Understanding Personal Injury Lawsuits What It Means to Sue for a Personal Injury
A personal injury lawsuit is a legal claim filed by someone who is injured or otherwise harmed in an accident. The legal claim is filed against a person, business, or other entity that is responsible for the accident or injury.
If the injuries sustained prove fatal, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim against the liable party.
Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Damages are sought in a personal injury claim to cover losses caused by or related to the accident. This may include damage to property, immediate and long-term medical expenses, and changes in earning potential due to accident-related disability.
In California, you have two years from the date of the personal injury (or one year from the time the injury is discovered) to file suit. Once that statute of limitations passes, you forfeit your right to bring legal action.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case? Three Questions to Ask About Injury Accidents
Did the other party owe me a duty of safety?
In other words, was there a reasonable expectation that the other party would take certain measures to avoid posing a danger to you? For example, a driver is responsible for keeping their eyes on the road in order to avoid causing an accident. If the driver was sending a text message while driving, they were failing in their responsibility to minimize the risk of doing harm to those around them.
Was the other party responsible for your injury?
If you were harmed in any way by the other party failing to uphold their duty of safety, you likely have a case. Using the example above, if the texting driver rear-ended your car, causing you to suffer whiplash and damage to your vehicle, you were injured. It’s important to note that in the context of personal injury law, “injury” doesn’t just refer to physical harm; it could also refer to property damage and emotional distress.
Can your losses be measured in money?
In civil cases, financial restitution—meaning money paid from the defendant to the plaintiff for having caused their losses— may be the only thing at stake. Your San Diego personal injury attorney will carefully calculate the value of damage to your property, your current and projected medical expenses, and the cost of coping with emotional distress. This figure will drive settlement negotiations as well as any necessary court proceedings.
Don't Miss Your Window to File a Personal Injury Claim
Protect Your Future By Contacting Hoge Law Firm
Hoge Law Firm has served Greater San Diego for more than 30 years. Our firm, led by award-winning injury attorney Charles T. Hoge, is ready to help you protect your rights and your future.
It all starts with a free consultation with a San Diego personal injury lawyer. When you reach out to Hoge Law Firm, we will put you in touch with a lawyer—not a paralegal or other person who doesn’t actually practice law.
You likely have only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If we take your personal injury case, your attorney collects no fees unless they win. You can write to our San Diego team online or call us directly:
Hoge Law Firm has recovered millions for clients. Get connected with a San Diego personal injury lawyer who cares about your case as much as you do.
Types of Personal Injury Case Types
There are countless ways in which third-party negligence can hurt innocent people in their everyday lives. From injuries due to consumer fraud to incidents on the roads, we handle it all. These are some of the most common accidents affecting those who turn to our San Diego injury attorney's office:
Car Accidents
Due to cell phones and in-dash monitors, there have never been more distractions competing for a driver’s attention. But no matter how beneficial or essential these innovations become, motorists still have a responsibility to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists to minimize the risk of causing an accident. If someone else’s carelessness behind the wheel has put your quality of life in jeopardy, reach out to Hoge Law Firm in San Diego so we can connect you with a personal injury attorney. We can also assist clients who have been injured in truck accidents and motorcycle accidents.
Premises Liability
When you lawfully enter a premises such as a store or someone else’s private property, you have the right to expect that there will be no active hazards, and that any potential hazards will be clearly marked. Something as simple as a wet floor, poorly lit stairwell, or uneven walkway can easily result in a catastrophic personal injury. Once you or a loved one are able, make an injury lawyer in San Diego your first call.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are a specific type of premises liability injury. One of the most common examples is a fall that happens because of a liquid spill in a grocery store that is not cleaned or isolated with warning signs in a timely manner. Hoge Law Firm in San Diego is prepared to help you pursue restitution from the responsible business owner, government entity, or property owner.
Elder Abuse
When you place your loved one in the care of a nursing home or other assisted living facility, you trust that their caregivers will meet their needs and treat them with dignity. Unfortunately, many seniors are neglected or abused by their caregivers. In these personal injury cases, even if the actions of the caregiver warrant criminal charges, you have the right to file a civil suit. Once your loved one has been relocated to a place of safety and you have made any necessary calls to the police, get in touch with Hoge Law Firm in San Diego.
Get a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer on Your Side
If injuries like these resulted in the loss of a loved one, you have our sincere condolences. Hoge Law Firm will be glad to connect you with a San Diego personal injury lawyer who can help you file a wrongful death suit. Your injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for loss of companionship, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and all other related damages.
Discuss Your Injury Claim with a Qualified Attorney Request Your Free Consultation Now
Right now, two years may sound like more than enough time to worry about filing a personal injury lawsuit. But when you are dealing with the fallout of physical injuries, time away from work, medical appointments, and other setbacks, you can be certain that time will pass quickly. The surest way to protect yourself and your family is to get in touch with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. When you reach out to Hoge Law Firm, you will be placed in contact with a lawyer who will guide you through the complexities of personal injury law.
The all-important first step in protecting yourself is to request a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney. It’s as easy as sending us an electronic message or giving us a call:
When you get in touch with Hoge Law Firm, you will be connected with a lawyer who can explain all of the intricacies of California personal injury law.
