When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in California?

If you are a victim of any type of motor vehicle accident, your first thought might not be to hire a lawyer. However, if you decide to leave it all up to the insurance company, you could be left with a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your expenses. 

Here is when you should consider hiring a personal injury attorney in California: 

1. When Liability Is Unclear 

Car accident liability is not always simple or straightforward. If fault is unclear or disputed, you should talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer. If it needs to be clarified who is legally responsible for your injuries, a personal injury lawyer can help determine liability through police reports, medical reports, CCTV footage, and eyewitness testimony. 

California is an at-fault state, which means the person at fault for a car accident is responsible for paying for the other party’s injuries and property damage. Disputed liability can make the process of obtaining compensation difficult, so it is wise to consult with a lawyer as soon as you can. 

2. When You Have Serious Injuries

If your injuries are significant and require extensive medical treatment, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue maximum compensation to cover your hospital bills, surgery, and medication. 

Neck and back injuries, head injuries, and other serious injuries can result in extremely high medical bills costing thousands of dollars. When someone else’s negligence causes these injuries, you need a skilled and aggressive lawyer to fight for what is rightfully yours. Insurance companies typically do not grant high settlements easily, but with a personal injury attorney, you have a much higher chance of obtaining maximum compensation so you can heal. 

3. When You’ve Missed Time From Work

In the event of a serious accident, it is not uncommon for a personal injury victim to miss time from work. If a victim sustains a broken leg from the accident, he or she could easily miss weeks or months from work. This can add up to significant lost income. 

A personal injury lawyer can work with you to calculate your lost wages and include them in your demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. An attorney will also ensure you receive compensation for future income loss, including potential earning capacity. 

4. When the Insurance Provider Isn’t Playing Fair

Dealing with a personal injury means dealing with insurance, typically auto insurance companies. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, making it crucial to have legal support to negotiate a fair settlement. 

Personal injury attorneys have extensive negotiation experience that is required to obtain fair and full settlements. 

5. When You’re Involved in a Truck, Bus, or Rideshare Accident 

Some motor vehicle accidents are more complex than others. If you were involved in a truck accident, there could be several potential liable parties. Don’t try to take on the truck company’s insurance party on your own, as they equip themselves with robust legal teams. Likewise, if you are injured in a bus or rideshare accident, you will want to discuss your case with a lawyer to determine who is at fault. 

How to Choose the Right Lawyer 

Choosing the right lawyer takes time. You want to make sure you feel comfortable with their communication style, have confidence in their expertise, and feel assured they understand your legal needs. 

Here are a few ways you can find the right personal injury lawyer near you:

1. Ask for Recommendations or Referrals 

Start by asking friends, family, or colleagues if they have experience with a personal injury lawyer they trust. Personal referrals are valuable because they come from people with direct experience. 

2. Do an Online Search 

Use reliable resources like the California State Bar and legal directories to identify potential lawyers in your area. You can read reviews from past clients, check qualifications, and look at past case results to help in your selection. 

3. Ask Another Lawyer 

If you have worked with a lawyer in a different area of law, ask them for a referral. Personal injury lawyers often know reputable colleagues who specialize in personal injury law and can provide trusted recommendations. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit? 

Under the California statute of limitations, victims of personal injury accidents have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. After this two-year period, victims will lose their right to file a personal injury claim. 

There are some exceptions, such as when the accident involves a minor, so it is best to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney and take legal action as soon as possible. While two years may sound like enough time, many victims lose their right to sue because they wait too long. 

How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

Unfortunately, many personal injury victims forgo legal representation because they think it is too expensive. When you work with DK Law, you don’t pay any legal fees upfront. If we win your personal injury claim, you pay a percentage of your settlement as agreed upon in your contract.  

If we do not win a settlement for you, you are not responsible for paying any fees. Additionally, during the free initial consultation, you can speak to a personal injury lawyer at no upfront cost. 

Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm Today

If you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident in California, contact DK Law for support. Our experienced attorneys offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options. 

With our contingency fee arrangement, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact our personal injury law firm today to schedule a consultation, and let us work to secure the compensation you deserve.