The Importance of a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve never been involved in a civil court matter before, you may be wondering what a personal injury lawyer is or what they perform. A personal injury attorney in San Diego fights for clients who have suffered physical, and occasionally mental or emotional, harm. We conduct an investigation into your accident and assist you in obtaining just monetary compensation to cover medical expenses and time away from work. Additionally, we represent our clients throughout negotiations and in court.

How to Locate a Personal Injury Attorney

The most common method of obtaining a personal injury attorney is through:

  • Bar associations – Through bar associations, you can search for attorney profiles to choose which one best suits your needs. However, contacting an attorney via these forums can be time consuming. It may be preferable to conduct a profile search and then make direct contact via a website or phone.
  • Using the internet/ phone book – While these searches will return numerous results, take in mind that they may not always provide sufficient information about an attorney’s background. Make certain that you conduct sufficient research.
  • Word of mouth — One of the most effective methods of locating a good lawyer is to solicit referrals from friends and relatives. They might be able to steer you in the direction of reputable legal services.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

The majority of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This implies that you will not be charged for legal services unless and until the attorney wins the case and you receive legal compensation for your injuries. When submitting a claim, you have the right to consult with your attorney regarding the most appropriate method of reimbursement. Flat fees, hourly rates, and contingency fee arrangements are the most often used forms of pay.

  • Contingency Fee Agreements — This type of agreement permits a lawyer to get compensated only if he or she wins or settles your lawsuit. Typically, your attorney will receive approximately one-third of the overall award. This is the most often used fee arrangement in personal injury cases.
  • Hourly Fees – An hourly fee arrangement requires you to compensate your attorney for the hours they spend on your case. Your attorney should maintain detailed records of time spent on each case, and they are legally prohibited from billing you for time spent on a different case.
  • Flat Fees — In a flat fee arrangement, your attorney is compensated a predetermined sum at the conclusion of your case. In contrast to a contingency fee arrangement, you will be obligated to pay your attorney regardless of the outcome of your case. However, in personal injury situations, flat fee compensation is uncommon.

What Are the Appropriate Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney?

Prior to dealing with an attorney, you’ll want to learn some fundamental facts about them. You should acquire specific information about your potential lawyer’s experience and how it relates to your case via a phone or email interview. Gather the following information before engaging an attorney:

  • Any potential for conflict of interest
  • How much compensation the attorney has obtained in comparable instances
  • How many cases does the attorney now have?
  • What they believe will happen in your case
  • The total amount of fees earned in connected actions
  • Rate of success in linked cases
  • How much personal injury experience they have
  • How much experience they have dealing with instances similar to yours
  • The role of the attorney at their law firm

Should I Engage the Services of a Personal Injury Attorney?

It is frequently required to retain the services of a personal injury lawyer because the majority of people lack a working knowledge of personal injury legislation. A lawyer can aid you in bringing a case, representing you in court, and assisting you with technical parts of your claim.

If you’re looking for a top-notch personal injury law firm that can assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering, call Caron, Colven, Robison & Shafton at 360-718-5797 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.

How You Can Earn Money From An Injury Sustained From a Accident in Orange County

Were you recently injured in an accident in Orange County? Your injuries may have been due to a car accident in which you were not the person at fault. You may have been injured on the job due to the negligence or oversight of your supervisor or owner. You may even have been received an injury at the park, at a restaurant, or at a local sports event.

Regardless of the cause of your accident, one thing is clear: You deserve to be able to claim compensation for your injuries. You may have spent a great deal of time in the hospital recovering from your accident. As a result, you not only have mounting medical bills to deal with but also need to find a way to replace the income you have lost from your job. You will need to file a claim with your insurance company.

What Happens if Your Insurance Company Won’t Cover You

Your insurance company may refuse to give you the full settlement that you deserve. They may allege that you waited too long to file your claim. They may try to say that you provided insufficient evidence to justify your claim or that you inflated the total figure beyond what you are actually owed. They may try to offer you an amount that is totally inadequate to cover your needs. They may offer you nothing at all.

