What is a Los Angeles Personal Injury Claim?

Common Causes of Personal Injuries  

Personal injuries often arise from the negligent actions of others. Other personal injuries can occur because of the intentional acts of another. 
The following are examples of incidents that can lead to a valid personal injury claim: 

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents 
• Swimming pool accidents 
• Dog bites
• Assault
• Slip and fall accidents 
• Defective products

If you are hurt in a personal injury accident, an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process of getting compensated for your damages. 

What You Must Prove in a Personal Injury Claim 

Most personal injury claims require you to prove that negligence occurred in order to recover compensation. You must show that the person who caused the accident owed you a duty of care and that the duty was breached. You must also establish that the breach of duty caused the accident and that you suffered damages as a result. 

Compensation You Could Recover in a Los Angeles Personal Injury Case

If you suffer harm due to a personal injury, you can pursue compensation for your resulting losses. 

The following are types of damages that you can seek compensation for: 

• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement 
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Loss of income
• Loss of earning capacity 
• Medical expenses 

A qualified personal injury attorney can help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve. 

California Rules That Apply To Personal Injury Claims 

It is important to know the rules for handling a personal injury claim in California if you are injured in an accident. 

The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in California is two years. If you fail to file your claim within two years, you will not be able to recover damages. There may be exceptions. For example, if your claim is against the government, you may have as little as six months to take action before it expires. 

California is a pure comparative fault state that allows you to recover compensation even if you are partially responsible for the harm you suffered. However, if your own negligence was a factor in causing your injury, the amount you recover will be reduced in proportion to your fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault for a car accident, your damages will be reduced by 30%. 

What Should I Do After an Accident in Los Angeles, CA?

Suffering a personal injury accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do after it occurs can help improve the situation. 

The following are steps to take after a personal injury accident:

• Check yourself for injuries and seek immediate medical attention. A medical professional may notice injuries that you initially missed after the accident. 
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party. You should also get contact information for any witnesses. 
• Take pictures and videos of the scene, including any injuries, property damage, vehicles, and license plate numbers. You should also document how the accident has affected you and your way of life.
• Take personal notes about the accident, weather conditions, road conditions, and what occurred prior to the accident. Retain any police reports, medical records, and medical bills. These records will be helpful when consulting with your lawyer. 

Handling your personal injury claim can be stressful to navigate, but contacting a qualified personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation can make the process much easier.