Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Torrance

FAQs

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

  The Torrance Police responds to non-emergency calls at (310 ) 618 -5641.

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

  Inquiries about records may be made at 310-618-5529 and the Torrance Police Department is at 3300 Civic Center Dr.

• Is it possible to have a car accident personal injury suit in Torrance where none of the drivers were negligent?

  Yes, while it's common for car accident cases in Torrance to involve at least one careless driver, sometimes the fault lies with a separate party. Some automobile crashes have a product defect component because motor vehicle makers make faulty products or parts that lead to careful motorists losing control. It is also possible for local governments to be liable for poorly maintained or badly designed roads that have hidden potholes or blind spots.

• Is it possible to sue the owner of a strip mall's parking lot in Torrance if poor lighting caused the driver to miss a pothole and lose control?

  Yes, it is possible to sue a property owner in Torrance whose strip mall parking lot is poorly lit and conceals dangerous potholes. A property that's open to the public must be kept safe for members of the community. It is possible that the party responsible for keeping the parking lot safe is the owner of the land, the proprietor of the mall, or a separate management company. But whoever should have lit and repaired the area is liable.

• If a construction site worker in Torrance has a bad fall at work, who are the parties potentially liable for a personal injury suit?

  If a construction site worker in Torrance has a bad fall at work, it is possible to sue the owner of the general contractor behind the project and the owner of the property, since the duty to keep safety gear available and in working order falls on these two parties. At times, a third-party safety crew and equipment provider is also on the hook.

• What are the hazards specific to operating buses in Torrance that lead to personal injury suits?

  Operating buses in Torrance are dangerous due to the size of the vehicle causing a number of blind spots at the sides and back. The bulk of large public transport means that the time it takes to brake is lengthened, and it is harder to maneuver and promptly respond to sudden changes on the road. These vehicles also carry a lot of passengers, raising the number of people who could be maimed or killed.

• Is it ok for a cash-strapped person to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Torrance to simply ask for legal advice without fear of being roped into hidden charges or fees?

  Generally, yes, it is safe to ask for legal advice from a personal injury lawyer in Torrance for simple advice. There are multiple law firms that do not charge fees for the first consultation yet hold the information gathered in confidence. Some offices also accept fees on a contingency basis and will charge no fees for the entire case and instead seek a cut of the courtroom award or negotiated settlement.

• 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.