Maison Law represents injury victims throughout California. Accidents can happen anywhere in Chico—on East Avenue during your commute, while shopping on Mangrove, or even walking downtown after a Saturday at the farmers market. All it takes is a distracted driver or a business that doesn’t take care of a hazard, and your day can turn upside down. If you’re dealing with injuries, you shouldn’t be left to shoulder medical bills and missed paychecks on your own. Our team will be there with guidance and support. Set up a free consultation today to start your path toward recovery.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
California law doesn’t force you to hire a lawyer for an injury claim. But the truth is, handling everything on your own can make it harder to get the full support you’ll need. Medical bills, missed work, and the stress of recovery add up quickly. Having a lawyer on your side can make a real difference. Here’s how we step in to make things easier:
- Looking at the whole picture – We investigate what happened and find every person, company, or insurance that may share responsibility.
- Gathering evidence that matters – From medical records to accident reports, we collect the proof needed to show how the accident has affected your life.
- Dealing with insurance companies – We take the calls, push back on low offers, and negotiate for a fair resolution.
- Preparing for court if needed – While many cases settle, we’re ready to stand up for you in front of a jury if that’s what it takes.
Your job is to get better. Ours is to make sure you aren’t left carrying the financial burden of someone else’s mistake. That’s why there’s a legal process in place, but as we touched on, it’s all about getting the right information to start with.
What Information Am I Going to Need For My Claim?
The starting point of any injury claim in Chico is going to start right after the accident itself–no matter what kind of accident you’re in. It’s a pivotal time, but what complicates things isn’t hard to figure out: you’re likely hurt, in pain, and scared. Still, this information is going to be the backbone of your claim:
- Medical records – Any hospital visit, follow-up appointment, X-ray, prescription, or therapy note is going to both show what’s happened to you medically and link it to the accident itself.
- Official reports – This is usually a police report from a car accident or an incident report from a store, but it’s going to be an official record of the accident to show what happened and why.
- Your own notes about recovery – Writing down how you’re feeling—whether it’s back pain that keeps you from sleeping, or not being able to take your kids to Bidwell Park—can give your case a human side that medical charts don’t always capture.
- Proof of what it’s costing you – Every receipt matters, whether it’s from prescriptions at the Mangrove Avenue pharmacy, gas money for trips to Enloe, or a grab bar you had to install at home. These small slips of paper add up to a clear picture of how the accident has drained your finances.
- What shows up online – Insurance adjusters sometimes scroll through social media, looking for anything they can twist against you. Even a simple photo at Sierra Nevada Taproom could be spun the wrong way. That’s why your digital footprint ends up being part of the evidence, too.
Together, these pieces of information help tell the full story of your accident—from the medical impact to the financial strain to the changes in your daily life. The more complete the picture, the stronger your claim becomes.
That said, you don’t have to show up with everything neatly organized. We can help you gather this information and we know what insurance companies look for. With that, we’ll walk you through what matters most.
What Kinds of Accidents Could Leave Me Injured in Chico?
Chico may not have the traffic of Sacramento or the population of the Bay Area, but accidents happen here every day. Some of the most frequent personal injury cases we handle include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Big rig accidents
- Slip-and-falls, dog bites, and other premises liability accidents
- Accidents caused by defective products
No matter what kind of accident, the consequences often ripple through your life—physically, financially, and emotionally. That’s the reason why the law is on your side–you get to file a claim to recover your “damages.” But the starting point there is figuring out what happened and who exactly is responsible.
Who’s Responsible For My Damages in an Accident?
When an accident happens, one of the first questions on everyone’s mind is, “Who caused this?” Figuring out liability—who is legally responsible for your injuries—is the starting point for any personal injury claim. What’s worse, an accident in the city can happen anywhere, at any time. Maybe a driver on East Avenue wasn’t paying attention and rear-ends you, or you fall because of a loose floor tile at a downtown store. What this is, in legal terms, is negligence.
And it’s important, because it tells you who will be held accountable and who is legally responsible for covering your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. But it’s not always straightforward, and could fall on any (or multiple of the following) depending on what happened:
- Drivers who were distracted, speeding, or under the influence.
- Property owners who failed to repair hazards or provide warnings.
- Landlords who ignored unsafe living conditions.
- Employers who didn’t maintain a safe workplace.
- Product manufacturers that released unsafe or defective items.
- Local or state government agencies if roads, sidewalks, or public spaces contributed to the accident.
Again though, to officially prove liability, we focus on negligence. That means showing:
- The other party had a duty of care (for example, driving safely or maintaining property).
- They breached that duty through careless or reckless actions.
- That breach directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered real harm, like medical bills, lost income, or physical pain.
Once negligence is set, we can file a claim against the responsible party or their insurance company. This step lays the foundation for your case and ensures that the right people are held accountable for the impact the accident has had on your life.
How Does the Process Work With an Injury Claim?
No two accidents are exactly the same, but most claims follow one of two paths–insurance out of court or a lawsuit in court. Understanding your options can make the process less overwhelming and help you focus on recovery rather than paperwork:
- Insurance claim – We file directly with the at-fault party’s insurer. Insurance adjusters typically start with a low offer, but through negotiation, we work to get you financial support that better reflects your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Lawsuit – If the insurer refuses a fair settlement, we can prepare your case for court. Litigation takes longer and requires more preparation, but it also increases pressure on the other side to pay what you are truly owed.
But recovering from an accident isn’t just about treating injuries—it’s about addressing the many ways your life has been changed. Injury claims can cover a wide range of damages, depending on your situation:
- Medical expenses covering your ER visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages from missed while recovering from your injuries or a loss of future earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work long-term.
- Property damage for your damaged property, including car repairs, replacement costs, or damaged clothing, your phone, or anything else.
- Pain and suffering, covering costs associated with your physical discomfort, limited mobility, or ongoing health struggles.
- Emotional distress for costs associated with any anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life covering costs related to you not being able to enjoy activities you love, like hiking Upper Bidwell Park trails or cycling through downtown Chico.
- In a fatal accident, your family can recover funeral expenses, lost income, and other financial support that come up because of the loss.
California law also imposes a statute of limitations, usually giving you two years from the accident date to file a claim. Waiting too long can mean losing the opportunity to recover these damages, so timely action is critical. Recovering damages isn’t just about money—it’s about giving you the resources to heal, restore stability, and reclaim your life after an accident. By understanding who’s responsible, how claims work, and what you can recover, you’ll be in a stronger position to protect your rights and get the support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes. California’s comparative negligence system reduces your damages by your percentage of fault, but you can still file a claim and present your case.
How much is my claim worth?
It depends on the severity of your injuries, the costs of recovery, and the effect on your daily life. Every case is unique.
Can I file an injury claim against the city?
Yes. The City of Chico is responsible for keeping its property and public spaces safe and free from hazards. So for example, if you slip and fall on a broken sidewalk, you can file your claim against the city. The process is a bit different, though, so don’t wait.
Talk With a Chico Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in Chico—on East Avenue, downtown near the plaza, or while enjoying Bidwell Park—you don’t have to face it alone. At Maison Law, we make the process simple by explaining your options, guiding you through your claim, and provide open communication from start to finish.
Whether you’re a student near Chico State, a family in California Park, or retired in Canyon Oaks, we’re here to help you get back on your feet. Set up a free consultation today.
