If you’ve been involved in an accident in California, you may have the right to seek compensation for your damages. This recovery can include money for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Navigating the aftermath of a personal injury can be overwhelming. You are likely to have many questions about your legal rights and options.
What Is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case is a legal dispute that arises when someone is harmed due to another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. In California, personal injury cases are based on the legal principle that individuals and organizations have a duty of care to act responsibly. In general, people must avoid causing harm to others.
To have a valid personal injury claim, you generally need to prove:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty through negligence or wrongful actions
- The breach directly caused your injuries
- You suffered damages as a result
If you’re unsure whether you have a strong case, contact a personal injury lawyer. They will review the details of your accident and provide clear guidance on your legal options.
What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases?
In California, personal injury claims arise from a wide variety of accidents.
The most common types include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Workplace accidents
- Workers’ compensation
- Wrongful death claims
No matter the type of accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Assist With a Case?
Navigating a personal injury claim on your own can be overwhelming. You may have to face large corporate entities or wealthy insurance companies. These organizations may attempt to minimize your compensation or deny your claim.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the cause of your accident. Gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.
- Identifying liable parties. Determining who is legally responsible for your injuries.
- Explaining the law. Helping you understand how California’s civil justice system applies to your case.
- Evaluating damages. Assessing the full extent of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. Handling all communications and negotiations to secure a fair settlement.
- Providing legal advice. Offering honest, straightforward advice at every stage of your case.
- Litigating in court. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we are prepared to fight for you in court.
Having an experienced attorney on your side increases your chances of success. When your legal claim is competently handled, it will allow you to focus on your healing and recovery.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
A personal injury lawyer will work on a contingency fee basis.
This means:
- No upfront costs. You pay nothing out of pocket to start your case.
- No fees unless we win. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
- Transparent fee structure. Our legal fees are typically a percentage of your settlement or court award. This is usually between 25% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case.
We will explain all fees clearly during your free consultation so there are no surprises.
What Is the Value of My Personal Injury Claim?
The value of your personal injury claim depends on several factors.
These considerations include:
- Medical expenses. Costs for emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages. Income lost due to time off work during recovery.
- Loss of future earning capacity. If your injuries impact your ability to work long-term.
- Property damage. Costs to repair or replace damaged property.
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries affect your ability to enjoy daily activities.
- Mental anguish. Anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the accident.
In cases where the defendant’s actions were especially reckless, malicious, or fraudulent, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. Punitive damages are rare and are not available in every case. Make sure to speak with your eligibility for punitive damages with a personal injury lawyer.
What Is the Deadline to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California?
California has a statute of limitations that sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of injury. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years from the date of the victim’s death.
There are limited exceptions that may apply to extend these deadlines. However, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. If you miss these deadlines, you can lose your right to compensation.
It is also important to act quickly in order to preserve crucial evidence and testimony to support your claims. Acting promptly after you have been injured can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact Our San Diego Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, we are here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have answered some of the most frequently asked questions from injury victims like you. If you’d like to discuss your case in detail, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in California, you don’t need to face the legal process by yourself. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims. We will help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact the team of Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers at (858) 551-2090 today. Your first consultation is free.
