Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Antioch

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Antioch, California?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Antioch Police Department is (925) 778-2441 (option *9).

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Antioch, California?

  You can get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case at the Antioch Police Records Unit, located at 300 L Street, Antioch. The records counter is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and can be reached at (925) 779-6830. Call first if the report is available before picking up your request. Requests can also be sent through email at APDRecords@antiochca.gov. Take note to complete Report Request Form for each request.

• What are the most dangerous intersections in Antioch?

  The most dangerous intersections in Antioch for motorists are Auto Center Drive and Highway 4, Contra Loma Boulevard and Fitzuren Road, and Delta Fair Boulevard and Somerville Boulevard. Intersections such as the East Tregallas Road and Hillcrest Avenue, Highway 4 and Contra Loma Boulevard, and James Donlon Boulevard and Ridgerock Drive are also risky for motorists. Other dangerous intersections in the metro include Putnam Street and Contra Loma Boulevard, Ridgerock Drive and Lone Tree Way, San Jose Drive and Buchanan Road, and State Route 4 and Hillcrest Avenue.

• What is the difference between truck and car accident cases in Antioch?

  The main difference between truck and car accidents in Antioch is that the former results in much more severe injuries, due to factors such as the size and weight of the trucks, overworked drivers, and hazardous cargo. Truck accident cases are also more complex due to the presence of one or more commercial insurance policies.

• What are the common causes of Antioch truck accidents?

  One of the most common causes of truck accidents in Antioch is driver fatigue, which leads to a slower response time and poor driving decisions. This is because of the unfair practices of some trucking companies that place their drivers under pressure even if they are exhausted and overworked. Another common cause is overloading, which affects the truck’s braking capabilities. Other common causes of truck accidents are excessive speed, equipment failure, drug or alcohol use, and aggressive driving.

• Can dog bite victims in Antioch pursue compensation for their losses?

  Victims of dog bites in Antioch are entitled to compensation if they did not provoke the animal nor were they trespassing at the time of the bite. Because of California’s strict liability standard, the owner of the animal may be held accountable for the bite simply by failing to prevent it from harming others. Damages that may be recovered from dog bite claims include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and psychological counseling.

• Who can file for a wrongful death claim in Antioch?

  Those who can file for wrongful death claim in Antioch are the decedent’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and grandchildren. In case the aforementioned parties are not present, the decedent’s parents or siblings may pursue legal action. Other individuals who can file for wrongful death include anyone who was financially dependent on the decedent at the time of their death.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.