Representation on a Contingency Fee Basis
An Opportunity to Level the Legal Playing Field
We want to make it absolutely clear that it costs you nothing to discuss your case with Hoge Law Firm at our legal office in Downtown San Diego, and we won’t collect any fees unless and until your case results in a settlement or jury award.
If you have a legal claim against a big business or the city of San Diego, you face an uphill battle. These interests have deep pockets and robust legal teams in place.
With contingency representation, you don't have to worry about mounting legal expenses. Focus on medical bills and recovery while your attorney advocates for you. You only pay if your attorney reaches a successful resolution.
Yes, You Can Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer But You Can’t Afford to Deny Yourself Legal Help
If we take your case, it’s because we are confident that we will be successful in collecting compensation on your behalf. When that happens, we will collect a percentage of the settlement or jury award as our fee. The rest is yours to help your family overcome the setbacks you have suffered in your car collision, slip and fall, truck accident, motorcycle accident, or the wrongful death of a loved one.
Denying yourself legal representation doesn’t help anyone but the responsible party, because it means they will likely get away with paying far less than they truly owe you—or nothing at all. You have nothing to lose by letting Hoge Law Firm explain what a personal injury lawyer can do for you during a free initial consultation.
Lawyers Who Are Fully Invested in Your Success We Care About Your Personal Injury Case as Much as You Do
It’s understandable if you read that headline and thought, “Of course they would say that, but how could they possibly be as invested as I am in achieving a positive outcome?” We want you to know that in addition to being a person with a family and a livelihood who can empathize with the difficulties you are facing, your attorney will not get paid unless they collect a settlement or jury award for you.
Your success is our success, so when you reach out to Hoge Law Firm's San Diego office, your personal injury attorney will be using every tool at their disposal to make certain you collect maximum compensation for your losses.
There is no shortage of San Diego personal injury attorneys; let us put you in touch with a personal injury lawyer who has earned the trust of our award-winning firm.
Get the Legal Help You Need and Deserve Request a Free Personal Injury Case Review
In the aftermath of a preventable accident, victims are typically overwhelmed with questions about what to do next. Hoge Law Firm in San Diego is here to get you the answers you need.
We will put you in touch with a personal injury attorney who will provide honest and clear information to help you understand what lies ahead. Our hope is that this will provide you with the peace of mind you need in order to concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery while your personal injury lawyer takes care of collecting the compensation you are owed.
Don’t suffer the unknown any longer than you have to. Request your free consultation so we can begin building your case and helping you overcome your injuries. Reach out to Hoge Law Firm in San Diego, CA, today by sending us a message online or calling us:
If a person or party failed to uphold their duty of safety and you suffered some form of harm, you likely have a personal injury case.
What Should I Do
If I’ve Been Injured Because of Somebody Else’s Negligence?
Once you have received medical treatment and contacted the police:
Taking these steps can help your chances in an injury lawsuit.
Put a Personal Injury Lawyer In Your Corner Now
Contact Hoge Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation
Suffering a serious injury because of another party’s careless actions can make you feel vulnerable. The truth is that without legal representation, you may be more vulnerable than you know. Victims need an advocate who can make sure that responsible parties are held accountable for all of the losses they have caused. Without the help of a personal injury lawyer who can navigate our complex and imperfect legal system on your behalf, you could easily be left bearing the burden of astronomical medical bills, disability, and other hardships you do not deserve.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Reach out to Hoge Law Firm in San Diego now by sending us a message online or calling:
Contacting an attorney is the best way to protect yourself and your best interests. Your personal injury lawyer will be able to recommend what steps to take next to secure a better settlement offer or win a jury award.
Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident or wrongful death. However, if an accident causes an injury that isn’t discovered until later, in many instances you may only have one year from the date of discovery. Keep in mind that it is much easier to gather and preserve evidence the sooner you hire a San Diego personal injury lawyer.
Can I still file a personal injury lawsuit if I am partially responsible for the accident?
Yes. California recognizes the principle of comparative negligence, meaning you can file a claim in pursuit of the amount of damages caused by the other party even if you share some responsibility for the accident. For example, if the courts determine that the other party was 80% at fault, you could collect 80% of the total damages. Bear in mind that even if you think you are partially at fault, you may not be. Leave that determination to your personal injury attorney, and you should not discuss the matter with anyone but your attorney.
Can I afford a personal injury attorney?
When you choose Hoge Law Firm, you absolutely can. That's because your consultation is free of charge, and your attorney will not collect any fees unless they can first collect a jury award or settlement for you. You have nothing to lose by reaching out to Hoge Law Firm to discuss your personal injury claim and become connected with an attorney who is prepared to help you collect what you are truly owed. If someone else's negligence has left you or a loved one injured, please reach out to Hoge Law Firm in San Diego now.
Have a Question That Wasn't Answered Here?
Contact Our Law Firm to Get the
Personal Injury Info You Need
Personal injury litigation is complex and requires a profound understanding of California civil law. Rather than trying to go it alone, trust your case to legal professionals here in San Diego.
Hoge Law Firm can help you find a San Diego-based personal injury lawyer who understands how to communicate with insurance companies, negotiate a more favorable settlement, and present a compelling case in court.
To learn more about your legal options, contact our San Diego law office.
Remember that hiring a San Diego personal injury lawyer has numerous advantages. Your injury lawyer will be able to gather and preserve evidence sooner and get your case moving in the right direction.