Riverside Personal Injury Attorney

Riverside Personal Injury Attorneys

Riverside Personal Injury Lawyer

 

Personal injuries can leave victims with physical, emotional, and financial damage that could last a lifetime. When an injury is sustained from another person’s negligent behavior, the victim usually ends up having to suffer the consequences and foot the bill. At Setareh Law, our Riverside personal injury lawyers will find this unacceptable. We are committed to seeking justice for personal injury victims in Riverside, California, and have done so for over 13 years.

What is Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury law is a specialized area of law that focuses on cases where individuals suffer harm due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. This branch of law aims to provide compensation to victims for their losses and hold the responsible party accountable. In Riverside, California, personal injury law encompasses a wide range of cases, including car accidents, slip and fall incidents, product liability, and wrongful death. By seeking justice through personal injury law, victims can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

 

Types of Personal Injuries We Defend in Riverside, California

After being injured, seeking medical attention should always be the first step regardless of whether you believe you were seriously hurt. Injuries are not always easily detected at first; some can lie dormant for days or weeks after an accident. A medical professional should be able to identify any underlying problems that could arise in the future, so always make sure to receive a medical evaluation before pursuing a claim.

Here at Setareh Law, we represent people who were injured in a variety of negligent acts, including:

We handle each case differently because every accident is unique, and we believe all of our clients deserve a personalized approach for their case.

 

Your Rights as a Personal Injury Victim

As a personal injury victim in Riverside, California, you have several important rights designed to protect your interests and ensure you receive fair compensation. You have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party to seek damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Additionally, you have the right to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and guide you through the legal process. Furthermore, you are entitled to a fair trial, where your case can be heard by a judge or jury, ensuring that justice is served.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Riverside Personal Injury Case

 

Navigating a personal injury claim can be challenging, and making mistakes can jeopardize your chances of receiving fair compensation. While these complex cases may seem overwhelming, you do not have to go through the process of filing your personal injury claim on your own. 

 

At Setareh Law, our Riverside personal injury lawyers will guide you through each step of the claims process as you navigate your pursuit to justice. In addition to helping you file your personal injury claim, our team of trusted attorneys will also help you avoid some of the common mistakes individuals make when going through the legal process.

 

Most personal injury cases revolve around specific legal principles such as the statute of limitations and the necessity of proving negligence. Understanding these principles, including the two-year deadline for filing lawsuits, is crucial for successfully pursuing a personal injury claim. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when filing your Riverside personal injury claim:

 

Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

 

Delaying medical treatment can not only harm your overall health but may also weaken your claim. Without the evidence that comes with seeking medical care, like medical bills or doctor’s notes, the insurance providers may try to discredit your claim and dismiss it altogether. Ensure you get a thorough medical evaluation immediately after the accident to secure this key evidence for your claim and to make sure you are given the proper care you need to recover.

 

Not Following Medical Advice

 

As much as you may be anxious to get back to your regular life before the accident, ignoring your doctor’s recommendations or failing to attend follow-up appointments can be used against you by insurance companies to argue that your injuries are not severe. It is crucial you follow the medical advice and instructions, not only to ensure you are able to fully recover from your injuries, but also to help with the success of your personal injury claim.

 

Providing Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies

 

Insurance adjusters may ask for recorded statements soon after your personal injury accident. It is best to avoid giving these statements without consulting your attorney, as they can be used to undermine your claim. While you may think that you would never say anything that could discredit your case, these insurance adjusters will look for the smallest detail to prove that your injuries and losses may not have been caused by the accident as an excuse to not give you the fair compensation you are owed.

 

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

 

Insurance companies often make low initial offers to settle claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. You should never accept the first initial offer given to you after filing your personal injury claim. Consult with one of our Riverside personal injury attorneys before accepting any settlement to ensure it covers all the expenses you have incurred as a result of the injuries and losses you have suffered.

