Results-Driven Attorneys Ready To Fight For Justice

Bay Area Personal Injury Lawyers Protecting Your Right To Recover

We all have the right to be free from harm at the hands of others. Nevertheless, accidents can happen in many different ways leaving you dealing with injuries. Sometimes, those injured are entitled to receive compensation from the person or entity that caused them harm.

Sometimes, insurance companies get involved. It is important not to accept an early settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Otherwise, you might sell yourself short. Our personal injury attorneys at the Collier Law Firm in Mill Valley provide legal guidance and advice to clients throughout the Bay Area.

Comprehensive Legal Representation For Personal Injury Claims

Our personal injury lawyers represent clients who have been injured in a wide range of accidents and incidents that were caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. We can help you if you have sustained injuries in:

A sexual assault or rape: We help clients file civil actions for damages that they’ve sustained as the result of a sexual attack.
Motor vehicle accidents: If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident, we can help you evaluate your potential personal injury claims.
Pedestrians or bicyclists hit by a vehicle: If you were hit by a car or truck while you were walking or cycling, we can help you hold negligent parties accountable for the damages they caused.
Premises liability: If you were hurt while you were on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to damages if the property owners or occupants were negligent.
Product defects: Consumers have a right to safe products in the marketplace. If your injuries were caused by a defective product, you may be entitled to recover compensation.

Sometimes, an accident can cause catastrophic and life-changing injuries. Our personal injury lawyers have the experience to represent clients who were involved in serious and catastrophic accidents. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, we can also help you pursue a wrongful death action. We provide contingency fee-based representation in most personal injury matters. This means you do not pay us legal fees unless we win a settlement or court case on your behalf.

Steps To Take After An Accident

After an accident, your well-being is the priority. However, there are several steps you can take to make sure that you have the information you need in case you need to file a claim. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you should:

Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries aren’t obvious right away.
Document everything by taking photos of the scene, damage and any visible injuries.
Exchange information with the other parties involved, including names, contact details and insurance information.
Obtain witness contact information.
Report the incident to the relevant authorities.

When speaking with police, it is important to stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened. As you move forward, keep records of all medical treatments, bills and expenses related to your accident. Finally, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and options. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process and protect your interests.

What Kinds Of Damages Can You Recover After An Accident?

In a personal injury claim, you can pursue various types of damages. These include:

Economic damages: Economic damages are intended to cover your financial losses, such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and property damage.
Noneconomic damages: Noneconomic damages address the more subjective aspects of your suffering, like pain, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages: In some cases, you may recover punitive damages meant to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or malicious behavior.

An attorney can help assess the full extent of your damages and fight for fair compensation on your behalf. It is important to keep records of expenses and damages that you incurred because of your accident.

Determining Fault In A Personal Injury Case

Determining who was at fault for your accident is a critical aspect of a personal injury case. Usually, it involves investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to identify who acted negligently. When someone does not exercise reasonable care and their actions cause harm to another, they can be held liable for negligence.

Evidence such as police reports, witness statements and accident reconstruction can help determine fault. California operates under a comparative negligence system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages. However, the amount you receive could be reduced by your percentage of fault. Your personal injury lawyer will carefully analyze the evidence to build a strong case establishing the other party’s liability.

Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Law

Our personal injury lawyers know that if you are dealing with accident injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, you probably have a lot of questions. Here, we have compiled some answers to the questions that we have regularly asked throughout the past several years. If you have questions about your specific accident or injury, we offer a free case evaluation and consultation for personal injury clients.

What if I am partially at fault for the accident?

California follows the principle of “comparative negligence.” Even if you share some blame for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, the compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if your damages total $10,000, but you were 20% at fault, you could recover $8,000. An attorney can help assess the degree of fault and negotiate to minimize its impact on your potential recovery.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to sue for damages. Certain exceptions can extend the statute of limitations, such as in cases involving minors or when the injury is not immediately discovered. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to file your claim.

Do I have to have a lawyer for my personal injury case?

While you aren’t legally required to have a lawyer, a personal injury case can be complex, so it is generally best to consult with one. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can level the playing field. We understand the intricacies of personal injury law. We can investigate your accident, gather evidence and negotiate with insurance companies. If it becomes necessary, we can also take your case to court. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Consult A Bay Area Personal Injury Lawyer For Free

At the Collier Law Firm, we offer our clients a free case evaluation and initial consultation. To schedule your free appointment, you can send us a message through our website. You can also reach us by calling 628-600-7204.