Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Salinas

FAQs

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

  Contact 831-758-7321 for a non-emergency service from the Salinas Police Department.

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

  Go to www.salinaspd.org/get-a-report/ to submit a request online. If you have any concerns, call the records unit of the police department at (831) 758-7090 and press option 2 for Police Services Group. For more information, visit the station at 312 E Alisal St in Salinas.

• What safety violations are common in personal injury cases involving workplace incidents in Salinas?

  Inadequate hazard communication and failure to provide respiratory protection are some of the most common safety violations that cause workplace injuries. Insufficient equipment training, defective electrical wiring, and failure to provide safety equipment may lead to injury-causing workplace incidents. Employers provide workers' compensation benefits to those injured at work, but if an employer's negligence is involved in a case in Salinas, they may be sued for personal injury.

• Is there a maximum amount a Salinas personal injury claimant can receive?

  There is no maximum quantity that can be recovered for a personal injury claim in Salinas. Economic damages, such as lost wages, medical costs, and accident-related expenses, must be properly documented. However, the jury determines the amount that can be awarded to the victim for pain and suffering. Additionally, there is an exception for medical malpractice cases wherein there is a $250,000 limit only on pain and suffering.

• Can you file a personal injury lawsuit in a sexual abuse case in Salinas?

  Yes. A personal injury lawsuit can be filed against a sexual abuser in Salinas whether or not criminal charges were filed first. The personal injury lawsuit will provide compensation to the abused victims in cases such as rape, molestation of minors, and sexual assault. Victims may seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, psychological counseling, and medical bills.

• What should you look for in a personal injury lawyer in Salinas?

  When searching for a lawyer for your personal injury case in Salinas, you should look for someone you can trust and with a record of favorable settlements. You should check if the lawyer has several years of experience handling similar cases like yours or if the lawyer provides contingency fee arrangements. You must also check the law firm's resources since some personal injury cases, including those in Salinas, could be costly to litigate.

• What can be done to prepare for a court hearing of a Salinas personal injury case?

  Carefully read all your court papers, and make sure you consult with a legal professional if you have any questions. Create notes of the things you want to say in court, and if you get nervous, you can check your notes regularly. Be on time for the hearing of your Salinas personal injury case, and remember to speak only when asked or if it is your turn.

• 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.