Suppose you or a loved one were injured in an accident provoked by someone else’s negligence and are looking for a personal injury lawyer in Whittier. In that case, you should definitely consider Broadway Law Firm. We have experience, understand the law, and know how to win. We go the extra mile to obtain the maximum compensation and claim every damage you receive, even those that are not evident.
Broadway Law Firm is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles that stands out from the rest because it combines family-like treatment and fierce representation. When you hire us, you can be peace-minded that your claim is in the hands of seasoned experts who’ll use all their resources to give you justice and the maximum reparation for your accident.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (866) 845-1350.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Whittier
If you’ve been involved in an accident or suffered an injury in Whittier, CA, hiring a personal injury lawyer can be essential to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve by law. Some of the multiple benefits you receive by hiring a personal injury lawyer in Whittier include:
Professionals Who Understand Local Laws
Personal injury laws can vary significantly from one state to another. A local Whittier lawyer will be well-versed in California’s personal injury laws, including statutes of limitations, comparative negligence rules, and local court procedures.
Maximizing Compensation
A personal injury lawyer can help you accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. Without professional guidance, you might undervalue your claim. Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Handling Legal Complexities
Personal injury cases involve complex legal processes, including filing claims, gathering evidence, and possibly going to trial. A lawyer can manage these procedures, ensuring that deadlines are met and that your case is presented effectively. In California, you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. A lawyer can help minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.
Experience with Similar Cases
A Whittier personal injury lawyer is likely familiar with local courts, judges, and other attorneys. This local knowledge can be advantageous in handling your case effectively. Experienced personal injury lawyers have handled numerous cases similar to yours and know what it takes to build a strong case.
Peace of Mind
Dealing with the aftermath of an injury can be overwhelming. A lawyer can handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery. Personal injury lawyers at Broadway Law also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if you win your case. This arrangement makes legal representation more accessible and reduces financial stress.
Access to Resources
Broadway Law has access to medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals who can provide crucial evidence to support your case. We can also visit you at home if your injuries impede you from coming to our offices.
Ensuring Fair Representation
If your case goes to trial, a lawyer will represent you in court, advocating for your rights and working to secure the best possible outcome.
Types of Accidents and Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Bicycle 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)
The Legal Process for Personal Injury Cases in Whittier
Step 1: Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, we will discuss the details of your case, answer any questions you may have, and outline the potential legal strategies. Bring any relevant documents such as medical records, accident reports, photographs of the scene, and contact information for any witnesses.
Step 2: Investigation and Gathering Evidence
The Police reports, medical records, and witness statements serve as foundational evidence in building your case by providing a clear and objective account of the incident. Expert witnesses, such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, can provide critical insights that strengthen your claim.
Step 3: Filing the Claim
This step involves submitting the necessary documentation to the court and notifying the defendant. A lawyer will guide you through the process to ensure all steps are correctly followed. Avoid delaying the filing process, as missing the statute of limitations can result in your claim being dismissed. Also, be careful not to provide inaccurate or incomplete information.
Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement
Negotiations involve back-and-forth discussions with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. Your lawyer will advocate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome. Settlements are typically faster and less expensive than trials. However, if the offer is insufficient, your lawyer may advise pursuing the case in court.
Step 5: Trial (If Necessary)
The trial process includes selecting a jury, presenting evidence, and making arguments. Both sides will have the opportunity to question witnesses and make their case. Your lawyer will gather all necessary evidence, prepare witnesses, and develop a compelling argument to present before the judge and jury.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit in civil court. You may lose your right to pursue compensation if you do not file within this time frame. It may also happen that someone else involved in the accident files a claim against you beforehand.
On the other hand, if a government entity or employee caused your injury, you must file a claim with the appropriate government agency within six months (or 180 days) of the incident. If the claim is denied, you have six months from the date of the denial to file a lawsuit. A good example of this would be if a police dog bites you for no reasonable reason or if you crash your car with a mail truck.
What Compensation Can I Expect in a Personal Injury Case?
The compensation you can expect in a personal injury case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the impact on your life. Your personal injury lawyer in Whittier can evaluate your case and determine a more exact list of damages you’re entitled to claim. Some of these types of compensation are:
Medical Expenses
This includes all medical expenses incurred due to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other treatment-related costs. If your injuries require ongoing medical care, you may also receive compensation for future medical expenses.
