The help of a Burbank personal injury lawyer is not a luxury but a necessity. Although hiring a lawyer to claim compensation is not mandatory, it’s highly recommendable doing it. A lawyer has the experience and knowledge to confront insurance companies. They can also spot all the damage you have received; some of them are difficult for untrained eyes to detect. With a lawyer, your chances of obtaining the maximum compensation are highly increased.
Broadway Law is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles that stands out from others for its compassionate treatment and aggressive representation. Our lawyers have experience, understand the law, and know how to win. They fight fiercely to obtain the highest settlement for you. Schedule a free consultation by calling (866) 845-1350. You can also visit our LA headquarters at:
Reasons to Hire a Burbank Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a Burbank personal injury lawyer can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Expertise: Lawyers have in-depth knowledge of personal injury law and can handle complex legal procedures.
- Negotiation: They can effectively negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair settlements.
- Evidence: Lawyers gather and preserve crucial evidence to support your claim.
- Peace of mind: They handle legal matters, allowing you to focus on recovery.
- Contingency fee: Most lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees.
Burbank Personal Injury Lawyer 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 Are the Steps in a Personal Injury Claim?
After hiring a lawyer for a personal injury claim in California, the following steps typically occur:
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Your lawyer will review the details of your case, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other relevant documents. This helps in assessing the strength of your claim.
- Investigation: Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance footage, and collecting expert opinions if necessary.
- Medical Treatment: You must continue receiving medical treatment for your injuries. Your lawyer may work with your healthcare providers to ensure all treatments and medical costs are documented.
- Demand Letter: Once your lawyer has gathered sufficient evidence and you have reached a point of maximum medical improvement, they will send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter outlines the case facts, the extent of your injuries, and the compensation you seek.
- Negotiations: The insurance company will review the demand letter and may respond with a counteroffer. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. This process can involve multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer may file a lawsuit. This step involves preparing and submitting a complaint to the court.
- Discovery: During the discovery phase, both parties exchange information and evidence related to the case. This can include depositions, interrogatories (written questions), and document requests.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Hearings: Before the trial, various pre-trial motions and hearings may be held to resolve any legal issues or disputes between the parties.
- Mediation or Settlement Conference: Often, courts require parties to attempt mediation or a settlement conference to resolve the case before going to trial. This is another opportunity to reach a settlement.
- Trial: If the case does not settle, it will proceed to trial. Both sides will present their evidence and arguments, and a judge or jury will determine the outcome.
- Verdict and Judgment: If you win the trial, the court will issue a verdict and award damages. The defendant may appeal the decision, which can prolong the case.
- Collection of Judgment: If you win a monetary award, your lawyer will help you collect the judgment from the at-fault party or their insurance company.
How Do I Know I Have a PI Claim?
Determining if you have a personal injury claim in California involves several factors. Here are key conditions to consider:
Duty of Care
The party you are claiming against must have owed you a duty of care. This means they had a legal obligation to avoid causing harm. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws to prevent accidents.
Breach of Duty
You must show that the party breached this duty. This means they failed to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. Examples include running a red light, failing to maintain property, or medical negligence.
Causation
You must prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injury. There must be a clear link between the other party’s actions (or inactions) and your injury.
Damages
You must have suffered actual damages as a result of the injury. This can include physical injuries, emotional distress, medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses.
Time Limit To File Your Claim
You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in California after the injury occurs. However, there are exceptions, such as:
- Discovery rule: If the injury wasn’t discovered right away, you might have one year from discovery.
- Government entities: Stricter rules apply, often requiring a claim within six months.
- Minors: The deadline is paused until the child turns 18.
It’s crucial to consult with an attorney to understand specific deadlines and protect your rights.
How Much is a Personal Injury Worth?
The value of a personal injury case in California varies widely based on several factors, including:
- The severity of the injury: More serious injuries generally result in higher settlements or verdicts.
- Economic damages: This includes medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other financial losses.
- Non-economic damages: These are subjective damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Liability: The extent to which the defendant is responsible for the injury will affect the settlement amount.
- Jurisdiction: Different counties in California may have different average settlement amounts.
- Legal representation: A skilled personal injury attorney can significantly impact the value of your case.
Types of Damages You Can Receive Compensation From
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. There are two primary categories of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are tangible financial losses resulting from the accident. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses such as hiring help with household chores or childcare.
Non-economic damages are intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify. These can include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How Long Will It Take to Settle My PI Claim?
The duration of a personal injury claim settlement in California can vary significantly. Several factors influence this timeline, including the case’s complexity, the injuries’ severity, and the insurance company’s cooperation. Simple cases with clear liability and minimal damages may settle relatively quickly, often within a few months. However, complex cases involving severe injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability can take considerably longer, potentially extending to a year or more.
