Van Nuys Personal Injury Lawyer

Hiring a Van Nuys personal injury lawyer can make a great difference in obtaining maximum compensation for your damages. If you were injured in an accident provoked by someone else’s negligence, you can recover medical expenses, lost salaries, repair or change your vehicle, and obtain many benefits through claiming compensation. 

My Lawyer Mark is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles that not only gives fierce representation but also treats you like family. We understand you and your family are going through a tough time after your accident. That’s why we provide 24/7 communication and use all our skills, resources, and experience in fighting for justice and the maximum compensation for you.

Schedule a free consultation by calling (866) 721-5808.   

Reasons to Hire a Van Nuys personal injury lawyer

A Van Nuys personal injury lawyer is a professional who has the expertise and resources to navigate the complex world of personal injury law. Our skilled attorneys understand the intricacies of California law and how it applies to your specific case. 

This knowledge is invaluable when dealing with insurance companies, which often prioritize their bottom line over the well-being of accident victims. We have the ability and the experience to negotiate effectively and protect your interests.

Time is a crucial factor in personal injury cases. Investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and managing the legal paperwork are time-consuming tasks. By entrusting these responsibilities to our attorney, you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Maximizing compensation is a primary goal in any personal injury case. Lawyers have the experience to calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer offers peace of mind. You can concentrate on healing without the added stress of legal matters. An experienced attorney will provide expert representation, increasing your chances of a successful outcome, whether through settlement or trial. 

And since we use contingency fees, you only pay if we win. This gives you multiple benefits: no need to pay out-of-pocket for legal services, an alignment between your interest and your lawyer’s, and little to no financial risk at the moment for facing a personal injury claim while still recovering from your injuries.

Accidents and Personal Injury Cases We Work With

Accidents

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Uber/Lyft Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Dog bite injuries
• Pedestrian accidents
• Premises liability
• Slip and fall

Personal Injuries

• Catastrophic injuries 
• Amputations
• Burn Injuries
• Paralysis
• Spinal Chord Injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

How’s The Legal Process for a Personal Injury Case?

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Discuss your case, injuries, and goals with an attorney. Bring medical records, police reports, and photos of the accident scene.

Step 2: Investigation and Gathering Evidence

Police reports, medical records, and witness statements build your case. Expert testimony can strengthen your claim by providing specialized knowledge.

Step 3: Filing the Claim

Your attorney will file a complaint outlining the accident and damages. Avoid common mistakes like delaying reporting the accident or speaking to the insurance company without legal counsel.

Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement

Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. Consider factors like your case’s strength, the injuries’ severity, and the potential costs of going to trial.

Step 5: Trial (If Necessary)

Your case will be presented to a judge and jury, deciding liability and damages. Your attorney will prepare witnesses, gather evidence, and develop a strong case strategy.

Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Claim

In California, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This timeframe is known as the statute of limitations. Knowing this deadline is extremely important, as you need to complete it to avoid pursuing legal action.

However, there are specific circumstances that can alter this two-year window. For instance, if the responsible party is a government entity, you must first file an administrative claim within six months of the injury before proceeding with a lawsuit. 

Additionally, if your injuries weren’t immediately apparent, the statute of limitations might begin from when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered them.

How Much is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

Determining the exact value of a personal injury case is complex and depends on different factors. A Van Nuys personal injury lawyer can use their experience and knowledge to assess your specific case’s value. Some of the main things to keep in mind at the moment of calculating your claim’s worth are:   

• Severity of injuries: This is often the most significant factor. Serious injuries with long-term consequences typically result in higher settlements.   
• Medical expenses: Past, current, and future medical bills directly impact the case’s value.   
• Lost wages: Income loss due to the injury is a crucial factor.   
• Pain and suffering: This is subjective but can significantly increase the settlement amount.
• Loss of consortium: If the injury affects your relationship with a spouse or partner, this can be compensated.
• Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing damaged property is included.
• Liability: The degree of the defendant’s fault in causing the injury is essential.
• Jurisdiction: Laws vary by state, affecting potential damages.   
• Insurance policy limits: The amount of available insurance coverage can cap the settlement.   
• Economic factors: Inflation and the overall economic climate can also influence settlement amounts.

