Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles

FAQs

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

  You can contact 877-275-5273, the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Los Angeles, California.

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

  You can request a copy of a police report in Los Angeles, California, via mail at Los Angeles Police Department, ATTN: R&I Division Document Processing Unit, P.O. Box 30158, Los Angeles, CA 90030. You can also send an email to WC-RI@lapd.online or call 213-486-8300.

• What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Los Angeles?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the incident or one year from the day the injury was discovered. This pertains to Los Angeles car, motorcycle, pedestrian, and truck accidents. Under California law, you have three years to launch a personal injury case relating to damaged property or trespassing allegations. Personal injury lawsuits involving government entities must be filed within six months of the date of the injury.

• What is considered a serious personal injury in Los Angeles?

  Any harm that leads to death, amputation, deformities, permanent disability to a body part, loss of a fetus, or the permanent constraints in the function of a body organ that restricts the person from doing daily tasks after an incident is considered a serious personal injury. If you have significant injury claims resulting from broken bones, brain injuries, organ damage, paralysis, or wrongful death, you should speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

• Who pays the compensation for a personal injury claim in Los Angeles?

  Generally, the compensation for a personal injury claim in Los Angeles is paid by the liable party or its insurer. You must sign a settlement release form if you agree to a settlement amount. Your attorney will forward it to the responsible party's insurance company, which will provide the settlement check. Insurance companies are typically only required to pay the maximum amount of their policy.

• When can a plaintiff receive punitive damages in a Los Angeles personal injury case?

  According to the California Civil Code, personal injury victims in Los Angeles can receive punitive damages if they have evidence that their damages were caused by the defendant's malice, oppression, or fraud. The code defines malice as intentional actions intended to injure the plaintiff. Fraud is the deliberate attempt to inflict harm by deceptive activities.

• Is there a need to hire an attorney for your personal injury case in Los Angeles?

  Yes. If you have been injured resulting from the negligence of another party, you should hire a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Since most personal injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations, you should talk to an attorney immediately after the accident so you don't lose your right to sue the person who hurt you. An attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement or bring the case to trial.

• 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.