Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Hayward

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency dispatch phone number of the Hayward Police Department is (510) 293-7000.

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

  You may obtain a copy of a Hayward police report by filling out the request form found at https://www.hayward-ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/PoliceReportRequestForm.pdf and submitting the document by mail or in-person to: Hayward Police Department - Front Counter, 300 W. Winton Ave., Hayward, CA 94544. The office is open Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Can you handle a personal injury claim on your own in Hayward?

  Yes. You can handle a personal injury claim without the help of a lawyer in Hayward. However, this is advisable only if you have sustained minor injuries. If your injuries are severe, seeking an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and help you obtain a full settlement would be best.

• Can you still seek damages in Hayward if you were partially responsible for your injuries?

  Yes. This is because Hayward follows California State’s pure comparative fault system, which allows you to recover compensation even if you were found to be partially liable for your injuries. However, the monetary award you will receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were 25% liable for the accident, you would only receive 75% of your award.

• How much will personal injury lawyers in Hayward charge you for a case?

  It depends. There is no standard rate for the services of Hayward personal injury lawyers. But most of them accept cases on a contingency fee basis to give injured people, regardless of their financial standing, an opportunity to stand against big insurance companies and corporations. Under the contingency fee basis, your lawyer will be entitled to a percentage of the settlement or trial award they secured for you. They will not charge you a dime if they do not win your case.

• Should you still seek medical attention even if you feel fine after getting involved in a Hayward accident?

  Yes. After getting involved in an accident in Hayward, you must see a doctor even if you think you feel fine. You probably experienced a rush of adrenaline in your system due to extreme stress from the accident that you did not feel pain or the injury immediately. But injury symptoms can manifest over time and affect you. Complete all medical treatment and keep copies of medical records and receipts to help build your personal injury case.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim in Hayward?

  If you wish to file a personal injury claim after getting involved in a Hayward accident, you generally have two years from when you sustained your injuries to bring a claim. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you fail to take legal action before this time window expires, your claim will become invalid, and you may completely lose the opportunity to obtain compensation for your losses.

• 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.