Being injured by someone else’s negligence puts you in a very difficult position that can be exceptionally difficult to overcome without the compensation to which you are entitled. Your personal injury claim is important to your health and recovery, so don’t put off consulting with an experienced Santa Barbara personal injury attorney.
Do I even have a decent personal injury claim?
If you were injured by someone who owed you a duty of care but failed to live up to that responsibility, you may have a solid personal injury claim, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help you make this important determination.
Common Types of Personal Injury Claims
No two personal injury claims are ever exactly alike, but some of the most common types include:
- Traffic accidents of every kind
- Premises liability claims, such as slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Accidents that lead to catastrophic injuries
- Pool drownings
- Wrongful death
If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, it’s time to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Personal Injury Claims and the Statute of Limitations
In California – as in other states – there is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. According to the statute, after a certain amount of time has elapsed, you no longer have the right to file a lawsuit against the party who caused you to be injured. In California, this statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident in question. While two years may seem like ample time to file your suit, the insurance process can be extremely lengthy, and because you also have injuries to cope with, two years can slip by unnoticed. If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, you’re well-advised to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney sooner rather than later.
The Insurance Process
Your personal injury claim will move through the insurance provider of the at-fault party in your case. While it is true that the insurance company is paid to cover your losses, don’t be fooled by this fact. The insurance company’s first priority is turning a profit, and it will put considerable effort into this pursuit.
Complicating the Claims Process
The insurance company may make you an early settlement offer that you are tempted to take out of desperation. Such an offer is likely motivated by the insurance company’s attempt to get rid of your claim before you recognize the full extent of your physical, financial, and emotional damages. The insurance company recognizes that you are injured, that you have mounting medical bills, that you are experiencing a loss of wages, and that you are – in short – vulnerable, and it is not above taking advantage of your situation. Don’t sign a settlement offer until you’ve discussed the matter with an experienced personal injury attorney who is up to speed on your claim.
Comment on Your Claim as Little as Possible
Another trick of the insurance company’s is making the claims process so complicated, protracted, and confusing that claimants simply give up. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to cut to the quick of the matter and will not allow the insurance company to get away with these delay tactics.
Denying Your Claim Outright
Insurance companies are not opposed to denying valid claims in the hope that claimants like you will take them at their word and drop the issue. Just because the insurance company denies your claim at the outset does not mean that it is the final word on the matter – consult with a dedicated personal injury attorney.
Shifting Blame
The insurance company may attempt to shift blame away from its client – the at-fault party who left you injured – and toward you. Determining fault is a job for your personal injury attorney, who will pour through all the available evidence and information you provide (in addition to the information and evidence that he or she discovers) to help pin down the other party’s fault. It’s important to also recognize that, in California, even if you share some of the blame, it does not preclude you from seeking damages for the percentage of your injuries that were caused by the other party.
FAQ
If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you very likely have important questions, and the answers to these frequently asked questions may help.
Do I need a personal injury attorney?
While you are not required to hire a personal injury attorney, having one in your corner can play an important role in your ability to recover on your complete damages.
What if I can’t afford a personal injury attorney?
The fact is that a personal injury attorney is a wise investment, and you won’t owe your attorney a thing unless you obtain a settlement from the insurance company or you receive a court award. Most reputable personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which translates to receiving a pre-arranged percentage of your compensation after your claim is finalized.
What should I look for in a personal injury attorney?
In your search for a personal injury attorney, take all of the following factors into consideration:
- Someone with whom you are comfortable opening up
- Someone who inspires your confidence and whom you trust
- Someone who takes the time to answer your questions in a way that you understand
- Someone who is available to you (and takes your calls)
- Someone who carefully goes over your claim with you and explains its strengths and challenges to you – while also explaining his or her game plan regarding how to overcome those challenges)
It’s Time to Consult with an Experienced Santa Barbara Personal Injury Attorney
The formidable Santa Barbara personal injury attorneys at Los Angeles City Law are committed to skillfully advocating for your rights while pursuing your claim’s optimal outcome. Our practiced legal team puts your best interests first, so please don’t wait to contact or call us at 866-522-4895 for more information about how we can help you today.
