Personal Injury Lawyer in Lakewood
As a personal injury lawyer in Lakewood, My Lawyer Mark is a compassionate, humane professional who provides empathic treatment to the victims and a relentless defense in obtaining maximum compensation. Our lawyers have experience, understand the law, and know how to win. When you hire our services, your best interest becomes our priority.
My Lawyer Mark is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles that combines result-driven defense and family-like treatment for our clients. When you hire us, you obtain peace of mind, answers to your questions, and all our resources to obtain maximum compensation for the damages you suffered in your accident.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (866) 721-5808.
Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lakewood?
A personal injury lawyer in Lakewood can help you navigate the complex legal process. They’ll investigate your accident, identify those responsible, and work to secure the compensation you deserve. This includes:
- Determining who caused the accident
- Filing necessary paperwork on time
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Representing you in court, if needed
- Fighting for financial compensation
After a serious accident, you’re vulnerable and overwhelmed. An experienced attorney can ease your burden and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Even though hiring a lawyer isn’t legally required for accidents, it’s often a wise choice.
A skilled personal injury lawyer in Lakewood can provide valuable support, such as:
- Connecting you with qualified medical professionals
- Thoroughly investigating the accident
- Building a strong case with solid evidence
- Understanding the full extent of your injuries and financial losses
- Hiring experts to support your claim
- Aggressively negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in court, if necessary
Insurance companies have legal teams working to protect their bottom line. To level the playing field, consider hiring a lawyer. Even if your injuries seem minor, consulting with an attorney can provide peace of mind and valuable guidance.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Lakewood Practice Areas
Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck 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)
What Should I Do to Start a Claim?
If you’re considering legal action following an accident, it’s important to take specific steps to build a strong case. While this might seem challenging immediately after an incident, it’s crucial for your protection. Certain steps may require more time or adjustments. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm.
Seek medical attention promptly, even if you feel unharmed. Some injuries take time to manifest, and delaying treatment can weaken your claim.
Document your injuries with photos and videos to record their severity visually.
Preserve evidence by taking pictures of the accident scene, property damage, or any relevant objects.
Gather statements from witnesses, including bystanders, passengers, or anyone who saw the incident.
Obtain a copy of the police report if law enforcement is involved. You can request a copy of the California accident police report online.
Keep all financial records related to the incident, such as receipts, bills, and bank statements.
Record the contact information and insurance details of the responsible party to initiate a potential claim.
Navigating the legal process alone can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the system. Consider consulting a personal injury lawyer in Lakewood for guidance and support.
How Do You Proof Liability in a Personal Injury Claim?
To win a personal injury case, you generally must prove the defendant was negligent. This involves demonstrating four key elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant owed you a legal obligation to act responsibly.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to fulfill this obligation.
- Causation: The defendant’s negligence directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered financial losses or physical harm as a result.
The specific duty of care varies based on circumstances. For instance, drivers must operate vehicles safely, and property owners must warn visitors about hazards.
How Long Do I Have To File My Claim?
Generally, you have two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit helps ensure cases are resolved promptly and prevents claims from being brought long after the incident when circumstances may have changed or damages may already be compensated.
There are situations where the deadline to file a lawsuit might be extended. For example, if you were a minor when the injury occurred, the clock doesn’t start until you turn 18. Similarly, if you were severely injured and unable to take action, the time limit may be paused until you recover. Additionally, if the person responsible for your injury leaves the state or country, the deadline can be extended until they return.
How Much is My Personal Injury Worth?
The potential payout from a personal injury claim hinges on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life and livelihood. Unlike simple calculations, determining a fair settlement involves a careful assessment of your damages by an insurance adjuster. Factors considered include the extent of your physical harm, disruption to your daily routine, employment status changes, age, occupation, and your role in the incident.
Our attorneys can help you estimate your case’s value. Potential compensation includes:
- Medical expenses: Past and future costs for surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and therapy.
- Lost wages: Income lost due to missed work, both past and future.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged belongings.
- Other financial losses: Reimbursement for specific expenses.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for emotional distress, including anxiety, PTSD, and fear.
If a loved one died due to negligence, wrongful death claims may cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, anticipated financial contributions, pre-death medical bills, and pre-death suffering.
List Damages You Can Claim
A primary concern for accident victims is how to cover the costs associated with their injuries. While some accidents result in minor, temporary harm, others cause lifelong medical challenges.
Fortunately, accident victims in California may seek compensation for all accident-related expenses and injuries. Common types of damages pursued in personal injury cases include:
- Medical bills and related transportation
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medication expenses
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical and emotional suffering
How Long Does it Take to Settle a PI Claim?
