If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Woodland Hills CA, Broadway Law Firm is your best choice. We have experience, understand the law, and know how to win. Our lawyers fight fiercely to recover every penny that is owed to you by law. That way, your chances of obtaining the maximum compensation for your damages are highly increased.
But it’s not all about money. As a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles, Broadway Law stands out for its humane, empathic treatment toward its clients. For us, you’re not just a number: you’re a person with a family who suffers from an accident provoked by somebody else’s negligence or imprudence. You deserve justice, and our mission is to give it to you.
Make a free consultation by calling (866) 845-1350. We offer 24/7 availability and always pick up the phone!
Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Woodland Hills CA
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Woodland Hills CA can be a wise decision if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Our personal injury lawyers possess the expertise and knowledge to navigate complex legal matters related to accidents, injuries, and compensation. They have a deep understanding of personal injury law and likely have experience handling cases similar to yours, providing valuable insights and strategies.
Insurance companies are skilled negotiators, and having a lawyer on your side can level the playing field. Our lawyers can protect your interests and prevent you from accepting a lowball settlement. Their strong negotiating skills can increase your chances of securing a fair compensation package.
Gathering evidence is also important in personal injury cases. Broadway Law lawyers know which evidence is vital and how to collect and preserve it. They may also consult with expert witnesses to strengthen your case. They can also handle extensive paperwork and strict deadlines, avoiding costly mistakes that could weaken your case.
Lastly, hiring a personal injury lawyer provides peace of mind. While you focus on healing and recovering, your lawyer handles the legal complexities. Their expert guidance and support can be invaluable during this challenging time.
When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Some signs you might need a personal injury lawyer are:
- Serious injuries: If you’ve sustained significant physical or emotional harm that requires extensive medical treatment, lost wages, or long-term care.
- Complex case: When the accident involves multiple parties, vehicles, or legal issues.
- Insurance company difficulties: If the insurance company gives you a hard time, denies your claim, or offers a low settlement.
- Unclear liability: When it’s not clear who is responsible for the accident.
- Significant damages: If you’re seeking a substantial amount of compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, etc.
What Accidents and Injuries Do You Work 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 Personal Injury Claims Work, Step by Step
A personal injury claim arises when someone is injured due to another person or entity’s negligence. This could include car accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice, etc. The goal is to seek compensation for damages suffered.
Initially, you’ll schedule a consultation with a lawyer. They will assess your case, explaining the legal procedures, potential timelines, and costs. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they receive a percentage of the settlement or judgment.
The lawyer will then investigate the accident, gathering evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They’ll identify liable parties and determine the extent of your injuries and damages.
Next, a demand letter is sent to the insurance company outlining the accident, injuries, damages, and the desired settlement amount. Negotiations may follow.
If a settlement can’t be reached, a lawsuit is filed. This involves a discovery process where both parties gather information. Pre-trial motions may occur, and the case could proceed to trial.
How Much is My Personal Injury Claim?
Some factors that affect the value of your claim are:
- Severity of injuries: The more severe your injuries, the higher the potential compensation.
- Length of recovery: Longer recovery times often lead to higher claims.
- Impact on your life: How the injury affects your daily activities and plans.
- Liability: The extent of the defendant’s responsibility for the accident.
- Insurance policy limits: The coverage available from the at-fault party’s insurance.
- Economic factors: Inflation and the cost of living can influence damage calculations.
Given the complexity of personal injury claims, consulting with a California personal injury attorney is highly recommended. They can thoroughly investigate your case, calculate the full extent of your damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
How to Maximize Your Compensation
Although hiring a lawyer is essential, there are several things you can contribute that can potentially maximize your final compensation:
- Gather and preserve evidence: Medical records, photos, witness statements, and financial documents.
- Document your experience: Keep a journal of your injuries and how they impact your life.
- Follow medical advice: Adhering to treatment plans strengthens your case.
