If you've been injured in Modesto, California, you're not alone. Accidents can happen at a moment's notice, and it is important to act promptly to protect your rights and make sure your injuries are treated properly.
Whether you were hurt in a car crash on Highway 99, slipped and fell at Vintage Faire Mall, or suffered a workplace injury at one of Modesto's many industrial or agricultural job sites, our experienced Modesto personal injury lawyers are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Frank Penney Injury Law, we understand the unique challenges Modesto residents face. With over 30 years of experience representing injury victims, including clients from all across Modesto, our personal injury lawyers understand what it takes to win personal injury cases, and they are prepared to go the extra mile for their clients.
When you work with our firm, you gain a legal partner who knows the ins and outs of Modesto. We're not just familiar with California law; we're deeply familiar with the local court system, insurance adjusters, and even the specific intersections and roads where accidents tend to occur, such as Briggsmore Avenue, McHenry Avenue, and Carpenter Road. Whether your case involves a motor vehicle accident, a dog bite, a slip and fall, a wrongful death claim, or another form of negligence, our dedicated legal team is ready to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Call us today at (888) 888-0566 or fill out our online contact form for a free case consultation.
The Importance of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer to handle your claim is very important, especially if you are not familiar with the legal process. Many factors can affect the value of your claim and what you can recover, so it is wise to have a legal professional handle it and pursue the maximum amount for your accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can give you legal advice, explain your options for approaching your claim, negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies and opposing counsel, help gather evidence, and represent you in court if it comes to that.
Can You File a Claim Without an Attorney?
While hiring an attorney is not mandatory, it is recommended, because to some people's surprise, insurance companies will try to minimize your claim as much as possible to avoid a payout. If you negotiate with insurance companies without a lawyer, you will be exposed to negotiation tactics designed to lower what you receive.
In addition, if you file a claim without an attorney, you become responsible for filing all paperwork, gathering and submitting evidence, and meeting every legal deadline, which can be extremely difficult if you are seriously injured. With all of this in mind, it is highly recommended to hire a personal injury lawyer for your case.
The Cost of Hiring a Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer
To many people's surprise, hiring a personal injury lawyer in Modesto is more affordable than they expect. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning accident victims pay no upfront fees for legal services and only pay a fee if their attorney wins their case.
This arrangement gives the attorney handling your case every reason to pursue fair and just compensation, and it lets you focus on recovering instead of worrying about medical bills and legal paperwork. The fee is a percentage of the recovery. That percentage varies with factors such as the complexity of the case, the experience of the attorney, and the nature of the accident, and you can discuss and negotiate it with an attorney before you hire them.
Important Deadlines for a Personal Injury Claim
Every personal injury claim has a deadline called the statute of limitations, and accident victims who wish to recover what they have lost only have a limited amount of time to file. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. If you miss the deadline, you will generally lose your right to file a claim against those responsible, and a late lawsuit can be dismissed.
There are exceptions to the two-year rule, including:
- Claims involving government entities, which often require notice within six months
- Claims involving minors, which may have extended deadlines
- Injuries that weren't discovered right away, which may qualify for delayed discovery exceptions
Because a variety of factors can delay your claim and affect what you can recover, it is best to file as soon as possible after you are injured.
What You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Recoverable losses in a personal injury lawsuit always depend on the nature, severity, and scale of the accident. In most cases, however, accident victims can recover a range of economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any quality-of-life adjustments needed for long-term injuries.
The value of these losses varies from case to case. To get a better understanding of your claim and what you can recover, consult a skilled Modesto personal injury attorney.
Contact Frank Penney Injury Law Today
If you have been injured in an accident in Modesto, an experienced personal injury lawyer can give you the legal guidance you deserve. Frank Penney Injury Law is an experienced, well-connected law firm with over 30 years of experience, and our team of personal injury attorneys is ready to fight for your rights.
From the moment you sign with the firm, our legal team will carefully analyze your case and craft a personalized, effective legal strategy to pursue the compensation you deserve. Whether you were injured in a car accident or suffered a back injury at your local supermarket, our 24/7 legal team will be there every step of the way to give you the support you need.
Call us today at (888) 888-0566 or fill out our online contact form for a free case consultation.