Personal Injury Attorney - Why Personal Injury Law

If you have been injured due to the negligent and/or reckless act of another, then you very well may have a personal injury case. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you to recover maximum compensation for all that you’ve been through. To schedule a free case evaluation with Belal Hamideh, you can reach him through this site or call.

Personal Injury Attorney Who Can Help

Have you sustained harm due to negligence or reckless acts of another? Or perhaps you’ve experienced pain and suffering at the hands of another’s carelessness? If this resonates with your current predicament, you could have a viable claim for compensation. In circumstances where someone else’s behavior results in your injury, engaging the services of a seasoned personal injury attorney like Belal Hamideh based in California, could be your lifeline. With his wealth of experience, Belal endeavors to assist you in securing the highest attainable compensation.

Suppose you find yourself in a situation where there is even a remote likelihood that your injuries resulted from someone else’s wrongdoing, it is worthwhile to consult an attorney with deep understanding and experience. Get in touch with Belal today for a complimentary case assessment. We’re also fluent in Spanish.

What Does My Personal Injury Claim Entail?

The value of your claim doesn’t rely on a standard measure. It could be influenced by several elements such as medical bills, lost income, suffered distress, and various others. Belal Hamideh’s sole mission is to obtain the most recompense for his clients. You stand to recover both economic and non-economic damages.

This compensation could cover medical expenditures, prescription costs, therapy expenses, lost wages, in addition to the unfathomable toll of your suffering. Belal is committed to ensuring that you secure what is rightfully due to you.

The Significance of Skilled Representation in Personal Injury Cases

Belal brings an extensive understanding of the legal system and regulations that oversee personal injury claims. This knowledge can be leveraged as a strategic advantage, especially when dealing with the complexities and constant changes in law.

The primary benefit of having competent legal representation is the capacity to precisely measure the worth of your claim. The evaluation is grounded not on random numbers or approximations but on real-world experience. This thorough appraisal ensures you’re well-informed about the possible outcomes, empowering you to make knowledgeable decisions regarding your case.

What Types of Cases Can Belal Assist With?

Throughout his professional journey, Belal has successfully handled a diverse range of personal injury cases, including:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: All drivers are legally required to observe “duty of care” on the roads. If negligence or reckless conduct breaches this duty, the injured party has a right to compensation.
Tractor-Trailer and Big Rig Accidents: These accidents, involving large vehicles, are among the most hazardous. Belal and his team can identify all parties accountable for your accident and pursue legal action against them.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Accidents due to negligence can cause severe injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. Competent legal representation is vital in securing rightful compensation for your injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists often find themselves victims of accidents they were not responsible for. A personal injury attorney aids in determining liability and advocating for your rights.
Slip and Fall Accidents: If you sustain injuries after a fall on another’s property due to an unattended hazard, compensation may be due. A personal injury attorney can hold the responsible party accountable, ensuring you receive justified compensation for your suffering.
Construction Site Accidents: Sites involving large machinery often involve multiple parties. A seasoned attorney can conduct comprehensive investigations to identify all liable parties, enabling you to pursue claims against everyone involved.
Wrongful Death: In cases involving the unfortunate demise of a loved one, a personal injury attorney provides unwavering support, guiding you through legal complexities to secure rightful compensation.

Belal can also assist with dog bite cases, issues with rideshare apps like UBER, and many others. He is ready to stand up for your rights and pursue the restitution you deserve.

What’s Your Next Move After An Accident Injury?

The steps you take in the aftermath of an accident can massively shape the progression of your case. Your immediate, paramount goal? Get to safety. Try to extricate yourself from any further danger as much as possible.

The next crucial step is to contact the authorities. You should also seek medical help, even when it appears you’re unscathed. While the focus is rightly on your safety, it’s advisable, if feasible, to document the incident.

Exchanging contact and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved is essential too. Throughout this process, remember: admitting fault is counterproductive, as is being unduly harsh or exaggerating details.

After you’ve alerted the authorities and secured the necessary medical care, turning to Belal is an excellent move.

How Do You Afford A Personal Injury Lawyer?

Belal operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you are not required to pay any upfront fees. Under this deal, there are no start-up costs; Belal’s reward is dependent on your case’s successful resolution. In simpler terms, you only pay if the outcome is in your favor.

