It costs nothing to hire a personal injury lawyer. At Coast Injury Law Firm, we offer free case reviews to evaluate each and every individual case. If we accept your case, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid if we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the awarded amount.

One of the most common questions from potential clients is “how much is my case worth?” The most common answer to that question is “it depends”. The value of a personal injury case can vary significantly depending on several factors that are unique to each case. No case is the same. No injury is worth the same. It is challenging to provide an exact figure without specific details, but I can outline the key factors that typically influence the worth of a personal injury case:

Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of your injuries play a significant role in determining the value of your case. Severe injuries that result in long-term or permanent disability, extensive medical treatment, or significant pain and suffering generally lead to higher compensation.

Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, is a crucial factor in assessing the value of a case. The higher the medical expenses, the greater the potential compensation.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or have impacted your ability to earn income in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. The amount of time you are unable to work and the impact on your future earning potential are considered in determining the value of your case.

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering is subjective and can vary widely based on the severity and duration of your pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life. There are no fixed guidelines for calculating pain and suffering damages, and different methods may be used depending on the jurisdiction or specific circumstances.

Comparative Fault: If you share some degree of fault for the accident or your injuries, it can affect the value of your case. Some jurisdictions follow comparative fault rules, which may reduce your compensation based on the percentage of fault attributed to you.

Insurance Coverage: The insurance policy limits of the party at fault can impact the maximum amount of compensation available. If the responsible party has limited insurance coverage or no insurance at all, it can affect the potential value of your case.

Strength of Liability: The strength of your case in terms of proving liability or negligence on the part of the defendant is crucial. If liability is clear and well-supported by evidence, it strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of higher compensation.

One of the first phone calls you may have after an accident is with an insurance adjuster. Dealing with insurance adjusters can be very stressful following an accident. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can help eliminate the stress of dealing with insurance companies who want to minimize how much they pay for your compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve. If you are still in the process of hiring an attorney and an insurance adjuster calls you, tell that adjuster you will have your counsel reach out to them.

Yes, you absolutely have the right to switch lawyers, at any time, if you are not satisfied with your current representation in a personal injury case. It's important to remember that you are the client, and you have the authority to choose the attorney who best meets your needs and provides you with the representation you desire.

You should hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after sustaining an injury due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party. Waiting to hire a lawyer may negatively affect your case.

It can be very difficult to know if you have a personal injury case. At Coast Injury Law Firm, we offer free case reviews with an experienced personal injury lawyer. During the case review, a lawyer will go over your case with you in detail to determine whether you have a case. These case reviews are free and available 24/7.

If you've been injured in a car accident, it's important to take certain steps to protect your well-being, gather necessary information, and preserve your legal rights. Here's a general guide on what to do if you've been injured in a car accident:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being are the top priority. If you are injured, immediately seek medical attention. Even if you don't think your injuries are severe, it's essential to get a professional medical evaluation as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Contact the Authorities: Call the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. The police will create an accident report documenting the details of the incident, which can be valuable for insurance purposes and potential legal claims.

Gather Information: Obtain as much information as possible about the accident. This includes collecting the names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved, as well as any witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.

Document the Accident: Make a note of important details about the accident, such as the date, time, location, road conditions, weather conditions, and the events leading up to the collision. This information can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury case.

Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary details and cooperate fully during the claims process. Be cautious about discussing the accident with the other party's insurance company without first consulting an attorney.

Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: It's advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in car accident cases. They can evaluate the specifics of your situation, explain your legal rights, guide you through the claims process, and protect your interests.

Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as medical records, accident reports, photographs, and any correspondence with insurance companies. These pieces of evidence can be crucial in building a strong case for compensation.

Follow Medical Advice: Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments to properly document and treat your injuries. This not only ensures your well-being but also helps establish the extent of your damages.

California law requires all drivers on the road to carry a minimum insurance policy limit of $15,000 for bodily injury or death. If a negligent party in a car accident is uninsured, there are still potential avenues to explore:

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Check your own auto insurance policy to determine if you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM). UM coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault party does not have insurance. If you have UM coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the negligent party has insurance but their coverage is insufficient to fully compensate you for your losses, you may have underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) on your own auto insurance policy. UIM coverage can help bridge the gap between the at-fault party's insurance coverage and your actual damages.

