How long does a personal injury case take to settle?

The timeline for a personal injury case can vary widely. A straightforward car accident claim might settle in a few months, while a complex case involving severe injuries or disputed liability could take a year or longer – especially if it goes to trial. In our experience serving clients in San Bernardino County, many cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it may go to court to ensure we are ready to fight for you as long as it takes to achieve a fair result.

What is the average settlement for a car accident claim?

There is no one-size-fits-all settlement amount for a car accident claim. Settlement values depend on several factors, including the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Minor accidents might settle for tens of thousands of dollars, whereas catastrophic injury cases can result in six- or seven-figure settlements. Our firm has recovered anywhere from $100,000 to millions of dollars for car accident victims. We focus on maximizing your compensation based on the unique details of your case.

What should I do after a car accident?

If you’re involved in a car accident, first ensure safety and call 911 to report any injuries. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms can appear later. Document the scene by taking photos and gathering contact information from other drivers and witnesses. Notify your insurance company of the accident, but avoid giving a detailed statement until you speak with an attorney. It’s wise to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible – our firm can guide you through the process, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and help preserve crucial evidence for your claim.

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

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims – including car accidents – is two years from the date of the injury. This means you generally have up to two years to file a lawsuit if you wish to pursue compensation, or you may lose your right to recover damages. However, there are exceptions: for example, claims against a government agency often require a notice of claim to be filed within 6 months. Because legal deadlines can vary, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury. We ensure all filings are completed timely so our clients’ rights are protected.

File a Personal Injury Claim After Suffering an Injury Because of a Dangerous Intersection

Many drivers can recall an intersection that stands out from the rest because of its dangers. The intersection can have weird corners, or there can be overgrown brush that causes blind spots. Additionally, the intersection can be a place that is commonly known to be the setting of multiple auto accidents throughout the year. For the most part, drivers will take extra precaution when taking this roadway but nonetheless, unsuspecting accidents can take place at any time and even to the most careful drivers.

When an intersection or road has a faulty design or is otherwise somehow neglected by having overgrown brush or an otherwise unsafe and unmaintained pathway, the dangers can quickly and easily result in devastating auto accidents. Individuals who suffer injuries because of an intersection or road can sometimes file a lawsuit against a government entity, if certain conditions apply.

If you have experienced an auto accident in a California road or intersection, it is important to consider seeking the advice of a know ledgeable attorney who has experience in handling these cases. A personal injury attorney with the right experience can help you understand if you have a valid claim. The following factors highlighted throughout this article can help answer some of your questions, however, for specific questions regarding your claim, speak to a personal injury attorney who can help you.

Filing a Lawsuit Against a Government Entity

In order to understand when a government entity can be held responsible for a victim’s injuries after a roadway accident, it is first important to highlight when the government cannot be held accountable for the injuries. The State of California has enacted a set of rules and guidelines when it comes to filing a lawsuit against a government entity. The California Tort Claims Act determines that government agencies cannot be found responsible in a claim filed against it for actions or inactions based on the entity’s discretionary powers.

In the State of California, a government’s discretionary power is a semi-ambiguous term that is usually determined on a case-by-case basis. Although this could seem like a majority of victims will not be able to pursue a claim against a government entity, it should be noted that there is limited immunity to government agencies in the state. A common example of this can be the failure to place necessary warning signs. When an agency responsible for the maintenance of a road fails to provide necessary warnings on an otherwise dangerous road, the government agency can be held accountable for any accidents that occur because of that hazard.

In order to determine that a government agency was responsible for a person’s injuries, it should be noted that the facts of each case will be highly important. The victim filing the claim will need to demonstrated that the agency was indeed responsible for the upkeep of the roads, had knowledge that a hazardous condition existed, and ultimately, the agency did nothing to repair the dangers. With this being said, it should be noted that cases against government agencies are never easy to win.

Common Examples of Unsafe Roads Where a Government Agency Could Be Held Accountable

Even when a defective or hazardous road condition is present, it can be difficult to demonstrate that a government agency was the responsible party for causing injuries and other damages to accident victims. The following scenarios, however, could be prime examples of when a government agency should be looked into as being responsible for the dangers.