Most likely, your payment will come out of your settlement. This payment model not only makes legal representation attainable but also gives your attorney a significant incentive to vigorously advocate for your cause.

What’s The Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Claim in California?

Generally, you have a two-year window from the injury date to file a personal injury claim in California. This might seem like a long time, but it can dwindle quickly. Moreover, certain circumstances might further shorten this timeline. Therefore, it benefits you to consult an attorney promptly.

Who Is Responsible for My Personal Injury?

Identifying who is responsible is a key part of any case. This is an area where Belal proves his worth time and again.

Whether the culpability rests on a careless driver, an irresponsible employer, a property guardian, or a product manufacturer, Belal conducts an exhaustive investigation to pinpoint the liability. With Belal supporting your cause, be assured every path will be investigated to ensure whoever is accountable for your ordeal faces due consequences.

Even if you’re somewhat responsible for your accident, you can still recover compensation. Under the “comparative negligence” doctrine, you can gain compensation even if the partial responsibility lies with you. The compensation is then distributed in proportion to your degree of fault, ensuring that shared blame does not result in denied justice.

Belal Hamideh: A Tried-and-True Personal Injury Attorney in California

Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury incident can be overwhelming. It can weigh heavy on you both emotionally and physically.

Belal Hamideh can make a world of difference. Possessing his skill set on your side can give you the comfort that comes from knowing your case is in competent hands.

More than legal support, he extends empathetic assistance, giving you the vital recovery time you need to focus on your well-being.

For a free case evaluation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our website or phone call. Turn your personal injury situation into a personal triumph today.

Personal Injury Laws CA

The following laws may pertain to your case. For more information or if you have further questions, contact Belal Hamideh for a free case evaluation.

California Code, Civil Code – CIV § 1714

(a) Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself. The design, distribution, or marketing of firearms and ammunition is not exempt from the duty to use ordinary care and skill that is required by this section. The extent of liability in these cases is defined by the Title on Compensatory Relief.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to abrogate the holdings in cases such as Vesely v. Sager (1971) 5 Cal.3d 153, Bernhard v. Harrah’s Club (1976) 16 Cal.3d 313, and Coulter v. Superior Court (1978) 21 Cal.3d 144 and to reinstate the prior judicial interpretation of this section as it relates to proximate cause for injuries incurred as a result of furnishing alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person, namely that the furnishing of alcoholic beverages is not the proximate cause of injuries resulting from intoxication, but rather the consumption of alcoholic beverages is the proximate cause of injuries inflicted upon another by an intoxicated person.

(c) Except as provided in subdivision (d), no social host who furnishes alcoholic beverages to any person may be held legally accountable for damages suffered by that person, or for injury to the person or property of, or death of, any third person, resulting from the consumption of those beverages.

(d)(1) Nothing in subdivision (c) shall preclude a claim against a parent, guardian, or another adult who knowingly furnishes alcoholic beverages at his or her residence to a person whom he or she knows, or should have known, to be under 21 years of age, in which case, notwithstanding subdivision (b), the furnishing of the alcoholic beverage may be found to be the proximate cause of resulting injuries or death.

(2) A claim under this subdivision may be brought by, or on behalf of, the person under 21 years of age or by a person who was harmed by the person under 21 years of age.

California Code, Vehicle Code – VEH § 17150

Every owner of a motor vehicle is liable and responsible for death or injury to person or property resulting from a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the operation of the motor vehicle, in the business of the owner or otherwise, by any person using or operating the same with the permission, express or implied, of the owner.

California Code, Vehicle Code – VEH § 17300

(a) A person who willfully or negligently damages a street or highway, or its appurtenances, including, but not limited to, guardrails, signs, traffic signals, snow poles, and similar facilities, is liable for the reasonable cost of repair or replacement thereof.

(b) A person who willfully damages or destroys a memorial sign placed by the Department of Transportation, including, but not limited to, a sign memorializing a victim under Section 101.10 of the Streets and Highways Code, is liable for that damage or destruction for the highest of the following amounts:

(1) One thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).

(2) The actual repair cost or replacement cost, whichever is applicable.

(c) A person who willfully or negligently causes or permits the contents of a vehicle to be deposited upon a street or highway, or its appurtenances, is liable for the reasonable costs of removing those contents from the street or highway or its appurtenances.

