An injury sustained by you or a loved one can have a major impact on your life and finances. Working with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer helps you get the justice you deserve, creating a reliable partnership that can help you every step of the way.
Personal injury law is nuanced and requires extensive expertise. From the basics of what qualifies as a personal injury to the types of cases you can get help with, this page will give you all the background you need to take the right steps toward compensation and justice.
Most injury victims have numerous questions about their accident and what steps they should take next. That’s why we’re available around the clock to answer your questions. Berg Injury Lawyers has served injury victims in Northern California since 1981, and we have the experience and resources to help you with your case.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know that if you were hurt in an accident, you’re likely facing financial hardships. Don’t let worries about lawyer fees keep you from getting the help you need. Thanks to our No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing when you hire us as your Sacramento personal injury lawyer.
If you want to learn more about your legal options, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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Types of Personal Injury Claims in Sacramento We Handle
Such a broad definition of the term means that finding the right personal injury lawyer in Sacramento is absolutely crucial. Instead of contacting the first personal injury lawyer available and hoping that they’re well-versed enough in your specific injury, you’re better served to find a Sacramento attorney with expertise and experience in the type of personal injury relevant to you.
These are a few of the types of personal injury cases that Berg Injury Lawyers will be able to help you with.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Sacramento personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
How Do You Know If You Have a Case?
The viability of a personal injury claim hinges on the following foundational elements of a case:
Duty of Care
This concept involves the legal obligation a responsible party owes to ensure your safety.
Breach of Duty
Negligent actions or inactions leading to your injury constitute the breach of duty.
Causation
Establishing a clear link between the breach of duty and your injuries is essential.
By proving the elements above, you lay the groundwork for a strong case.
What Qualifies as Personal Injury?
In Sacramento and according to California law, a personal injury occurs when someone suffers emotional, psychological, or physical harm due to another person. That harm can be either intentional or the result of negligible actions.
This broad definition means that many different types of cases can fall within California’s personal injury law. Car accidents, dog bites, slips and falls, and even defamation based on libel or slander can all result in personal injury claims in front of a court.
Steps to Take After a Personal Injury Occurs
Suffering a personal injury can be a traumatic and disorienting experience. Whether it’s a slip and fall, a car accident, or any other type of injury, knowing the immediate steps to take can significantly impact the outcome of your situation, both medically and legally. Here’s a guide on what to do right after a personal injury in Sacramento occurs:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get medical attention immediately. Some injuries, especially internal ones, may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can assess your condition and provide necessary treatment. Additionally, medical records will serve as critical evidence if you pursue a legal claim.
Report the Incident
Depending on where the personal injury occurs, make sure to report the incident to the appropriate authority. For instance, in case of a car accident, report the accident to the police and don’t leave the scene of the crash before their arrival. In the case of a personal injury at work, notify your employer as soon as possible. In a public place or business, report the incident to the management or owner. Make sure to always obtain and keep a copy of the resulting report for insurance and legal purposes.
Document Everything
Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Write down everything you remember about the incident, including the time, location, how it happened, and the names and contact information of anyone involved, as well as any witnesses. Finally, save all medical records, receipts related to your injury, and any correspondence related to the incident.
Be Careful With Your Statements
When speaking with anyone involved in the incident or insurance representatives, be cautious. Do not admit fault or make definitive statements about the incident. These comments could be used against you in your injury claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Inform your own insurance company about the incident. Depending on what occurred, this may mean your health, disability, auto, or home insurance carriers. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or injuries.
Avoid Social Media
Refrain from discussing your injury on social media platforms. Posts, pictures, or comments about your injury or activities can be misinterpreted and used to challenge the severity of your injuries.
Consult with a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney can provide legal advice specific to your situation and help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.
Remember, the steps you take immediately after a personal injury can significantly impact your ability to recover physically and secure fair compensation. Acting promptly and thoughtfully can help protect your rights and set a strong foundation for any potential legal action. Berg Injury Lawyers offers free, no-obligation consultations, so you can explore your legal options at no cost.