Lost Wages
If your injury caused you to miss work, you could be compensated for your lost income during that time. If the injury has impacted your ability to work in the future or reduce your earning potential, you might receive compensation for the loss of future earnings.
Pain and Suffering
This is a type of compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and suffering caused by the injury. This is often subjective and depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your quality of life. If the injury has diminished your ability to enjoy life’s activities, you may receive compensation for this loss.
Property Damage
If your property (e.g., a vehicle in a car accident) was damaged, you could be compensated for the cost of repairs or the replacement value.
Other Compensatory Damages
If the injury affected your relationship with your spouse, they might be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship or affection. Any other expenses directly related to the injury, such as transportation to medical appointments, can also be reimbursed.
How Long Does it Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case?
The time it takes to settle a personal injury case in California can vary widely, depending on several factors. In your free consultation with Broadway Law’s personal injury lawyer in Whittier, you can receive a much more accurate and concrete answer of how long your particular case would take.
Typical Timeline of a PI Claim
Initially, the process involves gathering evidence, obtaining medical records, and thoroughly investigating the incident. This phase can take several weeks or even months, especially if the injured party is still undergoing medical treatment. Settlement discussions typically begin once the individual has completed their treatment or reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Once the investigation is complete, negotiations with the insurance company can begin. This stage involves sending a demand letter and waiting for a response, which can take weeks or months. There is often a back-and-forth exchange during this phase as both sides try to agree. If the parties cannot agree on a settlement, the case may proceed to litigation, significantly lengthening the timeline.
Filing a lawsuit introduces additional steps such as discovery, depositions, and potential mediation, which can add several months or even years to the process. Even during litigation, settlement talks may continue, and many cases are resolved without going to trial. Finally, if a settlement is reached, there is still a period for processing and distributing the payment, which can take several weeks or months.
In summary, settling a personal injury case in California can range from a few months to several years, with most cases being resolved within one to two years.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?
- Ensure Safety: Check if you or anyone else is injured. If there are serious injuries, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. If the accident is minor and the vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911: An official report can be crucial if there are legal or insurance disputes later. After the accident, you can request the California accident police report online at our website for free.
- Gather Information: exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration details, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, try to get their contact information as well. Pro tip – Use your smartphone to take photos of all the documents.
- Document the Scene: take pictures of the vehicles, any visible damages, the accident scene, traffic signs, and any relevant road conditions.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault or discuss the details of the accident with the other driver. Leave the determination of fault to the police and insurance companies. Try to speak as little as possible, cooperate with the authorities, and if you don’t know something, don’t lie: just say, ‘I don’t know.’
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor soon after the accident is wise, as some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
- Call a Lawyer: If you have been injured or the accident was serious, consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options.
Can I Claim Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes! In California, you can still claim compensation for an accident even if you were partially at fault. The state follows a legal principle known as “pure comparative negligence.” Under this rule, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
For example, if you were found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by 30%. This means that if the total damages amounted to $100,000, you would still be able to recover $70,000.
Keep in mind that even if you were more than 50% at fault, you could still recover damages, albeit a smaller portion, under California’s comparative negligence law. A personal injury lawyer in Whittier can help determine not only the other parties’ responsibility percentage but also yours and thus claim compensation that fits your liability.
Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Whittier
- DMV
- Whittier Police Department
- Whittier Fire-Rescue Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff
- Hospitals in Whittier
- Triple A Whittier
How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Broadway Law Firm uses contingency fees – the famous ‘you don’t pay unless we win’.
Contingency fees are a common payment arrangement for personal injury lawyers in California. Under a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon winning the case. This means that you don’t pay any upfront fees or hourly rates. Instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or court award if you win the case. If you don’t win, the lawyer typically gets no payment.
One of the main advantages of a contingency fee arrangement is that it allows individuals who may need more financial resources to pay for legal representation upfront to access legal services. It also aligns the lawyer’s interests with the client’s, as the lawyer is motivated to achieve the best possible outcome.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Whittier You Can Trust
As you can see, hiring a personal injury lawyer in Whittier can make a great difference in obtaining maximum compensation for your damages. Don’t miss your chance and settle for less than what you deserve! Schedule a free consultation with Broadway Law Firm at (866) 845-1350. Obtain multiple benefits like car repair or replacement; pay medical bills, recover lost wages, and monetary compensation for your damages.