Injured? We Fight for What You Deserve
One moment can change everything. If a car runs a red light, a property owner ignores a hazard, or a distracted driver rear-ends you at a stoplight, suddenly, you could be dealing with injuries and a system that seems stacked against you. My Lawyer Manwel has represented local residents through all of it, and we know how overwhelming this process can be when you're trying to heal. The right personal injury attorney in Northridge will handle the legal fight so you can focus on getting better. Below, we cover how fault gets determined, what happens if you share some of the blame, and what critical evidence can make or break your claim.
California uses a negligence standard to assign fault after an accident. This means someone must prove the other party owed a duty of care, breached their duty, and caused measurable harm as a direct result. Insurance adjusters and attorneys piece together what happened by reviewing police reports, examining physical damage, and collecting statements from everyone involved. They look at traffic camera footage, skid marks, vehicle positioning, and any citations issued at the scene. A personal injury law firm will also bring in accident reconstruction experts when the facts are disputed or unclear. These specialists analyze speed and road conditions to build a technical picture of the collision. The goal is to show what happened, prove who caused it, and why they should pay. Fault determination can take weeks or months, depending on how much evidence exists and whether the parties agree on what occurred. When liability is contested, the case may go to litigation, and a judge or jury will decide based on the evidence presented.
In California, you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident. Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If a jury finds you 20 percent responsible for a collision and awards $100,000 in damages, you receive $80,000. This system applies regardless of how much blame falls on you. Even at 90 percent fault, you can still pursue the remaining 10 percent from the other party. Insurance companies know this rule, and they use it aggressively. Adjusters will comb through your statements, medical records, and social media posts to find anything that suggests you contributed to your own injuries. They might argue that you were speeding, failed to wear a seatbelt, or ignored warning signs. A skilled personal injury lawyer in Northridge will counter these tactics by documenting the other party's negligence and minimizing unfair blame. The difference between 15 percent fault and 35 percent fault can mean tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket. That's why accurate documentation and strong legal representation matter from day one.
The strongest cases rest on concrete, verifiable evidence. Photos from the accident scene capture vehicle positions, road conditions, weather, and visible injuries before anything changes. Medical records establish a direct link between the incident and your diagnosis. Your treating physicians document the nature of your injuries, the treatment required, and any long-term limitations you may face. Bills and invoices prove the financial cost of your recovery. Pay stubs and employment records show lost wages if you missed work. Witness contact information allows your attorney to gather independent accounts of what happened. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras can confirm or contradict the other party's version of events. Personal injury attorneys in Northridge will also obtain the defendant's phone records if distracted driving is suspected. Text messages, call logs, and app usage data create a timeline that proves whether someone was on their phone at the moment of impact. Accident reconstruction reports add technical credibility when physical evidence tells a disputed story. Each piece of evidence builds your case and weakens the insurance company's ability to deny or undervalue your claim.
Insurance companies collect premiums and then do everything they can to limit payouts. Adjusters are trained to close claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. The first offer you receive will almost always undervalue your case. Adjusters calculate a number based on your current medical bills and a generic multiplier. They don't account for future surgeries or ongoing physical therapy. They ignore lost earning capacity, and they don't factor in the pain you'll live with for years. Accepting the first offer forfeits your right to pursue additional compensation later. Even if complications arise, you're out of luck. Once you sign, the case closes forever. Personal injury attorneys in Northridge review every aspect of your claim before entering negotiations. They calculate the true cost of your injuries, including medical expenses you haven't incurred yet. A personal injury lawyer in Northridge will tell you when an offer is fair and when the insurer is lowballing you. That protects you from leaving money on the table while also avoiding unnecessary delays. The goal is full compensation. Not a fast resolution that only benefits the insurance company.
The legal system is complicated, but the right representation makes it simple. My Lawyer Manwel has recovered millions for injured clients across. Our team investigates every claim, documents all evidence, and negotiates with the insurance carriers who want to pay you less than you deserve. Contact our personal injury law firm today for a consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options, and help you decide how to proceed.
At My Lawyer Manwel, we fight for your rights in personal injury and employment law. See what our clients say about working with us.
I contacted My Lawyer Manwel for help with an employment dispute, and I’m very pleased with the service I received. He was knowledgeable, honest, and supportive throughout the entire process. Manwel kept me informed and handled negotiations with confidence and professionalism. He made a difficult situation much easier to manage and achieved a positive resolution. I would not hesitate to recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone needing experienced and reliable legal representation.
