Our Simi Valley Injury Law Firm Doesn’t Just Win, We Win Big!

Personal Injury Cases Our Simi Valley Injury Law Firm Handles

Although victims may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries by themselves, the process can be challenging. Every claim requires a unique approach and may require legal representation to pursue. Injury cases vary widely, but here are some of the most common types our Simi Valley injury law firm can handle:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Provisional data from UC Berkeley’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System reported 163,451 fatal and injury crashes in 2023, resulting in 230,547 deaths and injuries in the state. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 397 victims were killed or injured in traffic crashes in Simi Valley in 2022.

These statistics highlight the prevalence of motor vehicle accidents, making them one of the most common personal injury claims. With driving being a part of everyday life in California and so many people on the roads, accidents are inevitable. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to pay attention or consider the dangers their actions pose to others. Here are the common types of motor vehicle crashes our Simi Valley accident attorneys handle:

Car Accidents

The car accident lawyers at our Simi Valley injury law firm can handle cases involving DUI, distracted driving, speeding, and other reckless behaviors. We also know how to handle issues concerning uninsured motorists and hit-and-runs, which may leave victims without proper compensation. Our attorneys may be able to help you explore additional avenues for compensation.

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries due to the vehicle’s size and weight, leading to complex liability issues with multiple parties. Our truck accident attorneys can assist you in pursuing a claim against the truck driver, the trucking company, and insurers. The theory of vicarious liability holds trucking companies responsible for accidents caused by their drivers’ actions while performing work-related duties. At our Simi Valley injury law firm, we’ll navigate the complexities of your case and seek compensation for your losses.

Rideshare Accidents

With public transportation being scarce in some parts of California, ridesharing services offer a convenient and affordable alternative. However, when an accident involving rideshare vehicles occurs, victims may find themselves facing complications due to the complexity typically involved. Rideshare companies’ insurance coverage will depend on whether the driver is offline, waiting for passengers, or transporting one. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help you file a claim against the at-fault party, whether it’s a driver or a rideshare corporation.

Motorcycle Accidents

Our decades of combined legal experience have made us well-versed in the causes of motorcycle accidents. Some common factors include drivers failing to see riders, rear-end collisions, roadside obstacles, poor road construction or maintenance, inadequate warning signs, and motorcycle malfunctions. Recognizing riders’ vulnerability on the road due to limited protection, our motorcycle accident lawyers can assist you in seeking the compensation you may be entitled to.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents often happen when a careless driver drifts into a bike lane and strikes a rider. Sometimes, a car may pull out of a driveway or parking lot or fail to see a rider while turning on a busy street. Due to the lack of safety for bicyclists, even a minor collision can cause serious injury. Filing an insurance claim can be challenging, even when the other motorist caused the accident. Our injury law firm’s bicycle accident lawyers will advocate for your interests throughout the claims process.

Pedestrian Accidents

Distracted or outright careless drivers cause many pedestrian accidents. Being one of the most vulnerable road users, pedestrians commonly suffer head, limb, and back injuries. Chronic mobility issues and other impairments from particularly serious pedestrian accidents could mean several months or years of recovery. With mounting medical bills and lost wages due to missed workdays, pursuing a legal claim can cover your losses. The pedestrian accident lawyers at our Simi Valley injury law firm can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your damages.

Premises Liability Claims

Under premises liability, property owners may be held liable for accidents or injuries caused by dangerous or hazardous conditions on their properties. They have a duty to keep their premises safe and notify invitees and licensees of any hazards. The most common premises liability cases that our Simi Valley injury law firm handles include:

