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Shirvanian Personal Injury Law Firm
Turn to The Shirvanian Law Firm for the best representation after a car accident, truck accident, or other serious injury. With our firm, you can expect thorough and aggressive advocacy that delivers optimal results.

100 W. Broadway Suite 760, Glendale, California 91210

1430 Truxtun Ave., 5th Floor, Bakersfield, California 93301

(877) 809-4223 Toll Free

(818) 835-5396 Local

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Home / Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

You asked, we answered!

What To Do If You Get In A Car Accident In CA?

  1. Dial 911
  2. Give an accurate and complete statement to the police officer, especially paying attention to details (liability and damages/injury questions)
  3. Take photos of everything. Cars. damage. Location. Scene. Surveillance. Driver license, registration, insurance. From everyone
  4. Talk to witnesses. Get their info
  5. Call an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately.

What Shouldn’t I Do When I’m In A Car Accident?

  1. Do not speak to the other drivers about the facts. Just get their information
  2. Do not agree to handle outside of insurance
  3. Do not admit fault
  4. Do not call the insurance companies. Not even your own!
  5. Do not fabricate or embellish facts/injuries.
  6. Do not wait to call an experienced personal injury lawyer

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney In Los Angeles?

There is zero cost to our clients, as the Shirvanian law firm will advance all costs and invest the time and money necessary for each client’s pursuit of justice. When a case is “won” and a settlement or verdict is reached, Shirvanian law firm will get a percentage (on a contingency fee basis) of the case as well as their costs back. If no recovery is made, nothing is owed by the client to the firm. Even if there are outstanding doctor bills, Shirvanian law firm can get those bills/medical liens waived typically so that the client literally pays for nothing. It’s a win win situation for the clients because they get excellent legal muscle on their side, they pay nothing, and when a case is won Shirvanina law firm negotiates all outstanding bills/liens down so the client’s net recovery is maximized.

Why do I need a personal injury attorney?

Personal injury claims are one of the most complex and most disputed/fought cases by the insurance companies. Their entire objective (even your own insurance company) is to find a way to deny your claim, delay your claim, or to defend your claim. We call it the “Triple D” game. An experienced personal injury lawyer acts to protect you from day 1. You’ve heard the expression “anything can and will be used against you,” right? Well, the insurance companies love when self-represented claimants try to handle their own cases. They will offer you pennies on the dollar and we have heard of insurance adjusters knocking on your door at home and offering you a small amount of money with a release in hand to settle the case. Once you sign on the dotted line, your case is over. And they will do anything in their power to get you to settle before hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer.

We have your back. We listen. We care. We take it personally. We can help you maximize your case from getting the most value for your total loss claim, making sure all property damages are paid out to your fairly, get you reimbursed for all out of pocket expenses, but most importantly help manage your personal injury claim so that there are no “gaps in treatment.” The longer you wait, the worse for your case. Our experienced lawyers, having handled thousands of cases know what to expect from the insurance company and their defense lawyers. Mr. Shirvanian was formerly an insurance defense lawyer, as such, he knows their tricks. It’s like knowing what the enemy is thinking and doing and taking action to counteract and beat them at their own game. We make sure all injury claims are properly evaluated by medical professionals, we ensure no stone is left unturned, and utilizing our legal reputation will either get you the best settlement possible or file lawsuits against all “at fault” parties to leverage the risk of a jury trial against the defendants/defense/insurance companies to maximize your financial settlement or jury verdict.

You would never drive blindly, why handle your own case without the foresight of the Shirvanian law firm’s experience and expertise? Call us today (877) 809-4223

How Are Personal Injury Lawyers Paid?

Some charge an hourly fee with a hefty retainer, but Shirvanian law firm works on a contingency fee structure with a “no recovery no fee owed” policy. There are different percentages for different stages of the case, such as a pre-litigation settlement, post-litigation settlement, post trial/verdict settlement, pre-arbitration or post-arbitration settlement. We are happy to explain these in detail. We are proud that we work the numbers so the client’s net recovery is maximized. At the end of the day, our client’s should never worry about the money aspect as our primary concern is their health and recovery from the accident. They will never pay anything out of their pocket for medical bills related to the case and we will always ensure all bills are included in the case to maximize their financial recovery and net settlement.

