Is my consultation free?
We offer all potential clients an initial free consultation. Contact us at (888) 511-6905 or use our online contact form. If you are seriously injured or hospitalized, we will work with you to schedule an appointment at a mutually convenient location or time.
Who pays for my medical bills?
If you are in a car accident your private medical insurance may pay your medical bills before settlement. If you do not have medical insurance, the insurance covering the vehicle you were in at the time of the injury may cover the payment of your medical bills.
What is a Statute of Limitation?
The law establishing the time limit in which a lawsuit can be filed is called a statute of limitation. It is critical to know which statute of limitation applies to your case. Therefore, it is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible after your injury so that the applicable statute of limitation(s) can be determined.
What is my case worth?
We cannot estimate the value of your case until your medical condition has stabilized.
Research of the relevant points of law and retention of expert witnesses to assess the strengths of your case and its value is also required in most cases.
Can someone come to my home, visit in the hospital or see me at a place other than your office?
Yes.
How much are my attorney’s professional fees?
For most personal injury cases, attorneys charge a percentage of the settlement award or amount. If no recovery is obtained on your claim, you will not owe us any attorneys fees or our litigation costs.
When will my case be resolved?
Appel Law Firm LLP strives to resolve all claims within one to two years after the accident. Sometimes cases resolve earlier, sometimes later. While it is important not to delay your case, it is equally important not to rush your case. This is why each case gets its own plan so as to maximize your recovery on a timely basis.
Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
You are not required to have an attorney to seek compensation from an insurance company for your injuries related to an accident. However, it is usually a good idea to retain a lawyer to ensure that you get maximum compensation. Research shows that people with legal counsel recover almost 3 times as much in compensation compared to injury victims who represent themselves.
Insurance companies are in business to make money. They do not have your best interests at heart. If you have been involved in any type of accident, call the Appel Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation with a Walnut Creek personal injury attorney.
Will I Have to Go to Court If I File a Personal Injury Claim?
The vast majority – 97% – of personal injury cases are resolved outside of court. While your case may go to trial, it is unlikely. In most cases, a skilled Walnut Creek personal injury lawyer can negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party and their insurance company. This is true even if you file a lawsuit and go through the pre-trial process.
There may be situations where it is necessary to go to trial. A seasoned personal injury attorney can help you determine the best course of action based on the facts of your case. Call Appel Law Firm for a free consultation.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In a California personal injury claim, you may be entitled to financial compensation for all your losses. This may include property damage, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, medical bills, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, scarring, and disfigurement.
In some cases, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which are meant to penalize a wrongdoer. Punitive damages are only available in cases where the at-fault party acted intentionally or recklessly, such as a drunk driving accident. The Appel Law Firm can help you get full compensation for your injuries. Call today to talk to a Walnut Creek personal injury lawyer.
What If I Was Partially to Blame for My Accident?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, even if you were somewhat at fault for the accident, you can still recover financial compensation for your injuries. Your total recovery would then be reduced by the percentage that you were at fault.
For example, you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident that caused $100,000 in damages (losses). If a jury found that you were 15% at fault for the crash, then your recovery would be reduced by 15% or $15,000, for a total of $85,000. Reach out to the Appel Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation with a Walnut Creek personal injury lawyer.
How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?
Each personal injury case is unique. Some might settle within a few weeks or months, while other cases might take a year or longer to resolve. The length of time that it takes to settle is based on several factors, including the complexity of the claims, the extent of your injuries, the number of parties involved, and the willingness of the at-fault parties to accept responsibility.
Throughout the process, your Walnut Creek personal injury lawyer will keep you updated on your case status. They will also advise you of likely outcomes and how long your case may take to be resolved. In Northern California, contact the Appel Law Firm to schedule a free initial consultation.
An Insurance Adjuster Offered Me a Settlement. Should I Accept It?
You should never talk to the insurance company – or accept a settlement – until you have had a chance to talk to an attorney. The insurer’s only goal in this situation is to resolve your claim for as little money as possible. Any settlement offer that they make will likely be a lowball offer that may not cover the full extent of your losses.
Initial consultations with a personal injury lawyer are free of charge, and you won’t be charged a fee unless they recover money for you. In other words, there is no risk in talking to an attorney – and it may result in a much larger settlement for your losses. Reach out to the Appel Law Firm for a free consultation.
Can I Sue a Government Agency for My Injuries in California?
Yes. If a government agency or one of its employees caused your injuries through negligent, intentional, or reckless conduct, you can file a lawsuit against that agency. However, these cases must be filed under the California Tort Claims Act. This law sets out specific procedures that must be followed to pursue a case against a local or state government entity.
The Appel Law Firm has substantial experience handling personal injury claims against government agencies. Give our law office a call to talk to a Walnut Creek personal injury attorney about your case.
My Loved One Was Killed in an Accident. Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In California, surviving family members or the estate of the deceased person can file a wrongful death lawsuit when a person is killed as a result of negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. Through a wrongful death claim, you can recover money for burial expenses, the deceased person’s lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, and loss of support from the deceased person.
A wrongful death claim may be brought by a surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, other minor children, or anyone else who would be entitled to inherit under California’s intestate succession laws. To learn more about your options for pursuing legal action, call the Appel Law Firm to talk to a Walnut Creek personal injury lawyer.
