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Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
meeting with personal injury lawyerAn injury caused by another’s negligence may entitle you to compensation for your losses and medical expenses. However, it may be difficult to recover the damages you deserve if an insurance company or the at-fault party does not cooperate. While an experienced personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can help ensure your claim is treated fairly, you probably have questions about hiring an attorney. The dedicated legal team at the Arnold Law Firm has created this list of questions we frequently hear from potential clients.

What Can a Personal Injury Attorney Do for Me?

Personal injury claims can be complicated and often involve several parties beyond the person who caused your injury. These parties can include insurance companies and attorneys who will work to discredit your claim to lower its value or have it denied altogether. An experienced attorney can be an invaluable with helping you recover the compensation you deserve, by:
  • Negotiating with insurance companies and attorneys to ensure you receive a fair offer or settlement for your claim
  • Constructing a valid case by investigating the cause of your injury and the at-fault party’s actions
  • Communicating directly with all insurers and attorneys involved to ensure your claim is accurately represented
  • Accurately estimating the value of your claim by assessing the suffering and losses you have endured
Our team of committed attorneys are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injury. We will always place your best interests ahead of every decision we make and will advise you on the legal course your claim should follow.

When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

If your injury claim is being disputed by an insurer, or you feel you are not being adequately compensated for your injury, consult with an attorney. In cases of significant injury, seek legal counsel as soon as possible after the accident that caused your injury. Prompt securing of evidence and communications with liable parties can be critical to your case. If you require medical treatment or have been placed under an extended hospital stay, your recovery is paramount. An experienced law firm can handle case logistics to help you focus on getting better. Consulting with an attorney will give you a clear understanding of the losses you suffered, as well as any wages you may have lost from not being able to work. Our attorneys will be able to use this information to assess your claim and provide you with an accurate estimation of its true value. Also, California imposes a statute of limitations for personal injury victims to bring a claim against the at-fault party. If you fail to file your claim within the correct timeframe, you lose the right to pursue compensation. For this reason, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to properly file your claim.

What is My Claim Worth?

The value of a personal injury claim is determined by the circumstances surrounding your injury and loss you experienced as a result of the accident. Our personal injury attorneys will review the following financial losses you suffered during our initial consultation:
  • Medical expenses
  • Property damage (if applicable)
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
If we have an opportunity to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party or insurer, you may be able to recover additional damages such as:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment
  • Loss of consortium
  • Punitive damages
California uses the standard of comparative negligence when determining the damages you can be awarded through a personal injury claim. If you are found to be partially at fault for causing your own injury, your claim may be reduced by the level of negligence assigned to you by the court.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

An important decision when hiring an attorney to represent your claim is the cost. At the Arnold Law Firm, we believe our clients deserve justice regardless of financial status and should be able to focus on recovering from injury. For this reason, our dedicated attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means our services are provided without charging you up front for legal fees. We collect a minority percentage of the damages you are awarded only after we successfully resolve your case.

Contact Our Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers Today

The Arnold Law Firm’s personal injury attorneys are committed to our clients and are ready to hear your claim during a free, no-obligation consultation. We are committed to serving our clients’ best interests and dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form to get started today.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.