Common Questions Regarding Personal Injury Claims
Recovering from an injury after an accident can be stressful and frustrating. You may find yourself with more questions than answers. At The Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, we receive many questions from clients regarding all aspects of personal injury cases. Below are some questions you may have about your case, along with their answers.
Do I really need a lawyer?
Sometimes accident victims don’t think they need a lawyer to make their claim because the insurance company is already offering them money. Don’t be fooled, however. These offers are often the least amount the insurance company thinks they can get away with offering. Without a lawyer to review your case and any settlement offers, insurance companies do not have much reason to make a serious offer for the damages you deserve. Hiring a lawyer tells them that you mean to collect what your claim is worth.
What if the other person didn’t have insurance?
If the person who caused your accident did not carry insurance or did not carry enough insurance to cover your injuries, you may be able to make a claim against your own insurance coverage. In order to do so, however, you must have uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage (UMC/UIM). California insurers must offer this coverage, but drivers are not required to purchase it.
Do I need to see a doctor?
Anytime you have a serious accident, such as a car crash, a slip-and-fall on someone’s property or you were injured by a defective product, you should have a doctor examine you, and the sooner the better. Some injuries are not apparent right away, but develop over a few hours or even a few days. Even serious injuries, such as those to the spine, are not always obvious immediately after an accident. In addition, if you do not have a doctor document your injuries right away, the insurance company may try to use that to deny your claim.
What if I can’t work?
Lost wages are part of the damages you can collect in a personal injury claim in California.
How long do I have to bring my claim?
For most accident cases in California, you will have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. In certain cases, you may have even less time. We encourage people to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney right away to find out how best to proceed with their case.
If You Still Have Questions, Call Us
Our lead attorney, Dale R. Gomes, has over 20 years of experience and has tried over 90 jury trials in California. He has the answers you need to your questions. Call today to schedule a consultation. You can reach the Sacramento office at 916-706-1351 or the Placerville office at 530-497-5921. You can also send a message online.