Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Chino Hills, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Chino Hills Police Station is (909) 387-8313 or (909) 465-6837.

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

  Police reports of incidents in Chino Hills can be collected at the Records Division of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBCSD). The public counter hours at the SBCSD station located at 655 East Third Street in San Bernardino are Mondays to Fridays 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Call the Records Division at (909) 888-5916 for assistance with any report concerns.

• What are the time limits when it comes to filing a claim in Chino Hills after an injury?

  The statute of limitations in Chino Hills when it comes to filing personal injury claims is two years. Failure to file a claim within the two-year period means you lose the right to receive compensation. If the victim is a minor, the two-year time frame will only begin once they turn 18 years old.

• Who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Chino Hills?

  People who have the right to pursue wrongful death claims in Chino Hills are the surviving spouse and/or children of the decedent. If they are not available, the next in line are the deceased's parents and/or siblings. Other people, such as the decedent’s putative spouse and his/her children and stepchildren, will need to show proof of their financial dependence on the decedent before the court allows them to pursue wrongful death damages.

• What are the requirements needed to recover compensation in a wrongful death claim in Chino Hills?

  The surviving family members of a deceased person in Chino Hills must prove that their loved one was killed because the at-fault party did not give enough care and attention to avoid death. They can also prove that the death was a result of the at-fault's negligence. There must also be proof that the victim's death affected the surviving family members financially and that the event resulted in their monetary losses.

• Can you file a personal injury claim if the accident happened while you were on private property in Chino Hills without the owner's knowledge?

  No. If you were on private property in Chino Hills without the owner's knowledge or were not a guest or invitee, you are considered a trespasser. If you were injured at the time of your trespassing, you have no legal right to file a claim against the owner for the injuries you sustained on the private property.

• Can you sue a ridesharing company in a car accident that happened in Chino Hills?

  The answer to whether you can sue a ridesharing company because of a car accident depends on the nature of your case. If you were hit by a driver from a ridesharing company while they were off duty, then your damages will be paid by their personal auto insurance provider. However, you may file a claim in Chino Hills against the ridesharing company if your accident was due to their driver's wrongdoing while utilizing the mobile application.

• 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.