Whether you suffered a car crash or were hit by a driver while walking down the street, it’s important to know that there’s a way to obtain compensation for the damages you suffered. Our personal injury lawyers in Glendale CA have experience in all kinds of accidents and personal injuries. They understand the laws and know how to win.
Broadway Law Firm is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles County consisting of seasoned experts in personal injury law. We fight tooth and nail for our clients to obtain justice and the maximum compensation for every damage they suffered in their accidents. We offer fierce defense, humane, empathetic service, and 24/7 availability.
Make a free consultation today at (866) 845-1350.
Why Should You Hire Personal Injury Lawyers in Glendale CA?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Glendale can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Expertise and Experience: Personal injury lawyers in Glendale CA specialize in this area of law and have extensive knowledge and experience dealing with similar cases. They understand the legal procedures, potential challenges, and how to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims effectively.
- Maximize Compensation: A personal injury lawyer can help you secure the maximum compensation for your injuries. They know how to value your claim accurately, considering all relevant factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs related to your injury.
- Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for the lowest possible amount. A lawyer has the negotiation skills to deal with insurance adjusters and can advocate to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Legal Representation: A PI lawyer is crucial if your case goes to court. They can represent you in court, present evidence, argue your case and work towards achieving the best possible outcome.
- Peace of Mind: Dealing with an injury can be stressful and overwhelming. Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Attorneys have the resources to conduct thorough investigations into your accident. They can gather crucial evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Support and Guidance: A lawyer can provide support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you make informed decisions about your case and keeping you updated on its progress.
When Should I Hire Them?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is generally advisable in several situations:
Serious Injuries: If you have sustained severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, surgery, or long-term care, hiring a personal injury lawyer is essential to ensure you receive adequate compensation.
Permanent or Long-Term Disabilities: If your injury has resulted in a permanent or long-term disability, a lawyer can help calculate the full extent of your losses, including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity.
Disputed Liability: If there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident, a personal injury lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to prove liability.
Insurance Company Issues: If the insurance company is denying your claim, offering a low settlement, or delaying the process, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected.
Complex Legal or Medical Issues: If your case involves complex legal or medical issues, such as multiple parties, multiple injuries, or technical details, a lawyer’s expertise is invaluable.
Settlement Offers: If you have received a settlement offer from the insurance company, it’s wise to consult a personal injury lawyer before accepting it. A lawyer can evaluate the offer and ensure it covers all your damages adequately.
Wrongful Death: If a loved one has died due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for your loss.
Emotional Distress and Pain and Suffering: If you are experiencing significant emotional distress or pain and suffering due to the accident, a lawyer can help quantify these non-economic damages and include them in your claim.
Unclear Legal Processes: If you need clarification about the legal processes, paperwork, and procedures involved in filing a personal injury claim, a lawyer can guide you through each step and handle the administrative tasks.
Accidents and Injuries We Can Help You With
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)
How Do Personal Injury Claims Work?
Although every claim is different because of its unique events and complexities, some basic steps attain most PI claims:
1. Accident or Injury Occurs
The process starts when an individual is injured due to another person or entity’s negligence or intentional actions. Common causes include car accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries.
2. Medical Treatment and Documentation
The injured party should seek immediate medical attention. Proper documentation of the injuries and treatments received is crucial for the claim.
3. Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer
While not mandatory, consulting personal injury lawyers in Glendale CA can help navigate the legal process. A lawyer can provide advice, handle paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent the injured party in court if necessary.
4. Investigation and Evidence Collection
The lawyer will gather evidence to support the claim, which may include:
- Medical records
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the accident scene and injuries
- Expert testimony
5. Filing the Claim
A formal complaint is filed with the appropriate court or submitted to the relevant insurance company. This complaint outlines the nature of the injury, how it occurred, and the compensation being sought.
6. Negotiation
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court. The injured party’s lawyer and the insurance company will negotiate a settlement. If a fair agreement is reached, the case is resolved without trial.
7. Litigation (if necessary)
The case may go to court if a settlement cannot be reached. Both parties will present their evidence, and a judge or jury will determine the outcome.
8. Resolution and Compensation
Compensation is awarded if the case is settled or the court rules in favor of the injured party. This compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
9. Appeals (if applicable)
If either party is dissatisfied with the court’s decision, they may appeal the ruling. This can extend the legal process.
How Much is a Personal Injury Settlement?
The amount of a personal injury settlement varies widely based on several key factors. The severity of the injuries is a primary determinant, with minor injuries generally resulting in lower settlements, while severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and have long-term impacts lead to higher settlements.
The impact on quality of life is evaluated, considering how the injury affects daily activities, hobbies, and overall lifestyle, especially in cases of long-term or permanent disability.
Lost wages are another important factor. Compensation may include income lost during the recovery period and may also account for loss of earning capacity if the injury affects the individual’s ability to work in the future. Any other economic damage, such as car repairs or replacement, can also be considered.
Medical expenses also play a crucial role, covering both past medical bills for treatments, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation and future medical costs for ongoing and future care needed due to the injury. Pain and suffering are also considered, including compensation for both physical pain endured and emotional distress, such as anxiety and depression, caused by the injury.
The quality of legal representation is also a critical factor. Experienced personal injury lawyers in Glendale CA can negotiate higher settlements due to their knowledge and expertise, and the willingness and capability to go to trial can affect settlement negotiations.
Is There a Way to Increase My Compensation?
There are several strategies you can employ to help increase your personal injury compensation potentially:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Ensure you get prompt medical treatment after the injury. This ensures your health and well-being and provides documented evidence of your injuries, which is crucial for your claim.
2. Follow Medical Advice
Adhere strictly to your healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. Non-compliance can be used against you to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
3. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of everything related to your injury. This includes medical bills, treatment records, photographs of injuries, accident reports, and any communication with insurance companies.
