PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS IN POMONA, CA

California, like every state, has a time limit called the statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a personal injury claim. The time limit in California is typically two years from the date of the injury or accident. There are exceptions, however, that can shorten it or extend it. For example, you only have six months to file if the at-fault party is a government entity.

We recommend starting the process as early as possible. Ideally, you should start protecting your potential claim from day one. By acting quickly, you can preserve critical evidence, link your injuries to the accident, and ensure you do not inadvertently hurt your claim.

Early consultation with a personal injury attorney in Pomona can help you understand your legal rights and the steps to take to best protect your claim. An attorney can also determine how the statute of limitations applies to your case, so you do not miss any critical deadlines.

Comparative negligence is a legal concept that determines the extent to which each party is at fault in an accident and how this affects the compensation they can receive for damages. In California, a pure comparative negligence state, you can recover compensation for your damages even if you were partially at fault. In fact, you can recover compensation even if you were 99 percent at fault for the accident.

However, your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 30 percent at fault, you would receive $70,000.

If there are questions about liability in your case, we recommend working with a Pomona personal injury lawyer. The insurance company will look for ways to shift fault on you to minimize its payout. An attorney can work to reduce your degree of fault and advocate for the maximum compensation possible.

Our Pomona personal injury lawyers do not recommend accepting any settlement offer from the insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies often aim to minimize their payout. One tactic they use is offering settlements soon after an accident before injury victims understand the extent and severity of their damages.

They may offer a quick settlement that is much lower than you need and deserve, leaving you with out-of-pocket costs later. An attorney can evaluate the offer and determine whether it is fair. If it is unfair, they can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a settlement covering all your past and future damages.