Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Folsom

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Folsom Police Department is (916) 461-6400.

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

  For police reports, you may request a copy from the Folsom Police Department Records. You can send an email to FPDRecords@folsom.ca.us with details such as your name, email address, phone number, FPD report or incident number, date and time of the incident, and how you are connected with the report. Do not forget to attach a copy of your photo ID. For other questions or assistance in requesting a police record, you can also call (916) 461-6400.

• What do you need to present to recover compensation following a dog bite in Folsom?

  To recover compensation following a dog bite in Folsom, you need to present proof that the dog that bit you was owned by the defendant. In addition to this, you have to prove the accident happened on public property or while you were lawfully on private property, that the dog bit you, and caused your injuries.

• Are there instances wherein liability cannot be attributed to a dog owner in Folsom?

  The court will deny recovery to victims of dog bites in Folsom if it is proven that they provoked the dog, negligently caused the attack, or tolerated the risk of the dog attack. Compensation will not also be granted to dog bite victims who were trespassing. Also, the liability rule may not apply to military or police dogs on duty.

• Who will be held legally responsible for a car accident in Folsom with three or more vehicles involved?

  If there were three or more vehicles involved in a car accident in Folsom, all parties that are found to be at fault will bear at least some liability. The law determines fault based on comparative negligence so that each of the at-fault parties will have to pay their share of the negligence.

• Who is liable for a car accident in Folsom involving a rideshare?

  In a rideshare car accident in Folsom, the question as to who is liable will depend on the driver’s status when an accident occurs. If the driver is using the rideshare app without passengers at the time of the accident, their own insurance policy must cover damages. The same rule also applies if the driver is off-duty and causes an accident. If the driver has passengers at the time of the accident, the rideshare company's insurance policies will pay for the damages.

• Will you get compensated for a car accident in Folsom if the at-fault driver is uninsured?

  The California law states that all drivers must carry an auto insurance. Unfortunately, not all drivers follow this law. If you were hurt in a car accident in Folsom and the at-fault driver is uninsured, you can file a claim against the underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage of your own policy or proceed with filing a claim against the at-fault driver.

• 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.