Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Ramon, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the San Ramon Police Department is (925) 973-2779.

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

  You can get a copy of the police report at the San Ramon Police Department's Records Division, located at 2401 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and accepts report requests on the phone at (925) 973-2770.

• How common are vehicular accidents in San Ramon?

  According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 118 injuries and fatalities caused by traffic collisions in San Ramon in 2022. 19 of these accidents were caused by speeding, while six were caused by driving under the influence of alcohol, and another six were hit-and-runs. In addition, 14 accidents involved pedestrians and bicycle riders.

• Are car accidents in San Ramon covered by the liable parties’ insurance?

  As California requires its drivers to carry liability coverage, victims of car accidents in San Ramon must be compensated by the liable parties’ insurance provider. According to the Insurance Information Institute, however, 16.6% of drivers in the state are uninsured. As such, it may be prudent to consider taking out uninsured and underinsured driver coverage.

• What are common tactics employed by insurance companies in San Ramon?

  To avoid paying personal injury victims the full amount of compensation, insurance companies in San Ramon may deliberately delay the claims process by putting the policyholder on hold or giving them the wrong forms. If the victims did not immediately seek medical attention after the accident, the insurance provider may claim that the injuries were not severe enough to require care.

• What qualifies as a catastrophic injury claim in San Ramon?

  For an injury in San Ramon to be classified as catastrophic, it has to directly and permanently prevent the victim from "performing any gainful work." Common examples of catastrophic injuries include loss of sight or hearing, severe burns, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries. Catastrophic injury victims in San Ramon are entitled to compensation for their long-term health care and rehabilitation costs.

• Who can file a wrongful death claim in San Ramon?

  Under California law, those who are eligible to file a wrongful death claim in San Ramon are the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children. In case the aforementioned parties are not present, other eligible parties include relatives entitled to the decedent’s estate and these can be parents or siblings. In addition, the putative spouse, children of the putative spouse, and stepchildren may file a wrongful death action if they are able to prove that they were economically dependent on the decedent.

• 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.