Norwalk Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered an accident and got injured, hiring a Norwalk personal injury lawyer is your best option if you intend to start a claim. A lawyer can determine eligibility to receive compensation, calculate your damages, and fight to obtain the maximum amount to cover all your losses.
Whether you’re still deciding to hire a lawyer or have already decided to get legal help, schedule a free consultation with My Lawyer Mark. As a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles, we stand out for our fierce representation, vast experience, and winning spirit. On top of that, we give you as a client a human, empathic treatment. Call us today at (866) 721-5808.
Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Norwalk
Hiring a Norwalk personal injury lawyer can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Here’s why:
- Expertise: Personal injury lawyers specialize in understanding complex legal procedures and laws related to accidents and injuries. They can navigate the legal system on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
- Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements. A skilled lawyer can negotiate for a fair and just compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Experience: Personal injury lawyers have handled numerous cases similar to yours, giving them valuable insights and experience. They know what to expect and how to build a strong case.
- Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of an injury can be overwhelming. A lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Contingency Fee Arrangements: Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This eliminates upfront costs and financial risk for you.
Accidents and Injuries We Handle
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 Cases, Step by Step
Step 1: Initial Consultation
- What to expect during your first meeting: During your initial consultation, you’ll discuss the details of your accident, injuries, and potential damages. Your lawyer will assess the strength of your case and explain the legal process.
- Documents and evidence to bring: Bring any relevant documents, such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene.
Step 2: Investigation and Gathering Evidence
- Role of police reports, medical records, and witness statements: These documents provide crucial evidence to support your claim. Police reports can establish the cause of the accident, while medical records document your injuries and treatment. Witness statements can corroborate your version of events.
- Importance of expert testimony: In some cases, expert testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, or other specialists can be essential to prove negligence or the extent of your damages.
Step 3: Filing the Claim
- How do you file a personal injury claim in Whittier? The process involves filing a complaint with the court, serving the defendant, and responding to the defendant’s answer. Your lawyer will guide you through this process.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Avoid delay in filing your claim, as there are often statutes of limitations. Also, be cautious about making statements to insurance adjusters before consulting your lawyer.
Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement
- The negotiation process with insurance companies: Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement for your injuries. This involves assessing the value of your claim based on factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- When to consider a settlement versus going to trial: If you and the insurance company can agree on a fair settlement, it can save time and legal costs. However, your lawyer may recommend a trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement.
Step 5: Trial (If Necessary)
- What happens during a personal injury trial? A personal injury trial involves presenting evidence, examining witnesses, and arguing your case before a judge or jury. The goal is to convince the trier of fact that the defendant was negligent and caused your injuries.
- How a Whittier lawyer will prepare your case for court: Your lawyer will thoroughly prepare your case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and developing a strong legal strategy. They will also help you prepare for your testimony and represent you in court.
How Long Will My Personal Injury Claim Take?
The duration of a personal injury claim in California can vary greatly depending on several factors. While some cases may be resolved relatively quickly, others can take years. Factors that influence the timeline include the severity of injuries, the complexity of the case, insurance company involvement, the willingness of parties to settle, court backlog, and the statute of limitations.
More severe injuries often require longer recovery periods and more extensive medical treatment, which can extend the claim process. Cases involving multiple defendants, complex legal issues, or disputes over liability can be more time-consuming to resolve. The negotiation process can significantly impact the timeline if insurance companies are involved. Some insurance companies may delay or complicate the settlement process.
If both parties are willing to negotiate and reach a settlement agreement, the case can be resolved more quickly. However, if one party is unwilling to settle, the case may need to proceed to trial. In some jurisdictions, court backlogs can cause delays in trials and other legal proceedings, extending the overall timeline of a personal injury case.
A time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is within which a personal injury lawsuit must be filed. If this deadline is missed, the claim may be barred.
The average timeframe for a personal injury claim can vary widely. Simple cases with minor injuries and straightforward liability may be resolved within a few months. More complex cases with serious injuries or multiple defendants may take a year or more to resolve. If a case proceeds to trial, the timeline can be significantly longer, often taking several years.
Time Limit to File Your Personal Injury Claim
The general statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years. This means you typically have two years from the date of the accident or injury to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
If you didn’t discover the injury or its cause within the two-year period, you might have additional time to file. This is known as the “discovery rule.” Additionally, if the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations typically starts running when they turn 18.
If you’re suing a government entity, there may be specific deadlines and procedures to follow. It’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to understand the specific statute of limitations that applies to your case and ensure you meet all the necessary deadlines.
How Much is a Personal Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a personal injury claim in California is highly variable and depends on several factors. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s important that you consult with a qualified Norwalk personal injury lawyer to assess the value of your claim accurately. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Here are some key elements that influence the potential settlement or verdict:
Nature and Severity of Injuries
- Physical Injuries: The extent of your physical injuries, including broken bones, internal injuries, or disfigurement, significantly impacts the value.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and post-traumatic stress disorder can also contribute to the claim’s value.
Medical Expenses
- Past Medical Expenses: The costs of treatment, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation already incurred.
- Future Medical Expenses: Projected future costs for ongoing treatment, medications, or assistive devices.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
- Past Lost Wages: Compensation for wages missed due to the injury.
- Future Lost Earnings: If your injury prevents you from working to your full potential, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost income.
Property Damage
If the injury resulted from an accident that damaged your property, you may be able to claim compensation for the repairs or replacement.
Pain and Suffering
This is a non-economic damage that compensates for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the injury.
Recommended Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident
Prioritize Safety
After an accident, the first priority is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Check yourself and others for injuries, and move your vehicle and others to a safe location if possible.
Call 911
If there are injuries or the accident is severe, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no injuries, report the accident to the police. They can file a report and assist with traffic control. Later on, if you decide to start a claim, you can request a free copy of the California accident police report online at out website.
Gather Information
Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information. Document the scene by taking photos of the damaged vehicles, any skid marks, and the surrounding area.
Seek Medical Attention
If you or anyone else is injured, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor.
Consult with a Lawyer
Consider consulting with Norwalk personal injury lawyer if you have significant injuries or property damage. They can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process.
Can I Claim Compensation If I Share Some Responsibility?
Yes, you can still claim compensation in many cases, even if you share some responsibility for an accident or injury. This legal principle is known as comparative negligence.
Comparative negligence means the court will reduce your compensation based on the percentage of your fault in the incident. For example, if the court determines you were 20% at fault and the other party was 80% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.
In California, the state follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that your compensation can be reduced regardless of the percentage of your fault. This differs from some states with a modified comparative negligence system, where you can only recover compensation if your fault is less than a certain percentage.
Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Norwalk
- DMV
- Norwalk Police Department
- Norwalk Fire Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff
- Hospitals in Norwalk
- Triple A Norwalk
How Can I Pay The Services of a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Contingency fees are a common arrangement in personal injury cases where lawyers agree to represent clients on a “no win, no fee” basis. This means they only receive payment if the case is successful.
This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford it. It also incentivizes lawyers to aggressively pursue cases, as their compensation is directly tied to the outcome.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Norwalk
Now that you know more about the benefits of hiring a Norwalk personal injury lawyer, it’s time for you to take the next step. Call My Lawyer Mark at (866) 721-5808 to schedule a free consultation. We have experience, understand the law, and know how to win. And we’ll fight every penny on your behalf so you obtain maximum compensation for all your damages.