How Long Do Personal Injury Cases Usually Take?

They vary. Common sense says a minor/less severe case can get settled quicker and the more complex/serious injury cases will take more time. We do not settle cases until the case is “ripe” for settlement. That is all damages are ascertained and realized, all necessary and reasonable treatment is received by the client so we know how their bodies have recovered or not recovered and what future treatment is required to a “reasonable degree of medical certainty.” On average, 8-12 months for a less severe ase, 12-24 months for a serious injury case, and if a lawsuit is needed those can take another 2 years depending on ow complex the issues, what needs to be proven, how much work the lawyer needs to do to conduct discovery and prepare the case for an eventual trial if need be.

How long does it take to receive compensation for my personal injury claim?

Injuries can make the path to settlement complicated, but we’ll help you get through it. We handle all negotiations and then work hard on getting your medical bills in order–reducing each one as much as possible so you have maximum compensation for a successful recovery. Our goal is always to finish quickly, but still capitalize on maximum results. Typically speaking, a claim can take any where from 90 to 180 days to settle and once both parties settle, our clients should receive their compensation check within 30 days or less.

What Is The Maximum Percentage That Personal Injury Attorneys Can Charge Minors In Los Angeles County?

Typically, claims involving minors have a 25% fee by law. However, depending on the size of the settlement, a Judge may have to approve the settlement in what is called a “Minor’s Compromise Petition and Hearing.” The judge has discretion to allow for a higher fee depending on the complexity of the case, how much work was done, and the experience of the attorney handling your case. We have had 25% fees, 33.33% fees, adn 40% fees approved by Judges in the LA Superior Court, it all depends on the facts and circumstances and what the case settled for (taking into account how much work was needed by the attorney to get you the result).

If I’m Driving Without Insurance And Someone Hits Me Can I Still File A Claim?

Yes and no. Certainly can file a claim for property damages and for your medical bills. We still accept these cases so you get medical treatment and make a recovery. We can still file a claim for a personal injury settlement and can still likely get you money into your pocket even after paying attorneys fees and doctors. Call us to learn more.

Do I have to have insurance to file a claim?

The law in California requires everyone to have automobile insurance, so if you are filing an injury claim due to a car/vehicle accident, you must have auto insurance by law. If you do not, most lawyers will reject your case. NOT US! Even though you are not at fault, Proposition 213 codified in Civil Code Sections 3333.3 and 3333.43 will limit damages you can claim in your case by barring all non-economic items of damage. This includes: past and future physical pain, mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, physical impairment, inconvenience, grief, anxiety, humiliation, and emotional distress. If you don’t have insurance we will still consider taking on your case, because we can get your medical bills paid and put money in your pocket. Call us for a free case evaluation and see if we can handle your case.

How Do I Know I Have A Personal Injury Claim?

If you are injured in an accident, and if you are not at fault for the accident, then you have a claim. Simple right? Not quite. Injuries must be caused by the accident, either 100% caused by the accident or if your have/had a prior injury it must have been made worse by the accident (called aggravation and/or exacerbation of a prior injury; also relevant to this discussion is the unusually susceptible plaintiff or egg-shell plaintiff jury instruction).

Another topic relevant here is the issue of comparative fault. If the defendant crashed into you or caused you to get injured, sometimes the defense has ways to argue that you the claimant/plaintiff were “comparatively at fault” i.e. for not being careful or for you yourself violating the law, which was a proximate cause for brining about the claimed harm or injury. These are fact specific issues that we are happy to discuss with our clients during the consultation phase. Another reason why you need an experienced personal injury lawyer. We are forced to play the personal injury game with the cards that we are dealt. Knowing all the facts from the accident, even the bad facts that may be harmful to your case is very important so we can do damage control and put forth the strongest arguments.

Minor or major or if a wrongful death. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Is There A Time Limit To File My Personal Injury Claim?

