F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do after a car accident?

When you are involved in a car accident, it is natural to be in a state of shock. However, the initial steps you take after a car accident could have a significant impact on the outcome of your personal injury case. When you are involved in a car accident, the first step you should take is to stop immediately and remain at the scene.

If you are able, move yourself and your vehicle off the road so you and your passengers are out of harm’s way. If you or anyone else has been injured, call 911 right away. When the police arrive, file a report. If you are unable to get a copy of the report right away, get the name and badge number of the police officer at the scene.

Obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, insurance, driver’s license and registration information for all parties involved in the accident. Be sure to also get contact information for anyone who witnessed the car accident. Take photographs of the accident scene including the position of the vehicles, any skid marks on the roadway, damage to all of the vehicles and injuries sustained by either party.

Do not decline medical attention at the scene. Go to the emergency room if you feel pain or discomfort. See your doctor soon afterward even if you “feel fine.” A majority of injuries tend to surface during the days, weeks or even months after the car accident.

Contact an experienced personal injury attorney, who can guide you through the claims process and help you avoid mistakes and pitfalls that could jeopardize your case.

What are your fees?

Our services are provided on a contingency basis. This means that you don’t pay anything until we win. Our fee is based on a percentage of money collected.

What is my case worth?

The worth of a case is based on a number of factors. For example, the event that caused the injury, the severity of the injury, the amount of pain the injury causes, and whether the injury has lingering effects are all issues that affect the value of a case. However, only after all the information is gathered and negotiations have begun can your case truly be evaluated.
As we determine the value of a case, we take the following into consideration, which a personal injury claimant may be entitled to recover:
• Past and future medical bills
• Past and future lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Mental and physical disability
• Disfigurement and scars
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of love and affection
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expense

Should I give the insurance company a recorded statement?

No. You should not talk to an insurance company without first consulting with a lawyer. It is common practice for insurance adjusters to request that claimants give recorded statements immediately following injury producing event. These recorded statements are then later used against the claimants which then can have an adverse affect against your recovery.

What do I do if an insurance adjuster offers me a settlement?

Before accepting a settlement, it is always in your best interest to consult with a lawyer. Adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you, and their job is to settle the matter for the lowest possible expense to their company. A lawyer’s expertise is vital for injury victims that are ready to settle their cases, as a lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and you are fully compensated for your loss.

Can I see my own doctor?

Yes. As a matter of fact, it is preferable. However, if you do not have your own doctor, we can refer you to qualified, experienced, physicians who can address your specific needs – such as orthopedics, neurology, etc. The important thing is that if you are injured do NOT DELAY in getting checked out. The mere fact you may not be in immediate pain, does not mean you have not been injured.

Can I get money before my case is settled?

Many injuries result in missed work time. Further economic harm results from medical and regular monthly bills going unpaid. The good news is that, under certain circumstances, there may be a way to get money BEFORE your case is settled. There are private companies that advance money to injured parties. But the great news is that if you are advanced money by one of these companies and you are not victorious in your claim, you do NOT have to pay back the money you were advanced. These are private companies specializing in case advances. We are not affiliated with them nor do we receive any compensation from them. We answer this question here as a service because it is frequently asked during client interviews.

If I caused the accident can I still collect for my injuries?

California has comparative negligence. That means if you were 25% at fault for an accident, you can still collect 75% of the value of your case. Therefore, the answer is yes, you can collect for your injuries even if the accident was partly your fault.

Who determines how the accident happened?

Usually this is accomplished through witnesses (including the parties to the accident) and an analysis of the physical evidence. In motor vehicle cases, there are usually police reports. Other situations are sometimes videotaped from surveillance cameras. Each case will present a different set of circumstances. As a general rule, collect as much information at the scene of the accident as you possibly can. Get names and other information from witnesses. If you have a camera take pictures if you think they will help you.

If an injured person is at fault, can he/she still collect?

Contributory negligence is negligence on the part of a plaintiff which, combining with the negligence of a defendant, contributes as a cause in bringing about the injury. Contributory negligence, if any, on the part of the plaintiff does not bar a recovery by the plaintiff against the defendant but the total amount of damages to which the plaintiff would otherwise be entitled shall be reduced in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to the plaintiff.

What is a legal cause?

The law defines cause in its own particular way. A cause of injury, damage, loss or harm is something that is a substantial factor in bringing about an injury, damage, loss or harm.

How long before I will be compensated for my injuries?

In general terms, personal injury cases are governed by a 2 year statute of limitations. Although it is important to gather information concerning liability (fault) as quickly as possible, generally a lawsuit will not be initiated until after the injured party has finished receiving treatment for his or her injuries. Completion of treatment is important because it permits the attorney to better understand the full nature and scope of the client’s injuries, which then enables the attorney to better represent the client. In cases involving relatively minor injuries, we usually see about a 9 to 16 month time frame. Where more serious injuries have occurred, especially those that may have long-term implications, cases may take longer to resolve.

What happens if I have a severe injury and the person who caused my accident does not have enough insurance coverage to pay all of my damages?

After you have exhausted the insurance coverage you next look to the responsible person’s assets. However, most people who don’t have enough insurance usually don’t have enough assets either. If the responsible person was in the course and scope of their employment when the accident happened, their employer would also be responsible. Most employers have high limit insurance policies. We also look for excess or umbrella insurance policies. There may also be other defendants and other theories of recovery. Serious injury cases allow us to investigate unusual or obscure theories of law in order to recover full value for our injured client.

If I fall and hurt myself on someone else's property, do they have to pay me for my injuries?

It depends on why you fell. To collect money damages, you will have to prove that the property owner was negligent. Common situations involve retailers allowing spills to remain on the sales floor after they learn about them. Other common slip/trip and fall situations usually involve uneven sidewalks, stairs, missing or detached hand rails, leaking refrigerated cases in supermarkets, and countless other unique situations. Each slip and fall has to be evaluated based on its individual facts. As in most cases, it always helps to get witnesses and to take photographs if possible.

Our mission is to provide high quality legal representation to individuals throughout the Los Angeles area. We are committed to providing our clients with superior professional services, along with vigorous advocacy of their best interests during their time of need. Consulting an experienced attorney after any type of accident is vital to the outcome of your case.

Contact Us

Law Offices of Hamdam & Associates
Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles

Tel: (818) 783-7000
Fax: (818) 783-7303
Email: info@hamdamlaw.com

17530 Ventura Blvd #100
Encino CA 91316

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Areas Of Practice

  • Car Accident
  • Motorcycle Accident
  • Pedestrian Accident
  • Truck Accident
  • Wrongful Death
  • Slip & Fall Injuries
  • Dog Bites & Brain & Burn Injuries
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