Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Van Nuys, CA

FAQs

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

  Call 818-374-9500 to get in touch with the front desk of The Van Nuys Community Police Station.

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

  For more information on how to obtain incident reports, call the Van Nuys Area Records Unit at 818-374-1990, or visit the station in person at 6240 Sylmar Avenue in Van Nuys.

• Where are personal injury cases in Van Nuys heard?

  Personal injury cases in Van Nuys are heard at the Van Nuys Courthouse East at 6230 Sylmar Ave. in the metro. The Civil Clerk's Office (Civil Unlimited) is located on the first floor in Room 107 and is open from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. For more information on court rules and procedures, call 818 901-4799.

• How can a personal injury lawyer help in a sports-related brain injury case in Van Nuys?

  A personal injury lawyer can assist brain injury victims in holding liable parties legally accountable for compensating their losses. These lawyers can investigate liability in sports activities such as cheerleading, football, basketball, and rodeo. They can gather evidence like medical reports and witness testimonies and help file a personal injury claim in Van Nuys to recover compensation through settlement or trial.

• Should you get a personal injury lawyer if you were at fault in the accident in Van Nuys?

  If you were at fault in an accident in Van Nuys, you would not need a lawyer because your insurer will provide this as part of the benefit of insurance. There are also situations wherein multiple contributors of fault in an accident. If you need compensation for your injuries, it is best to retain a lawyer, especially if you do not like how your insurer is handling your case.

• What is a survival action claim filed in conjunction with a wrongful death lawsuit in Van Nuys?

  A survival action claim provides compensation for the estate of a person who died in Van Nuys due to the negligence of another. It is filed to sue the defendant for the deceased person's losses before death. These losses can be property damage, medical bills, and wage loss. If the deceased person died an instantaneous death during the accident, a survival action claim is not possible.

• How can an accident reconstruction specialist help in a personal injury case in Van Nuys?

  An accident reconstruction specialist can help recreate how an accident happened and provide expert testimony in a personal injury case. These professionals use techniques like computer mapping, 3D animation, and crash data analysis to prove liability and causation in the accident in Van Nuys. They use different areas of knowledge- including science and mathematics- to investigate injury- or death-causing accidents such as airplane crashes, vehicular collisions, and amusement park incidents.

• 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.