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Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer If My Accident Was a Year Ago?

After getting injured in a California accident, it’s important to take action promptly. This means seeking medical help to understand the extent of your injuries and receiving proper care. But there are other things to think about when deciding what steps to take next.

In California, you have the right to seek compensation by filing a claim against the person or entity responsible for the accident. However, there are specific rules and time limits that must be followed to file the claim correctly.

To navigate the process and understand what needs to be done, it’s wise to seek help from experienced personal injury lawyers. They can provide guidance and support to ensure you take the right actions and meet the necessary requirements. This includes the deadline that’s in place to actually file your claim.

Don’t Hesitate – Contact Maison Law Today

At Maison Law, our experienced personal injury lawyers in California prioritize client satisfaction by ensuring that we address your injuries and damages effectively. With our years of experience, we have helped numerous clients with their claims. We can provide guidance regarding your legal rights and the most suitable approach for your case.

If you’ve been injured, don’t hesitate. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about our process and how we can assist you.

California Law and Personal Injury Claims

In California, Personal injury cases encompass a wide range of situations where harm occurs due to someone else’s negligence. Accidents  and other types of incidents can result in various types of injuries, especially in the following types:

  • Car accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Boating accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Wrongful death
  • Nursing home abuse

Just like in other states, California has specific rules that must be followed when pursuing a personal injury claim. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can be crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. However, one of the rules that’s important to understand involves the timeframe in which you can legally file a claim

Statute of Limitations

Every personal injury claim in California has a “statute of limitations.” This is the time period within which you can legally file a claim. Per California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have:

  • Two years from the date of the accident to take legal action for injuries resulting from an accident.

Common Injuries in California Accidents

Every accident in California is different, meaning no two incidents result in the same injury or damage to the victim. Still, certain types of accidents–such as rear-end car accidents, for example–typically cause similar injuries across incidents. Thus, the type of injury that you suffer depends heavily on the type of accident, as well as other circumstances. Some of the more common types of injuries in California accidents include:

  • Broken bones
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Whiplash
  • Sprains and strains
  • Back and spinal injuries
  • Head injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Psychological trauma

In accidents in California, people can experience different types of injuries. It’s crucial to get medical help and talk to legal experts to know your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. This will give you a much better idea of what to expect.

Should You Hire a Lawyer If Your Accident Was a Year Ago?

Some people mistakenly believe they can file a claim whenever they feel ready, especially if they were not at fault. However, this can be a costly mistake. Waiting too long means your lawyer–and your claim, by extension–could be working at a disadvantage. Aside from the statute of limitations, there are several reasons why you should consider hiring a lawyer if your accident occurred a year or more ago:

  • Evidence and documentation – Your case’s strength relies on evidence and documentation. As time goes by, important evidence like accident reports, witness statements, or photographs may become harder to get or lose their value. However, an experienced lawyer can review the evidence you have and determine if it’s enough to support your case.
  • Damages and other compensation – It’s important to assess the extent of your damages and the potential compensation you could receive. A lawyer can help you understand the value of your claim by considering factors like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term effects of the accident. These can fade over time, however, as your injuries and damage heal.
  • Negotiations and settlements – If you choose to pursue a legal claim, a lawyer can help negotiate with insurance companies or the responsible party’s legal team. They will aim to secure a fair settlement on your behalf. As time passes, the responsible party’s representatives may question the lag in time between the incident and filing a claim.

Overall, it’s extremely important to not only act quickly after you’ve been injured but to work with an experienced team of California personal injury lawyers. Our team can guide you through the claims process and make sure your claim remains as strong as possible so you get the compensation you deserve.

Damages Available in a California Personal Injury Claim

When you file a personal injury claim in California, you are seeking compensation for the significant injuries you have sustained, which often require medical treatment and cause emotional distress. These compensatory damages aim to reimburse you for what you have lost as a result of the accident or injury. Here are some common damages that can be recovered in a personal injury claim:

  • Medical expenses – You can seek compensation for the costs of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
  • Loss of income – If the injury has caused you to miss work or has affected your earning capacity, you may be eligible to recover the wages or income you have lost and any future earning potential that has been impacted.
  • Property loss – If your personal property was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you can seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
  • Pain and suffering – This includes physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the injury. It aims to compensate you for the non-financial impact of the accident on your quality of life.
  • Emotional distress – In addition to pain and suffering, you may be entitled to damages for psychological or emotional trauma resulting from the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Loss of enjoyment – If the injury has affected your ability to engage in activities or hobbies you previously enjoyed, you can seek compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Loss of companionship – If the injury has impacted your relationship with your spouse or family members, resulting in a loss of companionship, love, or support, you may be eligible for damages.

The amount you can recover will depend on the skills and experience of your lawyer, as they will work to build a strong case and negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your damages. At Maison Law, our team of experienced California personal injury lawyers takes pride in our ability to get the best possible result for our clients.

With that said, it’s important for you to act quickly so we can make sure to meet all the legal requirements of a personal injury case. Also, it will allow us to more effectively represent you and your claim.

Experienced Legal Support From California Personal Injury Lawyers

At Maison Law, our team of experienced California personal injury lawyers can provide you with the legal support and guidance you deserve. It’s not only important to act quickly to restore your physical health, but it’s also important to protect your legal rights. When you’ve been hurt, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.