The duration of a personal injury claim can fluctuate based on several factors, including the severity of harm inflicted, the complexity of determining fault, the cooperation of involved parties, and the need for legal proceedings. Key elements influencing the timeline are as follows:
Injury Severity
Cases involving critical or long-lasting injuries often require extended periods for medical treatment, recovery, and assessing future implications. Settlement discussions may be postponed until the injured individual’s condition stabilizes.
Liability Disputes
When there’s disagreement about who caused the accident or injury, the settlement process can be prolonged. Investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and negotiating fault can be time-consuming, especially with multiple parties involved.
Insurance Company Actions
The insurance company’s responsiveness and willingness to cooperate can significantly impact the settlement timeline. Delays in communication, requests for additional information, or coverage disputes can hinder progress.
Negotiation Process
Reaching a mutually agreeable settlement requires time for both parties to evaluate the case’s merits and propose fair terms. This often involves multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers.
Accident Statistics in Lakewood, CA
Here are the Accident Statistics in Lakewood, CA (2023) in plain text:
Estimated Values
- Total Collisions: 3,250
- Fatal Collisions: 25 (around 0.77% of total crashes in California).
- Injury Collisions: 1,200 – This is an estimate assuming injury accidents make up 37% of total crashes.
- Property Damage Collisions: 1,825
- Most Common Collision Type: Rear-End Collision
- Common Contributing Factors: Speeding, Distracted Driving (DUI/Cell Phone), Aggressive Driving.
- Day of Week with Most Crashes: Friday.
- Time of Day with Most Crashes: Commute Times (Evening Rush Hour).
Streets and Intersections with Most Accidents in Lakewood
Firestone Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard in Downey: This intersection is ranked as the fourth most dangerous in California. It has a danger score of 132.00, compared to the average score of 68.24.
Other dangerous intersections in the area include:
- Florence Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard
- Florence Avenue and Old River School Road
- Lakewood Boulevard and Stewart and Grey Road
- Bellflower Boulevard and Imperial Highway
- Florence Avenue and Paramount Boulevard
- Florence Avenue and Little Lake Road
- Downey Avenue and Firestone Boulevard
- Downey Avenue and Florence Avenue
- Brookshire Avenue and Florence Avenue
- Firestone and Ryerson Avenue
What Should You Do After an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident in California, it’s important to follow specific steps to ensure safety, compliance with the law, and proper documentation for insurance claims. Here’s what you should do:
Stay Calm and Safe
Ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. If the accident is minor, move vehicles to a safe location out of traffic if possible.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if there are any injuries or if the situation is dangerous.
Call the Police
Report the accident to the police. This is especially important for serious accidents, as you’ll need an official report. You can obtain a copy of the police report for your records and for your insurance claim.
Exchange Information
Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s).
Take Photos and Notes
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Write down the details of the accident, including the time, date, location, weather conditions, and how the accident occurred.
Talk to Witnesses
If there are any witnesses, get their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw.
Seek Medical Attention and Keep a Record
Even if you feel fine, it’s advisable to see a doctor to check for any hidden injuries. Keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence with your insurance company.
Consult an Attorney
If there are significant damages, injuries, or legal complexities, consider consulting with a Lakewood personal injury lawyer.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not admit fault at the scene or to the other party’s insurance company. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident.
Special Situations
- Hit and Run: If you are involved in a hit-and-run, try to gather as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle and report the incident to the police immediately.
- Uninsured Drivers: If the other driver is uninsured, your own insurance may have coverage options, such as uninsured motorist coverage.
Can I Claim Compensation if I Was Partially At Fault?
Yes, in many cases you can still claim compensation even if you were partially responsible for an accident. The legal concept of comparative negligence allows for this. This means that your compensation can be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for an accident, you can potentially recover 80% of your damages from the other party. However, the specific rules regarding comparative negligence vary from state to state. In some instances, if you’re determined to be more than 50% at fault, you might not be able to recover any compensation at all.
Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Lakewood
- DMV
- Lakewood Police Department
- Lakewood Fire-Rescue Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff
- Hospitals in Lakewood
- Triple A Lakewood
How Much Does Hiring a Lakewood Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers are paid using contingency fees. A contingency fee means an injury lawyer only gets paid if they win or settle your case. If they lose, you don’t owe them anything except for the costs they paid upfront for things like court fees and expert witnesses. The lawyer’s payment comes from a portion of the money you win.
This arrangement makes it easier for people to afford legal help since they don’t have to pay upfront. It also motivates the lawyer to work hard to win your case.
Hire a Lakewood Injury Lawyer Who Knows How to Win
Now that you understand the importance of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Lakewood, it’s time to take action. Call My Lawyer Mark at (866) 721-5808 to schedule a free consultation with our experts. You’ll get peace of mind, aggressive representation, and the opportunity to obtain the maximum compensation for all the damages you received in your accident.
