In a commuter city like Los Angeles, being in a vehicle is a part of daily life. Unfortunately, this means that motor vehicle collisions occur frequently. It is important to seek medical care immediately to address the injuries you sustained. Insurance companies representing the at-fault driver habitually pressure involved parties to resolve their claim quickly for very little money. Retaining an attorney after an accident can help ensure that your rights to recovery are properly represented and that the insurance company is not taking advantage of you.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents
People walking on foot or riding a bicycle have the right to use sidewalks, bike lanes, streets and crosswalks without having to fear a driver will strike them. Your car insurance policy may cover you as a pedestrian or a bicyclist. If you were hit by a vehicle, it is important that you get an attorney involved as soon as possible to advise you of your rights.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road and often suffer terrible injuries after an accident. Hiring an attorney after such an accident will help you navigate the difficult and often frustrating process to ensure that you obtain a settlement that will help you pay for your medical bills and compensate you for your suffering.
Wrongful Death / Catastrophic Injuries
Losing a loved one or sustaining catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of others is a horrible tragedy and causes unimaginable anguish. While nothing can properly compensate you for the suffering you have endured, a settlement can help cover high medical bills and costs incurred and provide some degree of financial relief during a difficult time. At Gilbert & Stern LLP, we understand the incredibly delicate nature of such cases and the torment that family members suffer. We have attained many successful settlements in the face of tragedy and have the experience necessary to help you get the best possible settlement available in your case.
Uber / Lyft Accidents
With Uber and Lyft quickly becoming a common form of transportation in California, legislation has developed accordingly. There are many new facets of the law which may or may not apply in your specific case. For example, for Uber/Lyft drivers, did an accident occur while “driver mode” was on or off? Had you “accepted” a ride? If you were in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, even if you were the driver, it is important that you talk to an attorney to walk you through the process.
Dog Bite Injuries
Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatic and painful experience. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the dog owner may have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance available to you for recovery. If you are bit by a dog, make sure to get the dog owner’s name, phone number, address, any insurance policy numbers and the vaccine history of the dog. An attorney can help you determine which insurance policies are available to help you recover a settlement.
Governmental Claims
If you were injured or suffered a loss caused by the negligence of a city, state or federal employee or agency, you may have a claim against the government. These claims are particularly complicated. There is a limited amount of time for you to make a claim. Reach out to an attorney as soon as possible so you do not lose your right to compensation.
Slip & Fall Incidents
Slip & falls may result in significant injuries and high medical costs. If you slipped and fell on the premises of someone else’s property, you may have the right to recover a settlement to cover your medical bills as well as compensation for your pain and suffering. If you fell at a store, make sure that you speak to a manager and fill out an incident report. Insist that you obtain a copy of the incident report as well as a copy of the store’s insurance information. Reach out to an attorney to determine if you have a case.
Premises Liability Claims
If you were injured by an unsafe or defective condition on someone else’s property, you may have the right to bring a personal injury claim. Establishing liability may be complicated and it is important to get an attorney involved early to advise you of your rights.