Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Injury Lawyer in Chico Provides the Answers You Need
Have you been injured in an accident? If so, you probably have many questions and concerns running through your mind. The Law Office of Adam Sorrells can help! We have more than 25 years of experience and have the skill and knowledge to answer any questions you may have about personal injury and about filing a claim. Find answers to a few frequently asked questions by reading below. We then encourage you to schedule a free initial consultation with a Chico personal injury attorney from our firm as soon as possible. We have the counsel and representation you need in order to maximize your recovery.
Can I file a personal injury claim?
The only qualifications necessary to file a claim for personal injury are:
- You were involved in an accident
- The accident was not your fault
- You were injured
- It has been less than two years since the accident occurred
The best way to know whether you have a strong case is to speak with a personal injury lawyer. We offer a free initial case evaluation at the Law Office of Adam Sorrells, so call today to review your accident with an attorney who can let you know whether or not filing a claim is right for you.
How much is my claim worth?
Although there is no way to determine the exact value of your claim, you can receive an excellent estimate from an experienced personal injury lawyer who has handled countless cases and recovered damages for all sorts of accidents. An attorney from our firm will be able to evaluate your accident and injuries and obtain expert medical opinions in order to recover maximum compensation for your damages.
What damages are recoverable in a personal injury claim in Chico?
The goal in filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim is to recover full compensation for the losses you have suffered, thereby shifting the economic burden of your accident off of your shoulders and onto the party who is responsible for causing the accident.
Courts in Chico and elsewhere in California allow for the recovery of full economic damages including the following:
- Medical expenses to date
- Future anticipated costs for medical treatment
- Loss of earnings
- Reduced earning capacity
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
- Loss of financial contributions, personal service etc. (wrongful death)
In addition to such tangible losses, your claim can also include noneconomic damages for things such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (includes love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, moral support; and enjoyment of sexual relations
- Loss of society and companionship (wrongful death)
No amount of money will ever fully compensate you for the impact that the accident has had on your life, but you can at least recover monetary damages to make it easier for you to move on in life and give you the justice you deserve.
What does filing a personal injury lawsuit entail?
First, you will want to consult with and secure the assistance of a personal injury attorney. You will want to discuss with your lawyer all of the details surrounding your case and file papers at the courthouse. A client gives the authorization to file suit after all other options are eliminated during pre-suit. Several personal injury cases are resolved before trials begin, but some still end up going to court.
How long will a personal injury lawsuit take?
Without knowing your specific case and the details surrounding it, it is hard to estimate. Each case is unique: some can wrap up in a few weeks without the need for a trial while others can drag on for years. It depends on the evidence, the extent of one's injuries and who is involved. For an accurate projection, discuss your case with The Law Office of Adam Sorrells today. We are proud to provide potential clients with both a free, online case evaluation and a free initial consultation.
What is liability? How can I prove liability in an accident?
When a person is found liable, it means that they were responsible for causing the accident and any resulting damages. Our firm works hard to establish the liability of the other party / parties in your accident so that you are fully compensated for your damages. Attorney Sorrells uses cutting-edge settlement and trial techniques to maximize compensation and can help you gather the necessary documents, statements, and evidence to prove liability.
Can I still pursue compensation if I was partially at fault?
California's Comparative Negligence Statute states that a plaintiff is allowed to receive the exact amount of damages he/she is entitled to minus the portion contributed by the plaintiff's fault. If the jury finds that the defendant is 80% at fault and you are 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of the damages. To understand this complex law better, do not hesitate to contact The Law Office of Adam Sorrells today.
How soon should I file a personal injury claim in California?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years. You only have two years after an accident — or the realization of any injury caused by an accident — to file a claim for personal injury. This statute of limitations is meant to prevent abusive filings, especially since liability for injuries and related expenses becomes more and more difficult to prove or calculate as the years go by compared with claims that are filed and addressed shortly after the incident. If you have been injured in an accident, hire a personal injury lawyer right away.
Do I need an attorney when filing a personal injury claim?
No. Is it highly recommended? Absolutely. As with any other legal issue, the laws regarding personal injury can be very complex and confusing unless you have the counsel of a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer. Insurance companies and the courts are also far more respectful of attorneys, which means that your case will be much more likely to end in a satisfactory settlement or verdict if you are represented by a lawyer. You should not attempt to file a claim for personal injury without the guidance and representation of an attorney.
Have More Questions? Contact a Butte County Injury Attorney Today!
At the Law Office of Adam Sorrells, we offer a free case evaluation to help you understand your legal options and find the right attorney for your case. Our firm has a history of obtaining successful case results and is prepared to work tirelessly on your case. Our legal team is compassionate and understanding of your situation and will provide the support you need throughout each step of your personal injury case. We are prepared to provide you with the answers you are looking for and to compassionately guide you through this time in a helpful manner.
Contact our firm as soon as possible to learn more!
