Legal Lifesavers in the City of Angels: So What Exactly Does a Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles Do?
Los Angeles may be a city of palm trees and sunshine, but away from ritzy boulevards and red carpets, accidents happen here every week. Whether it’s a fender-bender on the 405, a slip on a greasy restaurant floor in West Hollywood or a bike wreck near Venice Beach, life in L.A. can tip over in an instant. When it does, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer becomes more than just a personal injury attorney Los Angeles california—it becomes your life force. But what do they do and how does it help any time your world feels topsy-turvy?
What is the process to start a personal injury case in LA?
It starts with an accident. (One of you runs a red light on Sunset.) A delivery driver stumbles on a broken sidewalk in Koreatown. A tourist just might be injured in a rideshare downtown. When there is an injury as a result of another person’s negligence, a personal injury attorney LA claim can exist. That’s when a Los Angeles injury lawyer comes on the scene to find out if you’ve got a case.
Typically, your lawyer will begin with a free consultation. They’ll ask what happened, how you were injured and who might be at fault. If the facts do match up, they’ll probably take your case on contingency, which means you pay nothing until they win or settle it.
So what does a personal injury lawyer do then?
Then, once they’re officially on your side, the real work begins. An injury lawyer in LA will be able to compile police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, surveillance footage — anything that can help to build your case. And, because it’s LA, they’ll probably find dashcam or store video nearby as well.
They also handle the dirty work. That includes talking to insurance adjusters, dealing with paperwork and pushing back when the other side takes a hard line. The rhythm and politics of L.A., particularly within the legal vortex. Your lawyer knows the local system, and how to use it to your advantage.
How do they know what your case is worth?
In a city such as Los Angeles, computing damages extends well beyond medical bills. A great lawyer considers not only your current — but also the ripple effect of your injury. Did you have to call out from work on a film? How many freelance gigs did you lose because you couldn’t type or drive? Do you have continuing pain, or did the injury affect your mental health?
They will consider losses of income, future medical care, physical therapy and emotional pain. If your life is affected — if you can no longer hike Runyon Canyon or surf in Malibu the way you used to — that’s real, and it counts. And that’s exactly what your lawyer is there for — to ensure that all of that gets reflected in your claim.
Do LA Personal Injury Cases Normally go to trial?
Most don’t. Most LA personal injury cases are resolved out of court. But if your insurance company is lowballing you or won’t step up, your lawyer might advise you to try the suit in court. When that doesn’t work out, well, as the client you can look forward to your lawyer preparing for court as if it were a Hollywood production — scripts, rehearsals, you name it.
They will file the appropriate motions, present evidence, call expert witnesses, and then tell your story to a judge and a jury. Court isn’t fun, but if it gets you your rightful compensation, it’s worth it all in all. And your Los Angeles injury attorney will be with you, directing every scene.
Do LA injury attorneys just take automobile accident cases?
Not at all. Yes, car crashes are a staple of the City of Angels — with the notorious traffic, it happens — but that’s only the tip of the ice burg. Pedestrian and bike accidents, Uber and Lyft claims, dog bites, construction site injuries, medical malpractice and even wrongful death suits are others.
They are accustomed to handling all kinds of claims because LA is so diverse and spread out. From Hollywood set injuries to falls in the apartment complexes of East LA, they’ve likely seen it all.
Do I really need a lawyer after an LA Accident?
You can theoretically handle a claim yourself, but it would be a real gamble — especially in a city like Los Angeles where the insurance companies are pros. They have entire armies of people taught how to keep the payouts as low as possible. Without legal representation, you could wind up settling for much less than you’re owed.
When you hire a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, it levels the playing field. They are familiar with local laws, with court processes and with the ruses that insurance companies employ to delay or deny payments. And they’ll handle all of the stress of getting to better, while you get to concentrate on resting up and getting better again. That alone is its weight in gold.
How do you choose the best personal injury attorney in LA?
In a city like Los Angeles, there are so many lawyers, and it can be hard to decide who’s right for your case. Find someone who isn’t just experienced but listens, communicates clearly and who has handled cases like yours. You need someone local — someone who is familiar with L.A. traffic, the court system and which way the wind is blowing over the city’s legal scene.
Use free consultations to your advantage. Ask about their success rate. Inquire as to whether they have done cases similar to your own in your community. Do they return calls? Do they give it to you straight when it comes to your chances? A great lawyer will make you feel like their only priority, not just a case number.
Conclusion
Whether you’re involved in a freeway accident or a sidewalk slip, personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles are the people who put you back together when all the chips are down. They’ve got your back, they will wrestle with Big Insurance, and they ensure your story gets the ending it deserves. In a town that runs on stars, they’re the behind-the-scenes heroes you want in your corner.