• Slip-and-Falls — Personal injury claims for slips and falls are common, with elderly individuals being particularly vulnerable due to weaker bones. When an older adult falls and fractures a bone, it can lead to serious complications. Common cases involve hazards like unlabeled wet floors, broken handrails, or unattended food spills. These accidents often result from negligence, where the responsible property owner or manager fails to recognize or address the risks. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, the slip-and-fall lawyers at our Simi Valley injury law firm will advocate for your interests. They can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and other losses.
• Dog Bites — Dog bites and other animal attacks can result in severe injuries, long-term scarring, and lasting emotional trauma. Victims often need immediate medical care, including cosmetic surgeries, to address permanent disfigurement. Dog bites, in particular, fall under strict liability under California law. You can hold dog owners automatically liable regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggression or if the owner was negligent. This theory applies if the incident occurred in a public or lawful private location. Our dog bite attorneys can handle your case and assist you in seeking financial recovery for your damages.

Product Liability Cases

If a defective product caused your injuries, our Simi Valley injury law firm can help hold product designers, manufacturers, or distributors liable. In general, these claims involve manufacturing defects, design defects, or failure to warn consumers of potential dangers. Common examples include faulty car airbags, defective medical devices, dangerous pharmaceuticals, and malfunctioning household appliances.

Under California law, these claims typically fall under strict liability, meaning the plaintiff does not need to prove the defendant’s negligence. Regardless, such cases often involve complex legal and technical challenges, requiring comprehensive knowledge and skills. Talk to our product liability lawyers if you believe you may have a case. Our team will evaluate your situation and work to pursue fair compensation for your injuries caused by defective products.

Workplace Accidents

Work-related injuries can significantly impact your life. If severe enough, they may prevent you from ever working again. In California, workers’ compensation benefits cover medical care, temporary or permanent disability, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for dependents of workers fatally injured on the job. This law-mandated insurance coverage is a no-fault system, meaning you cannot sue your employer for a work-related injury. However, exceptions may apply if your injury resulted from intentional harm or extreme negligence.

Our workplace accident attorneys at our Simi Valley injury law firm will work to help you pursue the benefits you may be entitled to if you sustain injuries on the job. We will also carefully examine the possibility of a third-party claim, which can provide another option for recovery. We handle a wide range of work-related injuries, including:

• Traumatic injuries from workplace accidents, such as slips, falls, and mechanical malfunctions.
• Repetitive motion injuries due to repetitive tasks at work, including conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and back pain.
• Respiratory issues and occupational diseases from exposure to hazardous substances or unsafe working conditions.
• Construction site injuries (falls from heights, crushing injuries, and electrical shocks).
• Injuries from work-related transportation accidents (whether as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian).

Wrongful Deaths

Our most tragic cases involve the deaths of family members due to negligent actions. While we cannot address the emotional pain, we can guide you through the legal process of pursuing a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for your losses. If you choose our wrongful death lawyers to represent you, we will help you pursue damages  you may be entitled to, such as:

• Funeral and burial costs, including fees for burial plots and mortuary services.
• Lost wages equal to your loved one’s lifetime earnings.
• Financial support for additional child care, if needed.
• Family counseling for trauma and grief.
• Lifelong loss of love, advice, and support from the deceased family member.

In California, the following surviving family members are eligible to sue for wrongful death:

• Spouses or domestic partners.
• Children or dependent minors, including stepchildren.
• Parents, siblings, or other close relatives under special conditions.

Feel free to discuss your situation with our injury law firm to better understand the strength of your wrongful death claim.

Common Injuries After An Accident

Injuries can result from various situations. Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to devastating and life-altering injuries. After a major injury, financial concerns like medical bills and lost wages add to your agony and emotional distress. These challenges can be overwhelming without legal representation. Here are the most common injuries sustained after an accident:

• Brain Injury — Brain damage is a significant health issue in the U.S., causing many fatalities and long-term disabilities for countless individuals. Traffic crashes, workplace incidents, and other types of accidents can result in brain injury. Since the risk of long-term cognitive impairment is high, potential settlements can be substantial to cover ongoing care and losses.
• Spinal Cord Injuries — Many catastrophic accidents lead to spinal cord damage, impairing vital body functions and causing severe physical issues, including paralysis. These injuries also bring emotional and financial hardship as medical bills pile up and disability ends your income. Given these challenges, you may need to hire a legal team to help you seek compensation for your injuries.
• Whiplash — Usually sustained in traffic collisions, whiplash damages the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and discs in the neck. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but can last for a long time. While some people recover in a few months, others suffer for years, unable to work or perform daily tasks. When someone’s negligence impacts your life, seeking legal representation may help you pursue fair compensation.

