Be Thorough About Damage Reporting After a Car Accident

An experienced Cerritos car accident lawyer will tell you that if you get into a car crash, you need to be very clear about the damages and losses you sustained if you expect to be fairly compensated by an insurance company. Before going into detail, a brief overview of car accidents in Cerritos, California may shed some light on just how often such losses occur.

Car Accidents in Cerritos Reflect Mounting Tragedies

Statistics compiled by the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that in 2006, five people lost their lives and 434 people were injured in Cerritos car crashes. Seventeen pedestrians were injured. One bicyclist died and five were injured. Motorcycle accidents killed two and injured 18. Additionally, DUI crashes resulted in three deaths and 21 injuries. In 2007, five car accidents resulted in five fatalities. In 2008, three car crashes ended in three deaths.

Ask a Car Accident Lawyer to Help You Compile a List of Damage Claims

Some of today's most experienced Cerritos car accident lawyers often advise their clients who have been in a car crash to make a detailed list of every item that qualifies for reimbursement. This should be included in the letter of damages that you submit to an insurance adjuster. Regrettably, most car accident victims try to settle their property damage claims on their own, without first consulting a car collision lawyer. This is the exact opposite of what car crash lawyers recommend. Many car accident victims are overwhelmed by their accident and only consider the loss of their vehicle. They often forget CD and DVD players, expensive navigation systems, custom wheels and other aftermarket accessories that can run into thousands of dollars.

If the car was a Porsche, high-end Mercedes or other expensive vehicle that had to be repaired, these vehicles take a huge hit in resale value. The thing to remember is that insurance companies are in no way motivated to fully reimburse you for your damages. In fact, once you sign a release of property damage claims, you can't claim any more items later. The same holds true for the drop in value of a repaired vehicle you previously failed to mention. The insurance company is done. Case closed.

In over three decades, BISNAR | CHASE lawyers have represented over six thousand people in car, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian and other personal injury cases. The law firm has an "AV" rating, the highest level of professional excellence, by Martindale-Hubble. John Bisnar, who is the author of this article, and his partner Brian Chase each have a "Superb 10/10" Avvo rating, the highest possible. John was named a "Community Hero" by the United Way, while Brian was named a "Trial Lawyer of the Year" in 2004,one of the 2007 Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and a 2009 OC METRO Top Personal Injury Lawyer. Isn't this the legal team you want representing you? For more information on Cerritos car accident lawyers, visit the BISNAR | CHASE website at http://www.BestAttorney.com where you can get a complimentary copy of "The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your California Personal Injury Claim" ($14.99 value) or call 1-800-561-4887 for a free consultation.

Copyright 2009 BISNAR | CHASE. All Rights Reserved.

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