Personal Injury FAQs

When the at-fault party flees the scene of the accident, it adds another layer of difficulty to your case. Even if the offender is eventually caught, many people flee because they have no insurance.

Adding uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to your insurance policy can help protect you. But even with this coverage, it’s best not to attempt your case alone. Our attorneys can walk you through the steps you need to take after any hit-and-run accident.

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years. If a public entity (like a city bus driver) is at fault, the statute of limitations can be as soon as 6 months after your accident. If you are a minor at the time of the accident, it some cases the statute begins to count down starting at the age of eighteen. Statutes can vary depending on the type of case, so it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney after your accident so you don’t lose your chance for rightful compensation.

Not all accidents require a lawyer. Many people think if they don’t feel injured there’s no reason to call. This simply isn’t true. Injuries can take days or even weeks to appear after an accident. It’s imperative to protect yourself.

Don’t talk to the insurance company and close the door to future medical treatment without first speaking with one of our personal injury attorneys. Even if we can’t take your case, we can help give you the advice you need to move forward on your own.

At Sweet James, we don’t ask for any money up front. We work a contingency fee. This means that our payment comes out as a portion of your settlement.

It’s normal to hesitant about hiring an attorney, especially if the person at fault is a neighbor, family member, or friend. If you’re injured, their insurance is responsible for covering your medical bills and damages. Holding them accountable is another story. The insurance company is in control of the money. Without the pressure of a reputable injury attorney, the insurance company has no incentive to treat you fairly. Hiring a personal injury attorney will get their attention.

No, you don’t have to wait for the police report before consulting us. Depending on the county, it can take weeks or months to receive a copy of the police report. We can request a copy of the police or incident report for you.

Whether you visit your primary physician, an emergency room, or an urgent care facility, it’s important to consult a doctor in the first 48 hours after an accident. The benefit of a larger facility is that they are more likely to be able to perform an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and other imaging equipment.

Every accident is different and needs an individual approach. Your health insurance is a good resource for treating your injuries. However, our attorneys can get most of our clients’ treatment with a specialist close to them in a timelier manner.

Don’t wait out your injuries just because you don’t have insurance. Our attorneys can help you find doctors who will accept payment after your case has settled. Call to learn, if we can help you.

Insurance companies have no interest in finding you medical care because it can potentially strengthen your case. When injury victims are on their own (without legal representation), they are less likely to seek treatment. With no medical care or expert opinion about your injury, your claim is significantly devalued. You deserve to be whole again. Talk to a lawyer to learn how to hold the insurance company accountable.

Of course. Pain medication shouldn’t be a crutch you rely on. If your current treatment plan isn’t working for you, it is important to explore other options. We will make sure you see the doctor or specialist you need.

When you’re involved in an accident, you have two separate claims: property damage and bodily injury. You will have two separate settlements and sign two different releases. Accepting property damage settlement offers will not affect your bodily injury claim in any way.

If you’re already negotiating your property damage, make sure the release you sign doesn’t include language about your general damages. If you’re concerned, call us immediately.

The only possible way to maximize personal injury settlements is to specialize in personal injury. Our entire firm is built around you. Our infrastructure is purposefully designed to help people who have been injured in accidents.

With this exclusive focus we understand what works and what doesn’t when fighting an insurance company. And just as importantly, these companies know who we are.

We’ve built a reputation among insurers, doctors, and other attorneys as a firm that won’t stop fighting until you get the settlement you deserve.

If you did not have auto insurance at the time of your motor vehicle accident, you are entitled to compensation for your property damage and medical treatment. However, under California Proposition 213, you are barred from recovering non-economic losses for compensation for pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, disfigurement, and other non-pecuniary (not out of pocket) damages.

California Proposition 213 limits the options for accident victims who didn’t have insurance at the time of the collision. While you are excluded from non-economic damages, a good attorney can make sure your property damage and medical bills are compensated. Depending on the exact circumstances of your accident, we may be able to help you recover additional money.

Because Proposition 213 accidents are more complicated, it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident occurs.

In California, at least one in five drivers does not have auto insurance. If you have “uninsured motorist coverage” on your car insurance policy, you can file your claim through your own insurance company. If you do not have this coverage, your only option is to recover compensation directly from the party at fault.

It’s extremely important to add UM (uninsured/underinsured motorist) coverage to your insurance policy. However, if you have only basic coverage and were hit by an uninsured motorist, you may still have options.

Our accident attorneys can help walk you through the details of the accident and find the best path forward.

Uninsured motorist provision takes effect when you’ve been in a collision with a driver who does not have insurance. Your property damage and injury claim will go through your own insurance. Underinsured motorist or “excess coverage” covers costs not covered by the settlement from the other party’s insurance. For example, if you end up with $40,000 in medical bills and the party at fault has a policy limit of $15,000, you can turn to your insurance to cover all or part of the remaining bills.

After an accident, you’re probably worried about your rates, and understandably so. Rest assured. If you’re not at fault, your rates won’t go up. Hiring an attorney to handle the personal injury portion of your claim can push them to determine liability quicker. If you have property damage, uninsured/underinsured motorist, or med pay coverage, your insurance company can be a great asset to your claim.