Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Lancaster, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number of the Lancaster Sheriff's Station is (661) 948-8466.

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

  Submit a request by calling the Public Services Section at (562) 345-4441. Please provide your full name, birth date, the date and location of the incident, and ID card details. You can either set an appointment to get your copy when it is ready or have it mailed to you.

• When is an injury considered "catastrophic" in Lancaster?

  There are no hard rules regarding what qualifies as “catastrophic injury” in Lancaster. But generally speaking, a catastrophic injury has long-lasting and severe effects on the lives of injured individuals and their family members. Victims can no longer exercise bodily functions as they could before an accident. Some examples of catastrophic injuries are paralysis, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, vision and hearing loss, and amputation.

• When should you file a Lancaster personal injury claim for a workplace accident?

  You could claim damages for a workplace accident in Lancaster if there were another at-fault party besides your employer. On-the-job mishaps in places like construction sites can result in complex cases involving equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, property owners, subcontractors, or company vendors. If the liability rests only with your employer, you should file a workers’ compensation claim instead.

• What can complicate a claim following an Uber accident in Lancaster?

  While Uber has commercial liability insurance to compensate injured passengers and non-passenger victims, this only applies when a driver’s personal insurance policy lacks coverage. Uber can deflect fault to drivers because the company does not consider them as employees but as independent contractors. Moreover, it calls itself a technology, not a transportation provider. Sometimes, there are gray areas for specific situations, such as when an Uber driver uses other ridesharing apps simultaneously and gets into an accident in Lancaster.

• Can you seek damages if you were partly at fault for a Lancaster accident?

  Yes, you can still seek compensation even if you were partly to blame for an accident in Lancaster. However, the damages you are entitled to may be reduced according to the percentage of fault ascribed to you, following California’s “comparative negligence” rule. For example, if you were running a red light and a speeding drunk driver hit you, he would have a greater degree of fault. But since you were not completely innocent, you would not be taking home your compensation in full.

• Will you have to testify during a trial to claim damages in Lancaster?

  Personal injury claims in Lancaster and across California usually get settled before they get to court, so you will not need to testify to get compensated for your injuries. But if your case ends up in court, you can certainly deliver a testimony.

• 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.