4. Keep a Pain Journal
Document your pain levels, emotional distress, and the impact on your daily life in a journal. This can provide compelling evidence of pain and suffering.
5. Don’t Settle Too Quickly
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that are lower than you might be entitled to. Be patient and consult with your lawyer before accepting any offers.
6. Don’t Underestimate Future Damages
Consider the long-term impact of your injuries, including future medical expenses, lost earning potential, and ongoing pain and suffering. Make sure these are factored into your claim.
7. Gather Witness Statements
If there were witnesses to your accident, their statements can be valuable in supporting your claim. Collect their contact information and get written or recorded statements if possible.
8. Preserve Evidence
Maintain any physical evidence of the accident, such as damaged personal property or clothing. This can be critical in proving the extent and cause of your injuries.
Types of Damages You Can Claim
In a personal injury case, damages are divided into economic and non-economic categories. Economic damages cover direct financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate for personal and emotional impacts. Both are essential for ensuring full compensation for the injured party. Here are some examples:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Costs for past and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for damaged property.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Additional costs related to the injury, such as transportation and home modifications.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort.
- Emotional Distress: Psychological impacts like anxiety and depression.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to engage in previously enjoyed activities.
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships with spouse or family.
- Disfigurement and Disability: Compensation for permanent physical changes.
How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?
The duration of a personal injury case varies based on factors such as the severity of injuries, complexity, amount of damages sought, insurance company responsiveness, legal representation, and court schedules.
General Timeline:
- Initial Consultation and Investigation (1-3 months): Meeting with a lawyer and gathering evidence.
- Filing the Claim (2-4 weeks): Submitting a formal complaint or claim to the insurance company.
- Pre-Trial Phase (3-12 months): Includes discovery and potential settlement negotiations.
- Settlement Negotiations (1-6 months): Discussions to reach a settlement can vary in length.
- Trial (1 day to several weeks): If unresolved, the case goes to trial, lasting from a day to several weeks.
- Post-Trial (1-6 months): Includes potential appeals, which can extend the timeline.
Overall Duration:
- Simple Cases: A few months.
- Moderate Cases: Several months to a year.
- Complex Cases: Several years, especially if they go to trial or involve appeals.
Keep in mind that this is approximate information to give you a notion of how much a PI claim usually takes. Each case is unique. Consulting with experienced personal injury lawyers in Glendale CA can provide a more specific timeline for your case.
Is There a Time Limit to File My Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim typically allows:
- Two years from the date of injury for most personal injury cases, such as car accidents or slips and falls.
- Six months from the date of injury for claims involving government entities.
- Special provisions are for minors who have until two years after turning 18 to file.
- A two-year window from the date of death for wrongful death claims
Accident Statistics in Glendale
Glendale, California, unfortunately, has a higher-than-average accident rate compared to other cities of similar size. While it’s not the most dangerous city in California, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and take precautions. Here are some key factors about accidents in Glendale:
- Higher Collision Rate: Glendale’s collision rate is significantly above the national average.
- Pedestrian Safety Concern: The city ranks high in pedestrian accidents, especially involving older adults.
- Dangerous Intersections: Specific intersections within Glendale are identified as accident hotspots.
Streets and Intersections with Most Accidents in Glendale
Some streets and intersections are consistently identified as high-risk areas in Glendale, mostly because of high traffic volumes, complex traffic patterns, and bad driver behavior. Some of those streets and intersections are:
Brand Boulevard
This major thoroughfare in Glendale intersects with numerous accident-prone points.
- Brand Boulevard and Sanchez Drive
- Brand Boulevard and Goode Avenue
- Brand Boulevard and Colorado Street
Glendale Avenue
Another busy road with several dangerous intersections.
- Glendale Avenue and Wilson Avenue
- Glendale Avenue and Chevy Chase Drive
Colorado Street
A significant east-west artery with its share of accident hotspots.
- Colorado Street and Brand Boulevard
- Colorado Street and Pacific Avenue
Other Notable Intersections
- Glenoaks Boulevard and Western Avenue
- Honolulu Avenue and Lowell Avenue
- San Fernando Road and Western Avenue
- Verdugo Road and Colorado Street
What Should I Do After Suffering an Accident?
- Prioritize Safety: Ensure the safety of yourself and others involved. If necessary, call emergency services (911).
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
- Exchange Information: Gather contact information from all parties involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers.
- Contact Authorities: Report the accident to the police, especially if injuries or property damage occur. Obtain a copy of the police report.
- Consult with an Attorney: If the accident resulted in significant injuries or property damage, consider seeking legal advice.
I Was Partially Responsible For The Accident. Can I Obtain Compensation?
California operates under a pure comparative negligence system, which means that even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover compensation for your damages. However, the amount you receive will be reduced proportionally based on your degree of fault.
For example, if a court determines you are 20% responsible for an accident where your total damages are $100,000, you could recover $80,000.
Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Glendale
- DMV
- Glendale Police Department
- Glendale Fire Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff
- Hospitals in Glendale
- Triple A Glendale
How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Glendale Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers work using contingency fees. Contingency fees are a payment model used by personal injury lawyers where clients do not pay upfront for legal services. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is contingent upon obtaining compensation through a settlement or court award.
This arrangement allows you to access legal representation regardless of financial means and aligns the lawyer’s efforts with the client’s goal of maximizing compensation.
Hire Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Glendale CA
Now that you have a better understanding of the importance of hiring personal injury lawyers in Glendale CA, it’s time to take the next step. Call Broadway Law Firm at (866) 845-1350 to make a free consultation. Our experts will evaluate your case and guide you through the path forward. Get a chance to maximize your compensation while gaining peace of mind with a winning team!