San Pedro Personal Injury Lawyers

San Pedro personal injury lawyers at My Lawyer Mark have over 35 years of joint experience. They understand the law and know how to win. If you need representation to claim an accident or personal injury, take no risks and go for the safest, most convenient option. Call a personal injury lawyer at (866) 721-5808 and schedule a free consultation.

My Lawyer Mark is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles County that stands out for combining aggressive, sharp defense and humane, empathic treatment for their defendants. When you hire us, you’re hiring highly qualified pros with hours and hours of experience in court. We put you and your interests above anything and don’t settle for anything but the maximum compensation possible for your case.

San Pedro Personal Injury Lawyers: Why You Need Them

Hiring San Pedro personal injury lawyers is crucial in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. One of the primary reasons is the complexity of California’s legal system, which can be challenging to navigate without professional guidance. An experienced lawyer can interpret these laws to your advantage and build a solid case on your behalf.

Another important reason to hire a personal injury lawyer is their ability to assess your claim’s value accurately. Many people who attempt to handle their claims underestimate the compensation they are entitled to. A seasoned lawyer can calculate the full extent of your damages, ensuring you are not shortchanged, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies.

Our personal injury lawyers have access to a network of experts and resources that can strengthen your case. These professionals, including medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and investigators, can provide critical evidence and testimony that supports your claim. You might have the means to secure these essential services with a lawyer.

When you hire a lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal intricacies of your case. Dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and preparing for court can be overwhelming, especially when recovering from an injury. A lawyer takes on these burdens, advocating for your rights and working to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Accidents and Personal Injuries We Can Help You 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)

Personal Injury Claim Process Step by Step

Step 1: Initial Consultation

During your first meeting, expect a detailed discussion about the incident, your injuries, and potential legal strategies. It’s very important that you bring all relevant documents, such as medical records, police reports, and any correspondence with insurance companies.

Step 2: Investigation and Gathering Evidence

Police reports, medical records, and witness statements play a critical role in establishing the facts of your case. Expert testimony may be necessary to validate the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life.

Step 3: Filing the Claim

To file a personal injury claim in Whittier, you must submit the necessary paperwork to the appropriate court detailing your injuries and the damages sought. Avoid common mistakes such as missing filing deadlines or providing incomplete information, as these can jeopardize your case.

Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement

Negotiating with insurance companies involves back-and-forth discussions to reach a fair settlement for your injuries. It’s essential to consider whether the settlement offer is adequate or if going to trial may result in a better outcome.

Step 5: Trial (If Necessary)

Both sides present evidence during a personal injury trial, call witnesses, and make legal arguments before a judge or jury. A Whittier lawyer will meticulously prepare your case for court, ensuring all evidence is presented clearly and effectively to support your claim.

How Long Will My Personal Injury Claim Take?

The duration of a personal injury claim can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial. On average, a straightforward claim might take a few months to resolve, while more complicated cases, especially those involving severe injuries or disputes over liability, can take a year or longer to conclude.

How Much Time Do I Have to File My Claim?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, if the injury was not immediately discovered, you may have to file your claim one year from the date you became aware of it. Acting within these time limits is fundamental, as missing the deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.

The timeline is much shorter if your personal injury claim involves a state entity in California. You must file a claim with the appropriate government agency within six months of the date of the accident. If the agency denies your claim, you have six months from the date of the denial to file a lawsuit.

How Much Is My Claim Worth?

The value of a personal injury claim depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are also considered and can significantly increase the claim’s value. However, every case is unique, and a detailed evaluation by an experienced lawyer is necessary to provide an accurate estimate of what your claim might be worth.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?

Taking these steps as soon as possible can strengthen your injury claim and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve:

Ensure Safety:
First, check yourself and the others involved for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. If the vehicles are in a dangerous location, move them to a safe spot if possible, but only if it’s safe to do so.
Call the Police:
Contact the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. A police report is vital evidence for your claim, providing an official account of what happened. After the accident, you can request the California accident police report online at our site for free.
Document the Scene:
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and other relevant details. This visual evidence can be invaluable later on.
Exchange Information:
Collect the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details from all parties involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.
Avoid Admitting Fault:
When speaking with the other parties involved or with the police, avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as accepting blame. Stick to the facts when describing what happened.
Look for Medical Attention:
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical record linking your injuries to the accident is essential for your claim.
Keep Detailed Records:
Maintain a detailed record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident. This includes receipts, doctor’s notes, and any communication with insurance companies.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer:
Look for San Pedro personal injury lawyers to discuss your case and understand your rights. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Follow Up on Medical Care:
Continue to follow your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments. Proper medical care is crucial for your recovery and for documenting the full extent of your injuries.

Can I Claim Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault?

Yes, you can still claim compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, thanks to California’s comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, let’s say the total compensation for the accident is determined to be $100,000, but you are found to be 30% at fault. Here’s how the calculation would work:

Total Compensation: $100,000
Your Percentage of Fault: 30%
Fault Deduction: 30% of $100,000 = 0.30 × $100,000 = $30,000

So, your compensation would be:

$100,000 – $30,000 = $70,000

In this scenario, you would receive $70,000 in compensation after accounting for your share of the fault.

Useful Links if You Have an Accident in San Pedro

How Can I Pay for a Personal Injury Lawyer?

My Lawyer Mark works with contingency fees. Contingency fees are a common payment arrangement used by personal injury lawyers, particularly in Los Angeles. Under a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon winning your case. This means that the lawyer only gets paid if you receive a settlement or a court award.

When you hire a personal injury lawyer on a contingency fee basis, you do not pay any upfront fees or hourly rates. The lawyer takes on the financial risk of pursuing your case, covering costs like filing fees, expert witnesses, and other expenses. If the lawyer successfully resolves your case, they receive a percentage of the compensation you are awarded.

If your lawyer fails to win your case or secure a settlement, you generally owe them something for their legal services. This arrangement makes it financially feasible for people to pursue personal injury claims without the burden of legal fees upfront. It also allows you to heal from your wounds while your lawyer works on your claim.