Personal Injury Lawyer in Sherman Oaks CA

When seeking a personal injury lawyer in Sherman Oaks, CA, My Lawyer Mark is your top choice. Our team of experienced lawyers not only understands the law but also knows how to win. At our firm, you’re not just another client; you’re family. We fight relentlessly to secure the maximum compensation for your damages, giving 110% to ensure you receive justice and all the benefits necessary to return to your pre-accident life. 

My Lawyer Mark is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles. Its team consists of experienced, aggressive lawyers who have a genuine passion for their work. When you hire our services, we get involved because we understand that you suffer because of somebody else’s negligence. Our mission is to provide you with all the necessary means to recover as much as possible.

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

Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sherman Oaks CA?

My Lawyer Mark stands out as a personal injury law firm because of our results and focus on empathy and care toward our clients. We offer free consultation and 24/7 availability, meaning we always pick up the phone and have an answer to your questions. We do that because it’s our job and because we understand that you need peace of mind and containment in a very struggling, stressful moment.

When you hire My Lawyer Mark, you obtain:

• Aggressive legal representation.
• 35+ years of joint experience in accidents and personal injuries.
• 24/7 availability.
• Access to the best medical experts.
• Cash advances before your case is over.
• We go to your home if you can’t move because of your injuries.

When Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim?

There are several indicators that it’s recommendable for you to hire a personal injury lawyer:

The Severity of Your Injuries

Suppose your injuries are severe, and you anticipate needing extensive medical treatment, lost wages, or other damages. In that case, a lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Liability is Disputed

 Having a lawyer on your side is essential if there’s any question about who is to blame for the accident. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a solid case to prove liability.

Complex Legal Issues

Personal injury cases can involve complex legal issues, including the possibility of going to court. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Sherman Oaks CA can protect your rights and represent you in every step of the process.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts, and they may try to deny your claim or offer a low settlement. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement.

Common Accidents and Injuries We Handle

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)

Personal Injury Claim Explained Step by Step

The specifics of every case may vary depending on each situation and its complexities. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Sherman Oaks CA is highly advisable to navigate the intricacies of your particular situation and maximize your chances to obtain the maximum compensation. That being said, here’s a breakdown of a typical personal injury claim process in California:

1. Confirm You Have a Case: Personal injury claims are based on someone else’s negligence causing your injury. Gather evidence to show the other party’s fault.
2.  Beat the Deadline: California has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. File your claim before this deadline to avoid losing your right to compensation.
3. Consult an Attorney (Optional But Recommended): An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if needed.
4. Gather Evidence: Collect medical records, police reports, witness statements, and anything documenting your injury and the accident.
5. Send a Demand Letter (Optional): A demand letter outlines your claim, the at-fault party, and the compensation you seek. It can nudge the other party’s insurance company to settle.
6. Negotiate a Settlement: Most personal injury claims are settled without going to court. Your lawyer negotiates with the at-fault party’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement amount.
7. File a Lawsuit (If Necessary): If negotiations fail, your attorney will file a lawsuit in the appropriate court. The lawsuit details your claim and demands compensation.
8. Discovery Process: Both sides exchange information and evidence through a formal discovery process. This may involve depositions, interrogatories, and requests for documents.
9. Mediation: The court may order mediation, where a neutral third party tries to facilitate a settlement between you and the defendant.
10. Trial: If mediation fails, a trial is held where a judge or jury decides the case. They will determine fault and award damages if applicable.

How Much Is My PI Claim Worth?

Determining the value of your PI claim in California is complex and depends heavily on the specifics of your situation. Several factors significantly impact the value of your PI claim. The severity of your injuries plays a major role, along with lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering you’ve endured, and the overall strength of your case.

In most PI cases, California allows you to claim unlimited pain and suffering damages. The amount you’ll ultimately receive for pain and suffering hinges on the severity of your injuries and other relevant factors. An important thing to consider is insurance coverage. The at-fault party’s insurance policy might limit the maximum amount you can recover in a settlement.

Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Sherman Oaks CA is highly recommended to assess your PI claim’s value most accurately. An attorney can analyze the details of your case and provide a more specific estimate of what your claim might be worth.

How to Maximize Your Settlement

Although nothing can determine per se how long your claim would take or how much it would be worth, there are several things you can do to make the process swifter and maximize your final settlement. Aside from hiring a lawyer, some other things you can do are:

• Gather Strong Evidence: The more evidence you have to support your claim, the stronger your case will be. This can include police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photos of the accident scene and your injuries.

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Getting medical attention right after the accident shows the severity of your injuries and creates a clear connection between the accident and your medical bills.
• Keep a Pain Journal: Document the extent of your pain and suffering daily. This will help show the impact of the accident on your life.
• Calculate All Damages: This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and any other losses you have incurred due to the accident.
• Don’t Settle Too Soon: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for less than they’re worth. Refrain from accepting the first offer you receive.
• Be Prepared to File a Lawsuit: If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, be prepared to take them to court.
• Be Careful on Social Media: Avoid posting anything on social media about your accident or injuries that could be used against you by the insurance company.
• File Your Claim Within Two Years: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years. You have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.

Damages You Can Claim

In a personal injury claim, damages are the compensation awarded to the injured party to cover losses resulting from the injury. These damages are typically categorized into two main categories:

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are quantifiable monetary losses that result from an injury. They can be calculated with a degree of precision and include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to medical treatment, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical expenses.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to the injury, including the time taken off work for recovery and medical appointments.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injury results in a reduced ability to earn income in the future, the injured party may be compensated for this loss.
• Property Damage: If the injury resulted from an incident that also damaged personal property (e.g., a car accident), the costs of repairing or replacing the property are included.
• Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any additional costs directly related to the injury, such as transportation expenses to medical appointments or modifications needed at home due to a disability.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are more subjective and cover the non-monetary aspects of the injury. They are intended to compensate for the impact of the injury on the injured person’s quality of life and can include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Emotional Distress: This includes psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and trauma resulting from the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injury prevents the person from enjoying daily activities, hobbies, and other aspects of life they previously enjoyed.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on the injured person’s relationship with their spouse or family, such as loss of companionship or support.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for permanent physical changes resulting from the injury, such as scars or disfigurement.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take to Settle?