Other common personal injuries resulting from accidents include broken bones, internal injuries and organ damage, soft-tissue injuries, burns, and amputations. The severity of your injuries and the extent of their impact on your life usually determine how much you may be able to pursue.

Proving Negligence In A Personal Injury Claim

As a fault-based state, California law holds the person who caused the accident liable for the resulting damages. The injured party can sue the at-fault individual or their insurance company. To establish a foundation for a case, they must prove the other party’s negligence.

You must show that the responsible party violated a statute or that they failed to act in a certain way that a reasonable person would do in a similar situation. In such a case, our Simi Valley injury law firm can help you establish these four elements:

1. Duty of Care — The defendant (at-fault party) owed the plaintiff (injured party) a duty of reasonable care.
2. Breach of Duty — The defendant breached this duty through negligent actions or inactions.
3. Causation — The defendant’s negligence directly caused the accident.
4. Damages — The plaintiff suffered actual harm and losses, warranting damages.

In a car accident case, for instance, a driver has a duty to drive safely. If they run a red light (breach of duty), causing a crash that leaves you with a broken leg (damages), you must demonstrate that their actions directly caused your injury (causation). In this case, the driver’s failure to follow traffic laws makes them responsible for the harm you suffered.

If the court determines that you share some responsibility for the accident that caused your injury, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries. California follows pure comparative negligence, which means the court will evaluate the evidence and assign a percentage of responsibility to each party involved.

For example, if you are 30% at fault, your award will be reduced by the same percentage. Our experienced Simi Valley injury law firm will work to protect you from being unfairly held responsible for your injuries.

Compensation To Seek In A Personal Injury Claim

Victims of negligence may be able to pursue monetary compensation through a verdict or an agreed-upon settlement for their losses. The amount may not totally make up for the catastrophic damage and extensive losses, but it can help support their recovery.

Our Simi Valley injury law firm can assist you in pursuing both non-economic and economic compensatory damages. Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses, while non-economic damages are subjective losses that are harder to quantify. The damages that you may be able to claim include:

• Past and future medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
• Repair or replacement costs for property damage.
• Other out-of-pocket expenses.
• Pain and suffering.
• Psychological issues.
• Loss of enjoyment in activities.
• Reduced quality of life.

In wrongful death claims, spouses may be able to seek loss of consortium to cover the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support. Additionally, the court may award punitive damages in rare cases where the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent or malicious. These awards aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Steps To Take After Suffering A Personal Injury

Experiencing accidents can leave people disoriented and hurt. However, it is crucial to address certain matters promptly. Our Simi Valley injury law firm recommends the following measures, provided you’re still able to do so. These steps can help protect your well-being and rights to compensation.

1. Seek Prompt Medical Attention — Prioritize your health and seek medical attention. Your personal injury lawsuit relies on medical documents to prove your injuries and their impact on your life.
2. Gather Evidence — Keep all accident-related photos, video recordings, witness accounts, and damaged properties. This evidence supports your claims during negotiations.
3. Be Careful When Dealing With Insurance Companies — Insurance companies may challenge your claim to minimize payouts. To help you protect your rights, consult our lawyers to handle these discussions. Moreover, avoid discussing the accident on social media, as insurers may review it, which could impact your case.
4. Call Our Simi Valley Injury Law Firm At (888) 488-1391 — After medical treatment, contact the accident attorneys in Simi Valley. Getting legal guidance early in the process can help protect your rights and avoid common mistakes that can hurt your claim.