Roadway Construction Zones- Although construction sites are generally handled by a private agency hired by the government entity, construction sights will be sometimes be supervised by a government agency. When there is a failure to adequately supervise construction sites and ensure that the level of hazards are minimized, the government agency could be held accountable for the accidents caused from the unsafe construction zone.

Roadway Potholes- Potholes are a nuisance that cost many cities across the state millions of dollars each year. According to a report provided by The American Society of Civil Engineers: California’s Surface Transition Report Card, the passing of SB1 will distribute $1.8 billion each year toward roadway reparations programs. In spite of the collective efforts to provide road maintenance, potholes are an ever-going problem. When a road’s condition is poor, the oversight or lack of fixing the ongoing issue can be the responsibility of a government agency.

Failure to Improve Lighting- Driving in roads that have insufficient lighting can be highly dangerous. For many, the lack of street lighting can cause a driver to drive into center dividers or crash into parked cars. In other cases, the lack of lighting can also be disastrous for pedestrians as it diminishes their visibility to unsuspecting drivers.

Lack of Road Markings- Whether it is a fading in street lanes or the lack of rumble strips, a lack of road markings can easily be the reason behind a vehicular collision. Road markings help drivers ensure that they are within the safety of the road and the lack of these markings can be detrimental.

Obtain the Legal Support of a Skilled Attorney

If you or someone you know has sustained an injury because of a hazardous road or intersection, it is important to seek the legal advice of an attorney who has experience in handling personal injury cases. An attorney with the right knowledge and experience will look into the case and help to determine if the case is valid.

Attorney Justin H. King is highly skilled in the field of auto accident claims. He is dedicated to helping auto accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve following the negligence of a government agency. If you have reason to believe that a government agency was responsible for your accidents, consult an attorney who can help you look at the facts of your case and help you construct a solid lawsuit against the responsible agency. Personal injury claims in California are time sensitive, seek legal support as soon as possible.

Categories : Auto Accidents, Personal Injury Misc., Road Conditions and Accidents

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By Justin H. King, Esq. | Posted on May 4, 2016

17:05 25 Oct 24

Thank you so much to Oliver King and Garrett Tuckerman for helping me with my case. They've been outstanding. Although the process was overwhelming, I felt reassured, supported, and listened to. I highly recommend the Law offices of Justin King to anyone who needs help.

Savana Martinez

18:30 04 Sep 24

The team at Law Office of Justin King went above and beyond with my case.It was my first big automobile accident while being 6 months pregnant and I was terrified. I called them the same day and they took on my case immediately.Throughout the whole process they were communicative and on top of everything. I would recommend to everyone and would go back to them again if need be.Thank you to this amazingly firm !

Hate Nine

06:01 04 Sep 24

Wow! I can't say enough good things about the Law Offices of Justin King. Attitude starts at the top, & this firm is top tier. They represented me (& yes we won!) for an injury I sustained while riding my motorcycle westbound on the 10. Someone changed lanes without looking, which resulted in a knee injury, a lot of physical therapy, & a totaled motorcycle. I wasn't sure what to do or if this were even something worth pursuing. I found Justin's webpage & sent a quick message to him on a Saturday night then thought nothing of it. My first call from Justin was Sunday morning. I was immediately impressed. After hearing a bit of my story & asking a few questions I was ready to have Justin represent me. My first question was "How much do I need to come up with to get this started? Justin replied, you don't owe anything until we win. Not unless, until. That set the tone of the next 2 years of my life. As your case progresses it'll require work from you & a whole team working to represent you. Staci will call & let you know she's emailing documents that require signatures; Garrett will call to ask for details they need to understand & yes, he will call to remind you that you forgot to sign a document 3 days earlier. These are great people who genuinely care. They will take time to understand your needs & they communicate every step of the way. If you are injured, you need to call Justin & his team right away. You will not be disappointed!Google only allows 5 stars, but these guys deserve 10!

