Were you or your loved one injured in an accident in Manteca? You may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. A civil personal injury claim is a path to justice and compensation to pay your bills. However, unfortunately, navigating the process can be difficult.
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we are dedicated and experienced advocates for victims and their families. Our team wants to make sure you have the knowledge and resources you need to proceed. Here, our Manteca personal injury lawyer provides a comprehensive guide to the claims process.
Your Medical Needs Come First: Seek Professional Medical Care
The personal injury claims process in Manteca actually starts in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Your medical needs should always take the top priority. Make sure you get immediate care. With a serious accident, a trip to the emergency room—such as at Doctors Hospital of Manteca—may be required. Even non-emergency injuries should still be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Seeing a physician is essential to protect your health. Further, you need medical records to be eligible to bring a personal injury claim.
Personal Injury Claims Fall Under State Law
Hurt in a bad accident in Manteca? It is crucial that you understand the law governs your case. Whether it is a car crash, slip and fall, or any other type of accident, your claim falls under California state law. Even if you were just visiting Manteca from another state, your case is still controlled by California law if the accident happened in this state. A local attorney with close ties to Manteca can help you navigate the claims process.
Injured Victims Must Prove Liability
California is a fault-based personal injury state. To hold any other party legally responsible for your accident, you must prove that they bear liability. Most often, this is done through proving negligence. Some examples of negligence include:
- A driver running a red light;
- A trucking company failing to inspect/repairs its vehicle; and
- A property owner not addressing a dangerous slip and fall hazard.
California uses a pure comparative fault standard of liability. You can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault for your own accident. However, any financial recovery in these cases will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. As an example, if you are 25 percent at fault for your own accident in Manteca, the value of your case will also be reduced by 25 percent.
The Right to Be Made Whole: You Can Seek Compensation for Your Damages
Following an accident in Manteca, it is imperative that injured victims are able to secure the full and fair financial compensation that they need to pay bills and support their family. Under California law, you have the right to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Though, insurance companies may try to settle your case for far less than you deserve. Our Manteca, CA personal injury lawyers help victims fight for the maximum compensation, including for:
- Property loss, such as vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other health-related expenses;
- Physical therapy and mental health support;
- Loss of income and loss of future earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Disability, disfigurement, or impairment; and
- Wrongful death.
Know the Deadline: Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Most Claims
Personal injury claims are time-sensitive. As stated simply by the California Courts, there is a two-year statute of limitations for most types of personal injury claims in our state. Only in very limited circumstances—such as if the injury could not have been immediately discovered—can that deadline be extended. You do not want to fall behind in the claims process or miss your chance to get justice: Consult with a Manteca, CA personal injury lawyer right away after a bad accident.
Note: You have less time to initiate a claim against a government entity. The California Tort Claims Act requires a Notice of Claim be filed within six months of the accident in these cases.
Be Prepared for an Adversarial Process (Defendants and Insurers are Not On Your Side)
Dealing with defendants and insurance companies in Manteca can be challenging, as they often prioritize minimizing their financial liability. Expect negotiations to be adversarial. Insurers are skilled at dispute resolution and they often employ tactics that are designed to undermine your claim. You do not have to go it alone. You have the right to work with defendants and insurance companies through an experienced Stockton, CA personal injury lawyer.
Why Rely On the Manteca Personal Injury Lawyers at Redkey Gordon Law Corp
Personal injury claims are complicated. It is normal to be worried, stressed out, and filled with a ton of questions after a serious accident. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we are committed to protecting the rights of victims and families. Our firm holds insurance companies accountable. With more than $25 million in compensation recovered for our clients, we have case results that you can trust. Following an accident in Manteca, our attorneys are prepared to:
- Answer your questions and explain your options during a free consultation;
- Investigate your Manteca accident—gathering relevant evidence;
- Handle any legal/insurance paperwork and represent you in settlement; and
- Develop a comprehensive strategy designed to maximize your financial recovery.
Do not worry about the cost of legal representation. Our Manteca personal injury lawyers represent victims and families on a contingency fee basis. There are no hourly bills or upfront costs. If you do not get paid, we do not get paid. Our Manteca, CA personal injury attorneys offer free case reviews.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Manteca, CA Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Manteca personal injury attorney is standing by, ready to get started on your case. We invest time and resources to get true justice for our clients. If you were hurt in an accident, please do not hesitate to contact us online for a free, no strings attached case review. We represent injured victims in Manteca and throughout San Joaquin County.