Personal Assets of the At-Fault Party: If the negligent party does not have insurance, they may still have personal assets that could be used to compensate you for your injuries. In this case, you may need to pursue legal action to obtain a judgment against the at-fault party and seek to collect compensation from their personal assets.

State Compensation Programs: Some states have compensation programs or funds in place to provide assistance to victims of uninsured or underinsured motorists. These programs vary by state, so it's important to research if any such programs exist in your jurisdiction and determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney at Coast Injury Law Firm is highly recommended in cases involving uninsured or underinsured motorists as every case is different. We can help you understand your rights, review your insurance coverage, explore available options, and guide you through the legal process.

Depending on what stage your case is in, our goal is to limit how involved you are in the stressful process of a personal injury claim. The experienced attorneys at Coast Injury Law Firm will handle most matters without any involvement from you. Your involvement will be necessary for updates on your injuries/medical treatment, and giving us authority to reply to settlement offers. If the case is in court, your involvement will include providing answers in writing and orally in a deposition, and if the case goes to trial you may be required to attend the trial and testify in front of a jury. Our goal is to help you focus on your recovery while the experienced attorneys handle the work of getting you the compensation you deserve.

In California, a medical lien is a legal claim or right that a healthcare provider or medical facility may have against a personal injury settlement or judgment. It allows the medical provider to seek payment for the medical services they rendered to an injured person directly from the settlement or judgment proceeds.

When a person is injured in an accident and receives medical treatment, the healthcare provider may agree to treat the patient on a lien basis. This means that instead of requiring immediate payment, the medical provider accepts a promise of payment from the potential settlement or judgment in the personal injury case. If you don’t win your case, you will still owe the health care provider for their services. However, an experienced personal injury attorney will likely be able to negotiate a payment plan or a reduction of your bill.

There are two main categories of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury claim: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are things like property damage, rental expenses, medical expenses, loss of income or earning capacity, and other out of pocket expenses that are related to the accident. Non-economic damages reflect someone’s pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to best maximize both damages to provide you with fair and appropriate compensation.

Here is a general overview of how the personal injury claims process works:

Consultation with an Attorney: If you have been injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party, it's advisable to do a free case review with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Coast Injury Law Firm. We will evaluate the details of your case, assess its merits, and provide legal advice regarding your rights and potential legal options.

Investigation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into your case. This may involve gathering evidence such as accident reports, photographs, witness statements, medical records, and any other relevant documentation. The investigation helps establish liability and build a strong foundation for your claim.

Evaluation of Damages: Your attorney will assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and any other losses you have incurred due to the injury. This evaluation helps determine the appropriate compensation to seek in your claim.

Demand Letter: Your attorney will prepare a demand letter outlining the details of your case, including a description of the accident, liability, and the damages you are seeking. The demand letter is typically sent to the insurance company representing the at-fault party. It serves as a formal request for compensation and sets the stage for negotiations.

Negotiations and Settlement: The insurance company will review the demand letter and may enter into negotiations with your attorney. Your attorney will advocate for your best interests, aiming to reach a fair settlement agreement that adequately compensates you for your damages. Negotiations may involve back-and-forth communication, counteroffers, and discussion of the evidence and legal arguments.

Lawsuit Filing (if necessary): If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. They will initiate the legal process by drafting a complaint and filing it in the appropriate court. The lawsuit officially starts the litigation phase of your case.

Discovery and Pre-Trial Phase: Both sides will engage in the discovery process, where they exchange relevant information, such as documents and witness testimonies, and may conduct depositions. During this phase, your attorney will continue to build your case and may engage in settlement discussions with the opposing party.

Trial: If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney will present your case before a judge or jury. They will present evidence, examine witnesses, and make legal arguments to support your claim. The opposing party will also present their case. The judge or jury will then determine liability and, if applicable, the amount of compensation to be awarded.

Post-Trial: If you win your case, the opposing party may choose to appeal the decision. If no appeal is filed or if the appeal is unsuccessful, the court will issue a judgment, and the compensation awarded will need to be paid.

It is rare for a personal injury case to go to trial. If your case went to trial, you may have to go to court and testify for your case.

