When you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Southern California, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in your recovery and compensation. With thousands of pedestrians injured every year, finding an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney who understands the complexities of these cases is paramount to your success.
Between dealing with injuries, medical bills, insurance companies, and missing work, the last thing you want is uncertainty about your legal representation. By asking the right questions upfront, you can make an informed decision about choosing the lawyer to best serve your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Question 1: What Experience Do You Have with Pedestrian Accident Cases?
Start by inquiring about your attorney’s specific experience with pedestrian accidents, particularly knowledge about local laws and legal precedent. Not all personal injury lawyers have extensive experience with pedestrian cases. Ask questions like:
- How many pedestrian accident cases have you handled in the past five years?
- What is your success rate and average settlement amount for similar cases?
- Have you taken any pedestrian cases to trial?
- Are you familiar with specific types of pedestrian accidents, like crosswalk incidents, vehicles backing up, or distracted driving cases?
At The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani, we’ve handled numerous pedestrian accident cases throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. Our team understands complex liability issues, especially in pure comparative negligence situations where parties may share fault.
Experience also matters when dealing with insurance companies. Seasoned attorneys know the tactics insurers often use to minimize payouts and can counter these strategies. We understand how to properly document injuries, gather evidence, and present a compelling case to secure maximum compensation.
Question 2: How Will You Communicate with Me Throughout the Case?
Clear, consistent communication is the foundation of any successful attorney-client relationship. Your pedestrian accident lawyer should be accessible and keep you informed about important case developments. Ask them:
- How often can I expect to receive updates on my case progress?
- What is your preferred method of communication? Is it phone, email, text, or in-person meetings?
- Who will be my primary point of contact for your office?
- How quickly can you typically respond to client inquiries?
- Can I rely on you to explain legal terminology and procedures in terms I can understand?
Many law firms assign case managers to handle day-to-day client communication while attorneys focus on legal strategy. This system can work well if properly managed, but you should know who your contact person will be and how to reach your attorney when necessary.
At our Southern California injury law firm, we believe in maintaining open lines of communication with all our clients. We understand that your situation is stressful, and having questions about your case is normal. Our team is committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.
Question 3: What Is Your Fee Structure?
Most personal injury attorneys, including those working on pedestrian accident cases, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless they win your case. However, you should clarify:
- The exact percentage your attorney will take from your settlement or verdict.
- Whether the percentage changes if the case goes to trial versus settling out of court.
- Who pays for expenses like retrieving medical records or hiring expert witnesses.
- How expenses are handled if the case outcome is unsuccessful.
- Whether you’ll receive detailed billing statements showing how expenses are calculated.
Contingency fee arrangements depend on the complexity of the case and whether it requires litigation. Experienced attorneys often recover substantially more compensation than individuals could obtain on their own.
Some attorneys advance all case expenses and only recover these costs if the case is successful, while others may require clients to pay expenses as they arise. Make sure you understand your financial obligations before signing any agreement.
Question 4: How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?
While no attorney can predict exactly how long your case will take, experienced lawyers can provide realistic timelines based on similar cases. The duration of pedestrian accident cases depends on such factors as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The length of medical treatment
- Whether liability is disputed
- The number of parties involved
- The level of cooperation from insurance companies
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may resolve in a few months, while complex injuries with multiple defendants or disputed fault could take two years or more. Your pedestrian accident attorney should explain the factors that could affect your timeline and keep you updated as circumstances change.
Question 5: What Compensation Can I Realistically Expect?
Your attorney cannot guarantee a specific settlement amount. However, they can discuss the types of damages available in your case and provide realistic expectations based on similar cases.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage to personal belongings
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
- Home and vehicle modifications for permanent disabilities
Non-economic damages may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Unlike some other states, there’s generally no cap on economic or non-economic damages in California personal injury cases. The amount you can recover depends on such factors as the severity of your injuries, the degree of the defendant’s fault, your age and earning capacity, and the quality of evidence supporting your claim.
Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani Today
At The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani, we’ve been fighting for injured pedestrians throughout Los Angeles and Southern California for over 25 years. Our experienced legal team understands pedestrian accident cases and is committed to securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. Call (888) 912-7115 or contact us online to set up your no-cost case evaluation today. Let our experienced legal team protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to receive.