How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after an incident in La Mirada?
Most personal injury claims in La Mirada must be filed within two years from the date of the incident (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim involves a city, county, or other public agency in La Mirada, you have only six months to present a written claim (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
It is important to determine which deadline applies to your specific situation, as missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing your claim.
What types of personal injury cases does Casa Legal Los Angeles handle?
Casa Legal Los Angeles helps people injured by someone else's carelessness or wrongful actions in many different situations. This includes collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians on La Mirada streets. We also represent individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries due to severe accidents.
Our focus is on securing the compensation available under California law for those harmed. We assist with claims arising from slip and falls, dog bites, and other incidents where negligence caused harm.
What should I do after a personal injury in La Mirada?
Here are steps to take after an injury in La Mirada to protect your rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Your health is the priority. Get checked by a doctor even if you feel okay. This also creates a record of your injuries.
- Report the incident. If it was a traffic collision, contact the police. For other incidents, report it to the property owner or manager.
- Gather information. Collect names and contact details of witnesses, and take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries.
- Avoid discussing fault. Do not admit fault or make statements to insurance adjusters without consulting an attorney.
- Consult a personal injury attorney. An attorney can explain your rights and the next steps specific to your situation in La Mirada.
Where do I file a personal injury claim in La Mirada?
A personal injury case stemming from an incident in La Mirada is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, it would be filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. Your case would then be assigned to the Southeast District's Personal Injury Hub department at the Norwalk Courthouse.
The Norwalk Courthouse is located at 12720 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650. Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order regarding Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases (effective May 17, 2024) govern this process.
What are the deadlines for personal injury cases, and what can I recover?
Most personal injury and wrongful death claims in California must be filed within two years from the date of injury, as stated in Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1. However, if your injury involves a city, county, or public agency in La Mirada, you must present a written claim to that entity within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can file a lawsuit.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352). However, that pause does not apply to claims against public entities. California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm such as pain and suffering. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts.
What is it like to work with Casa Legal Los Angeles?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means having an advocate focused on your personal injury claim. We handle all communication with insurance companies, investigate the facts of your accident in La Mirada, and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim. Our goal is to pursue the full compensation available under California law, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means no attorney's fees or case costs unless we win. We want to ensure you have access to legal representation without upfront financial pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I contact a personal injury lawyer after an accident?
You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can after an accident in La Mirada. Early legal advice helps preserve evidence and ensures that important deadlines, such as the six-month claim period for public entities or the two-year statute of limitations, are not missed. Waiting too long can harm your ability to collect evidence and build a strong case.
What if my injury happened on public property in La Mirada?
If your injury happened on public property in La Mirada, such as a city park or street, the rules for filing a claim are different. You must present a written claim to the responsible public entity within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). This is a strict deadline, and missing it almost always means you lose your right to sue that entity. An attorney can help prepare and file this claim correctly.
Can I still pursue a claim if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes, California follows a rule called pure comparative negligence. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. This applies to incidents throughout La Mirada.
How much does it cost to hire Casa Legal Los Angeles for a personal injury case?
It costs you nothing upfront to hire Casa Legal Los Angeles for your personal injury case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. This includes covering case costs. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.
If you've been injured in La Mirada and need guidance, Casa Legal Los Angeles is here to help. Call us today at 888-585-2529 for a conversation about your situation. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win. This content is general legal information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship. Deadlines have exceptions and must be confirmed with an attorney for your own facts.