The moments right after a crash are a blur of adrenaline, confusion, and fear. Youâre checking to see if youâre hurt, looking at the damage to your car, and trying to figure out how youâre going to get to work tomorrow. Then the real headache starts. The phone calls from adjusters, the mounting medical bills, and the realization that your life has been turned upside down because someone else wasn’t paying attention.
It feels like you are against the world, but it doesn’t have to be.
At Haffner Law, we stand between you and the insurance giants who treat your pain like a line item on a spreadsheet. Insurance companies are businesses first. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible to protect their profits. Our goal is different. We focus on the paperwork, the negotiations, and the legal fight so you can focus on the only thing that matters right now: getting better.
Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney (Not Just an Insurance Claim)
The Danger of “Quick” Settlements
Here is the trap: An adjuster calls you within 24 hours. They sound friendly. They offer a quick check (
 500â500â500â
1,000) to “close the file.” Do not sign it. Once you accept a settlement, the case is closed forever. If your neck starts hurting a week later (common with whiplash), you cannot ask for more money. We ensure your settlement covers future medical needs, not just yesterday’s bills.
Leveling the Playing Field
Insurance companies use software (like Colossus) designed to underpay claims. Without a lawyer, you are just a claim number. With us, you are a litigation threat. We use accident reconstructionists and black box data to prove the other driver was at fault.
No Upfront Fees
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront. We advance all litigation costs, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Los Angeles traffic is notorious for a reason. We handle the full spectrum of motor vehicle accidents.
- Rear-End Collisions: Whiplash and spinal injuries often don’t show up for days after being rear-ended. We fight for the full value of these “soft tissue” injuries that insurers love to deny.
- Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft): Crashes involving rideshare vehicles are legally complex. We navigate the “insurance period” rules to access the $1 million corporate liability policies when applicable.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: If the other driver flees, you aren’t out of luck. We help you file a claim against your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) policy to get your bills paid without raising your rates.
- Drunk Driving Accidents (DUI): We pursue Punitive Damages against drunk drivers to punish their reckless behavior and maximize your compensation.
- T-Bone & Intersection Crashes : High-impact side collisions often result in severe fractures and internal injuries. We use traffic cam footage to prove who ran the red light.
Recovering Damages: What Is Your Claim Worth?
Itâs not just about paying the doctor bills you have today; itâs about securing your financial future.
Economic Damages (The Bills)
- Medical Expenses: Ambulance fees, ER visits, surgeries, and future physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for the paychecks you missed while recovering.
- Diminished Value: The loss of your vehicle’s resale value because it now has an accident history.
Non-Economic Damages (The Human Cost)
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical agony you endured.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, PTSD, or a new fear of driving.
- Loss of Enjoyment: When injuries prevent you from hiking, playing sports, or holding your children.
Understanding California Car Accident Laws
Pure Comparative Negligence
California is a “Pure Comparative Negligence” state. This means you can recover money even if you were partially at fault. If a jury finds you 20% responsible, you can still collect 80% of your damages. Do not let an adjuster tell you that you have no case just because you were speeding.
The Statute of Limitations (Deadlines)
Generally, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, if you were hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, Caltrans truck), you often have only six months to file a claim. If you miss this window, your case is dead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
- Call 911: Get a police report (crucial for establishing fault).
- Gather Evidence: Photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and the other driverâs license.
- Seek Medical Attention: Go to the ER or Urgent Care immediately. Adrenaline masks pain.
- Do NOT admit fault: Never say “I’m sorry” at the scene.
Is it worth getting a lawyer for a car accident?
Yes. Studies show that accident victims with attorneys receive settlements 3.5x higher than those who handle claims themselves. Insurers know they can lowball unrepresented victims.
How long does a car accident settlement take?
It depends on the severity of your injuries. A simple case might settle in 3â6 months. However, if you need surgery or liability is disputed, it can take 1â2 years. We never recommend settling before you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
This is where Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage saves you. If you have UM on your policy (and you should), your own insurer steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver. We handle this claim for you to ensure your own company treats you fairly.
Don’t Let the Evidence Disappear â Call Us Today
Skid marks fade. Traffic cameras overwrite footage in 48 hours. Witnesses move away. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case.
Contact Haffner Law today for a free consultation. Let us handle the fight so you can get back to living your life.
