Personal injury questions, answered

Most personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee, which means you typically pay no upfront fees and the attorney is paid a percentage only if your case recovers compensation. Using this resource to get connected with an attorney is always free, and there is no obligation to hire anyone.

A contingency fee is a payment arrangement in which the attorney’s fee is a pre-agreed percentage of the compensation recovered. If there is no recovery, you generally owe no attorney fee. The specific percentage and how case costs (such as filing fees or records) are handled are set out in a written fee agreement you review before hiring anyone.

Under a typical contingency arrangement you do not owe an attorney fee if the case does not recover compensation. Some agreements treat advanced case costs differently, so it is important to read the written fee agreement and ask questions before you sign.

No. This site is a free legal-information and attorney-connection resource. Reading the information and submitting a request to be connected with a qualified attorney costs nothing and carries no obligation.

In most California personal injury cases the deadline to file a lawsuit (the statute of limitations) is two years from the date of injury under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. Missing the deadline can permanently bar a claim, so it is important to understand which deadline applies to your situation and to act promptly.

Yes. If your injury involves a government entity — for example, a dangerous public road condition or a city vehicle — the California Government Claims Act generally requires you to present a formal written claim to the entity within six months of the incident. These deadlines are short and strict, so prompt action matters.

In most California wrongful death cases the deadline is two years from the date of death under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. As with injury claims, a claim involving a government entity generally must be presented within six months.

California recognizes a "discovery rule" in some circumstances, which can affect when the clock starts if an injury or its cause was not reasonably discoverable at first. Because these rules are fact-specific and exceptions are narrow, it is wise to get guidance early rather than assume more time is available.

Not every situation requires an attorney. Legal guidance tends to be most helpful when injuries are serious, fault is disputed, multiple parties are involved, or an insurer delays, denies, or undervalues a claim. A free consultation is a low-risk way to understand your options before deciding.

Some people resolve very minor claims on their own. The risk is that early settlement offers are often made before the full extent of injuries and losses is known. Understanding what a claim may be worth — and your rights — before accepting an offer can help you avoid settling for less than the claim is worth.

Whether a claim is viable usually depends on liability (who was at fault), causation (whether the incident caused your injuries), and damages (the losses you suffered). A qualified attorney can evaluate these factors during a free consultation, which is exactly what this resource helps you arrange.

Get to safety and call 911 if anyone is hurt, then seek medical care even if you feel fine at first. Document the scene with photos, exchange information, note the exact location such as the cross streets or highway exit, report the crash, and be cautious about giving recorded statements to insurers before you understand your rights.

Some injuries — including concussions, soft-tissue injuries, and internal injuries — are not obvious immediately after a collision. Prompt medical care protects your health and creates a record that links your injuries to the incident, which can matter if you later pursue a claim.

You are generally not required to give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement, and doing so before you understand your rights can work against you. It is reasonable to get guidance first. Be especially careful about accepting a quick settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known.

Early offers are often made before the full extent of your injuries and losses is known, and they may be lower than a claim is worth. It is generally wise to understand the value of your claim and your rights before signing a release or accepting a settlement, because a signed release usually ends your ability to seek more later.

Depending on the facts, a California personal injury claim may seek medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and lost earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The value of any claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the circumstances, and the available insurance coverage.

If the responsible party lacks adequate insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply, if you carry it. Coverage questions can be complex, which is one reason it can help to review your policy and options with a qualified attorney.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially responsible, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still potentially recover. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, a recovery may be reduced by 20% rather than eliminated.

Claim value generally reflects the economic losses (such as medical bills and lost income), the nature and severity of the injuries, the long-term impact, the degree of fault, and the available insurance coverage. Because every situation is different, no one can responsibly promise a specific outcome in advance.

Timelines vary widely. Some claims resolve in a few months, while those involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take longer, particularly if a lawsuit is filed. Rushing to settle before your medical picture is clear can reduce what you recover, so timing is part of the strategy a lawyer discusses with you.