When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in California

Have you been injured in an accident that was not your fault? Are you struggling to pay your medical bills and make ends meet? If so, you may want to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer.

Personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. They can also help you take legal action against the person or company responsible for your injuries. If you are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, it is essential to understand when and how to do so.

This blog post will discuss when to hire a personal injury lawyer in California. We will also provide tips on choosing the right lawyer for you.

 

So you’ve been in a serious accident—now what?

A severe accident can be a life-changing event. Not only can it cause physical and emotional damage, but it can also lead to financial stress and legal complications. This type of case can be overwhelming and knowing what to do next can put the accident victim under extreme stress.

If you’ve been in a severe accident, here are four steps:

  1. Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t think you only have minor injuries, you must seek medical treatment or visit the emergency room. Some serious injuries, such as internal bleeding and brain trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
  2. Gather evidence: If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene and get the contact information of any expert witnesses. This evidence will be essential if you file a personal injury claim.
  3. Speak to an attorney: A personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for compensation if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence.
  4. File an insurance claim: If you have insurance, contact your provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. Be sure to keep all documentation related to the accident and your injuries, as this will be needed for your claim.

 

When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in California

A personal injury lawyer could help you understand your legal options and fight for compensation if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Here are some of the circumstances when you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer in California:

 

When you are partially at fault

California is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that your degree of fault will be considered when determining how much compensation you are eligible to receive.

If you try to negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your own, they may try to offer you a lower amount by arguing that your degree of fault should be higher than it is.

A personal injury attorney will be familiar with the law and will be able to advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Your attorney will work with you to show that the at-fault party failed to hold their ground based on three things: 

The personal injury lawyer can help show that your injury directly results from the defendant’s breach of duty.

 

When it’s another person’s fault

If you’ve been injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you may wonder whether you need to hire a personal injury attorney. The answer depends on a few factors, including the severity of your injuries and the amount of money you’re seeking in damages.

If your injuries are severe, you want significant compensation. If the other person refuses to pay, you should consult a lawyer. An experienced attorney will be familiar with the legal process’ ins and outs and will fight to get you the maximum compensation possible.

If your injuries are minor, the other person admits fault, offers to pay your medical bills, or you’re only seeking a small amount of money, you may be able to handle the case on your own. However, it’s always a good idea to speak with an attorney before making any decisions.

 

When it’s the fault of a business or property

In California, businesses and property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe. They must take reasonable steps to prevent accidents and injuries from happening.

When they fail to do so, and someone is hurt, they can be held liable for the victim’s damages. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall or another type of accident on someone else’s property, you may wonder if you need to hire a personal injury attorney.

In general, it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer if the accident was not your fault and you’ve suffered significant injuries. An experienced attorney can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case for compensation. 

A personal injury lawyer can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for your legal rights in court, if it comes to that.

 

Car, bus, or truck accident

If you’ve experienced severe injuries in a car crash, bus, truck, or motorcycle accident in California, you may wonder if you need to hire a personal injury attorney. While it’s possible to handle the claims process on your own, there are several reasons why you may benefit from legal representation after an auto accident.

First, a personal injury attorney will have experience dealing with insurance companies and knows how to negotiate for maximum compensation.

Second, an attorney can help gather evidence and medical records to support your claim and will keep track of all deadlines.

Lastly, a personal injury attorney can represent you in court if your case goes to trial. If you’ve been involved in a car accident or other motor vehicle accidents, you must consult a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and get the best chance at receiving a fair settlement.

 

Discussions with Insurance Companies

One of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of the personal injury claim process is dealing with insurance companies.

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the amount of money the company has to pay out, and they will often try to get victims to settle for far less than their case is worth. 

Having a personal injury lawyer by your side who can level the playing field, protect your rights, look into your insurance policy, and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Your personal injury and accident lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf and will fight to get you the best possible settlement offer, even get a lump sum settlement payment upfront to cover all your medical expenses.

 

Avoiding Statute of Limitations Issues

The statute of limitations is when you file a claim after an injury. After this period expires, you can no longer file a personal injury lawsuit.

In most states, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice and other types of personal injury is two years. This means you have two years to file a claim.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the accident victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended.

In California, the statute of limitations varies based on the type of claim.

If you are unsure of the statute of limitations in your state, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney can provide a free case evaluation and help ensure your claim is filed appropriately.

 

Get a Free Consultation with Frantz Law Group for Your Personal Injury

If you’re injured in an accident, don’t try to deal with the insurance company alone—make sure you have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. Personal injury lawyers can help negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and represent you in court if necessary.

At Frantz Law Group, we have over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases. Our team is committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve and providing a trust-based attorney-client relationship.

Our personal injury law firm offers initial consultations and legal advice to injured parties and will discuss your legal options with you at no cost.

If you’re unsure whether you need an attorney, contact us today for a free consultation.