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After an accident, it is hard to know what you should do next. That is why we focus so much of our practice on helping personal injury victims. After a crash, you should be able to focus on healing—not on dealing with insurance companies and claims adjusters. If you are not sure whether a personal injury lawsuit is right for you, check out what our Murrieta personal injury lawyers have to say about these personal injury faqs.

Personal Injury FAQs

  1. What is personal injury?
  2. How do I know if I have a case?
  3. What is my case worth?
  4. I am worried about my budget after an accident—how much is a consultation?
  5. What should I look for when choosing a personal injury attorney?
  6. I am nervous about going to court—what is the process like?
  7. Should I talk to the other person’s insurance company?
  8. How long will my case take?

Personal Injury Questions and Answers

1. What is personal injury?

Personal injury involves cases in which an individual suffers an injury due to someone else’s negligence. This is a large area of law that encompasses car accidents, dog bites, nursing home abuse, sexual assault, fatal crashes, and more.

2. How do I know if I have a case?

You will need to speak with Murrieta personal injury lawyers to find out if you have a case. While the facts of the case may seem black-and-white to you, situations are often more complicated than they seem. For example, if you have some responsibility in the accident, you may have a weaker case or no case at all. Discussing the case with a lawyer is the only way to know if it is worth your time to retain an attorney.

3. What is my case worth?

This is perhaps the most common question we get from accident victims. Unfortunately, there is no way to answer it without getting the full details of the accident and beginning the negotiating process. Many issues can factor into evaluating your case including:

  • the severity of your injuries,
  • your recovery time,
  • whether or not you are able to work, and
  • how easy it is to prove the other party’s negligence.

The other party’s insurance company and how flexible it is during negotiations can also affect these factors.

4. I am worried about my budget after an accident—how much is a consultation?

We offer free case evaluations to people who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence or malice. We understand the enormous financial pressure that follows an accident and we want you to explore your options without worrying about the cost.

5. What should I look for when choosing a personal injury attorney?

Choosing the right attorney for your personal injury case can have a significant impact on the case’s outcome. We recommend considering a number of factors when hiring a personal injury lawyer.

Find an attorney with experience in your specific type of personal injury case. It is likely that they know the nuances of your type of injury and can use that knowledge to negotiate with the insurance company. Experience is another consideration. An attorney with a long history in personal injury or insurance defense has worked on both sides of these cases, so they can bring valuable insights to your claim.

You can also ask how much experience an attorney has in the medical side of personal injury law. A full understanding of your injuries means an attorney can use that knowledge to get a better settlement for clients.

6. I am nervous about going to court—what is the process like?

Most personal injury cases never make it to court, so it is likely that you will not even see the inside of a courtroom during your personal injury case. In most cases, insurance companies settle before you reach the courtroom. Even if the insurance company is not willing to negotiate initially, both parties can settle at any point, even as they prepare for court. If yours is one of the few cases that does reach the courtroom, rest assured that we will fully prepare you for the process.

7. Should I talk to the other person’s insurance company?

Do not speak to the other person’s insurance company. Remember that the adjuster for the insurance company has one goal: to minimize their company’s losses and prevent a lawsuit. They will offer as little money as possible to make that happen. They can use anything you tell them as ammunition to weaken your case and lower your settlement offer. Many people accidentally ruin their case by being too open with a “friendly” claims adjuster. Let all communication go through your attorney.

8. How long will my case take?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends largely on how complicated your case is, how much the insurance company is willing to negotiate, and how much money is at stake. We strive to settle the case as quickly as possible without sacrificing your settlement amount.

Find Out How We Can Help You

Attorney Steven Gnau helps the injured get the compensation they deserve. If you are ready to find out what your case is worth, schedule your free case evaluation by calling us at 951-370-1111.