Best Personal Injury Lawyers in South Gate

FAQs

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

  The City of South Gate Police Department can be alerted about non-emergency situations at 323-563-5436.

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

  Please call the South Gate Records Division at 323-563-5401 to request a copy of an incident report. Inquire with a records clerk if the report you need is releasable.

• Who is liable for damages if a road accident in South Gate involves an at-fault rideshare driver?

  Liability in rideshare accidents depends on whether or not the driver has already picked up a passenger from the service. At-fault drivers who were clocked into the application when the accident happens can be held liable together with the rideshare company. Victims may seek damages from the drivers’ and Uber or Lyft’s insurance. Negligent drivers who have neither accepted a ride nor picked up a passenger in South Gate will bear liability for an accident, just like any other driver.

• Can you still file a medical malpractice claim in South Gate four years after the incident?

  You can no longer seek medical malpractice-related damages in South Gate if you have been enduring the injury for four years. California law only gives victims one year after knowing they were injured or three years after incurring the injury, whichever comes first. However, these time limits do not apply to injuries that are difficult to detect, such as when foreign objects are left in the body during surgery.

• Is there a deadline for filing a claim against a South Gate hospital for a birth injury?

  Yes. Birth injury claims in South Gate are only acceptable if they are filed before the child turns eight. Typically, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is 1-3 years. However, California law provides an exception for birth injuries because some may not show themselves right away and could still impact a child throughout his or her growth.

• Can your South Gate injury settlement be paid in staggered amounts?

  Yes. Once compensation is secured, your South Gate personal injury attorney can arrange a structured settlement. A lump sum payment could be impractical when a large settlement is involved. The injured plaintiff can instead receive a series of tax-free payments in the future, which can either serve as an income source or cover expenses like long-term healthcare.

• How much will a South Gate attorney get from a personal injury recovery?

  Personal injury lawyers in South Gate usually charge at least 33% of a gross settlement or award. This figure may increase to 40% or 50% if the case goes to trial. It can also be lower than 33%. Some attorneys offer their services on a “sliding scale” fee basis, in which they only get paid for the stage of the case they were able to resolve.

• 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.