Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Los Angeles, CA (2024)
If you’ve been hurt in an accident due to the negligence of someone else, you might want to file a claim and force the other party to live up to their responsibilities under California law. A knowledgeable California personal injury attorney handles many types of personal injury cases in Los Angeles, CA. Retaining a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can help relieve some of the stress involved in an accident case.
Defining ‘Personal Injury’ in California
Personal injury attorneys are employed by clients who have been involved in an accident where they suffered a bodily injury. The reality is that a personal injury caused by someone else’s actions or negligence could happen at any time, leaving you or your family to deal with the fallout.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Los Angeles, CA
Many people wonder if they have sufficient grounds for a personal injury claim after they are in an accident, and an attorney can help them with these types of accidents:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
- Catastrophic injuries (accidents resulting in permanent injuries)
- Wrongful death claims (some victims do not survive an accident, and the surviving family members may want to pursue a wrongful death case against the party responsible for their wrongful death)
This list is not exhaustive, and it can be helpful to consult an attorney if you believe your injuries were caused as a result of someone else’s actions. Your attorney can learn as much as possible about the accident and injuries sustained in order to adapt their legal strategy to the facts. Then, they are able to fight for maximum recovery for each client.
The Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Los Angeles, California
The deadline to file a car accident claim in Los Angeles, California, is two years. This is called the statute of limitations or the deadline to file your case. Consequently, time is of the essence when pursuing a personal injury claim, especially if your case may involve public property or government entities, as the statute of limitations can be as short as only six months.
In order to preserve evidence for your personal injury case, fast action is crucial. You may want to have an attorney help gather information from surveillance footage or seek witness contact information. The quicker you find competent legal counsel, the better the chances for a favorable outcome.
Insurance Companies May Attempt to Deny or Limit Your Personal Injury Claim
Sometimes, insurance companies employ strategies to limit payouts on insurance claims. Insurance adjusters may even receive recognition for minimizing payouts. They may try to scrutinize the importance of medical bills, insist medical conditions were pre-existing, and even try to blame you for incurred injuries or damages.
You may feel outmatched because insurance companies have an entire team of insurance professionals trying to pay as little as possible to California injury victims. You won’t feel alone if you take them on with your own legal counsel. An attorney can help assist you when dealing with an insurance company and build your confidence when discussing your personal injury case with an insurance adjuster.
An insurance company might try to deny or limit your claim, but a skilled attorney with experience successfully handling cases just like yours can help advise you about the fairness of any offer. An experienced local attorney can provide you with the necessary peace of mind and the ability to heal from your injuries while they handle your case.
Retaining an Astute Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles, CA
At Shaffer Law, we are committed to working towards a positive resolution of your personal injury claim and guiding you towards the compensation you deserve. Our office can answer any questions you may have and set up an initial consultation.
FAQs
What Is Considered a Personal Injury Case in Los Angeles, California?
In California, ‘personal injury’ is a legal term that means someone has suffered harm to their body, mind (or even emotions) caused by another person or another party’s negligence, intentional actions, or other misconduct. Damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life and/or
- Lost wages
In short, personal injury law attempts to obtain justice and provide financial relief when you are wrongfully injured.
What Is the Average Amount of Recovery for a Personal Injury Claim in California?
The average amount of recovery for a personal injury claim in California can fluctuate greatly due to the varied nature of claims. Several factors affect recovery, including:
- Injury severity
- Incurred medical expenses
- The accident’s impact on the victim’s daily life
- The liability assessment for the at-fault party
A qualified personal injury attorney can help give a more accurate estimate of recovery for your factual circumstances.
How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out in California?
In California, personal injury settlements are usually paid as a single lump sum, which means the entire amount is paid in just one payment. Also, structured, periodic installment payments can be a payout option if long-term medical expenses exist. In both instances, the settlement check from the responsible party is typically provided to the victim’s lawyer.
Your lawyer then deducts their legal fees, administrative fees, and any relevant liens before distributing the funds to the injured party.
What Should I Ask During an Initial Consultation With an Attorney?
It is important to ask questions at an initial consultation with a California attorney. You might ask:
- What is your experience with cases just like mine?
- How do you handle this type of case?
- What are your attorney fees/costs, and what do the fees/costs include?
- Who else might work on my legal team?
- What is your communication style with your clients?
Answers provided during the consultation can help you decide whether to hire a specific lawyer for your case.
A Los Angeles, CA, Attorney Can Assist with a Wide Variety of Personal Injury Claims
Shaffer Law can help with any personal injury matters for you or a loved one in Los Angeles, CA. Our legal team can support you throughout an injury claim and answer any questions you might have. If you are ready to schedule an initial consultation with a knowledgeable local attorney, please contact us right away.
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