Maison Law represents injury victims in Riverbank. Every day in Riverbank, many people deal with accidents. At Maison Law, our experienced team of California personal injury lawyers can help you recover. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
In California, there’s no law requiring you to hire a lawyer for an injury claim. But going it alone could decrease your chances of getting the full financial support you deserve from the responsible party. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you’re likely dealing with significant medical and financial hurdles. That’s why it’s wise to team up with us at Maison Law.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers have a strong history of success in these cases. Here’s how we can support you:
- Investigating your claim thoroughly, pinpointing all liable parties and compensation sources.
- Collecting and analyzing evidence to bolster your claim effectively.
- Handling all legal correspondence to avoid compromising your case.
- Negotiating with insurance firms to secure the highest settlement possible.
- Preparing your case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
Any accident can be incredibly distressing, both physically and emotionally. We can ease your burden by managing all aspects of your claim, allowing you to concentrate on getting better.
What Are Some of the Common Accidents That Happen in Riverbank?
Riverbank isn’t unlike many other places in California, at least as far as the types of accidents that can commonly happen there. As you might expect, there’s a wide range of potential accidents here. Located in the heart of Stanislaus County, Riverbank has a laid-back feel that’s comfortable for many of its residents. At the same time, it’s helpful to understand how these accidents and injuries can impact your daily life, whether you’re in a car accident on Patterson Road or hurt at work. Here’s a look at some of the more common types of accidents we’ve dealt with:
- Car accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Premises liability accidents (negligent security, drownings, etc.)
- Defective product accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Dog bites
Liability
The starting point of any injury claim is going to mean figuring out who’s legally responsible for the accident and your injuries. In legal terms, this is known as “liability”, and has a lot to do with the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Liability hinges on establishing “negligence,” which involves showing:
- Duty of care, or being careful towards others, like drivers safely operating their vehicles to avoid harming others.
- Breach of duty happens when someone doesn’t meet the expected level of care, such as reckless driving or stores neglecting safety rules.
- Causation involves proving that the other party’s actions directly caused your injuries (cause in fact) or could reasonably be expected to cause harm (proximate cause).
- To prove negligence, you need to show that you’ve been harmed, usually with medical evidence and receipts.
Once negligence is proven, you can decide who to file a claim against, which often includes:
- Other drivers
- Pedestrians or passengers
- Property owners or managers
- Homeowners or landlords
- Product manufacturers
- Local government agencies or the state government
- Employers
In any accident, you’re likely to get hurt, and those injuries could last beyond the initial incident. It’s crucial to understand what you might be up against and how to respond.
Legal Process in a Personal Injury Claim
Every accident is different, but what stays the same is the claims process. There are typically two main paths to resolving a personal injury case: an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. The choice between these routes depends on the specifics of your accident. Here’s what to expect from each:
- Insurance claim – After an accident, insurance companies may get involved, either through your own insurance or by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. An adjuster evaluates your case and negotiates a settlement. While settling out of court can be quicker and cheaper, it might not cover all your damages, and the insurer makes the final decision.
- Lawsuit – Choosing to sue means going to court, which takes more time and resources. Litigation offers the potential for higher financial rewards but requires more active participation. Our team can assist you with filing paperwork, preparing for court, negotiating, and, if needed, representing you at trial.
With every case, there’s no guarantee of a positive outcome. However, working with our experienced team ensures you have the best chance of getting what you’re owed from the liable party. In legal terms, these are known as “damages.” They depend heavily on your particular injuries and other losses, but if you’re claim is successful, you can recover things like:
- Medical expenses and hospital bills
- Lost earnings
- Repair/replacement costs for property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life and companionship
- Punitive damages, in specific situations
- Wrongful death expenses
Additionally, it’s crucial to file within the statute of limitations, which in California is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could mean missing out on your chance to recover damages.
The overall amount you recover depends on factors like the circumstances of your accident, your percentage of fault, and the skills and experience of our team. So, it’s important to know what to do after the accident to keep your claim strong.
How Can You Strengthen Your Personal Injury Claim?
As an injury victim, it’s up to you to show the extent of your damages. But more importantly, your safety should take top priority. Your legal options are important, but not as important as your health. So, when you find yourself involved in an accident, make sure to take the following steps to strengthen your claim:
- Keep calm – Feeling overwhelmed is common, but it’s important to maintain composure. Take a few deep breaths and remain calm before reacting.
- Evaluate the situation – Check yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries. If there are serious injuries, call an ambulance immediately.
- Move to a safe area – If it’s safe, move away from any further danger. However, if moving could exacerbate injuries, remain where you are until help arrives.
- Get medical attention – It’s vitally important to get medical attention as soon as possible, ideally at the scene and following up at a hospital or urgent care. Prompt medical attention can address immediate injuries and prevent further complications.
- Report the incident – Regardless of the type of accident, report it to the people in charge. This could mean calling the police, 911, or telling a store manager or your employer. At that point, they will need to respond.
- Collect information – Depending on the circumstances, gather relevant details from other parties involved. Record information such as the accident’s location, time, vehicle details, product information, and any other pertinent details.
- Preserve the evidence – Don’t repair or replace damaged personal belongings, at least not right away. Additionally, document the accident scene, including visible injuries and potential causes, through photographs or videos.
- Follow your treatment plans – Follow the guidance provided by healthcare professionals and attend all scheduled appointments. Neglecting treatment may jeopardize your health and affect potential claims.
Remember, every accident is unique, and not all steps may be applicable or even possible in your predicament. Nonetheless, by following these tips, you can protect your well-being and potential claim. Another key step is reaching out to our personal injury lawyers for support and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most common personal injury case in Riverbank?
This will probably be a car accident. While not as crowded as other areas of California, Riverbank has its fair share of drivers on the road. According to the CHP’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), there have been an average of 54.4 car accidents per year over the last 10 years.
Can I still file an injury claim if I’m at-fault?
Yes, but California operates under a “comparative negligence” system, meaning that any percentage of fault you share in the accident will reduce your potential damages by the same percentage.
How much is my claim worth?
This depends on the circumstances. Every case is different, so every outcome is different. Generally, though, the more injured you are, the more damages you can potentially recover.
Contact Maison Law For a Free Consultation
When you’re hurt in an accident in Riverbank, it can be difficult to know what to do next. At Maison Law, we’ll be there to guide and support your claim. You can rely on our experience to protect your legal rights and get you the financial support you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
