Broadway Law is one of the best personal injury law firms in California because it combines experience in court, a deep understanding of the law, and a strong will to win with an empathic, human treatment toward its defendants. We pride ourselves in treating our clients like family, and doing everything in our power to make sure they obtain every penny they’re ought by law.
If you were injured by somebody else’s negligence or imprudence, you deserve compensation for your damages. Make a free consultation with Broadway Law by calling (888) 824-1025. We’ll evaluate your case and see how we can help you. We serve Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Bernardino, and all over Southern California.
What Sets us Apart From Other Personal Injury Law Firms in California
Aside from treating our clients like family, there are multiple benefits of hiring Broadway Law Firm:
- We offer 24/7 availability – meaning we always answer your phone calls.
- You don’t pay anything out-of-pocket: our legal fees are paid when we win your case.
- We can help with your case starting today – no waste of time.
- Free evaluation.
- We can help you find medical treatment if you don’t have insurance.
- We can obtain advanced payments in cash before your case is done.
- If you’re incapacitated to move from your house, we go to your place.
- Recover lost wages, pay your medical bills, fix or change your vehicle, and many other benefits for you and your family.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Work On
Here’s a list of the most common types of personal injuries we usually work on. If you were hurt in any way that is not listed here, feel free to call us anyway at (888) 824-1025. We’ll evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uber/Lyft Accidents
- Wrongful Death
- Dog bite injuries
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability
- Slip and fall
What Should I Do After Suffering an Accident?
Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
Pull over to the side of the road if possible. If you can’t move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If someone needs medical attention, call 911 immediately.
Contact Authorities
Even for minor accidents, it’s advisable to call the police to file an accident report. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims.
Exchange Information
Once it’s safe to do so, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. This includes names, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance company details. If possible, try to get the contact details of any witnesses as well.
Document the Scene
If you are able to do it, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the other vehicles involved, and the surrounding scene of the accident. This will be helpful for insurance purposes.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel any pain immediately, get a medical evaluation to check for potential injuries. Adrenaline can mask injuries, so it’s important to get checked by a doctor.
Look for Personal Injury Law Firms in California
If you sustained injuries or significant property damage, consulting with personal injury law firms in California can be beneficial. They can advise you on your legal rights and help you navigate the claims process.
How Do I Know I have a Personal Injury Case?
Determining whether you have a personal injury case in California involves understanding the concept of negligence. In essence, a personal injury claim rests on the idea that someone else’s carelessness caused your injuries. Here are some factors to consider:
- Duty of Care: The other party had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care towards you.
- Breach of Duty: The other party breached this duty by acting carelessly or recklessly.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress.
If you believe any (or all) of these elements apply to your situation, you might have a case. It’s important to note that personal injury law can be complex, and having a personal injury lawyer by your side can give you much more clarity; especially considering your own case’s particularities.
Who’s Liable in a Personal Injury Claim?
Discovering who caused your injuries is key to winning your case. Personal injury claims often point the finger at multiple parties. A skilled lawyer will have the muscle to investigate your accident fully and identify everyone responsible for your harm.
If you’ve been hurt, here are some who might be accountable for your injuries:
- Drivers who acted carelessly
- People who own the vehicles involved
- Businesses where someone’s negligence caused harm
- Designers or manufacturers of faulty products
- Property owners who didn’t keep their premises safe
- Government agencies responsible for unsafe conditions
- Repair shops that did shoddy work
How Much is a Personal Injury Claim Worth in California?
Every personal injury case is one-of-a-kind, so it needs careful examination to determine the right amount of compensation for the victim. However, some types of injuries are more common and can give us a general idea of what a settlement might look like.
