Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Tustin

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Tustin Police Department is 714-573-3200.

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

  To obtain a copy of a police report, complete the Application for Release of Information Form. The completed form can be submitted through fax, an in-person visit, and mail to the Tustin Police Department. If you have questions, call the Records Unit at 714-730-8027. Contact details are as follows: Tustin Police Department 300 Centennial Way Tustin, CA 92780 Fax: 714-730-8027

• Are you required to have a lawyer to open a personal injury claim in Tustin?

  No. Hiring a lawyer is not a requirement when opening a personal injury claim in Tustin. However, you may benefit from getting one. An experienced personal injury attorney can expertly guide you through the complicated process of obtaining the monetary compensation you truly deserve so you can restore your health and standard of living.

• What are considered “catastrophic” injuries in Tustin?

  By definition, a “catastrophic” injury is any type of injury that involves long-term or permanent damage to the victim. Some of the most common examples of catastrophic injuries that lead to claims and lawsuits in Tustin are traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, serious burns, and dismemberment. Victims of catastrophic injuries are entitled to receive reparations for their immediate needs as well as for the challenges they will face in the future.

• Can you bring a personal injury claim or lawsuit on behalf of your minor child in Tustin?

  You can a file personal injury claim in Tustin on behalf of the minor victim if you are their parent, legal guardian, or “guardian ad litem.” Once the settlement has been approved, the court will issue an order requiring that all net proceeds be held in a blocked and FDIC-insured bank account that can be accessed only by the victim upon turning 18 years old. Some expenses like health insurance deductibles and co-payments you paid may be reimbursed before the net amount is calculated.

• Who can be held responsible for the dog bite injuries you sustained in Tustin?

  According to California’s strict liability laws for dog owners, if you get attacked by a dog in Tustin, it is the owner who will be held responsible for any damage caused by their dog. This is provided that you did not provoke the attack and that you are legally present at the place where the attack took place. If you were trespassing or gave the dog a reason to attack, you may not be entitled to damages.

• How soon should you file a personal injury claim in Tustin?

  It would be best to file your personal injury claim in Tustin as soon as possible. This is because the State of California’s statute of limitations for personal injury is just two years from the date when your injury was sustained. If you fail to file your claim within this time window, you may lose your opportunity to recover compensation for your losses.

• 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.