Collecting Evidence for Personal Injury Claims

If you've been injured in an accident in Los Angeles, you should acquaint yourself with a few basic laws before searching for the best attorney in California. You may or may not need a lawyer to file a claim, but it's always best to consult with an experienced Los Angeles attorney who can properly explain your legal right. After receiving medical attention, contact a local personal injury law firm that can provide a free consultation and explain what a personal injury claim process entails.

Understanding California Personal Injury Laws

Personal injury law varies from state to state and can be quite complex without a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Besides having sufficient evidence, you must know exactly which court to file a claim with and which forms, documents, and paperwork need to be submitted. This can be a rather overwhelming task, especially if you've sustained injuries and are trying to recover. Keep in mind the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years. In other words, if seeking any form of compensation, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim. Also, as a pure comparative negligence state, you can file a personal injury claim even if you were 99% at fault for your injuries.

Types of Evidence

If you want to receive compensation from an accident such as a car crash or a slip and fall, you need to prove you sustained injuries and suffered harm as a result of someone else's negligence. In California, you must establish a case with ample evidence. This can include physical evidence from the scene of the accident or testimonial evidence provided by witnesses or experts. Gathering evidence is one of the most important steps in building a case, so let's explore them further.

Physical Evidence

The best form of physical evidence can be provided through photographs, which may include pictures of injuries such as cuts, bruises, or burns or elements from the accident scene, such as skid marks or debris. In a car accident, it's vital to have photographs of both vehicles from different angles. Visual evidence can allow insurance companies to determine fault as well as the percentage each party is responsible for. Physical evidence can also include footage from a vehicle’s dash cam or surveillance from a nearby security camera. In a previous post, we discussed dash cam laws in California, so make sure to read about the benefits of having one in your vehicle.

Medical Bills

Make sure you keep track of all your bills, hospital stays, and doctor visits. Your medical records will play a key role in determining how much compensation you can recover. There's no need to play tough when you’ve been hurt in an accident—get the medical help you need if you've sustained injuries.

Testimonial Evidence

Eyewitness testimonies are imperative in any personal injury case. If you were unable to collect contact information from someone who may have witnessed the accident, check your local police station to see if anyone filed a report. More often than not, major collisions are reported by good Samaritans who call for aid as they rush to the scene of the accident and help injured victims. In extreme cases, witness experts may be used to establish more concrete data. Expert witnesses are professionals in a specific field, such as doctors or therapists, that can provide their knowledge on a particular matter.

Free Case Evaluation

It's critical to understand the role of personal injury lawyers in such cases. If you've been injured in an accident, insurance companies are not going to fight for you. Working with a dedicated personal injury attorney is the best way to receive fair and just compensation for your injuries. Most personal injury law firms work on a contingency basis. This means they only receive compensation if and when your case is settled. Look for a reputable California law firm to assist you with your case while you focus on a speedy recovery.

How Long Do Personal Injury Claims Take?

On average, a personal injury claims process can take anywhere from 9-18 months. However, depending on the nature of your case, it may take longer. If you need to consult with a legal professional, contact our office to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys. Yepremyan Law Firm has been a trusted legal advisor since 1998, representing thousands of clients throughout California.

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.