Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

Why should I hire a Los Angeles accident lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer provides a much better chance of winning a personal injury lawsuit in LA. Bisnar Chase has a team of eight highly qualified trial attorneys who excel in negotiation and courtroom representation. Our firm has represented over 12,000 clients with a 99% success rate, winning over $800 million since 1978. We will be your advocate in and out of the courtroom and always have your best interest at the forefront of representation.

How much will a personal injury lawyer cost in California?

Bisnar Chase offers a ‘No Win, No Fee’ guarantee. This opens our services to all personal injury victims or those who have lost a family member to wrongful death.

Personal injury lawyers, on average, charge 33%+ to handle your case. Some cases that require far more attention, such as expert witnesses, investigators, multiple depositions, travel, etc., can have more fees added to the case, but your attorney should always discuss that information with you prior.

What should I do after suffering an accident or serious injury in LA?

After an LA accident, you should first seek medical attention. You should also take photographs of the scene and your injuries, take detailed notes, and make a police report. Collect full details for the at-fault party and any witnesses. Do not admit fault at the accident scene, and contact our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

What if I was partially to blame for the accident?

You may still be able to file a personal injury claim, even if you were partially at fault for the accident—many accidents have multiple people at fault. Under the comparative negligence law in California, partly-responsible victims who have suffered due to the negligence of another party are still entitled to compensation and can file a lawsuit.

What do I need to bring to my initial free consultation?

Bring anything which may help the attorney better understand your LA injury case. This could include notations of the accident, witness statements, medical bills, police reports, and photos or videos from the scene. The more information you can provide for your personal injury lawyer, the better they can evaluate your case.

How do I know I have a personal injury case?

Certain critical elements must be present in a successful personal injury claim. Some of these elements include whether someone’s negligence caused your injury and whether the injury caused you physical, emotional, or financial damage.

The elements of a personal injury claim typically include the following:

1. Duty of Care: The person or party responsible for the serious injury must have owed a legal duty of care to the injured party. For example, a driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely.

2. Breach of Duty: The duty of care must be breached, meaning the responsible person or party failed to fulfill their legal obligation. For instance, a driver who runs a red light and causes an accident has breached their duty of care.

3. Causation: The breach of duty must directly cause the injury or harm suffered by the victim. The injury would not have occurred if not for the negligent actions of the responsible party.

4. Damages: The injured party must have suffered actual damages, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage.

To successfully pursue a personal injury claim, these elements need to be established, typically through evidence and legal arguments, to prove negligence and liability on the part of the responsible party. It’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney for advice tailored to your specific situation.

Who can file a personal injury claim?

Anyone who feels that they have experienced injuries and endured losses due to the negligence of another party can file an accident claim.

When should I file an accident claim? (Statute of limitations)

If you have not been compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and other monetary damages for injuries and pain and suffering, you should immediately file a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, the time to file your claim in California is two years from the date of injury. There can be circumstances where you’ll file upon realizing you’ve been injured at a later date, in which case you have a year to file your claim from the date you discovered the injuries. 

How much is my personal injury case worth?

Every accident case is different. There is no exact amount that each victim is compensated for. Each case is unique, and a range of details must be considered when preparing a claim on behalf of the plaintiff. Based on the evidence in the case, personal injury lawsuits can range from a few thousand dollars to over seven figures.

Will I be able to receive my compensation immediately?

Accident victims are strongly encouraged to communicate with their legal representatives about the status of their case and to find out more about the likely timeframe for receiving compensation. Upon your case being settled, funds will be dispersed by the legal administrator of the law firm after deducting attorneys’ fees. 

Can I go on disability if I suffered a personal injury?

There are two primary disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify for SSDI, you generally need to have a severe or long-term disability that prevents you from engaging in employment-related activity.  SSI is a need-based program that provides benefits to disabled individuals with limited income and resources.

To determine your eligibility, the Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses various factors, including your medical condition, work history, and ability to perform work activities. Your doctor will need to authorize your disability, whether short or long-term. Advise your attorney if you are on disability and receiving payment. 

Should I consider ADR – Alternative dispute resolution in my injury case?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a method used to resolve legal disputes outside of the traditional courtroom litigation process. It provides an alternative to lengthy and costly trials, allowing parties involved in personal injury claims to resolve more efficiently and collaboratively.

1. Mediation: Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third-party mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties involved in a personal injury claim. The mediator helps identify common interests, explores potential solutions, and assists in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not make decisions but guides the parties toward a resolution.

2. Arbitration: Arbitration is a more formal process than mediation and involves presenting the case to one or more arbitrators who act as private judges. The arbitrators review evidence, listen to arguments from both sides, and render a binding decision, known as an arbitral award. Arbitration can be either binding or non-binding, depending on the agreement of the parties involved.

3. Negotiation: Negotiation is the simplest form of ADR and involves direct communication between the parties or their attorneys. It allows the parties to discuss and negotiate settlement terms without the involvement of a third party. Negotiation can take place at any stage of the personal injury claim process, from pre-litigation to during a trial.

4. Collaborative Law: Collaborative law is a voluntary process in which the parties and their attorneys commit to resolving the personal injury claim through negotiation and cooperation rather than litigation. The parties agree not to go to court and work together to find mutually beneficial solutions. 

Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution for Personal Injury Claims:

1. Cost-effective: ADR methods are generally less expensive than going to trial, as they involve fewer court fees, legal expenses, and lengthy litigation processes.

2. Time-efficient: ADR can help expedite the resolution of personal injury claims, as parties have more control over the scheduling and process. It eliminates the need for court appearances and lengthy trial proceedings.

3. Confidentiality: ADR processes, such as mediation and negotiation, offer a confidential environment where parties can freely discuss and explore settlement options without public scrutiny.

4. Preservation of relationships: ADR methods encourage open communication and collaboration, which can help maintain relationships between the parties involved. This can be especially valuable in cases where ongoing interactions are necessary, such as personal injury claims involving insurance companies or employers.