Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions
Personal injury law covers a wide range of issues. Generally, if you or a loved one suffered injuries or damages due to another person’s actions, like in the instance of a auto accident or motorcycle accident, you may file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for your losses. At Estey & Bomberger, LLP we want our clients to know what to expect when they contact a personal injury attorney about a case. The following are some pointers to help you get started. If you have specific questions about personal injury law reach out to our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys for more information.
Q: What Should I Do After an Injury?
A: Your first step after suffering any type of injury should be to seek medical attention, even if your issue doesn’t seem severe. Some injuries worsen with time, and by delaying seeking treatment, you could be putting yourself at serious risk. Additionally, if you become embroiled in a personal injury lawsuit, a jury may assume that since you didn’t seek immediate medical care, your injuries probably weren’t that bad.
After meeting with a doctor, be sure to obtain a copy of your medical report. Your doctor will outline the extent of your injuries and the damage, as well as your prognosis and treatment plan. Once you have finished addressing your medical issues, try to obtain a copy of the police report for your incident, if possible. This may not be an option for every personal injury case, but for things like car accidents, you must contact the police if the accident caused injury or property damage, and there will be a report of the incident on file. All of this will be vital information for a personal injury case.
Q: How Will My Attorney Handle My Case?
A: After your first meeting with your attorney, he or she will investigate your claim. Hopefully, you will already have your medical report and the police report (if applicable). Your attorney will investigate any witnesses who saw the incident and gather any other pertinent documentation to support your case. Your attorney may also need to review appropriate laws that pertain to your situation.
Q: How Can I Tell if I Have a Strong Case?
A: There is no foolproof method for determining a case’s strength. Every personal injury lawsuit is unique. Your attorney will assess the variables, and let you know your odds of winning. Bear in mind that most personal injury attorneys operate on contingency fees, meaning that they do not charge for their representation unless their client wins. Attorneys don’t often take losing cases, so if your attorney seems hesitant to take you on as a client, you may not have as strong a case as you initially thought.
Q: How Much Will My Case Be Worth?
A: This is another difficult question, and the answer will vary from case to case. Until your attorney has gathered all of the necessary information about the case, it will be impossible to accurately guess the total value of the case. Generally, your case’s worth hinges on the total amount of medical expenses you incurred, how much time you spent out of work due to your injuries, and whether or not any of your injuries caused permanent disability or disfigurement. Additionally, expert witnesses will be invaluable for showing a jury how painful and extensive some injuries are. Finally, depending on the defendant’s actions, a judge may award punitive damages for blatant disregard of the safety of others or intentionally harmful actions - like in the case of premises liability.
Q: How Long Will It Take to Receive My Compensation?
A: Every personal injury case is unique. The time it takes for you to receive the money you’re due depends on the liability issues of the case, how much research your attorney must perform, and whether or not the defendant wants to settle the case or take it to trial. Settling can be a faster resolution, but sometimes causes plaintiffs to receive a lesser amount than a trial would bring. However, litigation is notoriously time-consuming, and attorneys’ fees continue to accrue throughout the process.
These are just a few of the common questions people ask during their first experience with a personal injury lawsuit. If you have more questions or wish to arrange a consultation, reach out to the experienced personal injury & accident attorney team at Estey & Bomberger, LLP today!
If You Don't Win, You Don't Pay!
One of the most common questions people have when considering hiring a lawyer for a personal injury claim is "How can I afford to pay for an attorney?" At Estey & Bomberger, it's easy. We never charge legal fees or costs if we do not win your case or recover money for you. All of our legal representation services are performed on a contingency fee basis. We bear all the risks involved so you do not need to be concerned about finances when it comes to hiring our firm.
A Focus on Serious Injury Accidents
If you need help in a serious injury case, call us today. Over the years we have helped many happy clients get excellent results for their cases, including truck accidents, and our lawyers are knowledgeable in the law and easy to talk to. Remember, we charge nothing unless we recover money for you! When a case involves life changing catastrophic injuries, you need attorneys on your side who have been there, representing other people just like you. Our experience combined with our results are hard to find if you are looking for a lawyer to represent you and your family.
Personal Injury Lawyers Serving the Inland Empire
If you need help in a serious injury case in San Bernardino or anywhere in the Inland Empire, call us today. Over the years we have helped many happy clients get excellent results for their cases, and our lawyers are knowledgeable in the law and easy to talk to. Remember, we charge nothing unless we recover money for you!
After a tragic accident resulting in serious personal injuries such as brain injuries or even the devastating death of a family member, San Bernardino accident attorneys at Estey & Bomberger, LLP may be able to help you recover financial compensation from the responsible party, business or government entity. Call them today! 909-693-3631
Client Review:
"I was very impressed with Estey & Bomberger. They were always professional, courteous and caring. My accident claim had challenges and obstacles but despite this, they were able to obtain a satisfactory settlement in a short time frame. I have recommended them to several friends and colleagues and will continue to do so." - Nancy W.