Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Santa Clarita

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency incidents, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station can be reached at (661) 260-4000.

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

  You may request a copy of an incident report in Santa Clarita over the phone, in person, or via mail. Please call (562) 345-4441 so the police can review if a report could be released to you. Please provide relevant information such as your full name, date of birth, and the date and location of the incident.

• What are the disadvantages of handling a personal injury claim in Santa Clarita on your own?

  You can definitely file a claim with an insurance company by yourself, but the settlement offer you will get may not reflect what is just and adequate for your situation. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to accept a lower settlement amount. Hiring a Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer will help you protect your right to fair compensation.

• If your child was bitten by a dog in Santa Clarita, will the dog owner be liable for the cost of psychological treatment?

  Yes, dog owners in Santa Clarita can be held accountable for all the expenses related to your child's recovery, whether psychological or physical. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of trauma than adults. A dog attack may leave them with emotional distress in the form of nightmares, sleep disturbances, and problems with emotion regulation.

• Why should you be careful with what you say after getting into a road accident in Santa Clarita?

  You should always be careful with your statements about an accident in Santa Clarita because what you say and your actions could be taken against you. It is important to be level-headed and cooperative at the accident scene, but do not go as far as to apologize or say that it was your fault. Otherwise, your compensation could end up being reduced by the percentage of your responsibility, as per California’s “pure comparative fault” guidelines.

• Who pays for the expenses if you were in a rental car during a collision in Santa Clarita?

  The at-fault driver and his or her insurer will be held liable for a rental car accident in Santa Clarita. This may play out in various scenarios. If you were driving the rental car and were at fault for the crash, the rental car insurance stated in your contract, if any, could cover the expenses. If the other driver was at fault, their insurer should reimburse the damages. You may also collect benefits from your personal insurance policy.

• If you are frustrated with the claims process and cannot help it, is it alright to yell at an insurance adjuster in Santa Clarita?

  No. Never take out your frustration on an insurance adjuster because it will not help your Santa Clarita injury claim. Insurance adjusters are only protecting their interests as insurance employees. Respectfully disagree if you must, but do not take things personally. Otherwise, it could only make dealing with them more difficult for you and your lawyer.

• 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.