(d) The liability stated in this section also applies to an owner of a vehicle operated with the owner’s permission, as provided in Article 2 (commencing with Section 17150), and includes liability for the reasonable cost of necessary safety precautions, including, but not limited to, warning traffic, the removal of debris resulting from accidents, the removal of any materials, or providing detours.

(e) The Department of Transportation and local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may present claims for liability under this section, bring actions for recovery thereon, and settle and compromise, in their discretion, claims arising under this section.

(f) If the Department of Transportation or a local authority provides services on a highway outside its jurisdiction, at the request of the department or the local authority that has jurisdiction over that highway, the department or the local authority may present a claim for liability for rendering this service under this section, bring actions for recovery thereon, and, in its discretion, settle and compromise the claim.

California Code, Vehicle Code – VEH § 17301

(a) Any person driving any vehicle, object, or contrivance over a highway or bridge is liable for all damages which the highway or bridge may sustain as a result of any illegal operation, driving or moving of the vehicle, object, or contrivance, or as a result of operating, driving, or moving any vehicle, object, or contrivance weighing in excess of the maximum weight specified in this code which is operated under a special permit issued by the Department ofTransportation.

(b) Whenever the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, object, or contrivance but is operating, driving, or moving the same with the express or implied permission of the owner, the owner and driver are jointly and severally liable for the damage.

California Code, Vehicle Code – VEH § 17301

California Code, Vehicle Code – VEH § 20003

(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person shall also give his or her name, current residence address, the names and current residence addresses of any occupant of the driver’s vehicle injured in the accident, the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving, and the name and current residence address of the owner to the person struck or the driver or occupants of any vehicle collided with, and shall give the information to any traffic or police officer at the scene of the accident. The driver also shall render to any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including transporting, or making arrangements for transporting, any injured person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if that transportation is requested by any injured person.

(b) Any driver or injured occupant of a driver’s vehicle subject to the provisions of subdivision (a) shall also, upon being requested, exhibit his or her driver’s license, if available, or, in the case of an injured occupant, any other available identification, to the person struck or to the driver or occupants of any vehicle collided with, and to any traffic or police officer at the scene of the accident.

California Code, Vehicle Code – VEH § 20004

In the event of death of any person resulting from an accident, the driver of any vehicle involved after fulfilling the requirements of this division, and if there be no traffic or police officer at the scene of the accident to whom to give the information required by Section 20003, shall, without delay, report the accident to the nearest office of the Department of the California Highway Patrol or office of a duly authorized police authority and submit with the report the information required by Section 20003.

California Code, Vehicle Code – VEH § 34620

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b) and Section 34622, a motor carrier of property shall not operate a commercial motor vehicle on any public highway in this state, unless it has complied with Section 34507.5 and has registered with the department its carrier identification number authorized or assigned thereunder, and holds a valid motor carrier permit issued to that motor carrier by the department. The department shall issue a motor carrier permit upon the carrier’s written request, compliance with Sections 34507.5, 34630, and 34640, and subdivisions (e) and (h) of Section 34501.12 for motor carriers listed in that section, and the payment of the fee required by this chapter.

(b) A person shall not contract with, or otherwise engage the services of, a motor carrier of property, unless that motor carrier holds a valid motor carrier of property permit issued by the department. A motor carrier of property or broker of construction trucking services, as defined in Section 3322 of the Civil Code, shall not contract or subcontract with, or otherwise engage the services of, a motor carrier of property, until the contracted motor carrier of property provides certification in the manner prescribed by this section, of compliance with subdivision (a). This certification shall be completed by the contracted motor carrier of property and shall include a provision requiring the contracted motor carrier of property to immediately notify the person to whom they are contracted if the contracted motor carrier of property’s permit is suspended or revoked. A copy of the contracted motor carrier of property’s permit shall accompany the required certificate. The Department of the California Highway Patrol shall, by regulation, prescribe the format for the certificate and may make available an optional specific form for that purpose. The certificate, or a copy thereof, shall be maintained by each involved party for the duration of the contract or period of service plus two years, and shall be presented for inspection at the location designated by each carrier under Section 34501.10, immediately upon the request of an authorized employee of the Department of the California Highway Patrol.

