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FAQs

Faqs

How can I determine if your law firm is the right law firm for me?

Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations where we will review your case and outline the legal options available to you. You can contact us to schedule your free case evaluation by calling (213) 927-3700.

Who will be handling my case?

Your case will be handled by a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who specializes in accidents similar to yours. They will navigate you through the legal process, speak to insurance companies, and work diligently to secure fair compensation on your behalf.

What size cases do you handle?

We handle cases of all sizes, ranging from minor accidents to major injuries, ensuring each client is given personalized attention and effective legal representation.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay anything upfront. You will only be required to compensate for our legal services if we successfully settle your case.

Will the information I share with you be confidential?

The information you share with our personal injury attorneys will be confidential and will not be disclosed without your permission.

Who brings a claim on behalf of children that are hurt?

A parent or legal guardian will usually file the claim for the injured child. In certain cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to represent the child during the legal process.

How much will I have to pay West Coast Trial Lawyers at the conclusion of my case?

If we successfully settle your case, you will pay a pre-agreed percentage of the amount recovered as a contingency fee. If we are unable to do this, you will not have to owe us anything.

What should I bring with me for my meeting with West Coast Trial Lawyers?

Try to bring any relevant documents, like a copy of your medical records, bills, and police reports. Be sure to also include insurance information, photographs or video footage, or any other written exchanges covering the accident. These can help us fully comprehend the situation and give you proper legal guidance.

Do I have to pay for my initial meeting with West Coast Trial Lawyers?

No. We offer FREE consultations so you can go over your case with us and explore what legal options are available with no upfront fees involved.

What is a lien or letter of protection used for?

A lien or a letter of protection (LOP) is used in personal injury cases to make sure your medical providers are compensated for the settlement you are given. A lien, specifically, is a claim made by the medical provider on your future settlement, ensuring that they will be paid directly from the damages you recover.

An LOP is a document your attorney will hand over to your medical provider, promising payment out of your settlement. This allows you to get treatment done without having to pay out-of-pocket expenses while your case is still active.

What if a person dies before bringing my personal injury lawsuit?

If the at fault party dies before your personal injury lawsuit is filed, you could still submit a claim against their estate. Your attorney will ensure you meet filing deadlines and protect your rights to help you recover damages. Learn more from our Wrongful Death Claims Page

How soon after the settlement is the money received and disbursed?

Once a settlement has been finalized, it will take a few weeks to be received and disbursed to you, after attorney’s fees and medical liens are deducted. We would like to note, however, that timelines will vary for each person.

Can my lawyer settle my case without my consent?

A lawyer cannot settle your case without your consent. They can provide legal guidance and negotiate on your behalf, but you are the one who gives the final say on whether an agreement should be finalized.

Should I sign a release?

Before you sign anything, be sure to contact West Coast Trial Lawyers to ensure your rights are protected. If you sign a release, you may not be able to recover future damages. Often, insurance adjusters offer an early settlement which may not fully compensate you, hoping that you are still unaware of the full extent and cost of your injuries.

What questions will be asked during my deposition?

During a deposition, you may be asked questions pertaining to the accident you were involved in, the injuries you suffered, medical treatment you received, how the incident affected your quality of life, and any related communications. Our goal is to ensure we gather facts, so it is important for clients to answer each question honestly.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

Time limits will vary by state. In California, Nevada, and Arizona, you will have two years to file a personal injury claim whereas in Washington State, you will generally have three years. In terms of property damage claims, CA, NV, and WA will be three years from the initial date the damage occurred, and AZ will be two years.

Is it possible to sue the government? County? Or City?

It is possible to sue a government entity. Special rules and shorter deadlines will apply. You will also need to provide notice of your claim before you move forward with filing a lawsuit.

I don’t want to go to court, can you still help me?

Most personal injury claims settle before they even reach the courtroom. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we will focus on resolving your situation efficiently, and will only take your case to court if it is in your best interest.

Do I still have a claim if my health insurance paid my medical bills?

Yes. Even if your health insurance covered some or all of your medical bills, you may still be entitled to pursue legal action. This is because your claim will focus on total damages you suffered. So, besides medical costs, you could seek damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses that occurred as a result of the accident you were involved in. In many cases, your insurance company may be reimbursed from your settlement for the amount they provided. Nonetheless, this does not take away your right to recover compensation that reflects the full value of your case

What damages am I entitled to recover?

You may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury case. Economic damages are financial expenses you suffered as a result of the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are intangible losses that are difficult to measure in monetary terms, such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.