Two years from the date of the accident to file lawsuits on personal injury claims against private parties or private entities. If a public entity/governmental defendant is involved, there are much stricter rules and many administrative hurdles that need to be abided with. 6 months from accident a valid claim form must be presented to the public entity, and you must act quickly depending on how they respond. If they deny in writing, you have 6 months to file suit. If 45 days go by, and they don’t respond in writing, the claim is rejected by operation of law and you have 2 years from the date of accident to file suit.

Are Personal Injury Lawyers Subject To Hipaa?

Yes, and we abide by all laws to protect your privacy.

What happens when an attorney gets involved with your car accident case?

Hiring a lawyer might not guarantee a win for your case, but it can definitely alleviate the burden of dealing with a car accident. With their strong investigative skills, attorneys can easily pinpoint the other driver’s negligence and collect compelling evidence to support your claim. Moreover, lawyers can tackle the tedious negotiation process with insurance companies on your behalf. Don’t let the stress of a car accident take over, let a capable lawyer make the process smoother for you.

What happens if i’m hurt during a car accident?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident that’s left you injured, it’s essential that you seek medical attention without delay. And if you weren’t at fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation from the other driver involved. Bringing in a skilled personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. They’ll defend your rights and help you navigate the strict regulations surrounding these kinds of incidents. The clock is ticking, so act fast.

If the responsibility for the accident falls on you, don’t panic – you still have some options. If you have medical payment coverage, you can use it to pay for your treatment. The best part? It doesn’t matter who was at fault – your insurance company will cover your bills. We understand that this is a tricky situation, but know that we’re here to help you figure out the best course of action.

Does It Matter If I Have Insurance And Someone Hit My Car?

If someone hit your car and you have insurance, then you have options. If you have a property damage claim only, then you can claim against the at fault party to get your repairs and property damages reimbursed/paid for. If you have insurance and are injured, then you have a personal injury claim too.

Is There A Time Limit To File A Car Accident Injury Claim?

Yes! 2 years from the date of loss for your personal injury claim. 3 years from the date of loss for your property damage claim. However, if the at fault party/person is a public entity, you have 6 months to file a claim with each governmental office (very specific ways this must be done) and then very shortened time periods to file lawsuits. If you miss these deadlines, you are forever barred.

What If The Other Driver Has No Car Insurance?

This is a very good question. These are called uninsured motorist claims. If there is zero insurance coverage for the other car that hit you who is at fault, then you must have uninsured motorist coverage to be able to get compensation. Your insurance will pay UM benefits, and we have the experience and know how to maximize this claim so you get the maximum given the facts and circumstances. Often times UM claims are referred to as “first party” claims. We like these types of claims because of the first party relationship between the injured and the insurance company (as it is your own). The covenant of good faith and fair dealing is read into all insurance contracts/policies, so, we use this to argue that they in fact owe the claimant a duty to act in “good faith” and in the best interests of the insured/claimant, to not choose proifts over the best interest of the claimant/insured, and if they do play the game and act in “bad faith” run the risk of being sued. Complicated cases, but we like these because we typically maximize our client’s recoveries in these circumstances.

Course and scope of employment comes into play here as well. If the driver was driving during his/her employment, then the employer is vicariously liable potentially. Very fact specific inquiry.

Do I Use My Own Medical Or Car Insurance To Cover Medical Costs?

If you have medical insurance, you are free to use it and you should to a certain degree. There is a vast network of medical professionals who treat personal injury clients without the need for insurance. This is one of the benefits of having a personal injury lawyer where we sign liens with the providers to guarantee their payment from the case.

  1. No delays to you and you get immediate/quick appointments to see doctors.
  2. No out of pocket costs
  3. No deductibles
  4. Your premiums aren’t affected
  5. We negotiate down their bills in the end pay them out get clients confirmations that the bills have been satisfied and
  6. We maximize your net settlement.

Does The Other Person Who Hit Me Cover My Medical Costs?

It is their insurance that does. We don’t take money from the people themselves. All these claims are based on insurance and insurance coverage. So do not worry about the other person. They paid for insurance just like you did and the insurance company will pay up to the confines of the policy to make you whole.

