Maison Law helps injury victims in California by standing up for their rights and dispelling some of the myths associated with the legal process. One of the biggest misconceptions about the legal process involves the need for a lawyer. To learn more about the process and what you need to do, contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Need a Lawyer For a Personal Injury Claim in California?
You never want to be in a situation where you’re hurt in an accident. Unfortunately, that’s always a risk. When this happens, it gives you certain options–if you want. In terms of whether you need a lawyer, it’s not a legal requirement. This means you don’t technically need a lawyer if you want to file an injury claim. In fact, if the accident or your injuries are minor, you probably don’t need to worry about taking legal action at all.
With so many different accidents, injuries, and issues that can come up, it’s smart to have a lawyer, especially if your injuries are serious. When you file an injury claim, our team at Maison Law will help by:
- Investigating the accident – We’ll find out what caused the accident and who’s at fault.
- Gathering evidence – We’ll collect medical records, witness statements, and accident reports to support your case.
- Interviewing witnesses and experts – We’ll speak with witnesses and experts to strengthen your claim.
- Handling communications – We’ll manage all discussions with insurance companies and lawyers to protect your rights.
- Getting you a fair result – We aim to get you a fair settlement based on your injuries and losses.
You don’t have to hire a lawyer, but doing it alone can make things harder and might mean you don’t get everything you need in your claim. That’s where our team steps in, making sure you have the right support and guidance.
What Legal Options Do You Have After an Accident?
In California, you have certain options when you’re hurt in an accident, so long as it was caused by someone else’s “negligence.” This refers to someone’s legal responsibility to act in a way that keeps you safe. When they fail in this duty, they’re considered negligent. Negligence is the legal standard for establishing liability for the accident, and makes them responsible for having to pay for your damages.
Thus, filing an injury claim is the main option you have to recover these damages. You can do this through:
- An insurance claim
- A personal injury lawsuit
The damages you can claim will depend on your specific situation, but here are some common types of damages available to injury victims in California:
- Medical expenses – These cover the costs of medical treatment, such as hospital bills, surgery, medication, rehab, and ongoing therapy.
- Lost wages – This covers financial support for income you lose due to your inability to work because of the injury.
- Pain and suffering – These damages provide financial support for physical pain and mental anguish from the accident and your injuries. You can get separate damages for “emotional distress” that cover any psychological or emotional damage, like anxiety, stress, or PTSD.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – These damages cover the impact on your quality of life and personal relationships.
- Property damage – If your personal property was damaged in the incident, these damages provide financial support for repairs or replacement of your property.
In California, you must file your claim within two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to file a claim or recover damages. But once your claim is filed on time, it’s up to you to prove your claim.
How Do You Present a Strong Injury Claim?
When you decide to file an injury claim, you don’t just automatically get your damages. Rather, part of the process is actually presenting your case. And the more information and evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be. This is another area where having our lawyers can really help. With our experience and resources, we can make sure your claim remains strong throughout the process. But it’s also important to approach things in the right way immediately after the accident by staying calm and doing the following:
- Assess any injuries – Your health comes first. Check yourself for injuries, and it’s a good idea to call an ambulance for medical care at the scene.
- Move to safety – If you can, move away from any danger. But if moving could make injuries worse, stay put until help arrives.
- Get medical attention – Seek medical attention as soon as possible, both at the scene and at a hospital or urgent care. Quick medical help can treat immediate injuries and prevent future problems.
- Report the accident – Notify the appropriate authorities, like calling the police or telling a store manager or your employer, depending on the situation.
- Collect details – Gather important information from others involved. Note the location, time, vehicle or product details, and other relevant facts.
- Preserve evidence – Don’t repair or replace damaged items right away. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, injuries, and any possible causes.
- Follow treatment plans – Stick to your healthcare provider’s advice and attend all appointments. Skipping treatment can harm your health and affect your claim.
Every accident is different, so not all steps may apply. By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your potential claim. It’s also important to contact our personal injury lawyers for help and advice.
Contact Maison Law With Questions About Your Legal Options in California
You never want to find yourself in a situation where you get hurt, but this is unfortunately common in California. While this gives you certain legal options, a big part of your case is the representation you have–even though it’s not required. At Maison Law, our California personal injury lawyers will be there to support you and help you through the process so you can focus on getting better. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