- Consider expert opinions: Medical and economic experts can provide valuable support.
What Type of Damages Can I Claim?
Two primary categories of damages can be sought in a personal injury case: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic or special damages are tangible financial losses resulting from the injury. These are typically easier to quantify with specific monetary values. Examples include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and loss of future earning capacity.
Non-economic or general damages are intangible losses that are more subjective and challenging to assign a specific dollar amount. These damages compensate for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the injury. Examples include physical pain, emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of companionship.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take?
The length of a personal injury claim in California can vary significantly. Factors such as the severity of injuries, the complexity of the case, the insurance company’s cooperation, and whether the case settles or goes to trial all influence the timeline.
Generally, settlements can be reached within a few months to a year in straightforward cases with minimal injuries. However, complex cases with severe injuries or disputes over liability can take several years to resolve.
It’s important to note that California law imposes specific deadlines for certain stages of the claims process. For instance, insurance companies have 15 days to acknowledge a claim and 40 days to accept or deny it.
Time Limit to File Your PI Claim
You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. These two years are known as the statute of limitations. Being aware of this deadline is essential, as missing it can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
There are specific exceptions to the two-year rule, such as when the injury or its connection to the accident wasn’t discovered immediately. In these cases, the statute of limitations might begin from the date of discovery rather than the accident date.
What To Do After Suffering an Accident
Immediate Actions
- Prioritize safety: Ensure the well-being of yourself and others involved. If necessary, call emergency services (911).
- Document the scene: If possible and safe, take photos of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Gather contact and insurance details from all parties involved.
- Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional.
- Notify authorities: Report the accident to the police to obtain an official report.
Post-Accident Steps
- Gather evidence: Collect witness statements, repair estimates, and medical records.
- Consult with an attorney: A personal injury lawyer in Woodland Hills CA can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
- Avoid admitting fault: Refrain from making statements that could be misinterpreted as accepting blame.
- Be cautious with social media: Avoid posting about the accident on social media, as it could impact your case.
Can I Claim Compensation If I Was Partially Responsible for The Accident?
Yes, you can still claim compensation in California even if you were partially responsible for the accident. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
For example, if you’re found to be 30% responsible for the accident and your total damages are $100,000, you could recover $70,000.
Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Woodland Hills
- DMV
- Woodland Hills Police Department
- Woodland Hills Fire-Rescue Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff
- Hospitals in Woodland Hills
- Triple A Woodland Hills
How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Woodland Hills Cost?
In California, lawyers often use contingency fees as a payment method for legal services, particularly in personal injury cases. Contingency fees are common in personal injury and other civil litigation cases designed to make legal representation more accessible to individuals who may not have the financial means to pay hourly fees upfront.
A contingency fee is an arrangement where the lawyer’s payment is contingent (dependent) on successfully obtaining a favorable outcome for the client. If the case is successful and results in a settlement or a court judgment in the client’s favor, the lawyer receives a percentage of the monetary award. If the case is unsuccessful, the lawyer does not receive a fee, although the client may still be responsible for certain costs incurred during the legal process.
Contingency fees are typically based on a percentage of the total compensation awarded to the client. These agreements must be in writing and signed by both the lawyer and the client. The agreement must also clearly state the method of determining the fee, including any percentages that apply at different stages of the case.
This modality allows clients to pursue legal action without upfront costs. This can be especially beneficial in personal injury cases, where the client may be facing financial strain due to medical bills or lost wages. Since their fee is tied to the outcome of the case, contingency fees also incentivize lawyers to work diligently on behalf of their clients.
Make a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Woodland Hills CA
If you decide to hire a personal injury lawyer in Woodland Hills CA, call Broadway Law Firm at (866) 845-1350. Maximize your chances of obtaining maximum compensation while gaining peace of mind and humane, empathic treatment towards you and your family. When you hire our services, we treat you like family. And we will fight fiercely so you can obtain justice and the full compensation owed to you by law.