Vivian Garcia

01:00 15 Aug 24

I was involved in my first big automobile accident last year, in Yorba Linda. I was a bit overwhelmed as you can imagine. Friends suggested that I hire an attorney to handle my case and I was not quite sure how to proceed. I was very fortunate when I was referred to Justin King’s office.I met with Mr. King and found him to be very personable and he listened to my concerns. I felt very comfortable and confident that he would help me in getting a fair outcome to my case.I want to also thank Garrett Tuckerman for all he did in keeping me updated with everything going on with my case and for being there whenever I had any questions or concerns. I also want to mention Leoni Barrera who was always pleasant and supportive when I called.I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King for your personal injury needs. I feel that Mr. King and his whole staff, with their knowledge, expertise and professionalism will help make your experience a less stressful one.

Lisa Perchez

21:53 29 Jul 24

Last July I was struck by a falling case of liquor at Total Wine in Rancho Cucamonga which led to a slip and fall. My friends and family urged me to contact a lawyer after discovering I needed surgery to repair my broken wrist. A friend found Justin King on Google. Justin was compassionate, accessible, and took charge from the very first meeting. He was able to obtain the surveillance video capturing the entire incident, and made an appointment for me to see a prominent neurologist after the video showed the case struck the front of my head. The entire staff at The Law Offices of Justin H. King were very easy to work with, and I always felt like my case was getting personal attention. Thank you Garrett, Staci, and Leoni! My case went to mediation and settled for more than 3x what they originally offered. If you have been injured in an accident, I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King.

Leslie S.

18:26 13 Jul 24

I want to thank Justin and his amazing office. They made a very traumatic/ nightmare of a situation into a more bearable situation every step of the way. They kept us updated and we were reassured that we were in good hands. I want to also express my gratitude to Garrett for being so empathic and supportive through the ups and downs that comes with a case. We are so blessed to have had them handle our case. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a professional and dependable office. Thank you again Justin King Office!!!

Melinda Jordan

09:02 18 Dec 22

I went from feeling like a basket case from all the stress to feeling calm and collected after talking to Justin. He is a phenomenal personal injury lawyer and is a truly calming and reassuring presence. This firm helped me in ways I can't even adequately put into words, other than to say Thank You, Justin, to you and your awesome team.

Marjorie Harris

04:14 18 Dec 22

After an auto accident, I felt really nervous calling an attorney because I had never worked with one before. But from the first conversation I had with Jessica, I felt so at ease. Justin then called me and was so easy going and we had a nice conversation too. The entire staff took great care of me and I am very happy.

Sheila Hughes

03:45 18 Dec 22

I was in a car accident that was not my fault two years ago. A friend of mine had a family member who had been helped in the past by Justin King, and they suggested I call him. I'm so glad I did! Justin and his team took great care of my situation and got a great settlement for me. I highly recommend them if you have been in an accident. You will be very happy with what this firm. They are smart, hard-working, honest, and take great care of their clients.

Margaret James

04:43 01 Dec 22

Justin's entire staff is the best car accident lawyer team in Rancho Cucamonga. Justin, Oliver, Jessica, and Garrett all provided me with excellent service and treated me like family. They are all such great people, and always so honest and responsive to me. I gladly recommend them to anyone needing the services of a car accident lawyer in the Inland Empire.

Wm Holland

06:13 17 Nov 22

When I needed a lawyer following a car accident on the Interstate 15 Freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, Justin King, and his team were there for me. I appreciated how his entire staff always seemed happy to answer my questions and were so good about returning all my phone calls and emails. I could tell this firm has immense experience in helping people get their life back after an unfortunate car crash. I was so happy with the outcome of my case and the results Justin obtained from the insurance company on my behalf. I have recommended their office to all my family members and neighbors. I hope you never need to call them. But if you need the best car accident lawyers, I can vouch that they are excellent.

File a Personal Injury Claim After Suffering an Injury Because of a Dangerous Intersection

Filing a Lawsuit Against a Government Entity

Obtain the Legal Support of a Skilled Attorney

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