 

Posting on Social Media

 

Sharing details about your personal injury accident or injuries on social media can be tempting. However, posting anything related to your Riverside personal injury accident claim is risky. Insurance companies may use your social media posts against you when reviewing your claim and determining the amount you may be awarded in compensation. That is why it is wise to limit your social media activity during your case.

 

For more information about mistakes to avoid and how to ensure you have a successful personal injury case, contact our team of Riverside lawyers today to learn more.

 

What Could a Riverside Personal Injury Attorney Do for Me?

 

After suffering injuries from an accident, victims often end up stressed after realizing they now have a long list of tasks ahead of them. Partnering with an experienced personal injury attorney in Riverside allows victims to take some of the weight off their shoulders and spend more time focusing on healing. Our attorneys bring a wealth of combined legal experience to ensure effective representation for your case.

Anyone who has suffered a severe injury due to an accident should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Our Riverside personal injury lawyers have seen many victims have insurance companies offer minuscule settlements that won’t cover their damages or have their claims denied entirely. Our Riverside personal injury team can help ease any stresses and financial burden you have incurred from your accident by:

  • Acting as a point of contact between all parties
  • Handling all negotiations
  • Investigating the accident
  • Gathering evidence of liability
  • Preparing your case for court
  • Representing your interests in court
  • Communicating updates
  • Answering your legal questions
  • Managing documentation and billing

Whether you are unsure of how you will pay your bills or if you are unable to return to work due to an injury, you deserve to have an experienced legal professional in your corner. Don’t try to hold negligent parties accountable for your damages alone.

Establishing Negligence in a Personal Injury Claim

To successfully establish negligence in a personal injury claim, you must demonstrate that the responsible party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result. Additionally, you must prove that you suffered damages due to the responsible party’s actions. In Riverside, California, personal injury attorneys employ various methods to establish negligence, such as gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts. They may also reference legal precedents and statutes to strengthen your case. By meticulously building a strong case, personal injury attorneys aim to secure the compensation you deserve.

The Importance of Evidence in Personal Injury Claims

 

Gathering and preserving evidence is crucial to building a strong personal injury case. Without the proper evidence to back up your claim, it may be difficult for you to recover the justice and compensation you are owed after suffering harm at the hands of the negligent party. 

 

Some of the reasons evidence matters and what types our team of Riverside personal injury lawyers will collect includes the following: 

 

Accident Scene Documentation

 

Photographs and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries can provide critical evidence to support your Riverside personal injury claim.

 

Witness Statements

 

Statements from witnesses who saw the accident occur can corroborate your account and help establish liability. This type of evidence can be highly valuable to your personal injury claim. One of our experienced lawyers will be able to collect witness statements if applicable for your unique case.

 

Medical Records

 

Comprehensive medical records documenting your injuries, treatments, and prognosis are essential for proving the extent of your damages.

 

Expert Witness Testimony

 

In some cases, expert witness testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or vocational experts may be necessary to support your personal injury claim.

 

It is highly important to begin the process of filing your personal injury claim to preserve evidence and ensure it is easily accessible. Our team of Riverside lawyers can help with each step of the personal injury claims process, including helping you recover all key evidence necessary to help you secure the justice you are owed.

Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in California

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident or injury. This means you have a two-year window to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving minors or injuries that are not immediately apparent. It is crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney in Riverside, California, to determine the specific statute of limitations for your case and ensure that you file your lawsuit within the required timeframe. Acting promptly can help preserve your right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

Losses You May Be Able to Recover from Your Personal Injury in Riverside

 

Receiving compensation for losses you have obtained in an accident may not make your physical or mental pain miraculously disappear. Still, it will help to replace any property damage you may have and relieve your financial concerns. After evaluating your case, your personal injury attorney in Riverside may be able to help you recover compensation for any losses you have obtained due to another person’s negligent behavior, such as:

 

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Funeral costs
  • Lost wages (past and future)
  • Property damage
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical equipment
  • In-home rehabilitation
  • Physical therapy

Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are more interested in saving their employers’ profits than in doing the right thing. Rarely are accident victims offered a fair amount by the insurance companies for their losses without getting an attorney specializing in personal injury cases involved. Do not feel pressured to settle for a lowball offer just because you have bills to pay. Our personal injury attorneys have many years of practice negotiating with insurance agencies and will make sure that your interests always come first.

