If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Torrance, Broadway Law Firm is your number-one choice. Our attorneys can fight to obtain maximum compensation for all the damages you suffered. We have experience, understand the law, and know how to win. When we represent you, we put all our resources at your service to reach your best agreement.
Broadway Law is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles that stands out for its professionalism, fierce defense, and empathic treatment toward its defendants. We offer 24/7 availability and free consultation. Call (866) 845-1350 to schedule an appointment and take the first step into obtaining justice and the maximum compensation for all your damages.
You can also visit us at our headquarters in Downtown LA – walk-ins are always welcome:
Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Torrance
- Get the most money you deserve: Personal injury lawyers are negotiation wizards who know how much your case is worth and will fight tooth and nail to get you the highest settlement possible. They’re legal experts who can build a rock-solid case to prove your losses.
- Don’t get lost in legal mumbo jumbo: The legal system can be a maze, especially after you’ve been hurt. A lawyer can handle all the confusing legal stuff, deadlines, and court appearances, freeing you up to focus on getting better.
- Don’t let insurance companies bully you: Insurance companies are in the business of saving money, and they might try to deny your claim or offer you a measly settlement. A lawyer can be your champion and make sure the insurance company treats you right.
- Gather the strongest evidence: Lawyers are pros at finding and preserving proof to support your case. This could involve witness statements, medical records, accident reports, and pictures.
- Go to court with confidence: If your case goes to trial, you’ll need a lawyer who’s been there before. Personal injury lawyers have the courtroom skills and experience to win your case.
- Focus on healing, not the hassle: Knowing a skilled lawyer is on your side can give you peace of mind and allow you to concentrate on recovering from your injuries.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Torrance 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)
How is a Personal Injury Claim?
Here’s a breakdown of a personal injury claim process in California, step by step:
- Seek Medical Attention: This is the priority. Get the medical care you need and document everything with receipts and reports.
- Understand Your Case: Personal injury claims typically involve negligence, where someone else’s carelessness caused you harm. Gather evidence like accident scene photos, witness info, and police reports.
- Consider an Attorney: An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed.
- File a Claim: You’ll likely file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Be thorough and accurate in your documentation.
- Demand Letter (Optional): Your attorney might draft a formal letter outlining your case and demanding compensation.
- Negotiation: This is where your lawyer negotiates a settlement with the insurance company. It can involve back-and-forth communication.
- Lawsuit (if necessary): If negotiations fail, your lawyer will file a lawsuit in the appropriate court. This initiates the formal legal process.
- Discovery: Both sides exchange information and evidence to build their cases. This might involve depositions (questioning under oath) and interrogatories (written questions).
- Mediation (Optional): A neutral third party attempts to facilitate a settlement between you and the defendant.
- Trial (if necessary): If mediation fails, a judge or jury will hear the case and decide on a verdict (compensation amount) or dismissal of the claim.
Damages Can I Claim
Economic damages in a California personal injury claim are those with clear financial ties. These are the concrete costs associated with your injury and aim to restore you to the financial state you were in before the incident. Imagine economic damages as a way to rebuild what was broken financially.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical Bills: This covers all past, present, and future medical expenses related to your injury. It can encompass doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future anticipated medical needs arising from your injury.
- Lost Wages: If your injury forced you to miss work, you can recover compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery period. In some cases, if your injury has long-term effects that limit your ability to work, lost future wages can also be factored in.
- Property Damage: If the accident damaged your property, such as your car in a collision, you can claim compensation for repairs or replacement.
Economic damages are relatively straightforward to calculate because they typically involve bills, receipts, and pay stubs. These documents provide clear evidence of the financial losses you’ve suffered.
On the other hand, non-economic damages address the intangible losses you experience due to your injury. These are the subjective aspects of your pain and suffering that significantly impact your quality of life. Unlike economic damages, there’s no set price tag on non-economic damages.
Here are some examples of non-economic damages:
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical discomfort and emotional distress you endure due to your injury. The severity, duration, and impact of your pain are all considered.
- Emotional Distress: This includes anxiety, depression, fear, humiliation, and other emotional consequences of your injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury prevents you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed, you can claim compensation for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: This refers to the impact the injury has on your marital relationship, including intimacy, companionship, and emotional support.
Non-economic damages are more challenging to quantify because they involve subjective experiences. An experienced attorney will strategize ways to effectively present evidence that demonstrates the extent of your pain and suffering and how it has negatively affected your life.
How Much is a Personal Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a personal injury claim in California varies based on several factors. First, the type and severity of the injuries play a significant role. This includes medical expenses for current and future treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Generally, more severe injuries lead to higher compensation.