(c)(1) A motor carrier of property shall not retrieve a vehicle through the use of a tow truck, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 615, from the premises of another motor carrier of property until the retrieving motor carrier provides a copy of its motor carrier permit to the releasing motor carrier.

(2) A motor carrier of property shall not release a vehicle to another motor carrier of property utilizing a tow truck, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 615, until the releasing motor carrier obtains a copy of the motor carrier permit from the retrieving motor carrier. The motor carrier releasing the vehicle shall maintain a copy of the motor carrier permit for a period of two years after the transaction, and, upon the request of an authorized employee of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, shall immediately present the permit for inspection at the location designated by the releasing motor carrier under Section 34501.10.

(3) This subdivision does not apply to a person licensed pursuant to the Collateral Recovery Act (Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 7500) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code).

California Code, Code of Civil Procedure – CCP § 335.1

Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.

California Code, Code of Civil Procedure – CCP § 338

Within three years:

(a) An action upon a liability created by statute, other than a penalty or forfeiture.

(b) An action for trespass upon or injury to real property.

(c)(1) An action for taking, detaining, or injuring goods or chattels, including an action for the specific recovery of personal property.

(2) The cause of action in the case of theft, as described in Section 484 of the Penal Code, of an article of historical, interpretive, scientific, or artistic significance is not deemed to have accrued until the discovery of the whereabouts of the article by the aggrieved party, the aggrieved party’s agent, or the law enforcement agency that originally investigated the theft.

(3)(A) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), an action for the specific recovery of a work of fine art brought against a museum, gallery, auctioneer, or dealer, in the case of an unlawful taking or theft, as described in Section 484 of the Penal Code, of a work of fine art, including a taking or theft by means of fraud or duress, shall be commenced within six years of the actual discovery by the claimant or the claimant’s agent, of both of the following:

(i) The identity and the whereabouts of the work of fine art. In the case where there is a possibility of misidentification of the object of fine art in question, the identity can be satisfied by the identification of facts sufficient to determine that the work of fine art is likely to be the work of fine art that was unlawfully taken or stolen.

(ii) Information or facts that are sufficient to indicate that the claimant has a claim for a possessory interest in the work of fine art that was unlawfully taken or stolen.

(B) This paragraph shall apply to all pending and future actions commenced on or before December 31, 2017, including an action dismissed based on the expiration of statutes of limitations in effect prior to the date of enactment of this statute if the judgment in that action is not yet final or if the time for filing an appeal from a decision on that action has not expired, provided that the action concerns a work of fine art that was taken within 100 years prior to the date of enactment of this statute.

(i) “Actual discovery,” notwithstanding Section 19 of the Civil Code, does not include constructive knowledge imputed by law.

(ii) “Auctioneer” means an individual who is engaged in, or who by advertising or otherwise holds the individual out as being available to engage in, the calling for, the recognition of, and the acceptance of, offers for the purchase of goods at an auction as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1812.601 of the Civil Code.

(iii) “Dealer” means a person who holds a valid seller’s permit and who is actively and principally engaged in, or conducting the business of, selling works of fine art.

(iv) “Duress” means a threat of force, violence, danger, or retribution against an owner of the work of fine art in question, or the owner’s family member, sufficient to coerce a reasonable person of ordinary susceptibilities to perform an act that otherwise would not have been performed or to acquiesce to an act to which the person would otherwise not have acquiesced.

(v) “Fine art” has the same meaning as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 982 of the Civil Code.

(vi) “Museum or gallery” shall include any public or private organization or foundation operating as a museum or gallery.

(4) Section 361 shall not apply to an action brought pursuant to paragraph (3).

(5) A party in an action to which paragraph (3) applies may raise all equitable and legal affirmative defenses and doctrines, including, without limitation, laches and unclean hands.

(d) An action for relief on the ground of fraud or mistake. The cause of action in that case is not deemed to have accrued until the discovery, by the aggrieved party, of the facts constituting the fraud or mistake.

(e) An action upon a bond of a public official except any cause of action based on fraud or embezzlement is not deemed to have accrued until the discovery, by the aggrieved party or the aggrieved party’s agent, of the facts constituting the cause of action upon the bond.

