Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Fremont

FAQs

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

  To contact the Fremont Police Department for non-emergency situations, dial (510) 790-6800 and choose option 3.

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

  To request a traffic or crime report from the Fremont Police Department, individuals named in the report can fill out the Application for Release of Information form (https://www.fremontpolice.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/16/637201470740300000) and pay a $16 fee either in-person or by mail with a check, cashiers check, or money order. The form and fee can be submitted at the Fremont Police Department during lobby hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card is accepted. The processing time for the report may take up to 10 days, and inquiries can be made to the Records Division at (510) 790-6800.

• What should you do if you were bitten by a dog or any other animal in Fremont?

  Following an animal bite in Fremont, it is important to seek medical attention immediately even if the bite may not seem serious—animal bites can transmit harmful bacteria and result in long-term injuries. Prompt reporting to the relevant authorities is also recommended. Under California law, pet owners are held liable for the bites by their pets, regardless of their knowledge of the animal's behavior, making it important to document the incident and gather relevant information.

• Can you still file a claim if you were partially at fault for an accident in Fremont?

  Yes. Filing a claim is possible even if you share partial responsibility for an accident in Fremont. California's comparative fault law allows for injury victims to recover compensation, albeit reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. For instance, a 10% fault would translate to a $10,000 reduction of a $100,000 total recovery sought, leaving the injured party with $90,000.

• Can you handle a personal injury claim on your own in Fremont?

  Yes, it is possible to pursue a personal injury claim on your own in Fremont. However, it may not always be the best course of action, especially if the accident caused significant injuries. Insurance companies often have legal teams whose goal is to minimize payouts or even deny claims, which is why hiring an attorney can be extremely beneficial in securing a fair settlement. By retaining an attorney, you can level the playing field and ensure that you receive the full compensation that California law permits.

• What is the deadline to file personal injury claims in Fremont?

  Personal injury claims in Fremont must generally be filed within two years of the accident, although there are some exceptions, such as cases where the injury was not immediately discovered. Mmissing the statute of limitations can prevent you from seeking legal action and receiving compensation for your injuries, which is why it's important to act promptly and consult with an attorney.

• What are the damages that you can recover in a Fremont personal injury case?

  You may recover compensation for future and current medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, current and future wage loss, emotional distress, disfigurement or disability, pain and suffering, loss of consortium for your spouse, and damages to your personal property. The amount and type of compensation that you may be eligible to receive in a Fremont personal injury case can vary depending on the unique details of your situation and the extent of your injuries.

• 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.