Here’s a breakdown of average settlement ranges for some typical personal injury claims in California:
- Car accidents: $20,000 – $30,000
- Motorcycle accidents: $50,000 -$150,000
- Pedestrian accidents: $40,000 – $100,000
- Truck accidents: $50,000 – $150,000
- Dog bites: $30,000 – $100,000
- Slip and falls: $15,000 – $50,000
Overall, the average settlement for various personal injury claims in California falls between $21,000 and $26,000. It’s important to remember these are averages for moderately severe injuries. The actual settlement amount can vary widely, from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to millions for very serious ones.
Personal Injury Claim in California, Step by Step
A personal injury claim in California allows an injured person (plaintiff) to seek compensation from the party who caused the injury (defendant) through negligence. Here’s a general guideline on every step in the claim process. The specifics of your or anybody else’s case can vary. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer is the best option to navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim and maximize your chances of obtaining full compensation.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get a medical evaluation to document the injury and begin treatment.
- Gather Evidence: Collect everything related to the accident: police reports, witness statements, pictures of the scene, and damage.
- Understand the Statute of Limitations: In California, you generally have two years from the injury date to file a claim. There might be exceptions, like when you claim a government entity. So consult an attorney for specifics.
- Consider Consulting 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 with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance: Obtain the at-fault party’s insurance information and file a claim with their provider. Be thorough and accurate in your description of the accident and injuries.
- Negotiate a Settlement: The insurance company might offer a settlement. Carefully evaluate it with your lawyer, considering present and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- File a Lawsuit (if necessary): If negotiations fail, you might need to file a lawsuit in civil court. Your lawyer will handle this process.
- Pre-Trial Phase (Discovery): Both sides exchange information and evidence to build their cases.
- Trial (if necessary): If a settlement isn’t reached, a judge or jury will hear the case and determine fault and compensation.
- Recover Compensation: If you win, the court will order the defendant or their insurance company to pay the awarded damages. After the settlement is accepted, it can take between two weeks to five months for you to receive your payment.
Time Limit to File Your Personal Injury Claim
California law gives you two years, starting from the date of your accident, to make a claim. If you need to sue a government entity, like for example LAPD, you also have six months to notify that entity that you intend to start a claim. Keep these deadlines in mind and try to start your claim as soon as possible to avoid any loss of proof.
Useful Links in Case of Suffering a Personal Injury in California
- DMV
- California Highway Police Patrol
- Request Police Collision Report – CHP 190
- Triple A Roadside Assitance
- Emergency Care 24/7 Southern California
What Happens If Somebody Dies Because of a Personal Injury?
If someone dies because of a personal injury, the legal situation changes from a personal injury claim to a wrongful death claim. Here’s a breakdown of what happens:
- Personal Injury Claim Transforms: The original claim for the pain and suffering of the injured person is no longer pursued.
- Wrongful Death Claim: Family members or beneficiaries of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. This lawsuit seeks compensation for the loss of their loved one due to someone else’s negligence.
Focus Shifts:
- From the injured party’s perspective to the surviving family’s perspective.
- Aims to hold the responsible party accountable for the death.
- Seeks compensation for the family’s losses, such as financial support, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
Existing Lawsuit:
- If a personal injury lawsuit was already filed before the death, it might be converted into a wrongful death claim by the estate representative.
Unfiled Lawsuit:
- If the person died before filing a personal injury claim, the family can still pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Law Firm in California Cost?
Just like many personal injury law firms in California, Broadway Law works on a “no win, no pay” basis. This means we only get paid if your case is settled favorably or wins in court. This way, you can heal from your injuries without worrying about the initial cost of a lawyer.
There are no upfront charges, deposits, or out-of-pocket expenses. Once your case is settled, your attorney’s fee comes out of the compensation you receive. The fee may vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.
Have One of the Best Personal Injury Law Firms in California by Your Side
If you hire Broadway Law Firm, you can be peace-minded that you’ll have one of the most efficient personal injury law firms in California by your side. Communication and empathy are paramount for us. You’ll know everything that’s going on in your claim from the beginning to the end. You’ll always get an answer to your questions, with a smile and genuine care.
Call us at (888) 824-1025 to make a free consultation.