Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Pleasanton

FAQs

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

  You may call 925-931-5100 if you have non-emergency inquiries for the local police station in Pleasanton.

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

  If you have further questions or want to obtain a copy of the police report related to your case, you may contact the Pleasanton Police Department Records Unit at 925-931-5125. You can also visit the station personally at 4833 Bernal Avenue.

• What is the potential compensation amount for a personal injury case in Pleasanton?

  It is difficult to determine the potential compensation amount for your Pleasanton personal injury case beforehand, as many factors come into play. These factors include the extent of your injuries, the duration of your recovery, or whether your injury is expected to fully recover, and other aspects like whether you had a preexisting medical condition in the affected area and whether you share partial fault for the injury.

• Besides negligence, what other grounds can be used to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pleasanton?

  Negligence is the most common ground for a personal injury lawsuit, but there are other grounds available in Pleasanton. One is intentional wrongdoing, and the other is strict liability, which is applicable in cases involving defective or unreasonably dangerous products. Under strict liability rules, manufacturers of dangerous products can be held responsible for injuries caused. These kinds of cases, like all personal injury cases, can be complex.

• What can you do if an attorney declines to take your personal injury claim in Pleasanton because the damages are minimal?

  You can try to find another attorney in Pleasanton who will evaluate your case thoroughly. There may be costs you are entitled to that you are not aware of. It is important not to over-treat your injuries as this could lead to additional bills you may not be able to pay. Keep an accurate record of all costs related to the injury, including medical expenses and lost wages, to share with your attorney.

• How can you increase the chances of getting an attorney to take your personal injury case in Pleasanton?

  To increase the chances of getting an attorney to take your Pleasanton injury case, it is important to be prepared and know the basics of your case before your initial consultation. Remember that attorneys are busy and need clear and concise information to determine if they are willing to invest their time in your case. They will ask a series of questions, so it is crucial to have all the necessary information ready to provide them with accurate answers.

• How do attorneys charge fees for their legal services in Pleasanton personal injury cases?

  Personal injury attorneys in Pleasanton and California usually work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not need to pay them unless they win your case. Most of the time, their fees are covered as a percentage of the settlement or award won from the 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.