Fresno Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions
The attorneys at the Law Office of Rick Berman & Eric Schweitzer offer the following answers to some frequently asked questions about personal injuries in Fresno:
- What does my claim cover?
- How long do i have to file a legal claim of personal injury in Fresno?
- Should I provide a statement to an insurance company without the guidance of an experienced lawyer?
- Will I have to go to trial to recover damages for my Fresno personal injury?
- What is pain and suffering?
- Is there a minimum or maximum amount that can be recovered for Fresno personal injuries in a personal injury settlement?
- How do I figure out who is at fault?
What does my claim cover?
Under California law, the person who caused your Fresno injury is responsible for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Time lost from work, including time spent going to medical appointments or therapy
- Any property that was damaged, such as your vehicle
- The cost of hiring someone to do household chores when you couldn't
- Any permanent disfigurement or disability
- Your emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and any interference with your family relationships
How long do I have to file a legal claim for personal injury in Fresno?
In California, you only have two years to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your injury in Fresno. If your lawyer has not come to an agreement with the involved insurance companies, you should file a lawsuit before the two-year statute of limitations for Fresno personal injuries runs out.
Should I provide a statement to an insurance company without the guidance of an experienced lawyer?
It is in your best interests to only provide your contact information to an insurance company until you consult with a lawyer. The more significant your injuries, the more important it is to seek legal counsel before providing any statement.
Will I have to go to trial to recover damages for my Fresno personal injury?
Probably not. About 95 percent of personal injury cases filed settle prior to trial.
What is pain and suffering?
Pain and suffering includes harm caused by physical injury as well as mental anguish experienced through avoiding activities you engaged in prior to your accident.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount that can be recovered for Fresno personal injuries in a personal injury settlement?
No.
How do I figure out who is at fault?
In most cases, in order to collect for Fresno injuries, you must prove the person who caused the injury was "negligent" - careless and neglectful.
