Temecula Personal Injury Attorney

Personal injury claims can result from any situation where someone is injured as a result of another party’s negligence. If the injured party can prove the offending party’s negligence, they may be entitled to recover compensation to cover expenses associated with their injuries and other forms of harm. 

Types of Personal Injury Claims in California 

As a seasoned Temecula personal injury lawyer, I can assist you with claims involving:

• Auto and Truck Accidents - Negligent drivers can cause serious accidents that confer devastating and long-lasting injuries. Victims also often have to deal with significant property damage, including totaled vehicles. My office can help you navigate insurance settlement offers and will work to negotiate the best possible outcome.
• Dog Bites - California operates under “strict liability” rules, meaning that you do not need to prove that a dog owner was previously aware that an animal had the potential to be aggressive in order to recover compensation. If you are bitten by a dog in a public place or while you were lawfully present in a private place, strict liability rules apply.
• Premises Liability - Property owners and possessors owe a “duty of care” to visitors and invited guests. They can violate this legal responsibility by negligently failing to address dangerous conditions. If you are injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe or hazardous conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.
• Slip and Fall Incidents - These incidents are a common source of premises liability claims and can occur in both residential and commercial spaces. Property owners and possessors are legally required to address or resolve issues that may contribute to falls, including slick surfaces and defective railings.

What Do You Do After Being Injured in California? 

Whether you are injured in a car accident or are bitten by a dog, you should take steps to protect yourself and your future ability to recover damages. Proactively collecting evidence, documenting the incident, and seeking appropriate medical care can provide you with the evidence you need to prevail in your claim.

• Confirm Everyone is Safe

If you or anyone involved in an incident is in critical condition, immediately call 9-1-1 and request emergency medical assistance. This is especially important in auto and truck accidents. Be sure to verify that all motorists, passengers, and pedestrians are okay.

• Contact the Necessary Authorities

Depending on the situation, it may be wise or necessary to contact law enforcement officials. If you are involved in an auto accident where any type of injury occurs, you are required by California law to report the incident to the police. While you can create and submit an incident report yourself, it may be beneficial to summon officials to the scene. 

The responding officer will create an incident report that can serve as an objective account of what happened. If you are involved in an auto accident, you will also need to file a report with the DMV within 10 days of the incident.

• Collect Contact Information

Do not leave the scene without procuring the names, addresses, and phone numbers of everyone involved. This includes the on-site manager and/or property owner or possessor if you are injured in a premises liability incident. Be sure to get the contact information of any witnesses, as their testimony could be important in establishing what happened.

• Secure Essential Evidence

Carefully document the incident site, including any property damage, visible injuries, and dangerous conditions that contributed to the accident. If surveillance footage is available, request a copy before leaving. 

In a premises liability incident, you should also request that an incident report be created. Ensure that the report accurately reflects what happened and retain a copy for your records.

• Obtain Medical Attention

Seek a thorough medical examination from your healthcare professional as soon as possible. The resulting medical report can help establish that any sustained injuries were directly caused by the incident. Keep in mind that not all injuries will be immediately observable.

• Retain Experienced Legal Counsel

In the days or weeks after an incident, you will likely be contacted by insurance companies and potentially even the negligent party’s legal representatives. Avoid making any statements to these parties, as they can and will be used against you.

 If you wish to recover compensation, you should swiftly contact a qualified legal professional. As an experienced personal injury attorney in Temecula, I can help prepare your claim and negotiate potential settlements.

Schedule a initial consultation with our Temecula personal injury attorney, by calling (951) 355-2965 or contacting my office online.