Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Fontana, CA

FAQs

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

  The 24-hour non-emergency contact number for the Fontana Police Department is 909-350-7700.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, you can visit or mail your request to the Fontana Police Department at 17005 Upland Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335. Your request has to include the completed form, the corresponding fee, and a photocopy of your ID. Once submitted, the processing typically takes two to three weeks to complete.

• Is there a time limit for filing a personal injury claim in Fontana?

  Yes, there is. Personal injury victims in Fontana and the rest of California have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. After that timeframe, the victims will no longer be allowed to pursue financial compensation, and any lawsuits filed in court will only be denied.

• Is it possible for an undocumented resident of Fontana to file a personal injury lawsuit?

  Yes, an undocumented resident of Fontana can file a personal injury lawsuit because a plaintiff's immigration status is no longer admissible in trial. This is made possible by the modifications done in the California state legislature in 2017. Because the plaintiff's immigration status cannot be revealed in court records, he or she also does not need to worry about being deported as a result of filing a claim.

• Do dog bites in Fontana fall under the "one free bite" policy?

  According to the "one free bite" rule, owners are only liable for a dog bite if they know their pet is dangerous because it has previously bitten someone. In Fontana, however, this regulation does not apply. You do not need to show and prove that the dog's owner knew his or her pet was dangerous to get compensation.

• Does failing to wear a helmet make you partially at fault when you get involved in an accident in Fontana?

  Yes. The state of California, including Fontana, abides by the universal helmet law which was effected in 1992. The law mandates that all motorcycle drivers and passengers, regardless of age, should always wear an approved helmet to reduce accidents. California is also a comparative negligence state, so legal liability can be assigned to any party.

• How much time does a personal injury case in Fontana take to resolve?

  The time it takes for a case to settle or go to trial in Fontana after it is filed is about a year. This is for cases that cannot be resolved informally. Also, negotiations with insurance companies last 30 to 60 days. Most of these personal injury lawsuits will not be settled until the injured party has fully recovered or the injury's extent has prevented further healing.

• 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.