Do you need to hire a personal injury attorney Los Angeles? Before you say yes, there are things you need to understand first – and you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading so you can make an informed decision whether or not you need the services of a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles.

What is a personal injury attorney Los Angeles?

A personal injury attorney is someone who offers legal representation to people who have been injured in an accident. Personal injury attorneys work in tort law, and that includes negligent and intentional acts. They pursue compensation for the victims. 

But aside from negligence, you may file a personal injury case if any of the following are met:

• If you are harmed on someone else’s property

• If you are assaulted or injured

• If you are harmed by dangerous conditions in your business or apartment

• If dangerous environmental conditions injure you or your family

What are the types of personal injury cases?

Usually, personal injury cases involve the negligent acts of others, which includes automotive accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents. Personal injury attorneys may handle other types of transportation accidents such as bike accidents, aviation accidents, mass transportation accidents, pedestrian accidents, boating accidents, and more. They may also handle cases that involve premises liability, which includes slip and fall accidents, negligent security, and animal attacks and/or bites.

They may also handle cases that involve nursing home abuse and neglect of construction accidents. Medical malpractice cases can fall under this umbrella of personal injury cases.

Do you need to hire a personal injury attorney Los Angeles?

There’s just so much to understand when it comes to hiring a personal injury attorney Los Angeles. Below is a list of what they can do, and why you should hire them:

Investigating claims

Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, where they only charge attorney’s fees after a settlement or jury verdict has been secured. Because they usually finance a case, they take great care in screening potential clients. They also evaluate the merits of the case carefully. A personal injury attorney will never want to take on a case that he or she doesn’t believe will result in a win for the client.

Gathering evidence

A personal injury can attorney can gather proof to support the victim’s claim. This involves procuring any incident or police report. He or she can track down witnesses and get the statements of these individuals. He or she can instruct a photographer to capture images of the accident report. He or she may also be able to retain evidence of the case, which includes camera footage, property damage, and other types of evidence.

Evidence can establish liability for those who caused the accident and the extent of the damages the victim has suffered. Evidence may include the following: medical record bills. Medical reports employment reports and documents, and property damage reports.

Negotiating with the insurance companies

A lot of people don’t negotiate as part of their lives, but a personal injury attorney Los Angeles needs to negotiate with insurance companies. They may review the details of the insurance policy, and from here, determine the maximum level of compensation that is available to the victim, based on the specific circumstances of the case. A lawyer can also handle all communications with the insurance company and prevent the victim from doing anything that will jeopardize the claim, such as giving a recorded statement.

Sending demand letters

A personal injury attorney can send a demand letter to an insurance company after investigating the claim. The demand letter should state the facts of the accident and demand a particular amount of damages for the injury that was caused by the defendant.

Preparing the pleadings

If the insurance provider does not agree with offering a fair settlement, the personal injury attorney can prepare a complaint against the defendant. This complaint will set out the legal arguments about why the defendant is responsible for the accident. It will also state an amount of the damages that the client is asking for. Because of this, the defendant will have 30 days from the date of receiving the complaint to prepare an answer.

Conducting discovery

The victim’s attorney can initiate discovery processes, which includes sending interrogatories to the defendant, to ask for specific information. This can also include witnesses, experts, and deposing parties.

Representing the clients at trial

If the case proceeds to trial, the personal injury attorney Los Angeles provides representation in court. Personal injury attorneys are familiar with court procedures to ensure that these steps are followed carefully.

How to choose the right personal injury attorney Los Angeles

Your first meeting with an attorney is very important, as it provides an opportunity to get to know the firm and the lawyer’s level of experience with a case like yours. These are a few important things you need to consider when choosing a personal injury attorney Los Angeles:

Will they prepare your case for trial?

It’s important to find a legal team that isn’t only looking for a quick cash settlement. Experienced attorneys prepare every case, no matter how small or big, as if it is going to trial.

Do they have experience with your type of case?

Being able to find an attorney who has successfully tried and won cases similar to your case can make a big difference. Choose a team of lawyers that is familiar with your legal case, as this can improve the chances of a favorable outcome.

Are they compassionate and accessible?

At the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable and confident with your personal injury team. It’s much like working with a doctor – you want to find one with a good bedside manner who will treat you with respect, explain things clearly, and answer all your questions. Having an attorney who is both accessible and compassionate is necessary. If you need assistance, your lawyer should be able to address it as promptly as he or she can, and to your satisfaction. You should be the priority and never be made to feel like you’re asking way too many questions.