Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Redwood City

FAQs

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

  The Redwood City Police Department responds to non-emergency situations at phone number 650-780-7118.

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

  The Records Unit takes calls at (650) 780-7100. The office is at 1301 Maple Street, Redwood City, CA 94063.

• What are the damages due following a personal injury suit in Redwood City?

  The damages awarded in a personal injury suit are economic compensation for current and future medical expenses, the cost of replacing or repairing the wrecked property, and compensation for impairments to earning ability. Intangibles like pain and anguish are also subject to restitution. For cases of gross negligence, courts in Redwood City may award punitive damages.

• Can a claimant in Redwood city sue a dog owner whose pet has never exhibited violent behavior in the past?

  A claimant in Redwood City can likely claim damages from a dog owner even if it is the animal's first attack. The strict liability laws applied in the state do not make an exception for pets that have previously been peaceful. But this assumes that the victim was not trespassing and did not provoke the dog in any way.

• If a personal injury plaintiff in Redwood City is strapped for cash, how can a lawyer's services be secured?

  Personal injury practitioners in Redwood City and the state often accept cases on a contingency basis. Attorneys in these instances take no upfront fees and will instead seek a portion of any favorable settlement or courtroom award. Nothing is due if the plaintiff loses, and the first consultation is free.

• Can a plaintiff in Redwood City file a personal injury suit 28 months after an accident if recovery was needed for internal trauma that took six months to diagnose?

  It is still possible to file a personal injury suit in Redwood City in this case. The general rule is that a party has two years or 24 months from an accident's date to file a civil tort suit. But the start of this timeframe changes into the day of discovering the injury if the harm was non-apparent. In this case, it took six months to find the hidden trauma, giving the claimant up to 30 months from the incident to sue.

• Is it true that no one is liable for damages when a driverless car causes a crash in Redwood City?

  It is not true that accidents caused by driverless cars do not lead to liabilities in Redwood City. Under applicable state laws, the operator of a driverless car must still be in the vehicle and is expected to intervene if problems arise. The usual rules against distracted and drunk driving still apply to individuals who are supposed to supervise self-driving automobiles.

• 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.