skilled auto accident lawyer. Insurance companies know that unrepresented parties are usually not aware of the full value of their claims and will generally make settlement offers that are significantly less than those claims are worth. However, once an attorney is involved, an insurance company must consider the risks of litigation, the expenses of a trial, and the quality of representation provided by opposing counsel when determining the amount of money to offer on a claim. The value of a claim goes up when the insurance company knows that there is a threat of litigation, which is present when a respected car accident lawyer is representing you.

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What is “attorney-client privilege”?

Attorney-client privilege means that any legal information or matter that you discuss with your attorney is completely confidential and the attorney cannot reveal that information to anyone else. Aside from certain exceptions and unless you consent to release legal information pertaining to your case, your auto accident lawyer is required by law to keep all of your information confidential.

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Schedule a Consultation with Roberts | Jeandron Injury Attorneys

Most legal questions require complex answers; the short answers provided here may not be completely relevant to your case. For more detailed answers to your specific questions, contact our Santa Ana and Orange County-area office to speak with an auto and car accident lawyer regarding your case.