7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU ARE HURT IN CALIFORNIA

Being hurt in California because of a motor vehicle accident, medical malpractice, slip and fall accident, pedestrian accident, bicycle crash, or other personal injury accident, is frustrating, frightening, and overwhelming. You must deal with the emotional and financial damages from being hurt in California in addition to the physical pain and suffering from your injuries. In order to protect your rights to receive compensation from the responsible party, you need to know seven important things about personal injury claims in California.

1. You Must Act Quickly! Time is of the essence! California Statute of Limitations provides strict time limits to file personal injury lawsuits. If you fail to file a lawsuit prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations, you will be barred from pursuing your claim. Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the time limits for filing claims if you are hurt in California.
2. You Must Act Quickly If Suin a Government Agency. Most local, state, and federal agencies require you provide written notice of a claim within a specific period of time. This is much shorter than the statute of limitations. If you fail to provide the required notice, you cannot collection compensation for your injuries.
3. You Have The Right To Legal Counsel. You do not need to deal with insurance companies, their adjusters, and their agents alone. You have the right to have experienced, skilled legal counsel to represent your rights when you are hurt in California.
4. You Have The Right To Receive Compensation for Economic and Non-economic Losses. The insurance company will not tell you that you are entitled to receive compensation for more than your medical bills and lost wages. A personal injury attorney understands how to value your claim by including every amount you are entitled to receive from economic losses (i.e. lost wages and medical bills) to non-economic losses such as loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, and physical pain.
5. You Have The Right To Consult An Attorney Prior To Providing Any Statement To The Insurance Company. The insurance company for the at-fault party will push you to give a recorded or written statement. You do not and should not provide any statement until after you consult with an attorney. Doing so might hurt your claim and lower the amount you receive.
6. You Have The Right To Choose Your Own Doctor. The insurance company for the other driver, property owner, or other at-fault party cannot force you to use their doctor for treatment. You have the right to choose your own medical providers if you have been hurt in California.
7. You Do Not Have To Sign A Release Without Consulting With An Attorney. You do not and should not sign a release without first having an attorney review the release.You may believe you are only releasing one party when you are actually releasing your right to pursue any further compensation from any party.

Have You Been Hurt In California?

If you have been hurt in California, contact Tiemann Law Firm for your free consultation with one of our Sacramento personal injury attorneys.

Call our office at (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule your free case evaluation.