Pasadena Car Accident Attorney

Traffic Accidents Happen for Many Reasons

Car accidents happen for many reasons, and understanding the common causes can help you stay vigilant on the road. It can also help to identify when someone else should be liable for your losses, which means you should immediately consult our Pasadena car accident lawyers. 
Here are some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in the area:

• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving
• Aggressive driving
• Violating any traffic laws

Remember, accidents can happen to anyone, even the most cautious drivers, due to the negligence of others. Allow our legal team to hold negligent drivers accountable for your injuries.

Knowing the Value of Your Claim

When seeking compensation from liable drivers after a Pasadena car accident, it’s necessary to know the value of your claim. Understanding the damages you can seek ensures you do not accept adequate compensation for your injuries and losses.

• Medical bills: First and foremost, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses. This includes not only the cost of immediate medical care, but also any ongoing treatment or rehabilitation that may be necessary. It’s important to keep track of all medical bills, prescription costs, and any other related expenses, as these will be factored into your claim.
• Lost income: Another type of damages you can seek are lost wages. If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you can request compensation for the income you lost during that time. This includes not only your regular wages, but also any bonuses or benefits that you missed out on.
• Pain and suffering: Additionally, you may seek compensation for pain and suffering. This category covers the physical and emotional distress you endured as a result of the accident and your injuries. It can include things like the pain from your injuries, the stress and anxiety caused by the accident, and even the impact on your quality of life.

We can identify and assess all your losses and conduct professional calculations based on evidence and expert opinions. Our Pasadena car accident attorneys at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers will determine the full value of your claim and protect you throughout the legal process. 

Let Us Lead the Car Accident Legal Process

The process of seeking compensation is complicated, with many obstacles and challenges. You should never attempt to even begin the process alone, as doing so can put your claim at risk. Instead, immediately put your case in the hands of Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers and let us handle every step of the car accident legal process for you. 

• Filing an insurance claim: The first step in the car accident legal process is filing an insurance claim. Our lawyers will gather evidence, prepare a claim, and provide accurate and detailed information to support your claim, while avoiding any statements that might hurt your position or create challenges.
• Insurance negotiations: The next step is insurance negotiations. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to review the information provided and may request additional documentation. Insurance companies often try to settle claims for as little as possible, so be prepared to receive a lowball offer and enter negotiations. The right attorney will level the playing field at the negotiating table so you have the best chance of receiving a favorable settlement.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit when necessary: If insurance negotiations are unsuccessful or the settlement offered is inadequate, the next step is filing a personal injury lawsuit. This involves initiating legal action against the at-fault party or parties. Your attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf. The discovery process follows, where both parties exchange relevant information and evidence to prepare for trial.
• Settlement negotiations: Pre-trial negotiations can occur at any stage of the legal process after filing a lawsuit. Your attorney will negotiate with the other party's attorney or insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. 
• Trial: During the trial, a judge or jury will hear the evidence and make a decision. It is important to have a skilled attorney by your side to present your case effectively and advocate for your rights.

Personal injury cases generally settle long before the trial stage, and your lawyer’s strong negotiation skills can help resolve the matter out of court. However, if your case requires a trial, you also want your attorney to be prepared to head into court. At Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers, we prepare each case as if we are going to trial, so we are in the strongest position to obtain fair compensation for you. 

Questions You Should Ask Your Lawyer

If you suffered injuries in a car crash, you want to hire a lawyer you can trust to do whatever it takes to secure your compensation. You should look for someone who knows the ins and outs of car accident injury cases in Texas, and who is confident when overseeing the claim process. Before hiring an attorney, you meet for a free consultation and case evaluation. This meeting allows our attorneys to assess your situation and determine whether you have a viable case. However, this consultation also helps you decide if our law firm is the right fit for you. 

Some questions to consider asking at your initial consultation include:

• How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
• How often do you handle similar car accident cases?
• How will you manage my case?
• Will you handle my case personally? 
• Who will serve as my routine contact person? 
• Will I receive routine updates, or only when something significant takes place?
• Who should I try to reach with questions, and how? 
• What are my case’s strengths and weaknesses? 
• What is the value of my claim? 
• Do I stand a good chance of settlement? 
• Will my case go to trial? 
• How good are your chances of a successful outcome?

Your attorney may not have complete answers regarding your case, especially early in the process, but the answers should factor into your decision about whether to pursue your case.