Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Hollywood, CA

FAQs

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

  877-ASK-LAPD is the non-emergency line for the police station in Hollywood.

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

  To get a copy of a police report related to your case in Hollywood, reach out to the Records and Identification Division (R&I) at 100 West 1st Street Room P1-731, Los Angeles, CA 90012, or call 213-486-8300 or 213-486-8310. Be aware that the R&I Division does not provide arrest reports to suspects or offer crime or traffic reports at the public counter. Instead, submit requests for crime or traffic reports by mail to:

  Los Angeles Police Department ATTN: R&I Division Document Processing Unit P.O. Box 30158 Los Angeles, CA 90030

• How frequent are injuries and accidents in Hollywood?

  Hollywood experiences a high number of injuries and accidents each year. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that within one year, 88,814 people were injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents, and 5,931 pedestrians were injured or killed. Bicyclists also faced accidents, with 3,389 being injured or killed. In addition, other studies from the Centers for Disease and Prevention state that about 200,000 Californians miss work due to work-related injuries, and 800,000 are hospitalized for fall-related injuries annually.

• What are the common injuries in a Hollywood accident that lawyers handle?

  Some common injuries in a Hollywood accident that injury lawyers handle include broken or fractured bones, cuts, scrapes, road rash, soft-tissue injuries to the neck or back, emotional trauma or mental anguish, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries. This is not an exhaustive list, and most lawyers can assist with a wide range of injuries.

• How long does a personal injury case take to resolve in Hollywood?

  The length of time it takes for a Hollywood personal injury case to resolve varies and is dependent on factors such as the strength of your evidence, the amount and types of compensation being pursued, cooperation from the opposing party, and if there are multiple liable parties. It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year for the case to be resolved.

• What factors determine premises liability in Hollywood?

  In Hollywood, property owners are presumed to have knowledge of a hazardous or dangerous condition on the property if it was created by them, if it posed a permanent risk, or if they knew of its potential for injury. However, owning a property does not automatically make an individual liable for injury there. The key factor is negligence.

• Is it possible to seek compensation if you are held responsible for an accident in Hollywood?

  Under California's pure comparative negligence law, even if you are partially at fault for an accident in Hollywood, you can still recover damages. The compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you bear. For example, if you are found 40% responsible, you can still recover 60% of the settlement or court verdict. Insurance companies may try to assign some blame to you, but by working with a personal injury attorney, you can gather evidence to support your case and minimize allegations of responsibility.

• 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.