Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Norwalk

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency station phone number of Norwalk police is 562-863-8711.

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

  You may obtain a copy of a criminal report in Norwalk by either requesting for it in person at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or through the mail:

  12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 120 Norwalk, California 90650

  For more information, visit http://shq.lasdnews.net/shq/TSD/faqs.htm.

• What does compensation from a personal injury claim in Norwalk usually cover?

  If you are looking to file a personal injury claim in Norwalk, there are two types of compensation that you may be able to recover from the party or parties who caused your accident and injuries. Economic compensation covers financial expenses and losses, such as medical bills, lost income, property damage, future treatment costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for pain and suffering.

• Is there a cap for the damages you can recover from a personal injury case in Norwalk?

  Generally, there are no limits on economic damages in Norwalk, so you can always recover the maximum amount. The only type of damages capped in California are non-economic damages, particularly in situations of medical negligence. Under California Civil Code section 3333.2, the cap for medical malpractice cases is $250,000. This limit does not apply to other kinds of personal injury cases.

• Is there a difference between bodily injury and personal injury in Norwalk?

  In its strictest sense, bodily injuries are a subset of personal injuries. If you got hurt in a Norwalk accident, you may sustain a physical injury, illness, or disease resulting from the incident. All of these can be referred to as bodily injury. Meanwhile, personal injury has a broader scope. It is a term that can be used to refer to injuries to the body, mind, or emotions.

• Will you still be entitled to damages in Norwalk if you are partially at fault for the accident?

  Yes. Since California follows the pure comparative negligence rule, you may still be able to recover damages even if you’re partly to blame for the Norwalk accident that caused your injuries. But under this rule, your award will be reduced by the percentage of the fault your share in the incident. For instance, if you were awarded $100,000 in a case and the jury states that you’re 10% at fault for the accident, the total award you will get to take is $90,000.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim in Norwalk?

  In most cases, you have two years from the date when you sustained your injuries to file a personal injury claim in Norwalk. This legal deadline is also known as the statute of limitations. If you belatedly discover an injury or a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended to accommodate your claim. Furthermore, if you fail to file your claim within the two-year window, you may lose your chances of recovering any damages.

• 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.