Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Sherman Oaks

FAQs

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

  For non-emergencies in Sherman Oaks, you may call the LAPD's Van Nuys Community Police Station at 818-374-9500 for voice and 855-736-3235 for TDD/TTY.

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

  You can obtain police reports of incidents in Sherman Oaks by reaching out to the Records and Identification Division of LAPD at 213-486-8300 and 213-486-8310, Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also send an email to WC-RI@lapd.online.

• What are the usual personal injury cases that lawyers in Sherman Oaks represent clients?

  Negligent behaviors cause the usual personal injury cases that lawyers in Sherman Oaks handle. These cases may either be simple or complicated lawsuits that include motor vehicle accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 65,377 victims of automobile crashes in Los Angeles County in one year and these involve motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicycles. Some of the personal injury cases are also:

  • animal attacks
  • construction mishaps
  • premises liability accidents
  • defective products
  • maritime-related injuries
  • wrongful death
  • serious injuries

• How are you going to be compensated for a personal injury case in Sherman Oaks?

  You are going to be compensated for your personal injury lawsuit in Sherman Oaks depending on the damage you sustained in the accident. You are entitled to receive compensation for past, present, and future financial losses, as well as intangible losses, like pain and suffering. Your lawyer can also seek damages meant to punish the defendant's willful actions and remedies meant to prevent the defendant from doing further wrongdoing.

• If you decide to settle a personal injury case in Sherman Oaks, how long does it usually take to do so?

  If you plan to settle with the other party in your personal injury case in Sherman Oaks, it might take from several months to a few years depending on the complexity of the case. The time frame relies on different variables, which include issues around culpability, the various treatments needed for your injuries, and the case's level of difficulty.

• What pieces of evidence should you secure when filing for a personal injury case in Sherman Oaks?

  When filing for a personal injury lawsuit in Sherman Oaks, you need to secure several documents to support your damage claims. You may be required to provide proof of financial loss, a police report, medical reports, and diagnostic imaging documents, such as X-rays and CT scans. Other pieces of evidence that you need to include are photos and videos of the accident and your injuries, as well as bills and receipts for medical expenses, home renovations, and other costs related to the incident.

• Is there a statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit in Sherman Oaks?

  Yes, there is. Sherman Oaks follows California's filing deadlines for personal injury cases. Depending on the type of accident, the statute limitations range from one to 10 years. For example, a property damage claim should be filed within three years starting from the day of the occurrence. Medical malpractice lawsuits should be filed within a year, personal injury cases within two years, construction issues with real estate within four years, and hidden building issues within 10 years.

• 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.