Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Huntington Beach

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency dispatch phone number of the Huntington Beach Police Department is 714-960-8825.

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

  To obtain a copy of a Huntington Beach police report, submit a request at https://huntingtonbeachca.mycusthelp.com/webapp/_rs/(S(lx54iv4olocfn3pewbuorx4b))/supporthome.aspx.

• Who should be held liable in dog bite cases in Huntington Beach?

  Huntington Beach and the rest of California state adhere to a strict liability rule when it comes to dog attacks, and this rule states that when a dog causes an injury to someone, its owner is fully responsible for the damages resulting from the incident, regardless of whether their dog has a history of attacks. A dog bite or attack victim will only be held liable if their presence in the location of the incident is unlawful or if they provoked the dog in any way.

• What can you do if you can’t afford a personal injury lawyer to represent you in Huntington Beach?

  If you think you can’t afford the services of a Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer, look for one who offers legal representation on a contingency fee basis. Lawyers who work under this arrangement give injured people an opportunity to obtain the compensation that they deserve, regardless of their financial standing, as they will only charge you if they successfully secure compensation for you, and their fee is a percentage of your total award.

• Is there a cap on the compensation you can receive for pain and suffering in Huntington Beach?

  In Huntington Beach, most non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering, are not capped. This means that, generally, there are no limits to how much you can recover for your reduced quality of life, emotional distress, and loss of guidance and consortium. These damages may be non-tangible, but they are still highly valuable in the context of a legal settlement.

• Can you still recover damages if you are partially at fault for your accident in Huntington Beach?

  Yes. Since Huntington Beach follows California’s pure comparative negligence doctrine, you may still be able to recover damages through a personal injury claim even if you are partially at fault for the accident from which you sustained injuries. However, your total award will be reduced by a portion equal to your percentage of fault for causing the accident. For instance, if you were found to be 10% at fault in a lawsuit worth $100,000, you will roughly receive $90,000.

• How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Huntington Beach?

  If you are looking to file a personal injury claim in Huntington Beach, you must do so within two years from the date of the incident that caused your injuries or the date when you discovered your injuries. If you fail to take legal action within this time window, otherwise known as the statute of limitations, you are likely to lose the opportunity to recover 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.