California’s personal injury laws can be confusing for some people. When can you really file a claim? What if you had a mistake/role in causing a road accident? What can you expect in settlement? These are some questions that a skilled personal injury lawyer in Stockton can answer for you. If you are hiring an attorney for the first time, check a few relevant facts listed below.
When do you need a personal injury lawyer?
The scope of personal injury law is huge. It covers everything from car and motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and pedestrian accidents, to dog bites, premise liability cases, wrongful death, and even medical abuse. If you want to bring a personal injury lawsuit against someone, you have to prove three important things –
- The other party was negligent, which caused the accident
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- Your injuries are a direct result of the accident
How can an attorney help?
The role of personal injury lawyers is often overlooked. Your lawyer can help with many aspects of the case, but more importantly, they will check if you have a valid claim in the first place. Usually, attorneys guide clients on their rights, and offer the following services/assistance-
- Determine fault and liability through investigation
- Gather evidence, witness details to bolster the case
- Talk to medical experts, to understand your injuries better
- Help with insurance claim
- Negotiate with the at-fault party and their insurance company
- Take the matter to court, if negotiations break down
In addition to all that, your personal injury lawyer will work on protecting your rights and interests. For example, if you were injured in a car accident case, but also had a share of fault, this can significantly impact your compensation. Your attorney will ensure that you don’t end up with the entire blame.
How much do personal injury lawyers charge?
This depends on the facts of the case. Most personal injury lawyers in Stockton and rest of California work on a contingency fee. This means that they only get paid if they win a settlement for you. The fee can vary, not usually exceeding 40% of the final settlement, depending on circumstances, work involved, and experience of the attorney.
If you believe that you have a personal injury claim, don’t delay in calling a lawyer. california’s statutes allow only two years, to file such lawsuits after an accident.