Personal Injury FAQ – Encino, CA | Girgis Law Firm, APC
If you’ve been injured in a car, truck, or rideshare accident, you probably have many questions about your legal rights and the next steps. At Girgis Law Firm, APC, we’ve helped accident victims throughout Encino and Los Angeles County recover maximum compensation. Below are clear answers to the most common personal injury questions.
Table of Contents
- What should I do immediately after an accident?
- Do I need a personal injury attorney?
- How much is my personal injury case worth?
- How long do I have to file a claim in California?
- What damages can I recover?
- What if I was partially at fault?
- How long does a personal injury case take?
- Will I have to go to court?
- How do insurance companies evaluate claims?
- How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
What should I do immediately after an accident?
Your health and safety come first. If you’re involved in an accident, take these steps:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) or party involved.
- Take photos of the vehicles, scene, and any visible injuries.
- Request a copy of the police report once available.
- Contact an Encino personal injury lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
Getting early legal guidance helps protect your rights and ensures you don’t say anything that could harm your case.
Do I need a personal injury attorney?
If your accident caused injuries, property damage, or time off work, it’s in your best interest to speak with an attorney. Insurance companies often minimize payouts, and an experienced lawyer can help you:
- Gather evidence and witness statements
- Negotiate with the insurance adjuster
- Determine the full value of your claim
- File a lawsuit if necessary
At Girgis Law Firm, APC, we handle all communication with insurers and fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Whether liability is disputed
Every case is unique. During your free consultation, we’ll review the details and give you a realistic estimate based on similar cases in Encino and Los Angeles County.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
California law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, there are exceptions:
- Claims against government entities must be filed within 6 months.
- Claims involving minors or medical malpractice may have different time limits.
Missing the deadline can bar you from recovering compensation — contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What damages can I recover?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
What if I was partially at fault?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible — your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you may still receive $80,000.
How long does a personal injury case take?
Most cases settle within 6 to 18 months, depending on injury severity, medical treatment, and insurance cooperation. Cases involving serious injuries or litigation can take longer. Our goal is to resolve your case efficiently while ensuring full and fair compensation.
Will I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiation. However, if an insurer refuses a fair settlement, Girgis Law Firm, APC is fully prepared to file suit and present your case before a jury in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
How do insurance companies evaluate claims?
Insurers evaluate claims based on medical records, property damage, lost wages, and liability. They often use computer algorithms to generate low settlement offers. We ensure your claim is supported by medical documentation, expert testimony, and clear evidence to demand full value.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect if we win your case. This allows anyone to pursue justice, regardless of financial situation.
Still have questions? Contact Girgis Law Firm, APC in Encino at
818-986-5000 or
request a free consultation online today.