Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Chino, CA

FAQs

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

  (909) 628-1234 is the non-emergency contact number for the Chino Police Department.

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

  Copies of police reports can be obtained from the Chino police station by mail, email, or in-person visit. An application form should be filled out and submitted to: Chino Police Department, Attn: Records Unit, 5450 Guardian Way, Chino, CA 91710 Email: records@chinopd.org For more details, call the Records Unit at 909-334-3001.

• Do personal injury cases in Chino go to trial?

  No, the majority of personal injury cases in Chino and Southern California are settled out of court. Keeping the courts out of personal injury lawsuits lowers legal fees, reduces the stress of appearing in court, and protects the privacy of plaintiffs and defendants. Insurers are also willing to negotiate with plaintiffs who are represented by skilled attorneys.

• What if an injured victim in Chino cannot afford a lawyer for a personal injury case?

  Injured residents in Chino can seek legal assistance from personal injury attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis. In this arrangement, injured plaintiffs do not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, they pay a percentage of their settlement, depending on the complexity of their claims. It could range from 30% to 40%, but the average in California is 33%.

• Where do injured plaintiffs in Chino file their personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims can be filed in civil court by injured individuals in Chino. However, if the defendant also committed a crime during the incident, certain cases may overlap with the criminal court. In a civil case, injured individuals can drop charges at any time, but criminal cases are rarely dropped.

• Can car accident victims in Chino recover compensatory damages even if they were partially to blame for the accident?

  Yes, but the compensation that car accident victims in Chino may receive is limited by their percentage of fault. The reason for this is the inclusion of a clause in California traffic law for shared fault claims. The clause states that the courts can actually rule that both parties are partially to blame for the accident if the defendant argues that both parties are at fault.

• How long do injured victims in Chino file a personal injury claim?

  Chino residents who have been injured as a result of negligence have two years to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. If the plaintiff is a minor and the victim of a crime, the statute of limitations may be suspended. It is important that personal injury lawsuits have to be filed within the given time to avoid losing the right to sue.

• 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.