Steinberg & Spencer

Find Additional Information to Help With a Personal Injury Case

An experienced personal injury attorney is essential to ensuring that insurance companies do not take advantage of your pain and suffering. Learn more about personal injury law and dealing with the insurance company by visiting the following links.

• The American Bar Association outlines the different parts of a personal injury claim and lawsuit.
• How do you get your insurance company to pay up? This article from Kiplinger has the answer.
• According to this page from the California Highway Patrol, there are now 40,000 fewer annual car accidents than there were one decade ago.
• The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County offers questions to ask a lawyer during your first meeting.
• The Insurance Information Institute explains the steps you should take after a car accident to collect all relevant information for a future claim.

Residents in San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Monica and surrounding suburbs should call the skilled team of Steinberg & Spencer at (310) 450-5960.

4 Common Myths About Personal Injury Cases

Car collisions and other accidents are incredibly common throughout the country. However, many individuals have misconceptions about the personal injury process. Here is a critical look at four common myths that many people hold regarding personal injury cases:

The Insurance Company’s First Offer Is Fine

The actual expenses associated with your personal injury may vastly exceed the insurance company’s first offer. While the settlement may seem easy and quick, it’s likely undervalued to save the insurer money and time. You are almost always better off presenting a counteroffer. Consult a lawyer to help figure out the real cost of your claim.

You Have Forever to File a Claim

Most civil cases have a statute of limitations that bars the filing of a legal claim after a certain amount of time. In California, you may file a personal injury claim within two years of the injury, unless you did not discover the injury for several years, in which case the limitations term begins at the date of discovery.

You Don’t Need a Lawyer

Personal injury settlement negotiations and lawsuits are complex. An experienced attorney can send demand letters, research relevant cases, and help convince the insurance company to pay a fair amount for your injury. All other parties in your personal injury case will have counsel—you should, too.

You Can Only Receive Compensation for Medical Expenses

Most personal injury claimants can obtain payments for past medical bills, missed work, and future expenses related to their recovery. A personal injury attorney working on a contingency fee can help you calculate the true worth of your claim and ensure that the other side pays you a fair amount.

Steinberg & Spencer can help Californians with their personal injury dilemmas. Our partners have 30 years of experience dealing with insurance companies and helping clients receive appropriate compensation for their pain and suffering. Call (310) 450-5960 to reach our Los Angeles attorneys and schedule a free case evaluation.

Steinberg & Spencer Injury Lawyers Are Available 24/7 to Answer Your Questions

If you suffer injuries in an accident, recovery should be your first priority. This video explains the next step—getting in touch with a personal injury attorney. This type of lawyer can explain your legal rights and help you seek compensation.

Our attorneys have years of experience with California law, and can evaluate your case for free. We can use our background to assess the potential worth if your claim and the length of time it could take for you to obtain compensation from the at-fault party.

Do not let your personal injury claim get pushed aside by waiting too long to speak to a lawyer. The Los Angeles-area law offices of Steinberg & Spencer can take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us today at (310) 450-5960 to speak with a skilled attorney about your case.

What You Should Ask the Insurance Adjuster if You Are Questioned Following an Accident

When you are involved in a car accident, you undoubtedly need to speak to insurance agents in the months following the collision. However, the insurance companies will want to minimize the amount they pay out and keep you in the dark. Here are some questions to ask an insurance adjuster following an accident:

Will you put in writing that the accident was not my fault?

It may seem obvious that the other party caused the collision, but it is essential that the insurance adjuster notes this fact in writing. In the event of a personal injury lawsuit, the insurer’s paperwork will be submitted as evidence. When speaking with the adjustor, you should specifically ask that he or she write down the cause of the wreck.

Will you give me a copy of the recorded statement from the other side?

Information is power; unfortunately, the insurance adjuster will not provide you the other side’s statement unless you ask. The more statements and data you have about the accident, the more effectively your attorney can represent you as you file a personal injury claim.

Can you give me statements taken from witnesses of the accident?

In the event that your case goes to trial, witnesses will be instrumental in backing up your version of events. The bystanders are essential for helping describe what really happened and how. Be sure to ask the insurer for witness contact information and statements for your own records.

Insurance companies want to pay out as little money as possible after an accident. That’s why you need to hire a personal injury attorney to ensure that you are not being taken advantage of. California residents in need of advice regarding their car accidents should call the skilled legal team from Steinberg & Spencer at (310) 450-5960. We offer free consultations at our Santa Monica, Ventura, and Los Angeles offices.

Find Out More About Handling Your Personal Injury by Visiting These Legal Resources

The weeks and months following an accident can be very difficult—especially if the accident results in serious injuries. Readers who appreciated our recent look at California personal injury law should consider the following list of informative links:

• Hiring an attorney can be daunting for those without experience. The State Bar of California can help point you in the right direction.
• The American legal system is always evolving. The U.S. Courts website gives the history of common law in our country.
• Statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that over 32,000 bicyclists die every year in accidents involving cars.
• In California, personal injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations. The California Courts online portal provides more information on this legal deadline.
• Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency. The Consumer Attorneys of California website explains this type of agreement in depth.

For personal injury representation in the Los Angeles area, contact Steinberg & Spencer at (310) 450-5960.