Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Francisco

FAQs

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

  Contact the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 553-0123 for non-emergency matters.

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

  You may obtain a police incident report in person at SFPD Police Headquarters between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays. The Crime Information Services Unit, located at 1245 Third Street, handles requests for police incident reports; these records are not made accessible at local police stations. You can ask for a report through our website or by sending a request form in the mail. San Francisco Police Department Crime Information Services Unit / Records Management 1245 3rd Street, 1st Floor San Francisco, CA 94158 You can request and get all types of San Francisco Police Incident Reports through an online portal: sfpd.cisu.reports@sfgov.org

• After suffering an injury in San Francisco, what should you do if your insurance provider refuses to help you?

  Most cases of personal injury involve insurance companies. Still, they may take advantage of injured people in San Francisco. Many insurance companies "lowball" settlement claims in the hopes that the person won't go to a lawyer and figure out they're being taken advantage of. Injured people may also find that their own insurance company is not paying claims, giving them a legal defense, letting them get the medical care they need, or paying for property damage that is covered by an insurance policy.

• Can you get compensated for injuries you got in an accident in San Francisco where you were partly to blame?

  Even if the accident victim in San Francisco was somewhat to fault for what occurred, they are still entitled to compensation for their injuries. California is a "comparative fault" state, which implies that a person may get compensation depending on how much the other person was at fault. In a two-car collision, for example, if the other driver was 30% to blame and you were 70% to blame, you might still recover 30% of your losses from the other driver.

• When should you contact a San Francisco personal injury attorney?

  If you talk to a personal injury lawyer in San Francisco as soon as possible after an accident, they can help you get the most money possible. The days, weeks, and months after an accident might be used to your advantage when calculating the worth of your claim. If you don't know what you're doing, you might make mistakes. Early on in the process of filing a personal injury claim, you might trust an attorney to help you and build your case. Call a lawyer right away if you want full compensation.

• How long do you have to file your San Francisco personal injury claim?

  You may file a lawsuit in San Francisco within two years after the injury. This applies to vehicle accidents, dog bites, slip-and-fall, and the majority of other situations involving bodily harm. This limitation on time has exceptions. You have three years to file a claim for traffic accident-related vehicle damage. Accidents that result in the death of a loved one begin counting on the day of death, not injury. You have six months to file a lawsuit against the state, county, or municipality.

• How do you figure out the amount of pain and suffering after an accident in San Francisco?

  The amount of pain and suffering after an accident in San Francisco is not determined by multiplying the medical expenditures. Some individuals will incur expensive hospital fees and will never seek treatment again. These instances demonstrate that the jury's judgment for pain and suffering, also known as general damages, must be estimated on a case-by-case basis for each wounded individual. Variables include the sort of damage experienced, the impact on the individual's activities, and the duration of their pain.

• 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.