If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not the first person to ask these questions. Every month, thousands of people search Google for answers about personal injury claims, insurance, settlements, and what to do next.
At Hillstone Law, we handle thousands of injury cases across California, so we decided to answer some of the most Googled personal injury questions clearly, simply, and honestly.
1. What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process where an injured person seeks compensation (money) from the party responsible for causing their injury. It can result from car accidents, truck crashes, slip and falls, dog bites, defective products, or workplace injuries. The goal is to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
2. How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, such as a distracted driver, unsafe property condition, or reckless act, you likely have a case. Even if you’re unsure who’s at fault, a free case evaluation with Hillstone Law can help you understand your options.
3. What should I do right after an accident?
- Get medical help immediately, even if you feel okay.
- Report the accident to police, property manager, or employer.
- Take photos and gather contact information.
- Avoid speaking to the insurance company before consulting an attorney.
- Call Hillstone Law and we’ll guide you through the rest.
4. How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
In California, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury. Waiting too long could permanently block your right to recover compensation, so don’t delay contacting an attorney.
5. How much is my personal injury case worth?
Every case is different, but compensation often includes:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
At Hillstone Law, we’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars through settlements and verdicts, but more importantly, we help them rebuild their lives.
6. Do I really need a personal injury lawyer?
Technically, you can represent yourself, but insurance companies will use that to their advantage. A skilled personal injury lawyer levels the playing field, protects your rights, and often recovers three to five times more compensation than unrepresented claimants. At Hillstone Law, you don’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if you win.
7. Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This ensures maximum leverage during settlement negotiations and the best possible outcome for you.
8. How long does a personal injury case take?
Some cases resolve in a few months, others take over a year. It depends on your medical treatment, liability disputes, and insurance negotiations. At Hillstone Law, we keep you updated every step of the way with no surprises, just progress.
9. What if I was partially at fault?
California follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault, you could still receive 80 percent of your total damages.
10. How do personal injury lawyers get paid?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win. Our interests are completely aligned with yours. We don’t get paid until you do.
Final Thoughts
Getting injured in an accident can turn your life upside down, but getting answers shouldn’t. Whether you’re dealing with a car crash, truck accident, or slip and fall, knowing your rights is the first step toward recovery.
If you have questions about your situation, Hillstone Law is here to help.
Call us at (855) 691-1691 for a free consultation.
We Fight. You Heal.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