The duration of a personal injury case can vary widely based on several factors. Initially, the time required for the injured party to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) plays a significant role. This period can range from weeks to years, depending on the severity of the injuries sustained. 

Following this, the investigation and gathering of evidence involves collecting medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other pertinent information. The complexity and availability of this evidence can influence how long this stage takes.

Once the necessary evidence is gathered and damages are calculated, the negotiation process with the insurance company begins. This phase can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specifics of the case and the insurance company’s responsiveness. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed. The pre-trial process, including discovery (exchange of evidence), depositions, and court motions, can extend the timeline by several months to years.

Even after filing a lawsuit, parties often attempt to settle through mediation or direct negotiations, which can add to the timeline but may resolve the case without going to trial. If the case proceeds to trial, the court schedule, complexity, and duration of the trial can add several months to a year or more. Should either party appeal the trial’s outcome, the case can be prolonged by additional months or years.

On average, simple personal injury cases may settle within a few months to a year, moderate cases can take one to two years, and complex cases may take several years, especially if they go to trial and involve appeals. 

Time Limit to File Your Claim

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim varies depending on the type of injury and circumstances. For most personal injury cases, including car accidents and slip and falls, the law allows you to file a claim two years from the date of the injury. If you are injured, you generally have a two-year window to pursue legal action to seek compensation for your damages.

Different rules apply if your injury involves a government entity, such as a city, county, state, or federal agency. In these cases, you must file an administrative claim within six months of the injury. If the government entity denies your claim, you have six months from the date of the denial to file a lawsuit. This shorter time frame requires quick action and awareness of the specific procedures involved in making claims against government bodies.

Accident Statistics in Sherman Oaks

In 2023, Sherman Oaks experienced a notable number of traffic accidents, contributing to California’s overall statistics of car crashes. The data from various sources indicates several significant incidents throughout the year:

• Multi-Vehicle Collisions: There were several multi-vehicle crashes, such as the one on the 405 Freeway on December 23, 2023, which resulted in at least one fatality. Another notable incident occurred on November 23, 2023, involving multiple cars on CA-101​.
• Fatal Accidents: Pedestrian fatalities were also reported, including a pedestrian struck and killed on the 405 Freeway on July 20, 2023​.
• General Statistics: California as a whole saw a rise in traffic-related fatalities, with 4,407 deaths reported in 2022, indicating a 2.8% increase from the previous year. This reflects the broader trend of high accident rates across the state​. 

What Should I Do After Suffering an Accident?

Here are some typical steps to take after suffering any type of accident:

Check for Injuries

First, assess yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries. If anyone is injured, seek medical attention immediately by calling emergency services.

Move to Safety

If possible and safe, move yourself and your vehicle to a secure location to avoid further accidents or injuries.

Call the Police

It’s crucial to report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. The police report will be necessary for insurance claims and legal purposes.

Exchange Information

It’s important to exchange information with the other parties involved, including names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle license plate numbers.

Document the Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant details. These can serve as evidence later.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t initially feel injured, it’s advisable to undergo a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.

Keep Records

Keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies or legal representatives.

Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Depending on the severity of the accident and your injuries, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer who can advise you on your rights and options.

If I Was Partially at Fault. Can I Obtain Compensation?

Yes. Even if you caused part of an accident, you might still get compensation under comparative negligence laws. These laws assign fault to everyone involved and reduce your compensation based on your share of the blame. Some states allow compensation even if you were mostly at fault, while others have a limit on how much fault you can have to recover anything. It’s wise to consult an attorney to understand the specifics of comparative negligence in your state.

Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Sherman Oaks

• DMV
• Sherman Oaks Police Department
• Sherman Oaks Fire-Rescue Department
• Los Angeles County Sheriff
• Hospitals in Sherman Oaks
• Triple A Sherman Oaks

How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sherman Oaks Cost?

In California, contingency fees are a standard payment arrangement between personal injury lawyers and their clients. Contingency fees make legal representation accessible to individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford it, particularly in personal injury cases where clients may be dealing with significant medical bills and other expenses. It aligns the lawyer’s incentive with the client’s goal of maximizing the compensation recovered from the responsible party.

Some of the benefits of this modality include:

• No Upfront Costs: Clients do not pay upfront costs or fees to the lawyer. This allows individuals needing more financial means to hire a lawyer to pursue legal action.
• Payment Upon Success: The lawyer’s fee is contingent upon successfully resolving the case in favor of the client. If the case is successful and results in a settlement or court award, the lawyer receives a percentage of the compensation recovered.
• Percentage Basis: The percentage that the lawyer takes as a fee is agreed upon between the lawyer and the client before representation begins. This percentage can vary based on the case’s complexity and other factors.
• You only pay if we win: Since lawyers only get paid if they win the case, they assume the risk of not being compensated for their time and effort if the case is unsuccessful.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sherman Oaks CA Today

Now that you understand what a personal injury claim entitles, the next step is hiring a trustworthy personal injury lawyer in Sherman Oaks, CA, to get the best chance of earning the maximum compensation to cover all your damages. Go for the safest, most convenient option: call My Lawyer Mark at (866) 721-5808 and make a free consultation today. Get the most out of your injury claim, gain peace of mind, and overcome your damages with the best legal help in LA county.