Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Rialto, CA

FAQs

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

  Contact the Rialto Police Department at 909-820-2550 for non-emergency matters.

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

  To obtain a copy of the police report for traffic accidents, visit the Rialto Police Department's website at www.rialtopolice.com. For other types of incident reports, you may visit their station at 128 N. Willow Ave., Rialto, CA, 92376. Their lobby is open from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• What are the common personal injury accidents that happen in Rialto?

  The usual personal injuries that happen in Rialto include accidents caused by various vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, ridesharing automobiles, and other modes of transportation. According to the Judicial Council of California's 2022 Court Statistics Report, 2,391 motor vehicle accident lawsuits were filed in San Bernardino County alone, which includes the city of Rialto. Based on the US Department of Justice's data, premises liability, medical malpractice, product liability, and toxic chemicals are the most frequent causes of bodily injury following car accidents.

• Do you still need a personal injury lawyer in Rialto if you have already been offered a settlement by the insurance company?

  Yes. In Rialto, insurance companies offer a settlement to pay you as little as possible. While the law does not require you to get a lawyer for filing a personal injury claim, it is advisable to hire one to help you understand the law better. The personal injury attorney examines the details of the accident and works with healthcare professionals for medical report evaluations to identify the right compensation that you should get.

• Can people collectively file a personal injury claim in Rialto if they encounter a negligent company?

  Yes. A group of individuals can collectively file a personal injury claim in Rialto if a company wronged them. This is called a class action lawsuit and occurs when consumers are involved in dangerous prescription drugs and defective products. These people may file a class action lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company or manufacturer of the product.

• Who can file a personal injury lawsuit for a wrongful death case in Rialto?

  Individuals who have suffered the loss of their loved one can file a personal injury lawsuit in Rialto. They are called "real parties in interest" and are divided into the following types:

  -Immediate family - includes parents of unwed children, spouses, and children -Domestic partners who are financially dependent on the deceased -Distant relatives who were raised by or grew up with the deceased -A personal representative for the estate of a deceased person

• What will the Rialto personal injury claim cover?

  If you have filed a personal injury claim in Rialto, its monetary compensation, either in the form of settlement or verdict, will cover the following damages:

  -Economic damages - includes lost wages and loss of earning capacity -Non-economic damages - includes loss of companionship, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and inconvenience -Punitive damages - punishment for the negligent behavior of the defendant

• 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.