FAQs Regarding Personal Injury in Riverside, CA

All your Personal Injury questions answered by our Experts

When you need a personal injury attorney in Riverside, turn to the experienced team at the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler. Our personal injury lawyers are experts on the matter, and we are here to help you. That’s why we’ve prepared answers to some frequently-asked questions. Please take a few moments to go through them, so you can become more educated on the process. We’re here if you have any additional questions, and we encourage you to contact us to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

What is Personal Injury?

A personal injury is any physical or mental injury a person suffers as a result of a negligent or harmful act from another person. They are often referred to as bodily injuries by insurance companies.

What are the different types of personal injury cases?

We represent clients with a variety of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, elder abuse, nursing home negligence, trucking litigation, serious or catastrophic injury, motorcycle or auto accidents, slip, trip, or fall accidents, dog bites, government liability cases, boating accidents, swimming pool accidents, and more.

Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury case?

You’ll want a personal injury attorney if you have significant or unusual injuries, the facts of the accident are complicated, or the at-fault party is contesting liability. Lawyers are experienced with these cases and dealing with the insurance companies, so you’ll most likely be better off by utilizing one.

How do I pay for a lawyer in a personal injury case?

Most personal injury attorneys including the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler do not charge you anything upfront. Instead, they collect a percentage of any settlement or judgment obtained for you. That way, you won’t pay anything out of pocket, and the attorney is motivated to get you the most they can.

What do I do after an accident?

First, seek medical attention if you’ve been injured. Take photos or videos of the scene and get contact information from any witnesses. Do not admit fault or apologize to anyone as it may be used against you later on. Once you are at home, set up a free consultation with our accident attorney.

I’m not sure whether I have a case or not! What should I do?

If you aren’t sure, it doesn’t hurt to contact us. We’ll discuss your situation in detail and provide an opinion on whether we have enough to work with or not. You likely have a case if someone has acted carelessly and caused your injuries.

Do I have a case if I’m not hurt?

You might. Many injuries aren’t apparent right away because the body can reduce pain with adrenaline after a traumatic event. It’s advisable to consult with a doctor even if you aren’t in pain if the circumstances involve serious trauma to your body.

How long do I have to file a personal injury case?

This depends on the statute of limitations. Depending on your case, you may have a year to file or up to two years. In any case, it makes sense to pursue your claim as soon as possible while the evidence is still fresh.

What do I do if an insurance adjuster calls me?

You should not speak with an insurance adjuster. Instruct them to contact your attorney. You should also not talk to an attorney for another party.

What damages are available in a personal injury case?

The most common type is known as compensatory damages. Those are divided into economic damages and non-economic damages.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

This varies highly based on the nature of your injuries. Attorneys cannot promise a certain amount or predict the outcome of a case, but they may be able to give you a rough estimate based on similar cases.

What if I had a pre-existing condition?

You can still obtain damages from another party who was at fault for the accident. While damages may be reduced for a pre-existing condition, the other party may be held responsible for aggravating your condition.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

You may still be able to obtain compensation for the wrongdoer’s proportionate share of damages. The Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler are experienced with comparative fault cases, so contact us for a free consultation.

How long will it take to settle my claim?

The majority of personal injury cases do not make it to trial and end in a settlement. The timeframe can vary dramatically, and cases with more substantial injuries and significant amounts of money often take longer.

What is a release in a settlement?

A release is a document. You will need to sign a release to receive your settlement money. The release means you can no longer pursue any additional money once you receive your settlement.

How long will it take to get my check?

There’s not typically a long delay after your settlement is agreed upon. Your attorney will put together a settlement statement that you will review and sign before you get your check.

How do I pay my medical bills until I get my settlement?

You will need to cover those expenses initially, and you may be able to use personal injury protection coverage after an auto accident. You can use health insurance or workers’ compensation benefits.

How do I make up for my lost wages until I get my settlement?

You can use personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or get short- or long-term disability benefits through your employer. You may be able to use sick time, vacation time, or paid time off.