Best Personal Injury Lawyers in El Monte, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the El Monte Police Department is 626-580-2100.

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

  To obtain a copy of an El Monte police report, complete the request form found at https://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/2486/Application-for-Release-of-Police-Report-and-Other-Information---Revised-7-02-18-PDF and submit it to the El Monte Police Department, located at 11333 Valley Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731.

• What are examples of the most common personal injuries in El Monte?

  Personal injury is an umbrella term used to refer to the physical, emotional, or psychological harm someone sustained due to the negligence of another person. Some of the most common examples of personal injuries recorded in El Monte are soft tissue, tendon, and ligament injuries; burn injuries; amputation and missing digit injuries; spinal cord injuries; and traumatic brain injuries.

• What can you get compensated for in an El Monte personal injury claim?

  It depends on the particular details of your case. But in most El Monte personal injury cases, you should be able to receive compensation to cover all the medical expenses you incurred as a result of the incident, property damage repair costs, and the wages you lost due to the time you spent away from work because of your injuries. You may also be able to seek damages for the pain and suffering the incident caused you.

• Can you still recover damages if you were partially at fault for your accident in El Monte?

  Yes. Since El Monte follows the pure comparative negligence law that California upholds, you may still be able to recover damages even if you were 99% at fault for your accident. However, if you share liability with the defendant, you will lose a percentage of your award based on your degree of fault. For instance, if you were found to be 25% at fault for your injuries, then your award will also be reduced by 25%.

• How long will your personal injury case take to resolve in El Monte?

  There is no definitive answer to this question since many factors affect the length of time that your El Monte personal injury case will take to resolve. While you may be able to settle your case fairly quickly since personal injury cases rarely ever go to trial, there is always a possibility that you might need to take your case to court, especially if the other party and their insurance company are not being reasonable. In the event that your case has to go all the way to trial, it could take years to resolve.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in El Monte?

  You generally have two years from the date your injury occurred or should have known that you were injured to bring a personal injury lawsuit in El Monte. This legal deadline, also known as the statute of limitations, can pass faster than you might think, so it would be best to file your claim or lawsuit immediately. If you fail to take legal action within the time window, you may be barred from recovering any damages.

• 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.