Personal injury accident victims should understand their legal right to receive compensation for their injuries, and know what resources are available to help them recover. The legal process can be confusing, especially when you are hurt and feeling overwhelmed. This page will help you find answers to some of your general questions.
When you are ready to get specific answers regarding your particular case, contact Michael Waks, a Long Beach personal injury attorney, at the Law Office of Michael D. Waks. I take your injuries personally, and am here to answer all the questions you have about your rights, and about your case.
I make sure my clients understand how the California civil legal system works, how it relates to their cases, and I keep them fully informed as their cases progress.
Southern California Courts Where Personal Injury Cases Are Heard
Many personal injury cases are resolved outside of court. Sometimes, however, no settlement agreement is reached and the case goes to trial in a civil court. Until 2013, plaintiffs would file a lawsuit in the area where the accident occurred.
Now, due to budget cuts in California, all Los Angeles County personal injury cases are consolidated in the Superior Court in downtown Los Angeles. On the day a trial is set to begin, personal injury cases are assigned to whichever Judge in Los Angeles County is available.
California Personal Injury Laws and Statutory Rules
California Civil Code Section 1714 states, “Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person.”
This is the basis for personal injury cases, so when you are doing research on California’s negligence and personal injury claims, this would be a good place to start.
California Law Enforcement Information
Oftentimes a law enforcement officer will come to the scene of a motor vehicle accident and prepare a report after reviewing the accident scene, talking to the drivers and interviewing any witnesses.
Accident reports can be invaluable to victims in proving their injury claims. To get a copy of your accident report, call the police department for the area where the collision took place.
Dealing With the Effects of a Personal Injury Accident
When an accident and injury occurs, it can be difficult to know how to respond and how to deal with the recovery process. These resources provide help for accident victims and their families.
Getting Legal Help for Your Personal Injury Case
For over 30 years personal injury attorney Michael Waks has successfully committed his experience and resources to recovering the highest monetary awards for clients hurt by someone else’s negligence.
When you are ready to take the next step in learning about your legal rights regarding your specific case, call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 562-206-1939 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.