 

How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?

 

Every personal injury case is unique and requires a thorough understanding of current legislation and strategies to navigate. While it is difficult to provide an exact timeline, we can provide several factors that will significantly alter the duration of your personal injury case:

 

Complexity of the Case

 

Cases with more severe injuries or complicated liability issues may require additional time for investigation, gathering evidence, and expert opinions.

 

Medical Treatment and Recovery

 

Your Riverside personal injury lawyer is responsible for calculating the full and fair medical treatment necessary for your recovery. They will want to reach the maximum medical compensation calculation before attempting to settle the case, as this allows for a more accurate assessment of the long-term impact of the injuries.

 

Insurance Company 

 

If insurance companies are involved, their responsiveness, willingness to negotiate, and their evaluation of the claim can affect the timeline. Some insurance companies may also try and delay the process, leading to a longer resolution time.

 

Negotiations and Legal Proceedings

 

The negotiation process can be challenging depending on the case and may take time as both parties exchange settlement offers and counteroffers. This phase may involve multiple rounds of negotiation before reaching a fair settlement. If your personal injury case continues to litigation, the court’s schedule and backlog of cases can also influence the timeline.

 

In order to have a more specific timeline, our Riverside personal injury lawyers recommend consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. Our team can provide you with a more accurate assessment of the potential timeline based on the specific details of your case.

 

Contingency Fee: What Is It?

 

A contingency fee means that the personal injury attorney’s payment is directly tied to when the client receives compensation through a settlement or a favorable judgment. Here are some key points to understand about contingency fees:

 

  • No Upfront Payment: With a contingency fee arrangement, the client does not pay the personal injury attorney any upfront fees or retainer.
  • Payment Upon Success: If the case is successful and the client receives compensation, the attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of the amount recovered. This percentage is agreed upon in advance and varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case and the stage at which it is resolved.
  • No Fee If No Recovery: If the case is unsuccessful and no compensation is recovered, the client typically does not owe the attorney any legal fees. However, the client may still be responsible for certain case-related expenses, such as court filing fees.
  • Fee Structure and Percentage: The specific percentage for the contingency fee can vary depending on the Riverside personal injury attorney, the type of case, and the jurisdiction.

Contingency fee arrangements allow individuals who may not have the financial means to afford upfront legal fees to pursue their claims. A Riverside injury lawyer can provide accessible legal support to those who have suffered injuries due to another person’s negligence. Another critical factor is that it aligns the attorney’s interest with the client’s goal of obtaining compensation since the attorney’s fee is directly linked to the case outcome. Effective legal representation is crucial in achieving fair compensation and ensuring that clients receive the necessary advocacy throughout their legal journey.

 

Contact Our Riverside Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation

 

If you or someone you know was involved in an accident, you may be dealing with snowballing medical bills, lost wages, and mounting mental distress. At this time, you may benefit from speaking with a specialized Riverside personal injury attorney who can guide you through the personal injury claims process.

 

As a highly accomplished personal injury law firm in Riverside, we are honored to represent victims of accidents all over Riverside and the state of California. Our Riverside personal injury lawyers pride ourselves on our unparalleled client service, so we ensure convenience by being available to our clients around the clock and even offer home, hospital, or nursing home visits.

 

At Setareh Law, we run on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us a fee if our personal injury attorneys in Riverside get you results. We understand the burden of pursuing a legal claim and take great pride in being there for you during your time of need. Call (559) 354-2298 or complete an online contact form today to set up a free evaluation of your case.

 

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