Best Personal Injury Lawyers in El Cajon

FAQs

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

  The El Cajon Police Department can be reached at 619-579-3311 for non-emergencies.

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

  Complete the required request form and submit it in person or by mail to the El Cajon Police Department at 100 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020. Contact the records section by phone at 619-579-3365, fax at 619-444-8312, or email to records_supervisors@cityofelcajon.us.

• What should you do when insurance adjusters keep calling you about your personal injury case in El Cajon?

  After your injury-causing accident in El Cajon, your insurer and the other driver's insurer will keep calling you to get more information about your case and settle it quickly. They will try to ask for a recorded statement and request you to sign a medical release form which may come together with a settlement check. Call a personal injury lawyer before you sign anything or accept any settlement from the insurance company.

• What is the worth of a traumatic brain injury case in El Cajon?

  The worth of a traumatic brain injury case in El Cajon would depend on economic and noneconomic damages such as medical costs, potential disability, and lost income. According to medical professionals, a traumatic brain injury can cost a person around $80,000 to $3 million in a lifetime. This is because TBI is a developing condition that can range from mild and severe such as those that result in brain death and locked-in syndrome.

• How do you compute future expenses stemming from accident-related injuries in El Cajon?

  Lost earning capacity and future medical costs are factors that may be considered when calculating incidental expenses incurred after an injury-causing accident in El Cajon. The lost earning capacity will be determined by calculating the difference between earnings before and after the accident. In addition, if the injuries necessitate future medical expenses, such as rehabilitation, medication, and doctor visits, these expenses will be affirmed by a medical professional.

• Can you be able to resolve a personal injury lawsuit in El Cajon without going to court?

  Yes. It is possible to resolve a personal injury lawsuit in El Cajon outside of court through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method. There are different types of ADR methods, and some of these are mediation, arbitration, and settlement conferences. For more information on ADR, contact The National Conflict Resolution Center by phone at 619-238-2400 or fax at 619-238-8041. Visit the website of the San Diego County Superior Court for more information on various ADR offices and contact info.

• Would you be able to afford a personal injury lawyer in El Cajon?

  Yes, because most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis which means a lawyer can already start working on your case without having you pay for it. In a usual contingency arrangement, the lawyer will get around 30% to 40% of the settlement fund or judgment award you will get when your case in El Cajon is resolved. There are also arrangements wherein the lawyer will not get paid if you lose your case.

• 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.