How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?

The length of a personal injury case in California can vary. Factors such as the severity of injuries, the complexity of the case, and the insurance company’s cooperation play a crucial role in determining the timeline. 

Generally, the initial investigation and building of the case can take several months. If the insurance company is cooperative, a settlement might be reached within a few months. However, if negotiations fail, the case may proceed to court, which can take one to two years or longer.

Depending on the specific details of your case, a Van Nuys personal injury lawyer at My Lawyer Mark can give you a more detailed timeline. Feel free to ask this and any other questions you may have in your initial consultation.

Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident

• Ensure safety: If it’s safe to do so, move yourself or your vehicle to the side of the road. Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries (in case you were driving).
• Call 911: Even for minor accidents, it’s advisable to contact the police so they can make an official report. Afterward, you can obtain a free copy of the report by using our California accident police report online service.
• Exchange information: Get everyone involved’s names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers.  
• Document the scene: Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any injuries.   
• Gather witness information: If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
• Seek medical Attention: If you or anyone else is injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries can worsen or even cause deadly damage (for example, internal bleeding).  
• Call a Van Nuys personal injury lawyer: even before calling your insurance company, it’s advisable to call a lawyer so they can guide you through the next steps right after the accident.

Additional Tips

• Don’t admit fault: Avoid making statements about who was at fault.
• Keep a record: Maintain a detailed record of all expenses related to the accident.
•  Try to take photos of the insurance cards and driver’s licenses of the others involved.

I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident. Can I Claim Compensation?

Yes, you can still claim compensation even if you were partially at fault for an accident. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means that your ability to recover damages is partially barred if you share some responsibility for the accident.

However, the compensation you can receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re found to be 30% responsible for the accident, your awarded damages will be reduced by 30%. So, for example, you’re originally entitled to compensation worth $100,000 – $30,000 (30%) =  you receive $70,000.

It’s important that you understand that determining fault can be complex. Factors like road conditions, traffic patterns, and witness testimonies play a significant role. If you need clarification about your rights or the strength of your case, consulting with an experienced Van Nuys personal injury lawyer is highly recommended. 

Remember: acting promptly is essential. Insurance companies often have tactics to minimize payouts, so seeking legal counsel as soon as possible is advisable. It can also happen that another person involved in the accident starts a claim beforehand, which can complicate your case. 

Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Van Nuys

• DMV
• Van Nuys Police Department
• Van Nuys Fire Department
• Los Angeles County Sheriff
• Hospitals in Van Nuys
• Triple A Van Nuys

How Much Does Hiring a Van Nuys personal injury lawyer Cost?

As we mentioned earlier, My Lawyer Mark uses contingency fees. This is a unique payment arrangement between a Van Nuys personal injury lawyer and their client. Unlike traditional hourly rates or upfront retainers, the lawyer’s fee is based on a percentage of the settlement or judgment awarded to the client. If the case is unsuccessful, the client owes the lawyer nothing (AKA ‘no win, no fee’).

Contingency fees provide many individuals with accessibility to legal representation. They also align your interests and your lawyer’s, as their financial success is directly tied to the case’s outcome. Another benefit you receive is that you don’t need to pay out-of-pocket to start receiving legal representation and can focus on recovering while we start working on your defense.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Van Nuys

Hiring a Van Nuys personal injury lawyer increases your chances of obtaining maximum compensation for all the damages you received in your accident. Don’t settle for less, and don’t miss the chance of obtaining what you deserve by law. Schedule a free consultation with My Lawyer Mark by calling (866) 721-5808. You have much to win and nothing to lose.