Motor Vehicle Incident Lawyer

A: You can still pursue a claim even if no official police report was filed. While a report can help document the scene and support your version of events, it is not required to move forward. Many cases involve no formal police report, especially in situations where injuries were not immediately obvious or the police were not called to the scene.

A: If the at-fault driver can’t be identified, we can pursue compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, if you have it.

A: You still have a valid auto claim. Whether you were a passenger in a friend’s car, a family member’s vehicle, or a rideshare, you have the right to recover compensation if you were injured due to someone’s negligence.

A: Each injured passenger has the right to file a claim for their own injuries. Depending on who was at fault, they may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver, the vehicle owner’s insurance, or their own policy.

A: Rideshare accidents can involve complex insurance questions. Whether the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault, or another vehicle caused the crash, we identify the proper insurance coverage for your injury claim.

A: Maybe. Not wearing a seatbelt may impact your claim but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. California uses a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you share some of the fault.

A: You may be able to file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We’ll review your policy and pursue all available options.

A: Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses. This coverage is critical in California, where many drivers carry only the legal minimums.

A: Yes. California requires accidents involving injury or $1,000+ in damage to be reported to the DMV.

A: Any decision made by an insurance adjustor is not final. We independently investigate every crash and work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. If a case does not settle only the jury or judge gets to decide who is at fault.

A: You don’t need to. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover money for you.

A: Yes. Civil liability is separate from criminal charges. We can pursue compensation regardless of whether the responsible party was arrested or convicted.

A: Yes. California follows comparative negligence. Your compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover for the portion not caused by your actions.

A: Yes. Even if you fully heal you are still entitled to the time lost, pain endured, and costs incurred still matter. You’re entitled to compensation for what you went through.

A: A delay does not destroy your case, but it may give the insurance company a reason to challenge the seriousness or cause of your injuries. We work with your doctors to clearly connect your treatment to the incident and counter any attempts to downplay your injuries.

A: Sometimes. When possible it is usually best to wait until treatment is complete before settling your claim. Because you can only settle your claim one time you want to know the full extent of your injuries before doing so. Where there is permanent injury, we work with your doctors and life care planners to estimate the full scope of future treatment so your case reflects long-term needs.

A: It can. We build claims that include future medical costs, equipment replacement, caregiver expenses, and lost income through retirement age.

A: Absolutely. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces are all compensable in civil claims and often a major part of recovery.

A: Absolutely. Permanent scars can be a major part of claims, especially in children or victims who require further treatment to reduce scarring.

A: No. Many cases involve long-term physical therapy or non-surgical treatment. However, if surgery is required, we make sure it’s factored into the claim value.

A: Pre-existing conditions don’t disqualify you. If the accident made your condition worse or accelerated the need for treatment, you’re still entitled to compensation under California law.

A: Pre-existing conditions do not disqualify you. If the accident caused an injury that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred or exacerbated a preexisting condition, you still have a valid claim.

A: Always speak to a lawyer first. Early settlement offers are often far below the long-term cost of your recovery and once you accept, you can’t ask for more later.

A: Most cases settle but we prepare every case as if it might go to trial. Our trial readiness helps us negotiate from a position of strength.

A: Yes. While workers’ comp may cover medical care, you may also have a separate third-party claim if another entity (equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, etc.) caused your injury.