Lost wages are another critical factor, covering both past lost income and any future lost earning capacity if the injury impacts the ability to work. Pain and suffering, which encompasses physical pain and emotional distress such as anxiety or depression resulting from the injury, also contribute to the claim’s worth.
Property damage, including repair or replacement costs for any damaged property, such as vehicles, is considered. The degree of fault affects the compensation, as California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning the compensation is reduced by the claimant’s percentage of fault in the accident.
Insurance policy limits, both the at-fault party’s and the claimant’s underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, can affect the claim’s worth. The quality of evidence and the legal representation experience are crucial, as strong evidence and skilled attorneys can lead to better settlements or higher awards in court.
Lastly, the location and jurisdiction influence the claim’s value due to local laws and jury tendencies. For example, claims for minor injuries with full recovery might be worth a few thousand dollars. At the same time, those involving more significant medical treatment and long-term effects might range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Severe injuries that result in permanent disability, significant long-term care, or loss of earning capacity can reach millions of dollars.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a PI Claim?
In California, settling a personal injury claim can vary significantly in timeframe depending on the specific circumstances. While some cases might resolve in a few months, others can take over a year.
Several factors influence the settlement timeline. The severity of your injuries plays a big role. If your injuries are minor and require minimal treatment, settling is likely quicker than in a situation with extensive medical needs and ongoing treatment. Determining the at-fault party also plays a part. Clear-cut liability without dispute about who caused the accident helps move things along faster. However, if there’s disagreement about fault, expect delays as things get sorted out.
Time Limit to File Your Claim
In California, there’s a strict time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury (PI) claim. This deadline ensures fairness in the legal system by requiring lawsuits to be brought within a reasonable timeframe.
The general statute of limitations for PI claims in California is two years from the date of your injury. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. It’s important to note that the clock starts ticking on the date the injury occurred, not necessarily when you first experienced symptoms or the full extent of the damage.
Dos and Don’ts After an Accident
Do:
- Seek Medical Attention: This is the most important step. Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask injuries. Get checked out by a doctor to document any injuries and begin treatment to prevent complications.
- Contact Law Enforcement: If there are injuries or significant property damage, call 911. A police report will be essential for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
- Exchange Information: Get the names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident, including any witnesses.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures and videos of the damage to vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries (be mindful of privacy). Note down weather conditions, road signs, and anything else relevant.
- Consider an Attorney: An experienced personal injury lawyer in Torrance can advise you on your rights and help you navigate the claims process, especially if you have serious injuries.
Don’t:
- Leave the Scene: This is a crime, especially if there are injuries.
- Admit Fault: Don’t apologize or say anything that could be construed as an admission of blame. Stick to the facts of what happened.
- Discuss the Accident with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company: Only communicate with your own insurance company unless you have an attorney.
- Move Your Vehicle (Unless Necessary): Leave the vehicles in place if possible, as it helps document the scene. Only move them if it’s unsafe to stay put or required by law.
- Post About the Accident on Social Media: Avoid posting anything about the accident on social media, as it could be used against you later.
I Was Partially at Fault. Can I Claim Compensation?
Yes, in California, you can still claim compensation for a car accident even if you were partially at fault. This is because California follows a pure comparative negligence system. Here’s what that means for you:
- Shared Fault: The courts will assign a percentage of fault to each driver involved in the accident.
- Reduced Compensation: You can still receive compensation for your damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage, etc.), but your percentage of fault will reduce the amount.
For example, the accident is determined to be 70% the other driver’s fault and 30% your fault. If your total damages are $10,000, you would be entitled to 70%, or $7,000.
Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Torrance
- DMV
- Torrance Police Department
- Torrance Fire Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff
- Hospitals in Torrance
- Triple A Torrance
How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Contingency fees are a popular option for paying personal injury lawyers in California. With a contingency fee, you only pay the lawyer if they win your case. This means if your case isn’t successful, you won’t owe the lawyer anything for their time.
When you win your case, the lawyer’s fee is a portion of the money you receive. This fee is negotiated between you and the lawyer, and it’s outlined in a written agreement. The agreement will also specify how the fee is calculated, whether it’s before or after other costs are deducted.
Contingency fees offer some advantages. First, they allow you to hire a lawyer even if you can’t afford an hourly rate upfront. Second, since the lawyer’s fee depends on the amount you recover, they have a strong incentive to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer in Torrance Who Knows How to Win
Regarding a personal injury claim, it’s always better to be as safe as possible and not jeopardize your chances of obtaining compensation. Take your best chances by hiring a personal injury lawyer in Torrance from Broadway Law Firm. Schedule a free consultation by calling
(866) 845-1350. You have nothing to lose and a lot to win.