Knowledge That
Protects You
Get clear, expert answers to the most common personal injury questions.
What is considered a “personal injury” case?
Personal injury (PI) cases are civil lawsuits involving a plaintiff and defendant seeking to resolve a non-criminal dispute.
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Possible criminal and PI case overlap
How much is a personal injury case worth?
Value depends on multiple factors and requires investigation and assessment by an experienced attorney.
Key factors that affect value
- Severity of injuries and treatment
- Long-term impact on work and life
- Insurance coverage and policy limits
- Assets of the defendant
- Shared fault, venue, and evidence
How long does it take to settle a personal injury claim?
Timelines vary based on injuries, damages, and liability complexity.
Typical timeline
Who pays for my medical bills?
The at-fault party is ultimately responsible, but interim options can help cover care.
Interim payment options
- Standard health insurance
- Workers’ compensation (if injured on the job)
- Medical liens / pre-settlement funding
If no other options are available, a personal injury lawyer can help clients find a doctor or hospital that will agree to treat them with the understanding of repayment upon settlement.
What if I share some blame for the accident?
California uses “comparative negligence”, so you can still recover compensation even if you’re partly at fault—your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
How comparative negligence affects compensation
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyer fees can vary based on their success rate and whether a case settles out of court or proceeds to litigation.