Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Palm Springs, CA

FAQs

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

  To reach the Palm Springs Police Department, call (760) 323-8116.

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

  To obtain a police report from the Palm Springs Police Department, reach out to the Records Supervisor at (760) 323-8116 ext. 8542 from Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Please be informed that the report costs $0.11.

• Can you be held liable if your dog bit and injured a passerby who was walking on your property in Palm Springs?

  As with all cases, there are plenty of unique circumstances that can complicate them. Generally, though, a person who's within your property in Palm Springs who gets bitten by your dog cannot sue you for the injuries they sustained because of the attack. The only exception to this is if the injured was below 6 years of age.

• What can you do if you've just been hit by a car while walking down a street in Palm Springs?

  First of all, you should prioritize your safety and try not to make any sudden movements while you call 911. If it is safer for you to move out of the road, do so. If possible, photograph the scene, your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, and the road. When the police come to ask, remember that you are not obligated to give out any information that can be used by insurance companies in Palm Springs to deny your claim.

• Can you sue a nursing home if one of their nurses shouted at and berated your elderly loved one in Palm Springs?

  Definitely, verbal abuse is improper behavior, especially coming from professionals in the medical field. It does not have to include profanity or expletives—if the patient/victim felt mocked, intimidated, or demeaned, then it should fall under verbal abuse. What you can do is hire a personal injury attorney who can represent you or your loved one. Don't worry about attorney fees, as there are many on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win.

• Could you hold Airbnb liable if you suffered an injury in a rented home in Palm Springs because of a light fixture falling on you?

  Not quite, the entity that would be held liable for a situation like that is the Airbnb host themselves, as they own the place in Palm Springs being rented out and are responsible for its upkeep. The only time that you can go after Airbnb itself is if you weren't the only one who had gotten injured on the property and the company failed to do something to keep others from getting hurt by retaining the host on their app.

• Who can be held liable in the event that a self-driving car runs you over in Palm Springs?

  It is likely the manufacturer that can be held liable for such an accident. However, there is a chance that you can also sue either of the two parties below:

  • The vehicle owner, in case the car was not originally autonomous, and they've made changes to it on their own
  • The driver, who is legally defined as whoever was in the driver's seat and technically required to intervene to keep a collision from happening

• 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.