Personal injury Q&A
If you’re involved in an auto accident, the best thing you can do is contact an attorney immediately. Even your own insurance will look for reasons to avoid repairing our vehicle or compensating you for your injuries when the at-fault party is uninsured/underinsured.
Yes. Depending on your own insurance policy, you may be entitled to have your vehicle repaired and receive a separate settlement for your injuries.
Yes, however in California if a minor wants to receive immediate compensation from a settlement without court approval, the maximum amount they can receive is $4,999.99. This is governed by California Probate Code § 3611(d), which allows a minor’s settlement to be paid directly to the parent or guardian without a formal Minor’s Compromise Hearing as long as it does not exceed this amount. For settlements over $5,000, a court-approved minor’s compromise is required, and the funds are typically placed in a blocked account until the minor turns 18.
If you have an uninsured motorist policy, it means that your insurance will compensate you for your injuries when the at-fault party does not have insurance. If you have
underinsured, often written in your declaration page as “uninsured/underinsured”, you can receive compensation from your insurance for your injuries only after you’ve exhausted the at-fault party’s insurance.
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence — such as in a car accident, slip and fall, or dog attack — you may have a personal injury claim. Our legal team can evaluate your situation during a free consultation and help determine your options.
The value of a personal injury claim in California depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term effects. We work to maximize your compensation.
In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. Missing the deadline can result in losing your right to compensation, so act quickly.
Many personal injury claims settle outside of court. However, we prepare every case for trial to ensure the best outcome if settlement negotiations fail.
Ensure everyone’s safety, call 911, take photos, exchange information, and seek medical treatment. Do not admit fault. Contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Every case is different. Some settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more, especially if litigation is involved. We keep you informed every step of the way.
Seeing a doctor right away creates a medical record that strengthens your case. It also ensures that hidden injuries are identified and treated.
Yes. Emotional and psychological harm, such as anxiety or PTSD, can be included in your claim — especially if they are tied to physical injuries.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and more.
You may still have options through your own insurance coverage. We can help you file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
Yes. Insurance companies often make lowball offers. A personal injury attorney can review the offer and negotiate a settlement that reflects your true damages.
If your fall occurred due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may have a valid premises liability claim. We’ll help prove negligence and pursue compensation.
Evidence such as accident reports, medical records, eyewitness testimony, photos, and expert opinions help us establish liability and build a strong case.
Do not admit fault, post on social media, or talk to the other party’s insurance adjuster without legal advice. These actions can hurt your case.
Yes. Some injuries, like whiplash or brain trauma, may take days or weeks to manifest. Seek medical care and contact an attorney immediately.
Pain and suffering refers to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. It’s often a significant part of the compensation you can recover.
Bodily injury typically refers to physical harm in insurance terms, while personal injury is a legal term covering both physical and emotional damages.
Yes. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity if your injury prevents you from working now or in the future.