If this occurs, don’t accept it. Your best bet is to take them to court. You can contact a personal injury lawyer in Orange County. This is the legal expert that can help you file your claim to force your insurance company to pay you the full amount that they owe you. Your personal injury attorney will help you gather up all of the medical documents and other evidence that you will need to prove your claim.

File a Claim with a Personal Injury Attorney in Orange County

If you are ready to file a claim with a personal injury attorney in Orange County California, get in touch with us today. We will be glad to guide you through all of the steps that are necessary to file your claim and secure your full settlement. The time to take action is now because your claim may be subject to a statute of limitations. Talk to us today to get started on getting the full settlement that you need to cover your bills.

Here Are The Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents In Riverside, California.

California has more enlisted motorcycles than some other state in the U.S., with the dominant part of riders living in Riverside and other southern California towns. Traffic is ordinarily substantial thus many motorcycles are out and about so subsequently; accidents occur regularly. Insights have demonstrated that in light of the number of miles went by motorcyclists; they were 26 times more prone to be harmed in an accident in 2012 alone. The following is an overview of California personal injury law and how it might apply to those harmed in motorcycle accidents.

Accident Types

It is a typical misinterpretation that motorcycle accidents are frequently the blame of the rider. Truth be told, the bulk of motorcycle accidents are the blame of additional drivers on the road. Some of the most prevalent causes of motorcycle accidents are:

  • Head On Collisions
  • Left Turn Accidents
  • Hazardous Road Conditions
  • Speeding
  • Distracted Driving

While motorcycle accidents can happen in a wide range of ways, some happen more regularly than others. The most widely recognized reasons for motorcycle accidents and wounds in California are:

  • Driving Aggressively
  • Driving While Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol
  • Speeding
  • Driving While Using A Cell Phone Or Other Mobile Device

What Makes A Successful Personal Injury Case?

To get remuneration for injuries suffered after a motorcycle accident, victims must have the capacity to demonstrate the other driver was behaving careless and that their negligence led to the injuries of another person. Victims should likewise demonstrate their wounds were sustained in the accident and were not previous wounds. Since this can be complex, it is best to talk with a personal injury attorney for legal assistance. An attorney can enlist accident examiners, talk with therapeutic specialists, and acquire police reports from the accident to help the victim demonstrate their case in court.

By what means Can An Attorney Help?

Contracting a Riverside motorcycle accident attorney may expand the victim’s odds of acquiring a reasonable settlement for their accident-related wounds. Exploring the crash and talking with specialists, an attorney might have the capacity to arrange a settlement with the insurance agency without going to trial.

On the off chance that you or somebody you cherish has been harmed in a motorcycle accident in Riverside, California contact a personal injury attorney from Guldjian & Fasel today to schedule your free first-time legal consultation. Amid a meeting, an attorney will go over your case and let you know the best strategy to obtain financial compensation in the Court of California.

Contacting an Orange County Attorney for Help After a Truck Accident

The common causes of a trucking accident typically involve driver fatigue, truck malfunction, and driving errors. California requires anyone who files a truck accident lawsuit to follow necessary steps to prove their claim. These are the same steps an injured person would need to file in a car accident. The basic steps include answering the following questions:

Did the truck driver have a duty to you or your passenger? Duty means they had the legal responsibility of acting in the same or similar way another truck driver would in that situation. They weren’t supposed to cause harm.

Did the truck driver breach their duty to you?

If the truck driver caused the accident, then they violated their legal obligation to you.

Did the accident lead to injuries?

The court will have to know if you were injured by the truck accident to prove this element. The court doesn’t assume you were injured in the accident. Your injuries could have occurred before the crash.

Did the truck accident lead to damages?

