Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Victorville, CA

FAQs

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

  Contact the Victorville Police Department at 760-956-5001 for non-emergencies.

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

  Go to the lobby of the police station at 14200 Amargosa Road in Victorville to obtain incident reports. The lobby is open Mondays to Fridays from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• What is the timeframe for receiving a check after settling a personal injury case in Victorville?

  It usually takes six weeks for a personal injury claimant in Victorville to receive the settlement check from the defendant and their insurer. However, some may get delayed depending on the complexity of the case. The delay may be due to verifications from the bank, processing interruptions due to holidays and weekends, and the defendant and their insurance company.

• What can you do after the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run accident in Victorville is found?

  When the police find the at-fault driver who fled the scene of a car accident in Victorville, they may file criminal charges against the driver. When this happens, consult a lawyer to know your legal options in pursuing compensation for your injuries. Take note that if the driver gets convicted of criminal offenses and ordered by the judge to pay you for your injuries, it may not be enough unless you file a personal injury lawsuit.

• Where are personal injury lawsuits filed in Victorville?

  The Civil Division of the San Bernardino District Court handles limited and unlimited Victorville civil cases, including areas of personal injury law. It is at the San Bernardino Justice Center situated at 247 West 3rd St. in San Bernardino. For more information, call 909-708-8678 or visit the San Bernardino Superior Court's website to schedule an appointment.

• Should you immediately take the settlement offer in your Victorville personal injury claim?

  No. You should consult with a lawyer first before accepting any settlement offer for your personal injury case in Victorville. Insurance companies usually give a low offer initially, but with a lawyer's assistance, you can obtain a higher offer. Once you accept the check and sign the release form, you can no longer receive any more compensation from the insurance company. So, ensure that you have considered the extent of your injuries.

• Is going to trial in a Victorville personal injury case result in higher compensation than a settlement?

  It depends. Sometimes a judgment award after trial may be higher than the settlement fund. However, personal injury case settlement in Victorville may be more beneficial in most cases since litigations take time and are costly. It is also stressful, and you may be required to testify in court. Lastly, a jury can be unpredictable, and if you lose the case, you may not recover any compensation.

• 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.