Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Visalia

FAQs

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

  For non-emergencies, contact the Visalia Police Department at (559) 734-8116.

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

  At the Visalia Police Department's Records Unit, you can ask the Duty Officer for a copy of the police report about your case. Visit the lobby of the police station at 303 S. Johnson or call the duty officer at (559) 713-4257 during regular office hours.

• What should you do if you have sustained injuries at the residence of your family member in Visalia?

  When you have sustained injuries while living at a family member's house in Visalia, you must get medical attention first. After which, you may consider filing a claim against the homeowner's or renter's insurance company of your relative. However, you must demonstrate that the family member's negligence caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. Generally, your claim will target the insurance company, not your family member.

• Can you still receive financial compensation if you were partly to blame for your injuries in an accident in Visalia?

  Yes. You can still earn compensation because personal injury cases in Visalia follow California's comparative negligence law. The state allows you and the other party in an accident to share the responsibility. Your recklessness may win you a minor percentage of the blame, but the other party could still owe you injury compensation based on the percentage of liability they must assume.

• What is the statute of limitations for filing a premises liability claim in Visalia?

  You have two years to file a premises liability claim in Visalia. When you discover an injury after it has been sustained, you have one year to file a claim. On the other hand, you must file a claim against a government agency within six months of the incident. The agency has 45 days to respond to your claim. You have six months from the date the government denied your claim to file a lawsuit in court.

• Should you contact the at-fault party's insurance company after suffering a burn injury in Visalia?

  No. You must avoid communicating with insurance adjusters after you have sustained a burn injury in Visalia because they will be asking for a recorded statement about what happened. Anything you say during the meeting could be used to dismiss your claim in the future. You may provide them with basic information only.

• Who is liable when a dog attacks bicyclists and motorcyclists in Visalia?

  The owner of the dog is responsible when a dog attacks or bites bicyclists and motorcyclists in Visalia. Victims can fall from their bikes or crash and sustain more severe injuries. Furthermore, the owner's insurance companies can be held liable for every medical expense the victim endures.

• 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.