Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Pasadena

FAQs

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

  626-744-4241 is the hotline for non-emergency of the Pasadena Police Department.

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

  You can request a copy of police record from the Pasadena Police Department by calling its Records Administrator at 626-744-4555 or filling out the online form at https://egov1.cityofpasadena.net/Apps/PRAS2/Form/Request.aspx?_ga=2.95806111.2026665085.1536070721-1088687768.1534261733. To make sure the scope of the request is clear enough for staff to assess if they have the documents you are requesting, you should provide the date and subject of the record, a concise and detailed summary of the record, and your full contact details.

• How can you determine if your injuries from a Pasadena car accident are serious?

  Your injuries after a Pasadena accident are not minor if:

  • You were brought to the ER or an urgent care center.
  • A brain injury or concussion occurred to you.
  • You experience neck or back pain, mainly when it tingles in the affected area.
  • Even after a week or month of relaxation, your wounds have not healed.

• What actions could you take if an uninsured driver struck you in a Pasadena car accident?

  You are entitled to reimbursement from your own insurance provider if an uninsured motorist strikes you in a Pasadena automobile accident. But, sometimes, your insurance provider won't pay for all of your damages, even if you have uninsured motorist coverage. To obtain just compensation for your damages, you might need to sue the negligent driver or your insurance provider in court.

• How long does settling a personal injury lawsuit in Pasadena take?

  The length of time it takes to settle a Pasadena personal injury case depends on a variety of variables, including the severity of your injuries, the number of parties involved, and the willingness of those responsible for reaching a just settlement. When matters get to trial, they can take much longer; however, the reward might be bigger, making the wait worthwhile.

• What losses are compensable in a Pasadena personal injury claim?

  Special and general damages are two categories of compensatory damages that can be awarded in personal injury lawsuits in Pasadena. Special damages are what cover the injured party's out-of-pocket costs associated with their injury. They consist of lost pay, medical expenses, and expenses for fixing broken property. On the other hand, pain and suffering, reputational harm, and diminished quality of life are a few examples of general or non-economic damages.

• Will a Pasadena police report identify the responsible party in an accident?

  Indeed, the standard Pasadena police report will state who the police officer believes to be at fault for an auto collision. On the other hand, the officer won't attempt to identify the party they believe to be at fault for the crash if they are unsure who is legally responsible. This circumstance arises when both drivers try to place the blame on the other, and no eyewitnesses come forward to provide a neutral third-party viewpoint.

• 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.