Suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligent actions can lead to a significant amount of stress in your life. Not only must you focus on your physical recovery, but you also face the reality of medical bills and lost wages impacting your finances. Fortunately, there are laws in place that allow you to take legal action and recover the compensation to which you are entitled. Let’s take a closer look at how California personal injury laws work and what steps you can take to get your life back on track after an injury.
California is a Comparative Fault State
Personal injury laws can vary from state to state. If you are injured in an accident or suffer property damage in California because of someone else’s erratic or negligent actions, you are entitled to pursue compensation. Even if the defendant claims that you are partially to blame for the incident, you are still eligible to recover some amount of damages. Your personal injury attorney will help you understand the specifics of how damages are calculated, but you can rest assured that if the actions of someone else caused your injuries, you have the legal right to pursue compensation.
How the Process Works
After you have sought medical treatment for your injuries, it is recommended that you contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible so that you can begin the claims process. Your attorney will help you understand what to expect during each part of the process, from the initial filing to the conclusion of the case. In many cases, it can be challenging to communicate with the responsible party’s insurance company, as they may use several tactics to undermine or discredit your claim. Working with an attorney can help you overcome these obstacles and present a strong claim. If the insurance carrier accepts the claim, you will receive a settlement offer; however, they will typically lowball you. Your attorney will work with you to push back and negotiate a more favorable settlement. If this is unsuccessful, you have the option to move forward with a lawsuit.
Timing is Everything
Like most states, California adheres to a statute of limitations of two to three years during which you may file a personal injury claim. You have two years to file a lawsuit to recover medical expenses resulting from your injury, and you have three years in which to pursue compensation for property damages. So, it is essential that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible following the incident so that you can make sure your claim remains valid.
To learn more about how to pursue a personal injury claim in California, contact the dedicated and friendly legal team at Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation today by calling (951) 489-3320.