Damages are what the California court calls money. If you prove you had damages, you typically receive reimbursement. To prove this element, you need to show things like medical bills, lost wages and lost earning capacity. If you are suing for the death of a loved one, you’d need to provide funeral expenses.

Comparative Fault in Orange County

Comparative fault is a legal defense many companies and individuals use to decrease the amount of a court award. The defense requires a jury to look at the actions of the plaintiff, or person who is suing, prior or during the accident. They’re looking for plaintiff’s negligence. Negligence is fault. If the plaintiff is at fault, they still have the opportunity to receive money. Their award is reduced by a percentage. The total percentage depends on the amount of fault. For instance, if the plaintiff was 30 percent at fault and was awarded $100,000. Their award would decrease to $70,000.

Orange County Statute of Limitations

California has a statute of limitations regarding truck accidents. An injured individual is given two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If the injured person is only suing for property damage, then it’s three years from the date of the accident.

Contacting an Orange County Attorney for Help

When you or a loved one has sustained an injury in a trucking accident, contact our dedicated attorney Christopher Guldjian immediately. You want to maximize your chances of receiving a rightful settlement.

Washington Pedestrians Accident Information

Accidents involving pedestrians are increasing all over the United States today. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 5,000 pedestrians die every year in vehicle-related accidents. While some pedestrians survive, they often suffer severe or debilitating injuries that last a lifetime. Pedestrians can also suffer injuries while on someone else’s property. Below is an overview of Washington State personal injury law and how it pertains to pedestrian accidents.

Types Of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere but are more common in well-populated areas. Some of the most common types of accidents involving pedestrians include:

  • Crosswalk Accidents
  • Being Hit While Crossing The Street
  • Falling Due To Poorly Maintained Sidewalks
  • Being Injured While Walking In Construction Zones

Proving Negligence

To obtain compensation for injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident, you must be able to show the court that someone was negligent and caused your injuries. Negligence is defined as failing to take steps to ensure another person’s safety within reason. Some examples of negligence are:

  • Speeding Through A Crosswalk
  • Failing To Repair Crumbling Sidewalks Or Parking Lots
  • Hitting A Pedestrian While Under The Influence

In some cases, government entities may be responsible for a pedestrian’s injuries if they failed to make a public place safe.

Damages

You may be awarded certain damages if you are successful in your lawsuit. Some damages pedestrians may receive include:

  • Medical Bills
  • Cost Of Hospital Stay
  • Emergency Room Fees
  • Cost Of Crutches Or Wheelchairs
  • Pain And Suffering
  • Therapy Bills
  • Emotional Distress
  • Lost Income
  • Future Lost Income If You Are Disabled

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Washington State, contact a personal injury attorney for advice. Having an attorney to guide you through the claims process can reduce the stress associated with these types of cases.

Virginia DUI & How They Can Affect You

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal act in Virginia. A DUI charge refers to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.8% or more. The drunk driving laws in Virginia are very strict. A prosecution for drunk driving can be administered even without a test. Individuals under the age of 21 stand to face DUI charges if their BAC is above 0.2%.

Other alcohol and drug related crimes in Virginia include:

• Buying alcohol while underage
• Misrepresenting or falsifying your age to obtain alcohol
• Having alcohol on school property

Sobriety tests

A law enforcement officer can pull you aside if they observe that you are driving in a reckless manner. There are several tests that can be administered to determine whether you are intoxicated. The standardized tests have the approval of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These tests may include certain precise instructions such as standing on one leg. These tests are carried out to check for signs of impairment.

Sobriety tests can be affected by many other factors including use of certain medication, weather conditions, pre-existing medical conditions, and the terrain where the test is being carried out. It is often very hard for drivers to pass all these tests.

DUI penalties in Virginia

Under Section 18.2-270 of the Code, DUI is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor. For a first time offense, the maximum punishment is one year jail time, a fine of $2,500, or loss of driving privileges for a maximum period of one year. In addition to this, convicted persons are expected to enroll in an alcohol safety program. This program has costs implications.