The time it takes to settle a personal injury case can vary significantly depending on various factors. While it's challenging to provide an exact timeline as each case is unique, here are some factors that can influence the duration of a personal injury case: Length of medical treatment, severity of injuries, liability disputes, insurance company negotiations, complexity of the case, willingness to settle, court schedule if your case proceeds to trial, Given these factors, it's challenging to provide an average timeline for settling a personal injury case. Some cases can be resolved in a matter of months, while others may take years. It's important to consult with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Coast Injury Law Firm who can assess the specifics of your case, provide a more accurate estimate based on their experience, and guide you through the process.

If an insurance company denies your personal injury claim, it can be frustrating and concerning. However, a denial does not necessarily mean the end of your pursuit for compensation. If your personal injury claim is denied, you may still be entitled to compensation. It's important to consult with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Coast Injury Law Firm who can assess the specifics of the denial and guide you through the next steps.

Yes, you may still be able to pursue a personal injury claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident. The legal principle that governs such cases is known as comparative negligence in California. Under California’s comparative negligence principle, the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive may be reduced based on your degree of fault.

*Specific rules regarding comparative negligence vary by jurisdiction.

If you've been involved in a slip and fall accident, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and preserve your ability to seek compensation for your injuries. Here are some important actions to consider:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being are the top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries appear minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can help document your injuries and establish a link between the accident and your condition.

Report the Incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor of the premises where the slip and fall occurred. Request that they create an incident report and ensure that all relevant details are documented accurately. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.

Document the Scene: If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including any hazardous conditions that contributed to the slip and fall. Capture images of the area, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, broken stairs, or inadequate lighting. These visuals can serve as valuable evidence later on.

Collect Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to the slip and fall, gather their names and contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony about the conditions, the cause of the accident, and the aftermath. Their statements can strengthen your case.

Preserve Evidence: Preserve any physical evidence related to the accident, such as the footwear you were wearing at the time of the fall. Additionally, keep all medical records, bills, and receipts for expenses related to your injuries and treatment.

Avoid Making Statements: Refrain from making any official statements, signing documents, or accepting settlements without first consulting with a personal injury attorney. Statements made at the scene or to insurance adjusters may be used against you later. It's best to consult with an attorney before providing any statements.

Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in slip and fall cases. They can evaluate the specifics of your situation, provide legal advice, and guide you through the process. An attorney can help protect your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue a claim for compensation on your behalf.

Remember, each slip and fall case is unique, and the actions you take immediately following the accident can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Consulting with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Coast Injury Law Firm will ensure that you have proper guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and that your rights are protected throughout the process.

It is very rare for a personal injury case to go to trial. Most cases settle in the pre-litigation phase. If your case does not settle in the pre-litigation phase, the likelihood of your personal injury case going to trial depends on various factors, including the specifics of your case, the actions of the involved parties, and the negotiations that take place during the claims process. While many personal injury cases are settled before trial, there is still a possibility that your case may proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Here are some factors that can influence whether your case goes to trial:

Liability Dispute: If there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident or if the opposing party denies liability, it can increase the chances of your case going to trial. In such situations, a trial may be necessary to establish fault and determine the responsible party.

Settlement Negotiations: The majority of personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. If both parties can reach a fair agreement that adequately compensates you for your damages, the case may be settled without going to trial. However, if the parties cannot agree on a settlement amount, further negotiation or litigation may be required.

Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies often aim to minimize their payout and may employ various strategies to achieve this. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement amount or engages in delay tactics, it may increase the likelihood of your case going to trial.

Complexity of the Case: Complex cases that involve intricate legal or factual issues, multiple parties, or significant damages are more likely to go to trial. These cases may require extensive investigation, expert testimony, and thorough legal arguments, making it more challenging to reach a settlement.

Prioritization of Trial: Sometimes, a plaintiff may have a strong desire to seek justice in court and have their day in front of a judge or jury. If you are determined to have your case heard in court, your attorney can guide you through the trial process and work towards that goal.

It's essential to consult with a personal injury attorney who can assess the specific circumstances of your case and provide guidance on the likelihood of going to trial. They can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case, advise on settlement offers, and help you make an informed decision about the best course of action to pursue in your particular situation.