Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Mateo

FAQs

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

  The local police of San Mateo can be reached at 650-522-7700 for non-emergency cases.

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

  Requests for police reports, including records, can be made to the San Mateo Police Department’s Records Division online, in person, via mail, or by fax. All requests must be accompanied by a government-issued ID or passport to verify the requestor’s identity. Details are as follows:

  • Online: https://sanmateoca.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(zgdaqflswfzc3ldnkuzn003l))/SupportHome.aspx?sSessionID=
  • Mail and In-person: 200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
  • Fax: (650) 522-7711

• What are the common tasks of personal injury lawyers in San Mateo aside from representing clients in court?

  Apart from fighting for their client's rights in court, lawyers in San Mateo also gather testimonials from witnesses, collect evidence and medical records, and meet with the insurance company. They calculate the possible compensation, handle related paperwork, and prepare depositions. These are just some of the things a lawyer can do for their clients, but the list can go on depending on what the case needs.

• What happens if a client already starts a personal injury case in San Mateo independently, but then decides to hire an attorney?

  Lawyers will still accommodate clients who decide to hire a personal injury lawyer after starting the case by themselves. Most of the time, clients in San Mateo find themselves caught in a stressful situation and realize they need legal assistance. In that case, lawyers will take over the case as soon as possible, gather all documents, and ask that all communication be directed to their office.

• How do personal injury lawyers in San Mateo handle the information shared with them by their clients?

  The term "attorney-client privilege" means that whatever information is being shared or discussed by the client to their lawyer will remain confidential, even if they are hired or not. This agreement protects clients in San Mateo as it is required to disclose all the details relating to the personal injury case for a lawyer to review the case beforehand. It also helps lawyers avoid being caught off guard during their defense in court.

• How should you handle insurance companies when dealing with a personal injury case in San Mateo?

  Be cooperative with your own insurance company. Giving them the pertinent details about your personal injury case in San Mateo will help make the claim process smoother and more efficient. On the other hand, if the other party's insurance carrier wants to speak with you, it would be better if you let your lawyer discuss matters with them, as they can use your words against you.

• Is it better to accept an insurance settlement offer instead of going through all the hassle of filing a personal injury case in San Mateo?

  Accepting an insurance settlement offer is never the better option. Filing a personal injury case in San Mateo may be lengthy and stressful, but grabbing an insurance settlement offer often gives you less than what you deserve. Lawyers encourage clients not to take settlement offers from insurance companies right away as they can still find ways to negotiate for better compensation packages.

• 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.