Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Clovis

FAQs

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

  Dial 559-324-2800 for a non-emergency response from the Clovis Police Department.

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

  Go to the records window of the police station lobby, which is at 1033 Fifth Street in Clovis, to request incident reports. The records window is open Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Requests can also be made by calling 559-324-2400.

• What can you do if you receive a notice from hospitals about your personal injury in Clovis?

  Try to consult with a lawyer if you receive a notice from the hospital before you sign or send anything regarding your personal injury case in Clovis. The hospital's professionals are trying to find different insurance policies that will pay for the medical bills after the accident. After having information on the insurance policy, they may place the hospital as a beneficiary of the settlement check.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim in Clovis after the incident?

  Generally, you only have two years after the incident in Clovis to file a personal injury claim. After this deadline, your claim could be rejected in court. If the injury was not discovered sooner, the deadline is a year after the injury was discovered. However, if the claim is against a government entity, the deadline is within six months to a year, depending on the case.

• What are the types of train accidents in personal injury cases in Clovis?

  Train accidents involving derailments, multiple trains, and railroad crossings are some of the cases covered by personal injury law. Accidents in Clovis caused by speeding, defective equipment, or driver fatigue also fall under the area of personal injury law. Cases that involve fatalities fall under wrongful death, which is a subset of personal injury.

• How would an individual be eligible for a Zantac personal injury lawsuit in Clovis?

  Individuals in Clovis can be eligible for a Zantac personal injury lawsuit if they have taken Zantac for at least a year before being diagnosed with cancer. They must have taken Zantac at least once a week and were later found to have cancers such as those involving the bladder, stomach, liver, and pancreas. There is a deadline for filing the lawsuit after the cancer diagnosis, so it is important to take legal action promptly.

• What can you do if a court interpreter is needed in your personal injury case in Clovis?

  If you need a court interpreter for your personal injury case in Clovis, you can request one from the court by going to the court's website. The request process differs from court to court, but in most cases, you may need to fill out the form "Request for an Interpreter (Civil)" or INT-300. Submit the completed form to the Interpreter Coordinator’s Office in your court. You may call or email the coordinator's office for more information.

• 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.