(f)(1) An action against a notary public on the notary public’s bond or in the notary public’s official capacity except that a cause of action based on malfeasance or misfeasance is not deemed to have accrued until discovery, by the aggrieved party or the aggrieved party’s agent, of the facts constituting the cause of action.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an action based on malfeasance or misfeasance shall be commenced within one year from discovery, by the aggrieved party or the aggrieved party’s agent, of the facts constituting the cause of action or within three years from the performance of the notarial act giving rise to the action, whichever is later.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an action against a notary public on the notary public’s bond or in the notary public’s official capacity shall be commenced within six years.

(g) An action for slander of title to real property.

(h) An action commenced under Section 17536 of the Business and Professions Code. The cause of action in that case shall not be deemed to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party, the Attorney General, the district attorney, the county counsel, the city prosecutor, or the city attorney of the facts constituting grounds for commencing the action.

(i) An action commenced under the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Division 7 (commencing with Section 13000) of the Water Code). The cause of action in that case shall not be deemed to have accrued until the discovery by the State Water Resources Control Board or a regional water quality control board of the facts constituting grounds for commencing actions under their jurisdiction.

(j) An action to recover for physical damage to private property under Section 19 of Article I of the California Constitution.

(k) An action commenced under Division 26 (commencing with Section 39000) of the Health and Safety Code. These causes of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until the discovery by the State Air Resources Board or by a district, as defined in Section 39025 of the Health and Safety Code, of the facts constituting grounds for commencing the action under its jurisdiction.

(l) An action commenced under Section 1602, 1615, or 5650.1 of the Fish and Game Code. These causes of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until discovery by the agency bringing the action of the facts constituting the grounds for commencing the action.

(m) An action challenging the validity of the levy upon a parcel of a special tax levied by a local agency on a per parcel basis.

(n) An action commencing under Section 51.7 of the Civil Code.

(o) An action commenced under Section 4601.1 of the Public Resources Code, if the underlying violation is of Section 4571, 4581, or 4621 of the Public Resources Code, or of Section 1103.1 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, and the underlying violation is related to the conversion of timberland to nonforestry-related agricultural uses. These causes of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until discovery by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

(p) An action for civil penalties commenced under Section 26038 of the Business and Professions Code.

The Impact of Pre-Existing Conditions on Personal Injury Claims

Pre-existing conditions can complicate personal injury claims, as the defendant may argue that the injuries were caused by a pre-existing condition rather than the accident.

The ‘eggshell plaintiff’ rule: In California, the ‘eggshell plaintiff’ rule states that a defendant is liable for the full extent of the injuries, even if the plaintiff had a pre-existing condition that made them more susceptible to injury.
Establishing Aggravation: To recover damages for the aggravation of a pre-existing condition, the plaintiff must prove that the accident made the condition worse.
Medical Experts: Medical experts can provide testimony on the impact of the accident on the pre-existing condition and the extent of the aggravation.

Full disclosure of pre-existing conditions is crucial for building a strong case. Attempting to hide a pre-existing condition can damage credibility and weaken the claim.

Understanding the Importance of Medical Documentation

Medical documentation is the cornerstone of any personal injury claim. It provides concrete evidence of the injuries sustained, the necessary medical treatment, and the long-term impact of the injuries.

Medical Records: These records include physician notes, hospital records, diagnostic test results, and treatment plans. They provide a detailed account of the injuries and the medical care received.
Medical Bills: These bills document the cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, physician visits, and prescription medications.
Photographs and Videos: Visual documentation of injuries can provide compelling evidence of the severity of the harm.

Maintaining a detailed record of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses is essential for building a strong personal injury case. Any gaps in medical documentation can be used by the opposing side to devalue a claim.

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Personal Injury Cases

In personal injury cases, expert witnesses play a crucial role in providing specialized knowledge and testimony. These experts can help establish liability, demonstrate the extent of injuries, and calculate future damages.

Medical Experts: Physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals can provide expert testimony on the nature and extent of injuries, the necessary medical treatment, and the long-term prognosis.
Accident Reconstruction Experts: These experts can analyze accident scenes, vehicle data, and witness statements to reconstruct the events leading to the accident and determine liability.
Vocational Experts: In cases involving long-term disabilities, vocational experts can assess the impact of injuries on the victim’s ability to work and earn a living.
Economic Experts: These experts can calculate the economic damages, including lost wages, future earning capacity, and medical expenses.

The use of expert witnesses greatly increases the quality of a personal injury case, and allows for a jury to understand the full extent of damages.