Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Oxnard

FAQs

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

  To reach the Oxnard Police Department, call (805) 385-7740 or (805) 385-7600.

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

  To obtain a police report from the Oxnard Police Department, visit the office at 251 South C Street or online at http://oxnardca.policereports.us/.

• How can an Oxnard personal injury attorney help you with your case?

  A personal injury attorney in Oxnard can take a lot of the stress off your back, at least with those concerns that have to do with the legal aspect of your ordeal. They can build your case and establish your innocence, negotiate with the insurance company to make sure that your expenses are all covered, and fight on your behalf in court just in case the insurance company disputes your claim.

• Can you file a lawsuit against a dog owner if their pet attacks or bites somebody in Oxnard?

  Yes. Oxnard is in California, a strict liability dog bite law state. However, the dog owner may not automatically be held liable if any of the following is true:

  • The victim was trespassing or working in a field that naturally exposes them to a dog bite, like a veterinarian.
  • The dog was provoked or harassed.
  • The dog was a police or military dog in the middle of its duties.

• Are there any disadvantages to accepting an offer from an insurance company in Oxnard for your injuries?

  There are disadvantages to accepting a fast offer from an insurance company in Oxnard, especially if this has not yet been seen by an attorney who can tell you whether or not the amount covers all of your expenses. It is important to fight for your right to receive the appropriate amount for your damages, especially if you're looking at long-term rehabilitative care for catastrophic injuries.

• How much compensation can you obtain for damages in Oxnard?

  If you've suffered personal injury in Oxnard due to someone's negligence, it would be good to know that California does not impose a cap on economic and non-economic damages. This means you can receive a substantial amount in a settlement if your injuries are extensive, life-threatening, or life-changing. However, if your case involves medical malpractice, your non-economic damage is capped at $250,000.

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

  An Oxnard citizen can file for a lawsuit two years after the incident. It is highly advisable to file a claim as soon as you possibly can in Oxnard. This is not just to avoid missing the two-year statute of limitations window but also to ensure that the case you're going to be building can be supported by evidence that's as fresh as can be. This means the more time passes, the more you risk losing evidence, like witnesses forgetting what happened.

• 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.