Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
Every 60 seconds, at least 13 car accidents take place in the US. The outcome of these accidents can range from minor inconveniences to serious injury. Although the general understanding is that the insurance company can account for losses suffered in a personal injury accident, full reimbursement is not always recovered.
If you’ve recently been injured in a personal injury accident in Kerns County, hiring a local Bakersfield personal injury attorney will prove to be greatly beneficial. Here are some tips on finding the best legal representation in your area.
What Is Personal Injury Law?
Covering a broad area of tort law, personal injury encompasses any incident where someone suffers physical injuries due to someone else’s negligence, such as various motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, or other personal injury matters.
If it can be proven that the accident was a result of negligence, the victim can be compensated with financial recovery. In order to recover compensation, a personal injury claim must be filed within the state’s statute of limitations. In Bakersfield, CA, the length of time someone can file a claim is typically two years from the date of injury.
Because personal injury law is a complex system, victims have the option to work with personal injury attorneys who can manage their cases, negotiate with the insurance company, and handle other legal matters. When searching for the right personal injury attorney for your case, consider the following.
Read Reviews About Local Bakersfield Personal Injury Lawyers
California is one of the most populated states in the country, which means that there are tons of attorneys who can work on a personal injury case. To narrow down options, begin with online research and filter the search based on location.
Search for phrases like “Bakersfield personal injury lawyer” or “personal injury law firm in Bakersfield, CA.” This type of search can produce Google reviews, as well as legal review sites, like Avvo, FindLaw.com, Martindale-Hubbell, and more.
Reading reviews from other personal injury clients allows users to explore cases similar to theirs and determine which Bakersfield personal injury lawyer is best suited for their case. After reading some reviews, make a list of the top candidates.
Ask if the Law Firm Specializes in California Personal Injury Law
Some law firms offer a wide range of services so they can attract more clients. While some of these lawyers may be qualified to an extent, this doesn’t mean that they are the best fit for most personal injury cases.
The goal is to find a personal injury attorney who specializes in cases similar to yours. This should not be disregarded, as the personal injury claims process greatly differs depending on the types of cases.
For instance, the process for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is not the same as filing a workers’ compensation claim. Both involve varying parties, legal teams, and filing dates. Treating them interchangeably can result in the claim being denied.
Therefore, ask each personal injury attorney you meet with about their previous cases and outcomes.
Confirm with Bakersfield Personal Injury Attorneys What Can Be Compensated
Successful personal injury claims can compensate victims for economic damages and/or non-economic damages. Personal injury attorneys can explain these losses in detail, but a general overview consists of the following.
Economic Damages
These are tangible losses with a financial cost. Essentially, these are losses that were billed or associated with any costs related to treating personal injuries. Examples are:
- Lost wages
- Current medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
While these types of damages do not hold a monetary value, they still qualify for financial recovery. Examples are:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Loss of companionship
Compare Payment Options for Handling a Personal Injury Case
The four common types of payment plans that a Bakersfield personal injury attorney may offer are hourly rates, contingency fees, retainers, and flat rates. The most appropriate fee structure will vary from client to client. Examples of each include:
- Hourly rates accumulate based on the time spent working on personal injury cases.
- A contingency agreement is structured on the basis that the personal injury attorney can only be paid if the case is won.
- A retainer is paid to the personal injury lawyer upfront and used to cover time, expenses, and filing fees.
- The flat rate is established upfront and can be used for building the personal injury claim, including filing fees, depositions, and trial preparation.
Meet with the Top Bakersfield Personal Injury Lawyers
With so many Bakersfield personal injury lawyers to choose from in Kern County, it is vital for individuals to ensure they are investing in experience. An attorney should be able to provide highly personalized care and guide clients through the personal injury claims process. In order to determine which attorney is the best fit, schedule a consultation with each prospect and inquire about the following topics.
Ask How the Firm Can Help with the Personal Injury Case
From the initial consultation to negotiating with the insurance company, a Bakersfield personal injury lawyer must provide quality representation in order to obtain the best outcome.
Therefore, be sure to ask for specifics on how that personal injury lawyer intends to produce a case win. Who will file the personal injury lawsuit? Will the personal injury case have to go to court? What evidence needs to be provided? All of these factors will affect a case’s outcome.
Clarify What Areas of Personal Injury Law the Firm Specializes In
Personal injury cases can involve car accidents, truck, accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, workplace accidents, or other accidents that caused personal injuries or wrongful death.
Because the subject is so broad, it’s important to ensure the selected personal injury attorney has not just worked on similar cases but has recovered compensation for them, as well.
Ensure There Is a Clear Understanding of the Personal Injury Claim Process
Experienced personal injury attorneys will advocate for a client’s best interest, and sometimes, that can mean investing more time in various stages of the claims process. The at-fault party’s insurance company may make early settlement offers, which appear convenient.
However, those offers are only a fraction of what injured victims are actually entitled to. Experienced personal injury lawyers will always recommend building out a strong personal injury claim before accepting a quick settlement. Therefore, ensure the legal strategy is clear before hiring an attorney so that both parties are on the same page.
Are You Searching for a Bakersfield Personal Injury Lawyer?
Taking the time to review all of your legal options is crucial for getting the justice that you deserve following car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, and other types of personal injury accidents that were caused by someone else’s negligence.
Are you looking for an attorney who can help you win your personal injury case? If so, Horizon Accident Lawyers can help.
Working with the right personal injury attorney in Bakersfield, CA can assist clients recover their losses and hold the at-fault parties accountable. Contact us to learn why you can count on us to handle your case. We provide a free consultation to get started.