Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims
At Jalilvand Law, we understand that dealing with the aftermath of car accidents, truck accidents, and personal injury cases can be overwhelming. Here are some common questions and our expert responses to help guide you through these challenging times.
What Should I Do Right After An Accident In Los Angeles?
First, call 911 if needed and get medical help if you are hurt. Then, take photos or videos, get witness information, and report the accident. Try not to admit fault or give detailed statements until you speak with an attorney. If you were hurt in a crash, our car accident attorneys can guide you through the process.
When Should I Call A Personal Injury Lawyer After An Accident?
It is best to call as soon as possible. A lawyer can help protect your rights, deal with the insurance company, and make sure important evidence is saved before it disappears. Our personal injury attorneys can review your situation and explain your legal options.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim In California?
In most California personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Some cases have much shorter deadlines, especially if a city, county, or government agency is involved. You can also review general filing deadline information from the California Courts.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
Every case is different. The value usually depends on your injuries, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, future treatment, and who was at fault. To discuss the potential value of your claim, contact our office for a consultation.
Can I Get Money For Pain And Suffering?
Yes. In many personal injury cases, you may be able to recover money for physical pain, emotional stress, loss of enjoyment of life, and how the injury has affected your daily routine. Our personal injury attorneys can evaluate the damages that may be available in your case.
Can I Still Have A Case If I Was Partly At Fault?
Yes. In California, you may still be able to recover money even if you were partly responsible. Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. That means you do not pay upfront attorney fees, and the lawyer only gets paid if money is recovered for you.
What Does “No Fee Unless We Win” Mean?
It means you do not pay attorney fees out of pocket. The attorney’s fee comes from the settlement or verdict if your case is successful.
How Long Does A Personal Injury Case Take?
Some cases settle in a few months. More serious or disputed cases can take longer. The timeline depends on your medical treatment, the insurance company, the evidence, and whether a lawsuit is needed.
Should I Talk To The Insurance Company After An Accident?
You should be careful. Insurance adjusters may sound helpful, but their job is to protect the insurance company. It is usually best to speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement. If you have questions about your rights after an accident, contact our office before speaking with the insurance company. The California Department of Insurance also offers consumer information about what to do after an auto accident.
What If The Insurance Company Offers Me A Quick Settlement?
Do not rush to accept it. Early offers are often lower than the true value of the case, especially before you know the full extent of your injuries and medical needs.
What Evidence Should I Collect After An Accident?
Take photos, get witness names and phone numbers, save medical records, keep receipts, and write down what happened while it is fresh in your memory. If there is a police or incident report, get a copy.
Can I Still Have A Case If I Did Not Go To The Hospital Right Away?
Yes, but delays in treatment can make the case harder. If you are in pain, see a doctor as soon as possible and explain how the injury happened.
What Can I Recover Money For In A Personal Injury Claim?
You may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses caused by the accident. Learn more about our personal injury representation.
Who Pays My Medical Bills While My Case Is Still Open?
This depends on your situation. Health insurance, medical payments coverage, liens, or treatment on a lien basis may be options. A lawyer can help you understand what applies to your case.
What Types Of Personal Injury Cases Do Lawyers Handle In Los Angeles?
Common cases include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, wrongful death, and serious injury cases.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Minor Car Accident?
Not always. But if you are injured, the other driver is blaming you, the insurance company is delaying, or your pain is getting worse, it is smart to speak with a lawyer. You can contact our office to discuss your situation.
What Should I Do After A Hit-And-Run Accident In Los Angeles?
Call the police, get medical help, take photos, look for witnesses, and contact your insurance company. You may still have options through uninsured motorist coverage. Our hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you review what coverage may apply.
Can I Sue If I Was Hurt On A Sidewalk, Bus, Or Public Property?
Yes, but claims involving public property or government agencies often have very short deadlines. You should speak with an attorney quickly so you do not miss the time limit. Learn more about our personal injury representation.
How Do I Choose The Right Personal Injury Lawyer In Los Angeles?
Look for a lawyer with experience handling your type of case, strong reviews, clear communication, trial experience, and a history of helping injury victims recover fair compensation. If you would like to discuss your case, contact our office. The California Courts also provide helpful guidance on hiring a lawyer.
Do I Have To File A Lawsuit To Get Compensation?
Not always. Many personal injury cases settle with the insurance company before a lawsuit is filed. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, filing a lawsuit may be the next step.
Will My Personal Injury Case Go To Trial?
Most cases settle before trial. However, some cases need to go to court if the insurance company denies fault, disputes your injuries, or refuses to offer fair compensation.
What Happens During A Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim usually starts with medical treatment and investigation. Then your lawyer gathers evidence, sends a demand to the insurance company, negotiates a settlement, and files a lawsuit if needed. Learn more about our personal injury representation.
What If The Driver Who Hit Me Does Not Have Insurance?
You may still have options. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance may cover your injuries. A lawyer can review your policy and explain what coverage may apply. Learn more about uninsured motorist claims.
What If The Driver Who Hit Me Does Not Have Enough Insurance?
If the other driver’s insurance is too low to cover your losses, you may be able to use underinsured motorist coverage through your own insurance policy. Contact our office to discuss your available options.
Can I Recover Lost Wages After An Accident?
Yes. If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover lost income. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, that may also be part of your claim. Our personal injury lawyers can help evaluate these damages.
Can A Family File A Claim After A Fatal Accident In Los Angeles?
Yes. If someone dies because of another person’s negligence, certain family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of love, care, and companionship.
What If The Other Driver Is Blaming Me For The Car Accident?
You may still have a case. In California, fault can be shared between drivers. A lawyer can review the police report, photos, witness statements, vehicle damage, and other evidence to show what really happened.
How Can Accident Experts Help Prove Who Caused A Car Crash?
Accident reconstruction experts can study the crash scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, photos, road conditions, and other evidence. Their work can help explain how the crash happened and who was at fault.
Can Black Box Or EDR Data Help My Car Accident Case?
Yes. Many vehicles have event data recorders, sometimes called “black boxes.” This data may show details like speed, braking, acceleration, seat belt use, and impact timing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains how event data recorders can capture crash-related vehicle information.
Can Surveillance Video Help Prove Who Caused The Accident?
Yes. Video from nearby businesses, homes, traffic cameras, dash cams, or parking lots may show the crash or what happened right before it. This footage can disappear quickly, so it is important to act fast.
Do I Have To Report A Car Accident To The California DMV?
Yes, in many cases. In California, you must file an SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage was more than $1,000. This applies even if the crash happened in LA County and even if you were not at fault. You can learn more from the California DMV accident reporting page.
What If The Accident Happened On A Los Angeles Freeway?
You may still have a claim, but freeway crashes can involve extra issues like multiple drivers, unsafe lane changes, speeding, hit-and-runs, commercial vehicles, or poor road conditions. Evidence like CHP reports, dash cam video, witness statements, and vehicle damage can help prove what happened.
What California Law Applies If Both Drivers Share Fault For A Car Accident?
California uses comparative fault. That means you may still recover money even if you were partly responsible, but your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your compensation may be reduced by 20%.
What We Can Offer You
At Jalilvand Law in Beverly Hills, we offer personalized attention, in-depth legal knowledge, and a commitment to achieving the best outcome for our clients. If you have more questions about your personal injury claim, contact us by calling 310-478-5800 or reaching out to us online to schedule your initial consultation today.
Our lawyers handle auto accidents and personal injury claims throughout L.A. and Southern California. You can reach us 24/7 and we do not get paid unless you recover compensation.
