Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Long Beach, CA

FAQs

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

  The Long Beach Police Department can be reached at 562-435-6711.

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

  Complete an application form to request the release of an incident report. Deliver the request in person or by mail to the Long Beach Police Department and indicate that it is for the Records Division. You may download the form at: https://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/police/media-library/documents/how-do-i/request-a-police-report/report-receipt--single-sided_fillable--pd2310-004-rev-06-2022.

• Should you get medical treatment immediately after a Long Beach accident?

  Yes, you need to seek medical treatment at the soonest time possible. Failure to do so could give insurers a reason to dispute your personal injury claim in Long Beach. They could argue that you did not see a doctor because your injuries did not need treatment. Even if your car was damaged or impounded in a crash, you must prioritize getting medical attention.

• Can you still see a doctor for your injuries in an accident in Long Beach, even if you have no health insurance and cannot afford treatment?

  Yes, that is if you are confident in your and your lawyer’s ability to prove that the other party was at fault in the accident. A personal injury attorney may be able to connect you to healthcare professionals and specialists in Long Beach who take medical liens. They can treat you first and wait for your case to be resolved so they can receive payment from your settlement. However, if you lose your case, remember that your bills will not be waived.

• What will affect a gas tank explosion claim in Long Beach?

  The gas tank location and the cause of the explosion are critical in a personal injury claim. A lawyer needs to rule out certain scenarios, such as possible defects in the tank and improper or insufficient maintenance by the person or business which owned it. The location of the tank determines whether a victim needs to pursue compensation for his or her injuries, property damage, or both.

• Can you file a personal injury case in Long Beach three years after the accident if the at-fault party has left California?

  You might still have a shot at filing a case, but better to consult a lawyer. Normally, personal injury cases in Long Beach need to file suit within the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions to this rule. The two-year period may be extended if the at-fault individual leaves California after the accident.

• Is it certain that you would get a settlement from a Long Beach personal injury claim?

  No. While many cases are settled out of court, there is no assurance that you will be offered a settlement after an accident in Long Beach. Other parties may try to put the blame on you, and your compensation could be reduced or diminished if they succeed in proving your fault. Even if a settlement is offered, it is possible that your lawyer and the at-fault party’s insurer will not agree to its terms.

• 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.