My Lawyer Manwel was incredibly helpful during my personal injury case. After my accident, I felt stressed and unsure of what to expect. Manwel explained everything in simple terms and was always available to answer my questions. He handled the legal details with professionalism and care, allowing me to focus on recovery. The settlement he secured helped cover my medical expenses and eased my financial worries. I truly appreciate his dedication and highly recommend his services.
I had a great experience working with My Lawyer Manwel on an employment law matter. He listened carefully to my concerns and provided clear, honest advice. Manwel was always responsive and made sure I understood every step of the process. He handled my case professionally and worked hard to protect my rights. The outcome was fair and allowed me to move forward with confidence. I’m very grateful for his help and would recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone facing workplace legal issues.
My Lawyer Manwel provided excellent support during my personal injury case. From the beginning, he was professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. He took the time to explain my rights and the legal process clearly, which made me feel confident and informed. Manwel handled all communication with the insurance company and kept me updated throughout the case. His dedication and attention to detail truly stood out. Thanks to his hard work, my case had a positive outcome. I highly recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone needing a trustworthy personal injury attorney.
Don't sign without carefully reviewing all of the terms, including release of claims, non-disparagement clauses, and confidentiality provisions. You usually have the right to consult with an attorney who can negotiate better terms on your behalf.
Enforceability varies dramatically by state, with some banning them entirely and others enforcing them when reasonable in scope and duration. Recent legal trends have moved toward limiting these agreements. Having an attorney review your specific agreement is essential.
Most discrimination claims must first be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or your state's equivalent agency before pursuing a lawsuit. Strict deadlines apply, often within one hundred eighty to three hundred days of the discriminatory act.
Misclassification occurs when employers label workers as contractors to avoid providing benefits owed to employees. The determination depends on factors like company control over your work, schedule flexibility, and who provides tools and equipment.
Numerous federal and state laws protect employees who report illegal activity, safety violations, or fraud from employer retaliation. Whistleblowers may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and other remedies if they face adverse employment actions.
Generally speaking, employers have some flexibility to modify duties and compensation, but they can't make any changes that violate contracts, discriminate, or constitute retaliation. Sudden changes following a complaint or protected activity may raise legal concerns.
A hostile work environment exists when unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic is pervasive or severe enough to create an intimidating or abusive workplace. This goes beyond occasional rudeness and must materially affect your ability to do your job.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the majority of employees working more than forty hours per week must receive overtime pay at one and a half times their regular rate. However, certain exemptions apply based on salary level and job duties, which employers sometimes misapply.
Wrongful termination happens if an employee is fired in a way that violates federal or state laws, employment contracts, or public policy. Examples include being fired due to discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or refusing to engage in illegal activities.
Federal and state law prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report illegal conduct or file discrimination complaints. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, or creating a hostile environment. If you experience retaliation, you may have an additional legal claim.
Document every incident in detail. That includes dates, times, witnesses, and what occurred. Report the harassment through your company's internal complaint process and keep copies of all communications. If internal channels don't resolve the issue, consulting with an attorney is an important next step.
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats someone unfavorably because of a protected characteristic like race, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin. This can include hiring and firing decisions, promotions, pay, job assignments, and harassment.
If your health insurance paid for any treatment that's related to your injury, they may have a right to reimbursement from any settlement through a process called subrogation. Your attorney can often negotiate these liens down to maximize what you keep.
A settlement is an agreement that is reached outside of the court, where the at-fault party agrees to pay compensation in exchange for releasing liability. A verdict is a decision that's made by a judge or jury after a trial determines the outcome.
While you can represent yourself, insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented claimants with lowball settlements. Studies show that injured individuals who hire attorneys recover significantly more compensation even after paying legal fees.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of injuries, and whether it settles or goes to trial. Simpler cases may resolve in a few months, while complex litigation can take several years.
You may still have options, including your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the incident involved a vehicle. An experienced attorney can identify all of the potential sources of compensation available to you.
Fault is normally established by examining evidence like police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances to build a compelling case. In some states, you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
First, get medical attention even if you feel okay, as some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Document everything, including photos of the scene and witness contact information, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to an attorney.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court via negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court via negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Victims can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, pain, and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer.
Every state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, typically ranging from one to four years depending on where you live. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to pursue compensation, so consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
A personal injury case is when someone suffers harm because another party was negligent, reckless, or engaged in intentional misconduct. A few examples include car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. If someone else's actions led to your injury, you may have grounds for a claim.