Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Daly City, CA

FAQs

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

  Contact the police station at 650-991-8119 for non-emergencies in Daly City.

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

  Fill out a report request form and submit it in person at the front desk of the police station or send it by mail to the Records Division Daly City Police Department at 333 90th Street Daly City, CA, 94015. The request form can also be emailed to dcpdreports@dalycity.org. The records staff will process the request and get in touch as to how the police report can be obtained once it is ready. Call the records office at 650-991-8110 for more information.

• Can you receive compensation if you cannot work due to an accident in Daly City?

  Yes. You can recover lost wages after getting injured in an accident in Daly City. You can file a claim for the days you missed work, even if you used sick leave benefits. It is important to get the doctor's confirmation of your inability to work to file the claim. If you cannot work in the future because of your injuries, you may also file a claim for lost earning capacity.

• Why should you get a trial lawyer for your personal injury case in Daly City?

  In Daly City, lawyers who prepare personal injury cases for trial and win them have a reputation that enables them to secure fair settlements. Insurance companies and their defense lawyers know the reputation of trial lawyers in the courtroom and would not go to trial if they cannot win the case. They would rather settle the matter for the reasonable amount demanded than risk being exposed in court.

• Is it possible to change lawyers in a personal injury case in Daly City?

  Yes. It is possible to retain the services of a new lawyer in Daly City if the client is unhappy with how the current lawyer is handling the case. The process is simple and should not cost the client any. However, the replaced lawyers may ask for a portion of the client's settlement funds according to their contribution. If the reason for changing lawyers is due to illegal or unethical behavior, report the lawyer to the state bar or law enforcement.

• Are there limits as to how much can be recovered in a personal injury claim in Daly City?

  Generally, there is no limit to how much can be recovered in a personal injury claim in Daly City except for medical negligence cases wherein the limit is $250,000. However, economic damages must be properly documented, and recovering future costs related to the injury may require the testimony of expert witnesses. It is up to the jury to award non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and inconvenience.

• How to preserve your legal rights following a personal injury accident in Daly City?

  To protect your legal rights following an accident in Daly City, call the police after the accident and gather evidence on your case. Seek medical care as soon as you can, and make sure to complete all your recommended treatments. This is a critical aspect in any injury claim because, without it, the claim could get denied. Never admit fault, and do not discuss accident details with any other persons involved in the accident.

• 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.