Personal Injury FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury

What is a personal injury? How do I know if I have a case?

A personal injury arises when one person suffers serious harm due to someone else’s negligence or malicious intent. Personal injury law covers many different types of accidents including car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, product liabilities, and wrongful death. To find out if you have a personal injury case, call a San Diego personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your situation and guide you through the next steps in pursuing legal action.

What should I do following a personal injury incident?

The first thing you should do after you’ve been hurt is get medical attention – even if your injuries are minor. If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident so you have proof of your injuries and any property damage. Once you have taken care of your health, write down every detail you can remember about your accident including the time, location, weather conditions, and any witnesses. Keep records of all medical bills, hospital visits, and lost wages from missing work. This evidence will be important to prove your case should you decide to file a claim against the responsible party.

When should I contact a personal injury lawyer?

It is recommended to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an injury – even before you call your own insurance company. The responsible party will likely be contacting his or her own insurance company and attorney, and having a personal injury lawyer on your side can provide immense relief during a stressful time. Your lawyer will help you file your claim on time, gather expert witnesses to prove the catastrophic impact of your injuries, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Who will pay my medical bills?

After an accident, most personal injury victims worry about how they will pay for their hospital bills, doctor visits, and prescription medications. Depending on the nature of the accident, your health insurance or car insurance may cover your medical expenses. Alternatively, you may have to rely on the responsible person’s insurance policy to pay for your medical bills. Regardless, your personal injury lawyer will fight for a fair settlement that covers all of your financial losses so you get the justice you deserve.

Should I accept a settlement from the insurance company?

Never accept an insurance settlement before talking to a personal injury lawyer. Unfortunately, insurance companies are looking out for their own bottom line and will not have your best interests in mind. Plus, it often takes a physician six months to a year to know the full extent of a patient’s injuries. Accepting a settlement offer before you know how your injuries will impact your life and ability to work could mean you end up with far less compensation than you need to cover future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How much is my case worth?

The amount of your personal injury settlement depends on many factors. The extent of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, anticipated future expenses, and pain and suffering will all determine how much your settlement will be. For this reason, it’s critical to work with a personal injury lawyer who will thoroughly investigate your case, uncover every piece of evidence, and fight for maximum compensation.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in San Diego?

Most personal injury lawyers, including Elliott Kanter, work on a contingent fee basis. This means there are no up-front fees or out-of-pocket costs. When we win your case, our fee is paid as a percentage of the total settlement we help you obtain. If for any reason your lawyer does not get you the compensation you need, you pay nothing.