Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Hemet, CA

FAQs

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

  951-765-2400 is the non-emergency line of the Hemet Police Department.

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

  To obtain a copy of a police report for incidents related to your case in Hemet, you can submit a request through the City of Hemet's website using their online request for public records form. Alternatively, you may download the Request for Public Records Form (PDF) and submit it via email at clerkstaff@hemetca.gov. Requests can also be made in person with City staff from Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  Please direct your request to the City Clerk's Office: City of Hemet, City Clerk’s Office 445 E. Florida Avenue Hemet, CA 92543

  Online request for public records form: https://hemetca.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/supporthome.aspx

• What is the liability of a dog owner for bites in Hemet?

  According to California law, dog owners in Hemet are liable for dog bites, whether their dog has never bit before or is not considered vicious. Dog bites that are neglected can result in severe consequences, including chronic infections, permanent damage to muscles, deep wounds, and reconstruction surgery in severe cases. Dog owners should take steps to ensure others' safety, including ensuring their dog is properly trained, socialized, and supervised.

• What is the deadline to file a personal injury claim in Hemet?

  In California, a two-year statute of limitations is imposed on personal injury cases, as stated in section 335.1 of the California Code of Civil Procedure. This means that starting from the date of your injury, you only have a two-year window to file a claim for compensation in Hemet. However, if the liable party is a city, county, or government agency, the time frame to file a claim is reduced to six months.

• Is Hemet a safe place for drivers and pedestrians to travel?

  Hemet is not as safe for drivers and pedestrians as one would hope. The city has seen a significant rise in traffic collisions and has reported a high number of traffic fatalities. Out of the 608 individuals who were either killed or injured in traffic accidents in Hemet, 57 were involved in incidents related to alcohol. According to the California Office of Traffic and Safety's rankings, Hemet ranks second-highest in the state for cities with a similar population in terms of traffic accidents. Additionally, Hemet ranks sixth for alcohol-related collisions and fifth for motorcycle crashes.

• What are some common injuries in premises liability cases in Hemet?

  Premises liability cases in Hemet often involve burns, spinal cord damage, head injuries, electric shocks, fractured bones, and neck injuries. These injuries are often caused by the negligence of property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions. In some cases, the injuries are caused by defective products or inadequate safety warnings.

• What should you do after a Hemet motorcycle accident?

  After a Hemet motorcycle accident, you should remove yourself from danger, receive medical attention, call the police and inform them of the accident, and hire a motorcycle accident attorney to assist you in the case. An attorney can help determine fault, build a case based on claims and losses, and ensure proper medical care for 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.