In rare cases, punitive damages may also be given. This is awarded to punish the wrongdoer for exhibiting egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future.

Can I still pursue compensation if I was partially at fault for my injuries?

You can still pursue compensation if you were partially at fault for your injuries. All states have their own unique regulations enforced. For instance, California, Arizona, and Washington State follow the pure comparative negligence law, meaning you can recover damages even if you are 99% responsible for the accident. Compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Nevada, however, complies with the modified comparative negligence rule. So, if you are 50% or less at fault, you may be entitled to receive pay. But, if you are 51% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering compensation.

Who can be held liable for a catastrophic injury?

Anyone who exhibited negligence or intentional actions that contributed to a catastrophic injury can be held liable. This can include drivers, property owners, and manufacturers. A personal injury attorney can assess your case and establish fault to help you seek full compensation against the responsible party.

How much is my case worth?

The value of your case will depend on several factors, like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Essentially, the overall impact the accident had on your life will be considered. A personal injury attorney can review your case and give you a clear estimate of what you could be entitled to.

The insurance company said I don’t need a lawyer. Is that true?

This statement could be made with the motive to settle the case quickly while also minimizing your payout. A personal injury attorney can advocate on your behalf and secure full financial recovery for the losses you incurred.

How do I handle insurance adjusters?

Do not admit fault or provide a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer. Just provide basic information. It is often best to have a legal expert communicate with adjusters on your behalf to ensure you do not make any mistakes that could jeopardize your case.

Why do I need a lawyer?

You need a lawyer to help you maximize your claim. A personal injury attorney can guide you through each stage of the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court (if necessary) to help you secure the compensation you deserve, especially if you sustained serious injuries.

I was involved in an automobile accident. Should I call the police?

You should call the police, especially if you sustained injuries or are met with significant property damage. Be sure to request a copy of the police report as it is an official record that can be used for insurance claims or legal action.

What to Do After an Accident?

After an accident, you should make sure everyone is safe and contact 911 to document the accident. Be sure to document the scene of the accident by taking pictures, videos, gathering witness information and seeing if there is possible footage. You should also seek immediate medical attention and keep records of your any losses. Speak to a personal injury attorney first and don’t provide any statements to the insurance without an attorney.

Will You Be Compensated for a Car Accident/Injuries?

You may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury case, specifically for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. The value of your settlement will vary depending on coverage, injuries and liability.

How Can I Pay for Medical Costs, Rental?

Who Will Pay for My Car?

Medical bills and rental car costs can be covered by your auto insurance or uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage. If the other party was at fault, their insurance should also cover the damages you incurred.

Is Loss of Earnings Covered in the Compensation?

Yes. If your accident caused you to miss work, you may be eligible for compensation for loss of wages. A personal injury attorney can help calculate the losses you sustained and seek reimbursement from the liable party.

How Can I Get Compensated the Most for My Property/Injury?

To get compensated the most for your property/injury, you will have to gather substantial evidence, such as records of damages, medical care, and lost wages. Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company before speaking to a personal injury attorney. This is because anything you say can and will be used against you. A legal expert can communicate with the insurer on your behalf to make sure you are given a fair settlement.

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Have You Successfully Handled?

We have handled a wide range of personal injury cases, including car crashes, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall incidents, wrongful death claims, dog bites, and more. Our main focus is to acquire fair compensation with each case we work on while also ensuring our clients are well taken care of during the process.

What Types of Injuries Have You Recovered Compensation for in Past Cases?

We have helped clients recover compensation for various types of injuries, like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and burns. We aim to secure full financial recovery to ensure our clients receive proper care as they heal from any bodily harm sustained from the accident.

Have You Represented Clients in Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents?

Do Most Personal Injury Cases Settle Out of Court or Go to Trial?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

Do You Handle Hit-And-Run Accident Cases?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

Do You Take Cases for Accidents That Happen on Someone Else’s Property?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

I Was Involved in an Automobile Accident. Should I Call the Police?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

What if a Person Dies Before Bringing My Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

Have You Handled Cases Where the At-Fault Party Had No Insurance or Was Underinsured?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

Is It Possible to Sue the Government? County? Or City?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

What Is a Lien or Letter of Protection Used For?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

What Damages Am I Entitled to Recover?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

Can I Still Pursue Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for My Injuries?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

Do I Still Have a Claim if My Health Insurance Paid My Medical Bills?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Catastrophic Injury?

Yes, we have represented clients in multi-vehicle car accidents. Our legal team has helped navigate complex liability issues and negotiate with several insurers to deliver favorable results.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?