Why It’s Important to Seek Compensation
Personal injuries have consequences that tend to last far beyond the physical recovery. Medical bills can go into the thousands of dollars, victims’ employment situation may change, and the emotional damage caused is often immeasurable.
These consequences are even more significant when the victim was not responsible for the accident that caused the injury. In that case, compensation can go a long way toward getting the financial support needed to manage both short-term and long-term emotional and physical costs.
In addition, seeking compensation for personal injuries can also create a sense of closure and justice for a potentially life-changing event. Many victims unfairly blame themselves for their injuries when in reality, someone else was the cause of the physical and emotional trauma they suffered. A successful claim helps the victim finally put that event in the rearview mirror.
Learn more about the compensation you could be owed by scheduling a free case review with our team.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help You Get Justice?
Financial compensation along with a sense of closure may be important, but too many victims never pursue either due to a natural hesitation to navigate the complex California legal system. A personal injury attorney in Sacramento can become your partner in navigating these challenges and getting you the justice you deserve.
For example, a vehicle accident may play out very differently depending on whether the liable party or victim was driving a commercial truck, motorcycle, or car. In California, commercial truck drivers are not allowed to drive more than 12 hours at a stretch, and only after being off duty for at least 10 hours. A trucker who violates this role and is in an accident becomes automatically liable.
The right personal injury lawyer can help to guide you through all of these and other nuances. They’re able to represent their victims in any legal situation, including working with the insurance and other liable partners. As a result, the victim can focus fully on getting well again, knowing that their legal situation is in safe hands.
Types Of Damages In Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury claims aim to make victims “whole” again with compensation. The amount should cover damages for both economic losses, plus harder to quantify “non-economic” pain and suffering. Understanding the different types of damages you may claim is key to maximizing your compensation.
Economic Damages
These cover concrete financial costs tied to an accident. Main elements normally include:
- Medical Expenses: All doctor, hospital, therapy, prescription, and care bills related to the injury, including transportation costs for treatment. Both current and expected future costs are counted.
- Lost Income: If the injury results in missed workdays, the victim can claim compensation for lost wages.
- Reduced Future Earning Capacity: If injuries impede you professionally long-term, such as in the case of disabling injuries, you can claim compensation for the expected earnings lost over time. Financial experts provided by your legal team can provide an estimate.
- Property Losses: Repairs or fair market replacements for damaged items like vehicles or equipment.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic losses provide justice for life disruption and agony beyond bills. Personal injury claims often seek compensation for:
- Pain and Suffering: Both physical and mental discomfort arising from accidents.
- Loss of Enjoyment or Quality of Life: Compensation for hobbies, activities, or typical pleasures you can no longer access or have limited participation in after injury.
- Loss of Companionship or Consortium: Harm to familial (often spousal) relationships and bonds due to the stresses of recovery and caretaking.
The court or jury determines suitable non-economic damages based on each legal team’s arguments and evidence. Though there may not be physical receipts for suffering, victims do deserve rightful recourse for these losses as well. Experienced personal injury lawyers will maximize compensation for their clients on every front.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my personal injury case worth?
Each injured person’s losses are unique, so case values vary dramatically. Compensation depends on economic damages like medical bills and lost income, plus harder to quantify non-economic suffering. Since calculating these figures involves location-specific legal and financial knowledge and experience, it’s wise to have a Sacramento personal injury attorney evaluate what your case might be worth in a free consultation.
How much do personal injury attorneys charge?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Typically, the fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount, often ranging from 30% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s experience. Always discuss fee structures upfront to understand the potential costs fully.
Should I accept the insurance company’s offer?
Be cautious when dealing with insurance companies. Initial offers are often lower than what you may be entitled to, as insurance companies aim to protect their own bottom line and settle cases quickly. Always consult with a personal injury attorney before accepting any offers. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf and strive for a settlement that more accurately reflects the damages you’ve suffered and may continue to suffer.
When should I contact a personal injury lawyer?
You should ideally connect with a lawyer immediately after any incident where another party could be responsible for the harm and losses incurred. Prompt consultation with a lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected, evidence is preserved, and you are guided through the process of claiming compensation effectively. Time is of the essence.
