If you have been injured in an accident and believe you have a personal injury claim, you probably have many questions. It is important to speak with a personal injury attorney so you get the information you need. We offer a free initial consultation so you can learn about the law and we can obtain the facts that will affect the outcome of your case. We will provide you the steps you can take to succeed on your claim. Here are 3 things you should know about personal injury claims in West Hollywood:
What damages are recoverable from a personal injury claim in California?
You may recover economic and non-economic damages if you were injured due to the negligence or intentional act of another person, business, organization, or government entity. Economic damages consist of out-of-pocket expenses evidenced by invoices, receipts, and other objective documentation. These include:
Healthcare expenses;
Loss of income;
Loss of earning capacity;
Property repairs or replacement;
Mobility aids; and
Home and vehicle modifications.
Non-economic damages are not objectively calculable. Non-economic damages are subjective to the injured victim. These include:
Emotional distress;
Pain and suffering;
Disfigurement;
Physical impairment;
Loss of life enjoyment; and
Inconvenience.
Punitive damages may also be awarded if the at-fault party who caused the injury acted with malice, fraud, or oppression. This is also referred to as “exemplary damages” and are meant to deter similar intentional, malicious, and oppressive conduct. These damages are only awarded when there was very egregious behavior such as a driver who was drunk or fleeing from police.
It is important to know that the value of each case is unique and is dependent on its own facts.
How long will my case take to resolve?
Personal injury cases can vary in time and can resolve in just a few months to well over a year. The factors that determine how long your case will take include:
The evidence you have supporting your case, such as witnesses, police reports, photographs, medical records and bills;
If there were multiple parties involved as defendants; and
Whether you were also at fault for injury, whether you were comparatively negligent or contributed to the incident.
What can I do to improve my personal injury claim?
Speaking to an experienced West Hollywood personal injury attorney will help you understand the complexities of your case. There are steps you can take to improve your chances of making a recovery in your personal injury claim. Here are a few:
Refrain from posting on social media until your case is resolved because the insurance companies will look to find anything to discredit you and use against you;
Do not provide any statements to the opposing party’s insurance company without first consulting with an attorney because anything you say will be used against you;
Direct all contact from the insurance company to your lawyer;
Follow your medical doctor’s instructions and do not miss appointments; and
Keep a daily journal of how your injuries are impacting your life.
Learn Your Rights: Contact a West Hollywood Accident Attorney Today! Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation with an accident attorney from The Sterling Firm.
