Who pays my medical bills after an accident in Pasadena?
After an accident in Pasadena, the person or entity responsible for your injuries generally pays for your medical bills and other losses. This often means their insurance company pays, or the at-fault party directly. California law establishes a system to hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause.
You have the right to seek financial recovery for your economic and non-economic damages under California law. This includes payments for medical treatment, lost earnings, property damage, and the pain and suffering you endure.
Where do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Pasadena?
A personal injury case in Pasadena is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, the case will go to the court's Northeast District. According to Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.3 and General Order effective May 17, 2024, cases are assigned to the Personal Injury Hub department in the judicial district where the incident happened.
For Pasadena residents, the courthouse for filing is the Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101. An attorney confirms the correct filing location based on the specific facts of your case.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
Most personal injury and wrongful death claims in California must be filed within two years from the date of injury, as set out in Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1. However, if your claim is against a public entity, such as the City of Pasadena, Los Angeles County, or a local transit agency, you must present a written claim to that entity within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Filing a lawsuit after this six-month deadline requires prior presentation of a claim and often strict adherence to other government claim rules.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352). But this pause does not apply to claims against public entities. If a minor is injured by a city or county employee, for example, the six-month deadline still applies.
A personal injury claim allows you to seek recovery for various types of harm. This includes economic damages like past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. You can also seek non-economic damages for your pain, suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What should I do after a personal injury accident?
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is your first priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries are not immediately apparent. A medical evaluation establishes a record of your injuries.
- Report the Incident: If it's a car accident, call the police. If it occurred on someone's property, report it to the owner or manager. This creates an official record of what happened.
- Gather Information: Collect names and contact information of witnesses. Take photos or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. If another driver was involved, get their insurance and vehicle information.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault, even to friends or family. Do not discuss the accident with insurance adjusters without first speaking to an attorney.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney can advise you on your rights and protect your interests from the start. This includes dealing with insurance companies and ensuring you meet all legal deadlines. This is especially important for complex cases, such as a truck accident in Pasadena or a pedestrian accident.
What kinds of personal injury cases do you handle for Pasadena residents?
Our firm helps Pasadena residents with a wide range of personal injury cases. We focus solely on personal injury and employment law, meaning we understand the specific challenges and legal avenues available to accident victims. Whether you were hurt in a car crash on the 210, injured by a distracted driver on Colorado Boulevard, or suffered a slip and fall at a local business, we can assist.
We represent clients dealing with various injuries, from soft tissue damage to severe harm like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. We also handle claims involving wrongful death, helping families recover after losing a loved one due to another's negligence. Our work covers premises liability, dog bites, and accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles, and commercial trucks throughout Los Angeles County.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, you get a team focused on your recovery. We start by listening to your story and understanding the full impact of your injuries. Then, we investigate the accident thoroughly, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts if needed. Our goal is to build a strong case that proves fault and justifies the compensation you deserve.
We communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, handling all negotiations to pursue the full compensation available under California law. Our team also prepares your case for trial, if necessary. Our firm aims to ease your burden during a difficult time so you can focus on healing. Personal injury law is all we do, and we apply that focused experience to every case we take on, whether for clients in Pasadena, Claremont, or Compton.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the at-fault driver's insurance company contacts me?
If the at-fault driver's insurance company contacts you, politely decline to give a recorded statement or sign any documents. Refer them to your attorney. Insurance adjusters often try to get information that can be used against your claim. You are not obligated to speak with them without legal counsel.
Can I still get compensation if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes, California follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for an accident. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your total damages.
How long does a personal injury case in Pasadena usually take?
The duration of a personal injury case varies widely depending on its complexity, the severity of your injuries, and whether it settles out of court or goes to trial. Simple cases can resolve in a few months, while more complex ones, especially those involving significant injuries or disputes over liability, can take years. The six-month government claim deadline for claims against public entities like the City of Pasadena also affects the timeline.
Do I have to go to court for my personal injury case?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, meaning you will not have to go through a full trial. This can happen through negotiations with the insurance company or during mediation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to trial in the Pasadena Courthouse might be necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
A difficult month should not define your future. If you or a loved one has been injured in Pasadena, speak with an attorney at Casa Legal Los Angeles. Call us today at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.