Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Manteca

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number of the Manteca Police Department is 209-456- 8101.

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

  To request a copy of a Manteca police report, call the Records Unit at 209-456-8108 to verify the availability of the report you are looking for. For further information, visit https://www.manteca.gov/departments/police-department/services-division/records.

• Do you really have to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages in Manteca?

  Not necessarily. Usually, your lawyer will first attempt to negotiate a reasonable insurance claim on your behalf. This is done out of court with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. Many personal injury claims are settled this way. However, if the insurer is not willing to agree with the amount you truly deserve, your lawyer might suggest you file a personal injury lawsuit to resolve your case.

• How can you be sure that you are hiring a highly skilled personal injury lawyer in Manteca?

  If you want to make sure that the Manteca personal injury lawyer you are about to hire is competent and has a good reputation, you can conduct a background check on them. It would be wise of you to contact the California Bar Association and California Lawyers Association to confirm that the attorney you are looking to hire is in good standing as a member of the state bar.

• How much will a personal injury lawyer in Manteca charge you?

  Personal injury lawyers in Manteca do not have a fixed rate. Most of them work on a contingency fee basis to ensure that you receive proper legal representation without having to pay out of pocket. Under this type of arrangement, you don’t have to pay your lawyer anything unless they recover a favorable settlement for you. Their fee will then be deducted from your settlement or award money based on an agreed-upon percentage.

• Can you file a personal injury claim on your child’s behalf in Manteca?

  Yes. In Manteca, you may bring a lawsuit to recover damages if your child got hurt in an accident. This is because children under the age of 18 cannot file personal injury claims on their own in California, so parents or legal guardians must take legal action for them. To submit a claim on behalf of your child, it would be best to consult with a personal injury lawyer.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Manteca?

  If you are looking to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in Manteca, you must do so within two years from the date when your injury occurred. Now, if you belatedly notice your injury from a past accident, you have one year from the date your injury was discovered to file a lawsuit. These legal deadlines are also known as the statute of limitations. Once the time window for your case runs out, your claim will be considered invalid and you won’t be able to recover any damages anymore.

• 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.