Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Santa Monica

FAQs

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

  You can contact 310-458-8491 for non-emergency situations in Santa Monica, California.

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

  In Santa Monica, California, you can get your copy of a police report in person at the Santa Monica Public Safety Facility. The Public Records Center also allows you to request a copy of a police record online. For additional information, please contact the Records Unit at 310-458-8431.

• How long do most personal injury claims take to settle in Santa Monica, California?

  Depending on the severity of the case, personal injury claims can be settled in a matter of months while others could end up in litigation, which can take up to a year to complete. The settlement period can also be affected by the amount of your claim, the severity of your injuries, and the time it takes to attain your maximum medical improvement. Furthermore, alternative dispute resolution options such as arbitration and mediation can help you resolve your issue faster than going to trial.

• What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Santa Monica, California?

  The statute of limitations in most personal injury cases in Santa Monica, California is two years from the date of the injury. Property damage claims have a three-year statute of limitations. Personal injury claims involving a government entity must be initiated within six months of the injury date. It could take up to one year from the date of the accident in some personal injury claims.

• Why should you hire a Santa Monica lawyer who specializes in personal injury law?

  Personal injury law specialization can indicate a Santa Monica lawyer's knowledge and experience in handling personal injury claims. Choosing personal injury attorneys implies they have handled comparable cases and are familiar with the potential outcomes of cases similar to yours. Personal injury attorneys' awards, board certification, and reputation are other key factors to consider. As hiring someone you are confident in is important, it is advisable to choose an experienced Santa Monica lawyer who is also a personal injury law specialist.

• Can you claim for personal injury in Santa Monica, California if you were partially at fault?

  Since California is a pure comparative negligence state, even if you were partially to blame in a Santa Monica accident, you can still seek financial damages from the other party. The comparative negligence system in California assigns liability to the parties concerned. The defendant, on the other hand, must be able to demonstrate that the plaintiff's negligence contributed to the accident in some way. If the injured person is partially to blame for the incident, the amount of compensation that he or she will receive should be reduced by the degree of culpability.

• What are the common types of personal injury cases in Santa Monica, California?

  Accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, cars, and buses are among the most common personal injury cases in Santa Monica, California. According to statistics from California's Office of Traffic Safety, Santa Monica had more motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents than other California communities of comparable size. Around 540,000 cyclists visit emergency rooms every year and a bicyclist is killed every six hours in the United States.

• 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.