Were you or your family member hurt in a bad accident in Stockton? You have the right to take action to hold the at-fault party (or parties) liable for your damages. Compensation may be available for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Personal injury law is complicated. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we help victims get justice. Here, our Stockton personal injury lawyers provide a comprehensive overview of the key documents, forms, and deadlines to be aware of in the personal injury claims process in California.
Building Your Personal Injury Case
A key point to understand about the personal injury claims process is that it starts in the immediate aftermath of your accident. If you were hurt in an accident in Stockton, California, it is imperative that you take a proactive approach to building your case. Ultimately, all successful personal injury cases are built on a sturdy foundation of reliable evidence—and that means evidence that establishes both the defendant’s liability and the extent of your damages. Along with other things, the documentation may include:
- Police Report: Assuming one was written, a police report is crucial as it provides an official account of the circumstances surrounding the incident. The report may include details such as the date, time, and location of the incident. It could also include the observations of the responding officer or even a preliminary determination of fault.
- Photographs: Videos and photographs can be important evidence in a Stockton, CA personal injury claim. Indeed, visual evidence can powerfully illustrate the severity of the incident and the damages incurred. When possible, photographs should capture multiple angles of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and property damage.
- Medical Records: You must prove the existence and severity of your injuries. Official medical records are vital for documenting the extent of your injuries and the treatments you have received. They provide a timeline that helps to connect your injuries directly to the accident, proving causality and the resulting medical expenses.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have forced you to miss work, documentation from your employer detailing your absences and lost income is essential. Along with other things, this typically includes pay stubs and confirmation from your employer.
Initiating Settlement Negotiations
Most personal injury claims that are brought in Stockton or elsewhere in San Joaquin County are eventually settled outside of the courtroom. Indeed, personal injury litigation is not required to get compensation in every case in California. With that being said, insurance companies rarely want to step up and settle a case for full and fair value on their own. You need to take a proactive approach. Once you have assembled all necessary documentation for your personal injury claim, the next step is to initiate settlement negotiations with the responsible party or their insurance company. Here is the documentation that is typically used to get started with settlement talks:
- Demand Letter: A personal injury demand letter is the foundational document that kicks off settlement negotiations. In your demand letter, clearly outline the details of the accident, the injuries sustained, and the total compensation you are seeking. Along with other things, the letter should include a detailed list of damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It serves as a formal request for compensation and initiates the negotiation process. Your demand letter should be drafted and sent by a lawyer.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
As noted above, many personal injury cases in California are settled. The demand letter may be sufficient to move your case to productive settlement negotiations. However, there are certainly plenty of exceptions. In some cases—especially with more serious accidents—a personal injury lawsuit may be required. Here are key documents that are needed as part of a personal injury lawsuit in California:
- Summons: The summons is an official notification to the defendant that a lawsuit has been filed against them. It must accompany the complaint when filed and serves to formally request the defendant’s presence in court. You can use Form SUM-100.
- Civil Case Cover Sheet: This form is required when filing a lawsuit and provides the court with an overview of the case. It helps the court system to classify your case correctly, ensuring it is handled by the appropriate department. You can use Form CM-010.
- Complaint: The complaint is the initial document filed by the plaintiff that outlines the basis of the lawsuit. It details the factual allegations, the legal reasons for the claim, and the specific damages sought. Your complaint is the most important document in your personal injury lawsuit. It effectively is your case. Your complaint should be put together by an experienced Stockton, CA personal injury attorney. You can use Form PLD-PI-001.
The Deadline: Know the Statute of Limitations for Your Case
California has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims. For the vast majority of cases, you have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action. What happens if a personal injury lawsuit is not filed in a timely manner? Your case could be dismissed without a hearing on the merits. Defendants and insurers do not waste time when building their defense. Be proactive: Consult with a Stockton personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a bad accident.
Schedule a Free Case Review With a Stockton Personal Injury Attorney Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton personal injury lawyers have the legal expertise that you can rely on when it matters most. If you or your loved one was hurt in a terrible accident, we are here as a legal resource that you can trust. Reach out to us by phone or connect with us directly online for a no cost, no strings attached initial case review. From our Stockton law office, our firm fights for the rights of injured victims throughout the entire San Joaquin Valley region.