Drivers also stand to face increased insurance rates. Commercial drivers may also lose their jobs and any hope of future employment. A second offense may attract a license suspension of about three years. For third offenses, your driving license may be suspended indefinitely.

DUI defenses

As evidenced, DUI penalties are harsh in Virginia. If you have been charged with DUI, you need to seek legal assistance immediately. Remember there is so much at stake, and you stand to face jail time. An experienced lawyer will review your case and investigate further. Most lawyers do not charge for a case evaluation. In his defense, the lawyer may argue based on the way the sobriety test was conducted. Certain technical issues arise from the use of Breathalyzer. A good lawyer can argue this out in your favor. DUI lawyers employ various tactics to ensure that you do not get a harsh penalty.

It is possible to have your charges dismissed or obtain a not guilty verdict. Based on the gravity of the DUI charge and the evidence provided, the lawyer will advise you accordingly. In some cases, it is best to plead guilty and get a lesser charge.

The case evaluation made by the lawyer will give him insight on how you should plead. It is, therefore, ill advised not to take advantage of the services of DUI defense lawyers.

Protecting Your Rights with a Richmond Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a crime is a life-altering event. If you, or a loved one, has been charged with a crime, there are some steps you need to take to protect your constitutional rights and legal interests.

First and foremost, you must seek out competent representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you live in or around Richmond, Virginia, an experienced criminal defense attorney in Richmond can provide comprehensive representation to people charged with crimes.

The Right to Remain Silent

As a person charged with a crime, you have an absolute constitutional right to remain silent. You do not have to consent to police questioning. In fact, before retaining an attorney, you should not answer any questions put forth by the police.

The reality is that a police officer may make what seem like promises to you for cooperating. The investigating officer may proclaim that you will receive preferential treatment in the criminal justice system if you answer questions and cooperate with the police.

Ultimately, your attorney may permit at least some limited questioning of you, under a very specific set of guidelines. Your attorney will be present at such questioning if it ever does occur, which is also one of your constitutional rights.

Negotiating with the Prosecuting Attorney

Ultimately, after you retain legal counsel, the process of negotiating a plea agreement may commence with the prosecuting attorney. This is yet another element of the criminal justice process that you cannot undertake on your behalf. Only an experienced, skilled criminal defense lawyer is in a position to adequately negotiate a potential plea agreement in your best interests.

 

What an orange county personal injury lawyer can do for you

 

Irvine is just as prone to personal injury as any other Orange County city regardless of its smaller population than larger Anaheim and Santa Ana. Personal injury accidents can leave families devastated, financially, emotionally and physically. These injuries can severely lower a victim’s quality of life and constrict financial concerns completely as a result of unemployment. This is why it is critical to obtain reliable and experienced legal assistance to determine whether or not you should pursue legal action against another party or government entity.

For more information on personal injury laws visit this resource.

Irvine is a highly populated city with work commuters, students heading to class and parents driving their children to their sports, it’s no surprise automobile accidents are especially prevalent in congested Orange County. Experiencing an injury from a car accident is no quick doctor visit,  you can expect a couple months at the very least and up to permanent damage from an accident. This time away work is financially debilitating as are the accompanying emotional and physical hardships. This is where a professional personal injury attorney from our law firm can help negotiate with your insurance companies, reassure your employer, and fight for your entitled compensation.
Proving negligence isn’t necessarily as simple as it would be in the above mentioned incidents. Who’s to blame may not be apparent or the injuries may be the claimant’s fault partially. Regardless, California law still allows room for financial compensation seeking suits in one of the multiple areas of personal injury even when blame isn’t assigned. Attorneys are usually confident pursuing legal action against major corporations or insurance companies as they are typically susceptible to aggressive, powerfully-detailed, legal suits, and as a result lawyers can request financial compensation to their clients successfully.

