If you or a family member has been hurt by another party’s negligence or illegal misconduct in California, you should know what to do to recover your losses. You should know when to hire a personal injury lawyer in California and the benefits of connecting with an experienced attorney you trust. With the right attorney representing you, you are more likely to win your case and could have a better chance of maximizing your recovery.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in California
Success with any personal injury case in California hinges on the plaintiff’s ability to prove liability for their damages. They will need to identify the defendant who caused the injury, prove how they caused it, and then show the full extent of the resulting damages. The plaintiff has a limited time in which to do this, so it is vital for them to connect with legal counsel as quickly as possible after a personal injury.
According to recent data, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of personal injuries throughout the United States, accounting for about 52% of all cases filed each year. Other top causes include workplace accidents, medical malpractice, slip and fall accidents, and defective products. No matter how your personal injury happens, you have a limited time to file your case, so it’s vital to consult an attorney as quickly as possible.
Recovering From a Personal Injury in California
You must prove fault for your personal injury before you can recover any compensation, so it is important to start building your case with the help of an attorney as soon as you can. Some of the evidence you may need may not be available for long, so working with an attorney right away can significantly improve your chances of building a strong, cohesive personal injury case.
Once you have proven fault, you will need to then prove the full extent of the damages the defendant caused. The goal of a personal injury case in California is to prove liability and then hold the defendant accountable for the economic and non-economic damages they inflicted on the plaintiff. If the plaintiff succeeds, they can potentially recover substantial compensation with the help of their attorney.
Every personal injury case is different, but all personal injury cases filed in California are beholden to certain procedural rules, such as court filing deadlines and evidence. The average person is unlikely to be able to build a cohesive suit on their own, and any delay in connecting with legal counsel could have detrimental effects on their case.
If you are wondering when to hire a personal injury lawyer in California, the answer is as quickly as possible after the injury. The sooner you connect with an attorney, the more time and flexibility they will have in building your case.
The attorneys at Easton & Easton aim for maximum client compensation in every case we accept in California, and we are confident we can guide you to a positive outcome in your case. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help with your recovery.
FAQs
How Long After an Accident Can You File a Personal Injury Case in California?
In California, you can file a personal injury case within two years of an accident. This statute of limitations begins on the date the injury happened or the date you discover that another party is responsible for causing your injury. This may sound like plenty of time, but the reality is that it can take longer than you might expect to build your case. It is always advisable to contact an attorney and start building your case at your first opportunity after an accident.
Will I Need to Take My Personal Injury Case to Court?
You will be unlikely to take your personal injury case to court. Most personal injury cases filed in the United States end with some type of negotiated settlement. The settlement process saves both the plaintiff and the defendant time, money, and stress as long as they are willing to compromise on mutually acceptable terms for resolving the case. If settlement is not possible for any reason, the case will need to be resolved through litigation.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in California?
You should always hire a personal injury lawyer in California to ensure the optimal chance of success with your case. Even if liability for your injury appears obvious, the actual process of holding a defendant accountable for the harm they have done is likely to be more challenging than you may initially expect. Having an attorney you trust on your side improves your chances of winning your case and maximizing your compensation.
How Much Compensation Can I Win for a Personal Injury in California?
The amount of compensation you could win for a personal injury in California depends on the severity of your injury. It’s possible for an injured plaintiff to claim compensation for immediate and future medical expenses related to the treatment of their injury, lost income they are unable to earn while they recover, and lost future earning capacity if they were permanently disabled. They can also claim compensation for their pain and suffering.
What Are Attorneys’ Fees for a Personal Injury Lawyer in California?
Attorneys’ fees for a personal injury lawyer in California will be just a portion of the total case award when you have Easton & Easton representing you. Our firm accepts personal injury cases on contingency, meaning we charge a percentage of the total compensation we recover for our client if and when we win their case. Additionally, there is no fee if we are unable to obtain compensation for you for any reason.
If you are wondering when to hire a personal injury lawyer in California, the answer is at your first opportunity after the injury. There is just a limited window to file your case, and you will have the greatest chance of success if you connect with legal counsel as quickly as possible.
The attorneys at Easton & Easton can help you navigate your legal proceedings in the aftermath of the accident. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about our legal services.
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