Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Buena Park

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Buena Park, California?

  For a non-emergency dispatch from Buena Park police, call (714) 562-3902.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Buena Park, California?

  Visit the police station at 6640 Beach Blvd. in Buena Park to fill out a request form, and the incident report will be mailed to you in 10 working days. Contact the Records Bureau by phone at (714) 562-3925 or by fax at (714) 523-2911.

• What is a wrongful death claim in a personal injury case in Buena Park?

  A wrongful death claim is a type of personal injury case wherein a family files a lawsuit for the death of their injured member. Under California law, persons who can file a wrongful death claim in Buena Park are immediate family members, relatives, and persons who were financially dependent on the deceased. Only one claim can be filed against a single defendant and must be filed within two years after the decedent's death to be valid.

• What happens next after the defendant is served with a personal injury lawsuit in Buena Park?

  A defendant in Buena Park has 30 days to respond to a personal injury lawsuit and can provide a response, challenge, and denial, or file a court motion such as a motion to transfer. However, if the defendant fails to respond within 30 days, which includes weekends and court holidays, a default in judgment will be entered. The 30-day count includes weekends and court holidays.

• Can a personal injury claimant in Buena Park pursue damages for emotional distress?

  Yes. A personal injury claimant in Buena Park suffering from anxiety, depression, and stress related to the physical injury can seek monetary compensation for emotional distress. Claimants can also pursue compensation if intentional harm that causes emotional distress has been inflicted on them. Innocent bystanders- immediate family members like a spouse or child- who were in the "danger zone" and unwillingly witnessed a traumatic accident involving their family may also file for damages.

• Is a personal injury award in Buena Park taxable?

  Some items in a personal injury award in Buena Park may be taxable. This includes compensation for past and future lost wages, usually given to replace lost taxable income. Compensation for past and future medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering are not considered taxable, with a few exceptions. Punitive damages, which are awarded on rare occasions, will be taxed.

• Do you need to report the accident in Buena Park to your insurer?

  Report any accidents in Buena Park to your insurer if it involves another driver, even if it is minor. You could face penalties or issues with your policy in the future if you fail to send a notice to your insurance company. Insurance companies require policyholders to report any vehicular collisions on time. However, if the tragedy occurred on your property and no other parties were involved, it would be in your best interest to notify your insurance company immediately.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.