What Steps Should I Take Before Calling a Universal City Personal Injury Lawyer

Document the Accident Scene

If you are physically able or someone can assist, document everything at the accident scene. Use your phone to take photos and videos of:

• The location and surroundings – Capture wide shots that show the full context of where the accident occurred. This helps establish the environment and any contributing factors at the scene.
• Any visible injuries – Take clear, close-up photos of bruises, cuts, or other physical harm. These images can provide critical evidence of the immediate impact on your body.
• Property damage – Document any damage to personal property, such as vehicles, phones, or clothing. Showing the extent of the damage can help support your financial compensation claim.
• Hazardous conditions (e.g., wet floors, broken equipment) – Photograph any unsafe conditions that may have caused the injury. This evidence can directly link the hazard to your accident and support your personal injury claim.
• Traffic signs or signals (if it was a car accident) – Include pictures of any relevant signs, lights, or road markings near the scene. This can help demonstrate whether traffic laws were followed or ignored.

Also, gather the names and contact details of any witnesses. Their testimony could strengthen your case later in the entire process.

If the accident occurred on someone else’s property or involved a business, such as a store or commercial location, notify the manager or property owner and request a written incident report.

Keep a Personal Injury Journal

Start a journal immediately after the incident. Document how the injury affects your daily life, including:

• Pain levels – Record your pain on a scale of 1 to 10 and describe the pain you’re experiencing. This ongoing record helps establish the severity and duration of your suffering.
• Difficulty performing daily tasks – Note any struggles with routine activities like walking, driving, or getting dressed. These details show how the injury interferes with your normal functioning.
• Missed workdays – Keep track of the days you’ve missed due to your injuries. This log can support your claim for lost wages and overall loss of income.
• Emotional distress – Write down feelings of anxiety, depression, frustration, or trauma you’ve experienced since the incident. Emotional documentation adds weight to non-economic damage claims.
• Impact on relationships and social life – Describe any strain on your relationships or inability to participate in social activities. This can demonstrate the broader effects of the injury on your overall quality of life.

This personal record is incredibly helpful when building a case for emotional distress, loss of income, or other non-economic damages. These entries provide a human context to your injuries, supporting your attorney’s effort to secure maximum compensation.

Understand the Statute of Limitations in California

California’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline.

If your claim involves a government entity, such as a city bus or public building, the deadline can be as short as six months to file a notice of claim. Don’t wait to get legal guidance. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have.

Evaluate Your Legal Options

Once you’ve taken the steps above, you’ll be ready to reach out to a qualified attorney. During your initial consultation, the lawyer will evaluate your situation and explain your options for pursuing a personal injury claim.

At Babaians Law Firm, we provide a free initial consultation and take the time to explain the entire process so you can make informed decisions. We’ll also help determine:

• Who may be held liable for your injuries – Identifying the responsible party is crucial for building a strong personal injury claim.
• What damages you may be entitled to – We’ll assess the compensation you can pursue for medical bills, loss of income, and emotional distress.
• The strength of your evidence – Your attorney will review your documentation to gauge how well it supports your case.
• What steps to take next – You’ll receive clear guidance on proceeding in the legal process to protect your rights.

When to Consider a Universal City Personal Injury Lawyer

You should seriously consider contacting a personal injury attorney if:

• Your injuries required medical treatment or time off work.
• Liability for the accident is unclear or disputed.
• The insurance company is offering a low settlement or denying your claim.
• The accident involved a wrongful death.
• You’re facing ongoing treatment or permanent disability.
• You’re experiencing significant emotional distress or loss of income.

The legal process can be complex and emotionally draining, especially when trying to recover. Having an experienced advocate in your corner can make all the difference.

What Your Lawyer Will Do for You

When you hire a Universal City personal injury lawyer from Babaians Law Firm, you get more than just legal representation: a dedicated ally. Our attorneys:

• Handle communication with the insurance company – We take over all discussions so you can avoid being pressured or misled.
• Investigate the cause of the accident – We dig deep to uncover the facts and identify all liable parties.
• Collect and preserve evidence – Our team ensures that crucial photos, documents, and witness statements are properly secured.
• Consult with medical and accident reconstruction experts – We bring specialists to support your case with expert insights.
• Calculate your total damages (economic and non-economic) – We assess everything from medical bills to pain and suffering for an accurate claim value.
• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation – We fight for the full amount you deserve and won’t settle for less.
• We can represent you in court if necessary – If the insurance company won’t cooperate, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.

We understand how difficult this time can be and are here to lift the legal burden off your shoulders.

Why Choose Babaians Law Firm?

With years of combined experience in handling complex personal injury claims, our team is known for aggressive advocacy and compassionate support. Here’s why clients throughout Universal City trust us:

• Free initial consultation, no obligations.
• No fees unless we win your case.
• Personalized attention from start to finish.
• Extensive courtroom experience.
• Proven record of successful settlements and verdicts.
• Deep knowledge of insurance company tactics.

We don’t just represent you; we stand by you every step of the way.