It is possible to represent yourself in personal injury and wrongful death litigation.
You start a lawsuit by filing a complaint. In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit.
Plaintiffs involved in motor vehicle accidents are successful at trial 61% of the time. Plaintiffs injured on someone else's property are successful at trial 39% of the time. Plaintiffs injured by faulty products win 38% of their cases at trial.
Personal injury refers to any harm or injury caused to a person's body, mind, or emotions due to someone else's negligence or intentional wrongdoing. In California, personal injury law allows victims to seek compensation if they can prove that another party was at fault.
You can handle your personal injury case by yourself if you have little bit knowledge about your legal rights and option. But it is advisable to hire an experienced personal injury attorney to negotiate a fair settlement and get you the compensation which you deserve.
There are more specific reasons you should consider hiring the best personal injury lawyer for your personal injury case, too. If you have wondered, “can I settle a personal injury claim myself,” the answer is yes; however, these are the reasons you should rely on an experienced attorney.
The average personal injury settlement amount is approximately $55,056.08, which is based on data from over 5,861 cases that were settled between 2021 and 2024.
As is the case with every regulated profession, a career in law demands a very high degree of professional care. Any time an attorney fails to meet the expected standards of his or her profession, their clients could take legal actions against them for what is called “legal malpractice.”
Most personal injury lawyers in California take between 33 to 40 percent of each settlement or award they win, but can go as high as 50 percent depending on the complexity of the case.
Common Scenarios When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney is NOT Necessary There were no substantial injuries. This is the most obvious reason to avoid the legal system. Insurance companies are offering you a fair amount. Hiring a personal injury lawyer doesn't make sense mathematically.