Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our persona injury FAQ for California residents. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace injury, you likely have questions about your rights, the legal process, and what to expect. Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys have answered the most common questions below- so you can feel informed and confident before your free consultation.
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General Questions
Do I have to pay any upfront fees?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. All costs for investigating, filing, and litigating your case are covered by us upfront. We only get paid when you get paid.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of injury. However, there are exceptions. For medical malpractice, you typically have 1 year from discovery of the injury or 3 years from the date of injury, whichever comes first. For claims against government entities, you must file within 6 months. It’s crucial to act quickly to preserve your rights.
What if the insurance company makes me an offer?
Don’t accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies often make lowball offers hoping you’ll accept before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. Once you accept an offer, you typically can’t go back for more money. Let us review any offer to ensure it’s fair and covers all your current and future needs.
How long will my case take?
Every case is unique. Some cases settle in a few months, while complex cases may take 1-2 years or longer. Factors affecting timeline include the severity of injuries, clarity of liability, insurance company cooperation, and whether a trial is necessary. We work efficiently while ensuring we don’t settle for less than you deserve.
What can I recover compensation for?
You may be entitled to compensation for: medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, rehabilitation costs, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages. We’ll evaluate your case to identify all potential damages.
I was injured but may have been partly at fault. Can I still recover from my injuries?
Yes. Under California’s comparative negligence rules, you may still have a case even though you were partly at fault for causing an accident.
These cases are very fact-specific, and you should consult with an experienced injury lawyer at Act Now Injury Lawyers.
What should I do after I have been hurt?
After an accident, your first step is to get medical care—even if you feel fine. Many injuries, including soft tissue damage and traumatic brain injuries, don’t show symptoms right away. In fact, symptoms can take days or even weeks to appear. A prompt medical visit creates an official record of your injuries, which is critical for your case. Once you’ve seen a doctor, contact Act Now Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We’ll start protecting your rights immediately.
The Legal Process
During your free consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your accident, review any documentation you have, evaluate the strength of your case, explain your legal options, answer all your questions, and outline next steps. There’s no obligation to hire us. The consultation is completely free and confidential.
Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. We handle all aspects of litigation, and you can trust we’ll always recommend the best strategy for your situation.
Bring any documents related to your case: police reports, medical records and bills, insurance information, photos of injuries or accident scene, witness contact information, and correspondence from insurance companies. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything – we can help obtain missing documentation.
Yes. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can recover $80,000.
Yes — always consult an attorney before accepting a settlement offer. Insurance adjusters sometimes contact accident victims directly and discourage them from hiring a lawyer. Their goal is to settle your case for as little money as possible. While a few people receive fair offers this way, most don’t. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot go back and ask for more — even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected. At Act Now Injury Lawyers, we know how insurance companies operate. We’ll review any offer and make sure you receive everything you’re entitled to.
This is a common question and a valid concern. The answer is No.
Filing a Personal Injury claim does not necessarily mean a possible increase in insurance premiums. The at-fault party or the negligent party would be the one facing increased insurance premiums.
Compensation in a personal injury case depends on two main factors: how strong your liability claim is and how serious your injuries are. Generally, recoverable damages include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of gross negligence, you may also qualify for punitive damages. However, insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize what they pay you. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney evaluate your case. Contact Act Now Injury Lawyers today—we’ll assess your damages honestly and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Specific Case Types
You may still have options. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may provide compensation. We can also pursue the at-fault driver’s personal assets. We’ll explore all avenues to secure the compensation you deserve.
We must show that: the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, they failed to fix it or warn about it, and this negligence caused your injury. We gather evidence through photos, witness statements, incident reports, surveillance footage, and expert testimony.
A wrongful death claim is valid when someone dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. Eligible family members (spouse, children, or dependent parents) can file a claim to recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, it typically pays less than a personal injury lawsuit and doesn’t cover pain and suffering. In some cases, you may be able to file both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party lawsuit.
About Our Firm
When you’ve been injured, who you call matters. Our team responds within hours — not days — so your case gets moving immediately. With decades of combined legal experience, we’ve helped clients across California recover the compensation they deserve. We’re available around the clock, and when you work with us, you’ll have direct access to senior attorneys — not just support staff.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Individual results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
We primarily serve clients throughout California. However, we can often assist with cases in other states through our network of trusted attorneys. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Yes. Unlike some firms that pass clients off to paralegals, you’ll have direct access to your attorney throughout your case. While our support staff assists with administrative tasks, an experienced attorney will personally handle all major decisions and communications.
Many of the accident victims that we have helped in the past were unable to come into our offices because of injury or transportation problems.
If you cannot come to our office, we will gladly send someone out to you so that we can begin working on your case immediately.
Your first meeting with us is a chance to get clarity and feel confident about your case. First, your attorney will explain California’s laws as they apply to your situation. Next, we’ll walk you through the entire process — from initial consultation all the way to settlement or trial. We’ll also be transparent about fees and costs. Finally, we’ll discuss your role in the case and what we’ll need from you along the way. There are no surprises, and no pressure to commit on the spot.
Yes. We have continuous availability to assist you with any questions and concerns. You may give us a call or send us a message.
Check our Practice Area page for more information regarding car accidents, Premise incidents, and Workers’ Comp concerns.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Important Notice
The information provided in these FAQs is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and the outcome of your case will depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. For specific legal advice about your situation, please contact our office for a consultation.