Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Concord

FAQs

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

  Call 925-671-3333 for a non-emergency dispatch from the Concord police.

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

  Send an email to policerecords@cityofconcord.org to obtain incident reports or call 925-671-3240 to get in touch with the Concord Police Records Unit.

• Is it expensive to retain a personal injury lawyer in Concord?

  Many personal injury lawyers work with clients on a contingency fee basis which means the client doesn't need to pay the lawyer upfront. You can already start working with a lawyer without paying them yet. Under this basis, lawyers will only get paid once you receive your settlement funds and if you do not, they will also not get paid. Lawyers usually take around 30% of the funds, depending on the case's complexity.

• What can private investigators do in a personal injury case in Concord?

  A private investigator helps build personal injury cases by thoroughly checking and gathering evidence. Investigators may collect evidence from various sources, such as witnesses, medical records, and accident scenes. They can also obtain evidence from mobile phones, car electronic devices, and social media. These professionals can find answers to what really caused the accident especially when there is a difference between the information on the police report and from the defendants.

• How do you recover lost earnings after an accident in Concord if you are self-employed?

  Documents such as 1099 tax forms, client contracts, bank statements, and deposit slips can be used as evidence to prove income lost after the accident in Concord. By establishing data from recent profits and historical income, this evidence can also be used to show how much the victim could have earned in the future if not for the injuries and additionally recover compensation under lost earning capacity.

• What can you do if there is no police report in an accident in Concord?

  An injury claim becomes complicated if there was no police report written after an accident in Concord and you may require the assistance of a personal injury lawyer to build your case. An investigation can be opened when you retain a law firm and its legal team can collect evidence, gather witness testimony, and identify liable parties. After the case is developed, lawyers may file a claim with the insurance company or a lawsuit if needed.

• How is a wrongful death settlement or judgment award divided in Concord?

  Typically, a large portion of wrongful death settlements or judgment awards may be given to the surviving spouse and children or divided equally among the estate or claimants indicated in the legal action. If there is no agreement between these parties, the court can decide how to divide the settlements or judgment awards in Concord.

• 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.