Accident Statistics in Burbank, CA
In 2023, Burbank, CA experienced several significant traffic accidents. Here are some key details:
Fatalities and Injuries
Multiple fatalities were reported due to traffic collisions. For instance, a fatal crash involving two vehicles occurred in September, resulting in the death of a passenger and injuries to the driver. Another incident in June involved a multi-vehicle crash on the Golden State Freeway, leading to at least one fatality.
Pedestrian Incidents
Pedestrian safety was a concern, highlighted by a tragic event in October where a pedestrian was fatally struck at the intersection of West Verdugo Avenue and North Buena Vista Street.
General Statistics
The Burbank Police Department provides monthly traffic collision summaries, although specific numbers for 2023 needed to be more detailed in the search results. These summaries cover incidents involving fatalities, injuries, and significant property damage
Streets and Intersections with Most Accidents in Burbank
In Burbank, CA, several streets and intersections are known for having higher accident rates. Here is a list of some of the most accident-prone areas:
- Magnolia Boulevard: Magnolia Boulevard is a major east-west thoroughfare in Burbank, and several intersections along this road are known for accidents, especially during peak hours.
- Burbank Boulevard: Burbank Boulevard is another busy street where accidents frequently occur. Intersections along this boulevard, such as those at Victory Boulevard and Buena Vista Street, are particularly notable.
- Victory Boulevard: Victory Boulevard intersects with several major streets in Burbank, making it a hotspot for traffic accidents. The intersections at Magnolia Boulevard and Burbank Boulevard are especially prone to collisions.
- Olive Avenue: Olive Avenue runs through the heart of Burbank and sees significant traffic. Key intersections along Olive Avenue, like those at Glenoaks Boulevard and First Street, are common sites for accidents.
- Glenoaks Boulevard: Glenoaks Boulevard is a major north-south route in Burbank. Intersections along Glenoaks, including those at Magnolia Boulevard and Olive Avenue, frequently report high accident rates.
- Buena Vista Street: Buena Vista Street is another major north-south artery. Intersections at Burbank Boulevard and Victory Boulevard are notable for accidents.
- Hollywood Way: Hollywood Way is a busy north-south street with several intersections known for accidents. The intersection at Magnolia Boulevard is particularly notable.
These streets and intersections are known to have higher accident rates due to factors like heavy traffic flow, complex intersections, and proximity to major destinations in the city.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
After an accident in California, the first step is to ensure everyone’s safety. Check for injuries and call 911 if medical attention is needed. If your vehicle is causing a hazard or you’re in danger from traffic, move to a safe location. Reporting the accident to the police is essential, especially if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. Obtaining a police report will be crucial for your records.
Next, you should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s), including names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy details. Additionally, gather contact information from any witnesses. Documenting the scene is also important. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Note the time, date, weather conditions, and accident location.
It is important not to admit fault at the scene. Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault and stick to the facts when discussing the accident with the police and other parties. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with all the information and documentation you have gathered. Even if you don’t feel injured, see a doctor for a thorough examination since some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Maintain detailed records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and other associated costs. If you have significant injuries or property damage or if there are disputes about the accident, consider consulting a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options. Finally, keep track of the progress of any insurance claims and follow up as necessary. Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if requested.
I Share Some Responsibility in the Accident. Can I Claim Compensation?
Yes, you can still claim compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident in California.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that your fault percentage reduces your damages. This differs from other states, where you cannot recover any damages if you are found to be more than 50% at fault.
How Does Comparative Negligence Work?
- Determining Fault: A court or jury will assign a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident.
- Reducing Damages: Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Example:
If you suffer $100,000 in damages and are found to be 20% at fault, you can recover $80,000.
Important Considerations
- Evidence: The amount of fault assigned to you will depend on the evidence presented. Gathering evidence to support your claim and challenge the other party’s claims is crucial.
- Insurance: Your insurance policy might cover some of your damages, especially if your injuries are significant.
Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Burbank
- DMV
- Burbank Police Department
- Burbank Fire-Rescue Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff
- Hospitals in Burbank
- Triple A Burbank
How Much Does Hiring a Burbank Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Many Burbank personal injury lawyers get paid through contingency fees. When you hire a personal injury lawyer on a contingency basis, you agree to pay them a portion of your settlement or award if they win your case. This means you don’t pay anything upfront for legal services.
Instead of paying hourly or by the project, the lawyer’s fee is calculated as a percentage of the money you recover. This percentage is typically a standard amount agreed upon before the case begins. It’s important to understand that this fee covers all legal work, from initial consultations to potential courtroom representation.
This arrangement has the advantage of allowing people to afford legal help even if they don’t have the funds to pay upfront. It also aligns the lawyer’s interests with yours, as they’ll work hard to get you the highest possible settlement.
If your case is unsuccessful, you owe the lawyer nothing. Additionally, the lawyer often covers upfront costs like filing or expert witness fees, which are repaid from the settlement if you win.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Burbank Injury Lawyer
Now that you understand the importance of hiring a Burbank personal injury lawyer, take the next step. Call (866) 845-1350 to schedule a free consultation and start obtaining legal representation to obtain maximum compensation for the damages you suffered in your accident