Professional personal injury lawyers ensure their clients that there is someone fighting for them. They serve as the best defense against the ever lurking eyes of insurance companies and provide substantial legal assistance to their clients. Have an experienced professional representing your behalf in the court of law will ensure greater success and overall assurance that you earn what you deserve.

If your or a loved one have sustained injuries from any of the above mentioned scenarios, don’t hesitate to call Guldjian Law APC to schedule your free legal consultation with an experienced and professional personal injury lawyer.

Santa Clarita Personal Injury Attorney

Injury victims often find that the injuries they received in an accident can change their lives. Physical changes, emotional strain, and financial issues all become a part of their lives from the moment that an accident occurs. Sadly, the trauma caused by an accident can last for an extended period, if not for the rest of their lives.

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident often causes the injury victim as much stress as the injury itself. The insurance company can make life tough for the injury victim, especially when it comes to treating them fairly regarding medical care and compensation. To eliminate this chaos, injury victims are encouraged to speak with a Santa Clarita personal injury attorney about their case.

California Is An At-Fault State For Car, Motorcycle, and Truck Accidents

California is an at-fault state. This means that the responsible party for an accident must cover the expenses for the crash that they caused. It additionally means that if the second party was partially to blame, any compensation that they receive would be reduced by the percentage they were at fault for the event.

For more information on California personal injury visit www.courts.ca.gov

Vital information for anyone who is involved in an accident.

If you have been injured in an accident of any type, never admit any fault for the event, even if you believe you may be partially responsible. Many factors can lead to an accident, and many of these issues may not be your fault. Your best bet is to tell the truth to the emergency responders without admitting any fault.

Protect Your Rights And Speak To A Santa Clarita Personal Injury Attorney

The best thing that you can do after an accident has occurred and your injuries have been stabilized is to talk to a Santa Clarita personal injury attorney about your accident. Your attorney will take all the steps necessary to protect your rights as a victim of an accident and ensure that you are treated fairly by the insurance company.

Your attorney can make sure that the insurance company complies with the terms of their policy and with California state law when handling your case, and that they offer a full and fair settlement for your injuries.

What I Should Do If I Was Arrested For DUI In Washington?

Driving under the influence presents a serious public safety risk. Due to the nature of this dangerous offense, Washington state DUI laws impose serious penalties for convicted DUI offenders. These penalties are especially severe if an offender’s record shows prior offenses. Such crimes would be taken into account if they occurred within the last seven years.

According to Washington state law, an adult driver over the age of 21 is considered to be under the influence if they present a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. This is reduced to 0.04 for commercial drivers, and to 0.02 for drivers under the age of 21. Under the state’s new marijuana guidelines, a THC level of 5.00 or higher is also considered impairing to one’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Click here for more information on  DUI and related matters.

Depending on the number and severity of accumulated convictions, the penalties for further DUI conviction may include up to one year’s incarceration. There is also the potential for as much as $5,000 in fines. Either of these penalties pales in comparison, however, to the inconvenience of losing one’s driving privileges.

After a third conviction within a seven-year period, an offender faces a mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for three to four years. Even a single conviction is enough to suspend one’s license for a minimum of 90 days. This restriction, coupled with the requirement that an Ignition Interlock Device be used for a period after one’s license is reinstated, can make finding and retaining employment difficult.

The device can have a severe impact on one’s personal life. Many individuals also find the IID to be an embarrassing reminder of their legal woes. With a single DUI conviction under one’s belt, the IID must remain in place for one year following license reinstatement. A third conviction inside of seven years mandates the use of an IID for a full ten years following license reinstatement.

If you have been accused of driving under the influence in Seattle, you require the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. An experienced Seattle DUI attorney can offer helpful advice on what to do to fight these charges effectively, reducing your chances of conviction. They can also help to ensure that you receive the minimum penalties if convicted, saving you months of time in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Don’t let a wrongful DUI conviction interfere with your personal and professional life for decades to come!