Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, you may have a claim if you were injured because someone else failed to use reasonable care. Every situation is different, so the best way to find out is a free consultation. This is general information, not legal advice.

Yes. Golden State Injury Lawyers is licensed to practice law in California only, and we represent injured clients throughout the state.

There is no fixed formula. The value of a claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, lost income, and the long-term impact on your life. Compensation varies based on the specific facts of each case.

Many California injury cases resolve through settlement, but not all. We prepare every case as if it may go to trial so that we are ready to advocate for you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Seek medical care, report the incident, document the scene if you safely can, keep your records, and be careful about giving recorded statements to insurers before you understand your rights.

No. Consultations are free and confidential, and we work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases — there is no fee unless we recover for you.

We investigate how the injury happened, gather evidence and records, identify the responsible parties and insurance coverage, and handle communications with the insurers so you can focus on your recovery.

It depends on the severity of the injuries, whether you have finished treatment, how clearly fault can be shown, and whether the insurer negotiates fairly. Cases that settle generally resolve faster than those that go to trial.

A settlement is an agreement that resolves a claim without a trial. A trial is a court proceeding where a judge or jury decides the outcome. Most claims settle, but we prepare each case for trial just in case.

Discovery is the formal phase in which both sides exchange information and evidence — through documents, written questions, and depositions — before a case is resolved or tried.

Possibly. A deposition is sworn, out-of-court testimony. If one is needed, we will prepare you thoroughly so you know what to expect.

You generally are not required to give a recorded statement to the other party's insurer. It is often wise to speak with an attorney before doing so, because early statements can affect your claim.

We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, which means there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is always free.

A contingency fee is an arrangement in which the attorney is paid a percentage of the recovery, and only if there is a recovery. You pay no attorney fee out of pocket to get started.

If we do not recover compensation for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee. We discuss how case costs are handled during your free consultation.

Yes. Your initial consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to hire us.

Case costs (such as records and consultant fees) are typically advanced by the firm and reimbursed from any recovery. We explain exactly how this works before you sign anything.

No. There are no upfront attorney fees to begin your personal injury case with our firm.

California law may allow recovery of economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) under Civil Code section 3333. Compensation varies based on the facts of each case.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so you may still recover even if you were partly at fault — your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

You may still have options, including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. We help identify every source of coverage that may apply to your claim.

It is generally best to avoid posting about your accident or injuries. Insurers sometimes review social media, and posts can be taken out of context and used to dispute a claim.

This is one reason it can be risky to settle before your treatment is complete. We work to account for future medical needs when evaluating your claim.

Possibly, but gaps in treatment can make a claim harder to prove. Seeing a doctor promptly protects both your health and your claim; if you delayed, it is still worth discussing your situation with an attorney.

Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to recover, so it is important to act promptly.

If a government entity is involved, you may have as little as six months to file a claim under the California Government Claims Act. These deadlines are much shorter, so prompt action is important.

California uses pure comparative negligence (from Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 1975). You can recover even if you were mostly at fault, with your award reduced by your share of responsibility.

No. California is an at-fault (or "tort") state, which generally means the driver who caused a crash is responsible for the resulting harm.

In California, the statute of limitations for damage to property is generally three years, which is longer than the two-year deadline for personal injury claims.

California requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. Many drivers also carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can be important if you are hit by a driver without adequate insurance.