What Happens If My Car Is Totaled In An Accident?

The insurance company from the at fault party needs to make you whole. They need to pay you fair market value for the vehicle. We have expert appraisers who can guarantee you get paid fully and fairly. If the vehicle is totaled, any money owed needs to be paid out to the bank/lienholder first, and the difference if any comes to the client. Good news – we help you with the property damage portion but don’t charge you a single cent to do so. This is a courtesy to our clients.

Do I Have To Go To Court For A Car Accident Settlement?

No court time is needed for 99.9% of cases. We can get your case settled most of the time for value outside of court. Cases that end up in litigation have disputed liability or disputed damages. We have experts that we utilize to help us prove both during the court process.

Is There A Time Limit To File A Car Accident Injury Claim?

Yes! 2 years from the date of loss for your personal injury claim. 3 years from the date of loss for your property damage claim. However, if the at fault party/person is a public entity, you have 6 months to file a claim with each governmental office (very specific ways this must be done) and then very shortened time periods to file lawsuits. If you miss these deadlines, you are forever barred.

What To Do If A Family Member Is Fatally Or Seriously Injured In A Truck Accident?

Wrongful death cases are those that hit us in our hearts every time we get a call that someone has lost a loved one. No amount of money in the world can make this ok. We are limited to insurance coverage most of the time. If someone is wrongfully killed, we need to be called immediately as there are specific types of claims that stem from these cases (elder abuse, survival action, wrongful death claims, etc). Even in these cases, the insurance companies have tactics they try to play to pay the least amount as possible. They challenge causation. They challenge liability. They hire life expectancy consultants as experts to say the person who died was going to anyway. They play dirty tricks at trial. We have the experience to get your case settled for maximum value if someone has been wrongfully killed in an accident.

How Much Money Is Paid Out For A Personal Injury Motorbike, Motorcycle And Scooter Settlement?

The value is dependent on two main issues. Injuries and available insurance coverage. There is no set amount that each case resolves for. If the injuries are minor v. severe dictates potential value. If the client actually treats and follows through with treatment then the case develops more and more value. At the end, how much is the defendant/at fault party’s insurance coverage? This is what dictates the ceiling and we strive to achieve the maximum policy limit in our cases.

What Questions Should I Ask A Personal Injury Attorney When Vetting Them?

You want to be sure your lawyer only handles personal injury cases and isn’t an office that does a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Further, you do not want an office with a volume based/mill practice. You want a boutique law firm that will give you personalized attention from the beginning, have an attorney with both plaintiff and defense law firm experience on your side. Knowing what the enemy is thinking and doing is a huge asset that we are proud to have in our wheelhouse. Attorneys who focus on the money aspect are a flag to me. They probably care about the dollar more so than the human being.

When To Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer?

Do not wait to contact a personal injury attorney if you have been hurt in an accident. Contact us immediately. The sooner we can get involved in your case the better. The statutes of limitation issues, gathering evidence, retaining evidence, developing a case plan to maximize your recovery all take time and you should not wait. Call us immediately at (877) 809-4223 when you are involved in an accident.

Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Drop Your Case?

Yes. If a lawsuit is filed, unless the client consents a motion to be relieved as counsel is required. Pre-lawsuit, an attorney may withdraw but owes their client certain duties and must abide by them.

Can I Change Or Switch Personal Injury Lawyers?

Yes, if you are unhappy with your current lawyer we do offer free consultations and are happy to see if the case would be a good fit for us depending on the facts, circumstances, and procedural posture of the case. Client’s are free to terminate their prior lawyer’s services and hire a new lawyer. In fact, we get hired to clean up prior attorney mistakes and neglect all the time.

If I’m Driving Without Insurance And Someone Hits Me Can I Still File A Claim?

Yes and no. Certainly can file a claim for property damages and for your medical bills. We still accept these cases so you get medical treatment and make a recovery. We can still file a claim for a personal injury settlement and can still likely get you money into your pocket even after paying attorneys fees and doctors. Call us to learn more.

If you have a question or if you have been hurt in an accident, please contact us today.

(877) 809-4223