JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | June 18, 2025 | Car Accidents
After a car accident, life can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with injuries, car repairs, insurance calls, and missed work, all while trying to make sense of what happened. It’s natural to wonder if you need a lawyer or if you can handle things on your own.
In California, hiring a car accident lawyer isn’t required, but it can make a big difference in how your case turns out. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.
California Is an At-Fault State
First, it’s important to understand how car accident claims work. California is an “at-fault” or “tort” state. That means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages, usually through their insurance. If someone else was at fault, you have the right to file a claim against their insurance company or take them to court if necessary.
You’ll need to prove that the other driver was negligent, and that their negligence caused your injuries. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even if you have a strong case.
A lawyer can help prove the other driver’s fault, handle negotiations, and push back against lowball settlement offers.
When You May Not Need a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer isn’t always necessary.
You probably don’t need a car accident lawyer if:
- The accident was relatively minor
- No one was injured, or injuries were minor
- Both parties agree on who was at fault
- You’re confident the insurance company is offering a fair settlement
If you aren’t sure if you need a lawyer, there’s no harm in scheduling a free consultation. An attorney can review your case and help you decide if it makes sense to handle your own claim.
When You Should Consider Hiring a Lawyer
In some situations, hiring a lawyer after a car accident is strongly recommended.
You should consider legal help if:
- You were seriously injured
- You have ongoing or permanent medical issues
- Someone died in the accident
- You are being blamed for the crash
- The insurance company is denying or undervaluing your claim
- There are multiple parties involved or liability is complex
- The accident involved a commercial vehicle or a government entity
Serious injuries often come with high medical costs, lost income, and potentially long-term consequences. A lawyer can help you calculate the full value of your claim, including future expenses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
How a Lawyer Can Help You After a Car Accident
Car accident lawyers do more than submit paperwork. They offer professional guidance and take on the hard work of building your case.
Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Identify all at-fault parties
- Consult with medical or accident reconstruction experts
- Calculate the value of all the losses you suffered
- Handle all communication with insurance adjusters
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit if necessary and represent you in court
Having a lawyer also helps level the playing field. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to protect their bottom line. You deserve someone on your side who knows the law and will fight for your best interests.
What If You Were Partly At Fault?
California uses a pure comparative negligence rule to assign responsibility for damages when fault is shared.
You can still recover compensation if you were partly responsible for your crash, but the amount you can recover will be limited based on how much responsibility you bear.
Here’s an example scenario. You were hit by a driver making a left turn at an intersection. You suffered $40,000 in total damages. The other driver is assigned most of the blame for failing to yield and misjudging whether it was safe to turn. However, you are found 20% at fault because you were speeding.
In this example, you would only receive $32,000, or 80% of your damages.
Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto the victim to reduce payouts. A lawyer can help protect you from unfair fault claims and make sure your share of responsibility is accurate.
Car Accident Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
Most personal injury lawyers in California accept cases based on a contingency fee agreement. This arrangement gives you legal representation without paying anything upfront. The lawyer’s compensation is contingent on the success of your case. They receive their fee as a percentage of your award or settlement, but you do not pay attorneys’ fees if they don’t win your case.
Hiring a lawyer after a car accident in California isn’t always necessary, but in many cases, it’s the smartest move you can make. If you were seriously hurt, are being blamed, or are getting the runaround from insurance companies, a lawyer can help you.
Even if you’re unsure whether you need legal help, a free consultation can give you peace of mind. The decisions you make now can affect your recovery—financially, physically, and emotionally—for years to come.
Contact the Encino Personal Injury Lawyers of JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
