Understanding Your Rights After a Personal Injury
If you've been injured in an accident due to someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Our Commitment to Your Recovery
We believe in building strong relationships with our clients based on trust and open communication. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your individual needs, and develop a personalized legal strategy designed to achieve your goals.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Van Nuys
Van Nuys, a vibrant hub of activity in the San Fernando Valley, sees its share of accidents and injuries. Whether you were involved in a car accident, a slip and fall, or another type of incident caused by negligence, we are dedicated to helping you seek justice and fair compensation.
-
Motor Vehicle Accidents
We have experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases involving vehicles, including:
-
From fender benders on residential streets to major collisions on the 405 freeway, car accidents are a frequent occurrence in Van Nuys. We represent victims of all types of car accidents, including those caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and failure to yield.
-
Accidents involving large commercial trucks can have devastating consequences due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Our team understands the complex regulations governing the trucking industry and will fight to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable.
-
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the roads, and accidents often result in serious injuries. We are passionate about protecting the rights of motorcyclists and helping them secure the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
-
As more people choose cycling for commuting or recreation, bicycle accidents are becoming increasingly common in Van Nuys. We represent cyclists who have been injured due to the negligence of drivers, unsafe road conditions, or defective bicycle parts.
-
The rise in popularity of electric scooters has also led to an increase in scooter accidents. Determining liability in scooter accident cases can be complex, but we have the skills and resources to investigate thoroughly and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
-
Delivery Vehicle Accidents
With the growth of online shopping and delivery services, experiencing delivery vehicle accidents is a risk Van Nuys residents face. We represent individuals injured in accidents involving delivery trucks, vans, and other commercial vehicles.
-
Recreational Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving RVs, campers, and other recreational vehicles can cause serious injuries due to their size and unique handling characteristics. We can help you pursue a claim if you've been injured in an RV accident.
-
Taxi drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and protect their passengers. We represent individuals injured in taxi accidents caused by driver negligence or recklessness.
-
Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents present unique legal challenges due to the involvement of both the rideshare company and the driver's personal insurance. We can help you navigate these complexities and pursue a claim against the responsible parties.
-
Bodily Injuries
Being injured in an accident can come with extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, missed wages, and loss of enjoyment of life. You don’t deserve to pay for losses that you suffered because of someone else’s negligence. Our team will work diligently to obtain the damages you need.
-
Loss of a limb can be a life-altering injury. We help those who have suffered amputations get necessary medical care, prosthetic devices, and rehabilitation, and we fight for their right to full compensation.
-
Unfortunately, back injuries can leave victims unable to work, fulfill household responsibilities, or enjoy their lives as they once did. We understand how long it can take to recover from back injuries and work to secure the compensation our clients deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
-
Brain injuries can have a devastating impact on a person's cognitive abilities, physical function, and emotional well-being. We advocate for clients with brain injuries in Van Nuys, seeking compensation to cover their long-term medical needs and rehabilitation.
-
Burns can cause severe pain, scarring, and disability. We help burn victims access specialized medical treatment and pursue compensation for their physical and emotional suffering.
-
Catastrophic injuries are those that result in severe and permanent disability, such as paralysis, loss of limbs, or severe brain damage. We understand the significant challenges faced by individuals with catastrophic injuries and fight to ensure they receive the lifelong care and support they need.
-
Neck injuries, such as whiplash, are common in car accidents and can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and headaches. We help Van Nuys residents with neck injuries get appropriate medical treatment and seek compensation for their pain and limitations.
-
Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. We advocate for clients with spine injuries, fighting for their right to receive the necessary medical care, assistive devices, and support to live as independently as possible.
-
Whiplash, a common neck injury caused by sudden forceful movements, can cause pain, headaches, and dizziness. We help clients who have suffered whiplash injuries access proper medical treatment and seek compensation for their discomfort and limitations.
-
Other Types of Personal Injury Cases
We’re prepared to help you file a personal injury claim after experiencing any of the following types of accidents.
-
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common, and they often result in severe injuries. We represent pedestrians who have been injured due to the negligence of drivers, property owners, or government entities responsible for maintaining safe sidewalks and crosswalks.
-
Slips and falls can occur on various types of properties, including sidewalks, parking lots, stores, and restaurants. We represent victims of slip and fall accidents caused by hazardous conditions, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, and inadequate lighting.
-
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors and guests. We represent individuals injured on someone else's property due to negligence, such as inadequate security, dog bites, swimming pool accidents, and unsafe building conditions.
-
Wrongful Deaths
If you've lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence or wrongful act, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for your loss.
Addressing Common Concerns About Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
We understand that many people have questions and hesitations about hiring a personal injury lawyer. Here are some common concerns we address:
-
I'm Not Sure If My Injuries Are Serious Enough to Warrant a Lawyer
Even seemingly minor injuries can have long-term consequences and require ongoing medical treatment. If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, it's always a good idea to consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and options.
-
I'm Worried About the Cost of Hiring a Lawyer
At HHT Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don't pay us any fees unless we win your case. We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
-
I Won't Want to Deal with the Hassle of a Lawsuit
We understand that the legal process can be daunting, but we're here to guide you every step of the way. We will handle all the legal complexities of your case, communicate with insurance companies, and represent your best interests in court if necessary. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.
Understanding the Van Nuys Legal Landscape
Van Nuys is part of the Los Angeles Superior Court system, which is the largest unified trial court in the United States.
The legal process involves various stages, including:
- Filing a complaint: This is the formal document that initiates a lawsuit.
- Discovery: This is the process of gathering evidence and information from both sides of the case.
- Mediation: This is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party helps the parties reach a settlement.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers are familiar with the local court system and procedures and will help you navigate the process with confidence.
What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident in Van Nuys
If you've been injured in an accident in Van Nuys, it's essential to take the following steps:
-
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and well-being should always be your top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't think your injuries are serious. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
-
Report the Accident
If the accident involved a motor vehicle, report it to the police. If it occurred on someone else's property, report it to the property owner or manager.
-
Gather Evidence
If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses.
-
Contact Your Insurance Company
Your attorney should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Be cautious about what you say, and avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement without consulting with your attorney.
-
Contact a Van Nuys Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, protect your interests, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Factors That Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
The outcome of your personal injury claim will depend on a number of factors, including:
-
The Severity of Your Injuries
The more severe your injuries, the more compensation you are likely to receive. This includes both economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
-
The Strength of the Evidence
To prove your claim, you will need to provide strong evidence of the other party's negligence and the extent of your damages. This may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs or videos of the accident scene.
-
The Applicable Laws
California personal injury law is complex and can be difficult to navigate without legal guidance. An experienced attorney can help you understand the laws that apply to your case and build a strong legal strategy.
-
The Insurance Companies Involved
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize their payouts. It's important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can negotiate with insurance adjusters and protect your rights.
-
Your Own Actions
If you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced under California's comparative negligence laws.
Seeking Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries
In a successful personal injury claim, you may be able to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Past and future medical bills, including doctor's appointments, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Income you have lost as a result of your injuries, including both past and future lost wages, as well as lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of your injuries.
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing any property damaged in the accident, such as your vehicle.
Accurately evaluating your losses and their equivalent monetary value takes legal knowledge and skill. Without a lawyer, you may be vulnerable to pressure from insurance companies whose lawyers want to close your case with as little loss as possible. We will be your steadfast advocates, refusing to settle for less than you’re owed.
