Have you suffered an injury due to another personās negligence? If you have, you may have a personal injury case. Remember, a personal injury is an all-inclusive term for any kind of injury or accident based on negligence. For example, the most common types of personal injury accidents in Apple Valley, California include motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, car accidents, bicycle accidents, dog bites, slip and fall, and many others.
A personal injury case demands legal knowledge, skill, and negotiation power. This is where our law offices near Apple Valley come in. At the Crockett Law Group, we value our clients and understand the need to seek compensation. We offer free case evaluation and consultation services. To book your free case evaluation session, contact an Apple Valley personal injury lawyer at the Crockett Law Group by dialing (888) 965-3827.
What Should I Do After an Injury?
The actions you take after an accident can either make or break your civil compensation claim. You can be your best advocate. For you to maximize your settlement, follow the following steps after an injury:
Get Immediate Medical Attention
After the accident, seek immediate medical attention. Remember, your life is the most important asset you can ever have. Do not forget to keep all medical records as they will be used to calculate your compensation value.
Take Photos and Videos
If possible, take photos of the accident and the injuries you have sustained. Do not forget to take photos of other important things related to the injury or accident. For example, in a car accident, do not forget to take photos of the skid marks, traffic signs, etc.
Collect the Name and Number of Any Witnesses
Witnesses play a vital role in a civil case. A witness will help you build a case, especially in California where we follow comparative negligence law.
Report the Incident to the Relevant Authority
If it is a car, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle accident, call the San Bernadino County Sheriff’s Apple Valley Station. If it is a slip and fall accident, contact the building owner or caretaker.
Never Admit Fault
You must never admit fault. Hereās why: if you admit fault, you will not be eligible to get a settlement. As such, do not sign anything or talk to anyone about the incident but your personal injury lawyer.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
After an injury, contact our personal injury lawyer immediately. At the Crockett Law Group, we will handle the rest.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
There are many benefits to having a lawyer by your side during a personal injury case. Remember, we have been studying the law and the process for years. As such, we know and understand the legal procedures that may be unfamiliar to you. An experienced lawyer will help in:
Case Preparation and Filing a Lawsuit
Preparing a civil case is not easy. That is because specific legal qualifications must be met. Furthermore, one must have all the necessary documents. Letās not forget the legal system is complex and difficult for people to understand. That is why we lawyers help clients prepare and file a lawsuit.
Settlement Negotiation
The truth is that a majority of personal injury cases are solved out of court through negotiations. As such, you will need someone who has negotiation skills by your side and understands your legal rights.
Trial Preparation and Representation
Not all personal injury cases are solved through negotiation. Some find themselves going ahead to a civil court. When this arises, you will need someone who will prepare for a trial and represent you in court.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover?
Damages are divided into 3 types. These are:
Economic Damages
These are types of damages that cover compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and more. These types of damages can be quantified by showing proof of the loss.
Non-Economic Damages
These are types of damages that cover compensation for pain, suffering, mental stress, loss of consortium, and more. These types of damages cannot be quantified.
Punitive Damages
This type of damage is only intended to punish the at-fault party if they acted with malice or serious recklessness. Drunk driving cases are an example.
How Is Liability Determined in California?
It is important to understand that California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means an injured person is legally allowed to collect a settlement even if they were found to be 99% at fault for the accident. However, the compensation you will receive will reduce based on the percentage you were found to be at fault.
However, to receive the compensation, there are 4 elements or legal obligations that must be met. They are:
Duty of Care
You must prove that the other party owed you a legal obligation. For example, for a slip and fall accident, you must show the other party had the obligation to place a Warning Sign āwet floorā.
Breach of Duty of Care
You must prove that the other party failed to observe or breached the duty of care. For example, using the slip and fall accident; you must show the other party failed to place a warning sign.
Causation
You must link the breach of duty of care or failure to exercise reasonable care to the damage. For example, using the slip and fall accident; the failure to place a warning sign, led to your slip and fall accident.
Damage
Finally, you must prove or show all the damages you have sustained from the accident. For example, your lawyer may use medical records and bills for the broken arm, head injury, and any other injury from the slip and fall accident mentioned.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in California?
This is known as the statute of limitation. California state has a 2-year statute of limitation that begins from the date of the accident or injury. However, there are a few exceptions. You have a 6-month statute of limitation if your case is against any government entity. This is why you should contact our personal injury lawyers immediately after the accident or injury.
Personal Injury Claim Process
Different kinds of personal injury cases demand different processes, although all of them are civil cases. This is the reason we are offering free case evaluation and consultation. During the consultation session, we will be in a position to accurately describe the process your personal injury claim will follow. Book your free case evaluation session today with our Apple valley, California personal injury lawyer.
How Much Will an Apple Valley Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
At the Crockett Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid until we win you the case. Therefore, we will never ask you for an hourly rate or a retainer fee.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle at the Crockett Law Group
At the Crockett Law Group, we provide skilled representation in the following types of cases:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases. Some of the leading causes of car accidents are carelessness, failure to follow traffic rules, speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Motorcycle Accidents
In the U.S., motorcycles accounted for 3% of all registered vehicles. However, motorcyclists made up 14% of all traffic deaths. This is according to a 2019 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Call the Crockett Law Group if you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident.
Bicycle Accidents
In 2019, more than 800 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Injured cyclists and families who lost a loved one need a skilled bicycle accident lawyer, and that’s where the Crockett Law Group can help.
Truck Accidents
There is no doubt that trucks help build a strong economy as they ferry goods in bulk to different locations. However, a majority of truck accidents are attributed to driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, the overloading or incorrect loadings of trucks, poor maintenance, and inadequate driver training. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian Accidents
Over 5,000 pedestrians are killed every year in the U.S., according to the Motor Vehicle Safety report. The report shows that speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, driving too fast in bad conditions, and failure to obey traffic rules are the leading cause of pedestrian accidents.
Uber Accidents
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have seen impressive business success. Such large companies have highly skilled legal teams. Victims of an Uber accident can get a large settlement only if the claim is handled correctly.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can arise from bumps, blows, or jolts to the head. This type of injury is commonly seen in auto accidents and can also happen when an object penetrates the skull. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a brain injury, our lawyers can make sure that the at-fault parties are held responsible.
Slips and Falls
Slip and fall personal injury cases are also common. When a person slips and falls in a public or private building due to carelessness by the property owner or manager, they are entitled to receive compensation.
Dog Bites
California follows strict liability rules when it comes to dog bites. This means that pet owners are held responsible for the injuries in the majority of cases. Our legal team will fight to make sure you receive everything you’re entitled to.
Burn Injuries
A burn is a type of injury that affects the skin and even underlying tissues. Burn injuries can come from heat, radiation, friction, electricity, and toxic chemical exposure. It’s important to have a lawyer review your case if someone’s actions led to your injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries
This is a type of injury that damages the spinal cord or spinal canal nerves. It can cause permanent paralysis and loss of function. A majority of spinal cord injuries come from vehicle-related accidents and slip and fall accidents.
Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that will affect a personās life, or they will be unable to return to their normal life after the accident. This type of personal injury comes with a very high settlement amount.
Wrongful Death
This type of civil case is brought forward when someone is killed due to another personās negligence. According to research, a majority of wrongful death cases involve motor vehicle accidents. Families can also file a lawsuit if a loved one dies from medical malpractice, nursing home abuse or neglect, or a violent crime.
Call an Apple Valley Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
For a legal consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer, contact the Crockett Law Group today. We offer personalized service because we understand that all cases are different. Contact an Apple Valley personal injury lawyer to know more about how we can help you maximize the compensation. Book your free consultation session by dialing (888) 965-3827.