Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney

Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Long Beach, CA

If you or a loved one got hurt in an accident due to no fault of your own, a personal injury attorney in Long Beach, CA, can help to hold the at fault party responsible. You could be entitled to damages such as medical bills, income losses, awards for pain and suffering, and more.

The dedicated and experienced attorneys at Russell & Lazarus have successfully handled a variety of personal injury cases over the last 30 years. Our legal team helped many of our clients recover the compensation they needed to put their lives back together. Call us now to schedule a free consultation to find out whether you have a case, call (888) 539-3154 or text (949) 309-0990.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You

A Long Beach, CA, personal injury lawyer can help victims of accidents recover the expenses they incurred as the result of another’s negligence. Personal injury cases can arise due to a variety of accidents and incidents, including but not limited to:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Construction accidents
• Defective products
• Elder abuse and neglect
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Wrongful death

Victims that suffered from life-changing injuries can see their entire lives turned upside down and may never be able to work again. This can cause unprecedented financial hardship for victims and their families. Moreover, injured individuals could face lifelong high medical costs and the emotional consequences of a devastating accident. Our dedicated injury attorneys at Russell & Lazarus can fight for your right to justice and compensation.

Build Your Case

A personal injury attorney will analyze your case’s facts and gather evidence to build a comprehensive case against the at-fault party. This can include conducting an independent investigation if necessary.

Negotiate With the Insurance Company

A lawyer knows what your case is worth. They can communicate and negotiate expertly with the at-fault party’s insurance company, preventing them from potentially taking advantage of you.

Representing You in Court

Self-representation, although possible, can be stressful and full of legal challenges. A personal injury lawyer can represent you aggressively in court and fight for what you deserve under the law.

Most of all, perhaps, a personal injury lawyer from Russell & Lazarus can give you peace of mind during a stressful time. We can handle all the legal aspects of your case and work tirelessly to fight for the compensation you need to go on with your life, leaving you free to concentrate on your health and well-being.

Personal Injury Law Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Have to Go to Court for a Personal Injury Claim?

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), the vast majority of personal injury cases never go to trial but are resolved with an out-of-court settlement beforehand. This means that most “plaintiffs,” the individuals bringing the lawsuit, do not have to go to court.

However, some personal injury claims will invariably end up at trial. Those cases typically happen where a lot is at stake, for example, high medical bills, income losses, and other damages, are generally more likely to go to trial. Factors that can determine whether or not your case ends up being decided in court can include:

• The at-fault party’s insurance company refusing an adequate settlement
• Fault for the accident is unclear
• The extent of your injuries
• The extent of your medical costs and future expected expenses

It is important to note that an out-of-court settlement could be agreed on at any time before going to trial. Since it is impossible to predict whether a case will end up at trial, victims of a personal injury accident should be prepared for the eventuality of a trial. A personal injury attorney in Long Beach, CA, can fight for your best interests in and out of court.

What Is the Average Settlement Amount for a Personal Injury Case?

Personal injury settlements can vary drastically from one case to another. Generally, the higher your financial losses and the more severe your injuries, the higher your potential settlement amount is likely to be under the law.

If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by another individual, business, or government entity, you could potentially pursue a number of damages. Depending on the facts of the case, you could be entitled to the following economic damages as well as others:

• Medical bills and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation such as physiotherapy
• Medications
• Lost wages and future lost income
• Transportation costs
• Household assistance
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Depending on the extent of your injuries, you could also seek so-called non-economic damages, which can include awards for:

• Pain and anguish
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of a limb or a sense such as eyesight
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Permanent disability

Your Long Beach, CA, personal injury attorney can analyze your case and determine your next best steps. Contact us today for a free review of your case.

Should I Negotiate with an Insurance Company Directly?

Negotiating with an insurance company can prove complicated and adversarial, especially if you have suffered serious injuries and considerable financial losses. It is important to remember that insurance companies typically do not act in your best interests but their own. They may try to push you into giving a recorded statement or signing a lowball settlement offer.

In many cases, the first settlement offer by an insurance company is an attempt to settle as quickly and cheaply as possible. The amount offered may not cover all your current and future costs.  Therefore, it is crucially important that you do not sign any settlement offers before knowing the value of your case and the extent of your damages. Signing a settlement agreement typically means giving up your right to sue at a later time.

You may want to consider declining any communication attempts from the insurance company until you have consulted with a lawyer. A Long Beach, CA, personal injury attorney can protect your legal rights and communicate directly with the insurance company, defending your best interests.

We understand that accident victims are looking to recover a quick settlement, especially when faced with steep medical costs and income loss. However, settling too soon can be a mistake and could cost you dearly. The experienced and tenacious personal injury lawyers at Russell & Lazarus can determine the worth of your case, protect your rights, and fight for full and fair compensation.

What Are The Steps To Take After an Accident?

Consider these steps after your personal injury accident in Long Beach, California:

Seek Medical Attention

If you got hurt, getting medical help as soon as possible is the most important step you can take. No matter which type of accident you were involved in, seeing a doctor can protect your health as well as your legal rights. Without a medical report listing your injuries and treatments, it will be next to impossible to claim damages such as medical expenses from the at-fault party.

Collect Evidence

Whether you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, a car crash, or another accident, collecting evidence is crucial for recovering what you deserve. Evidence can include:

• Photographs of the accident scene and injuries
• Witnesses contact details
• Accident reports
• Medical reports

A Long Beach personal injury lawyer can help with gathering evidence to prove your case. It is important to attempt to prioritize your health after an accident instead of merely obtaining pictures or evidence.

Watch What You Say

In a stressful and upsetting situation such as an accident, it can be tempting to apologize to others even though you are not at fault. However, apologizing or saying something innocent, such as “I did not see the car coming” or “I’m so sorry!” can potentially damage your case. It is best to reduce any chatter with other accident parties to the bare minimum, such as exchanging contact and insurance information.

Consider Speaking to a Personal Injury Attorney

If someone else caused your injuries, you should talk to a personal injury attorney in Long Beach, CA, as soon as you can to protect your legal rights and find out whether you have a case. Timely action can be crucial when it comes to a personal injury claim as the time for filing a lawsuit is limited in California.

According to the California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have only two years from the date of your accident and injury for filing suit against the negligent party. Missing the deadline means your case could get thrown out by the judge, potentially leaving you without legal recourse and without the compensation you deserve.

Russell & Lazarus Can Fight for Your Rights

You do not have to struggle with a potentially complicated and stressful lawsuit on your own.  An experienced Long Beach, CA, personal injury attorney can handle your case from beginning to end and leave no stone unturned in fighting for a fair settlement on your behalf. We can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you fully understand the legal language and process. There are no financial risks for you as we do not charge upfront attorney’s fees and we only get paid if and when you receive a settlement.

A devastating accident can change your life in one split second. However, if someone else caused your injuries and damages, you should not have to shoulder the burden on your own. Call Russell & Lazarus today to find out about your legal options for pursuing the compensation you need. Call (888) 539-3154 or text (949) 309-0990.