REDDING PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY - CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
MICHAEL REHM - (530) 410-6474
FREE CONSULTATIONS
If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, you are probably trying to figure out your legal options. Personal injury law is a complex area of law, and it is not easy to know where to start. The Law Office of Michael Rehm can help guide you through the process. Attorney Michael Rehm has been handling personal injury claims for years and can help you recover the damages to which you are entitled. Contact us today at (530) 410-6474 for a free consultation.
What is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law is an area of civil law that protects the rights of individuals harmed by the wrongful and/or neglectful actions of others. This area of law covers a variety of injuries, including physical injuries, emotional injuries, and financial losses. Individuals injured in an accident or by someone else's negligence may be entitled to compensation for their damages.
It is a broad area that covers many different types of cases. However, certain types of claims are more common than others.
Car Accidents
One of the most common types of personal injury claims is car accidents. They can happen for several reasons, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, or poor road conditions. If you have been in an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to file a claim for damages.
Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle accident can be a complex legal matter, and you will need an experienced attorney on your side who knows how to navigate the nuances of these types of cases.
Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents are another common type of personal injury claim. They can occur in both private homes and public places such as stores or office buildings. To win your case, you will need to show that the property owner was negligent in maintaining a safe environment.
Dog Bites
If you have been bitten by someone else's dog, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the owner. California dog bites are governed under strict liability, so you do not need to prove negligence on the owner's part. The fact that the dog bit you and you were injured is typically enough.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death claim is a civil action brought by the surviving family members of someone who was killed due to another person's negligence or intentional wrongdoing. For a claim to be successful, the plaintiff must prove that, but for the defendant's negligence, their loved one would still be alive.
Medical Malpractice
If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be able to sue the responsible doctor or hospital. To succeed with your claim, you will need to show that the medical professional in question acted negligently, and that this negligence resulted in your injury.
Proving Negligence in Personal Injury Claims
Most personal injury accident claims are based on the legal principle of negligence. To win a negligence claim, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed them a duty of care, breached that duty, the breach caused the injury, and as a result of the injury, the plaintiff suffered damages and financial losses.
For example, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. If drivers violate traffic laws or drive recklessly, they may be said to have breached that duty, if that breach led to an accident and injuries, the driver can be held liable.
Personal Injury Statute of Limitations and Exceptions in California
If you have been injured in an accident, you may wonder if it is too late to file a personal injury claim. In California, the general statute of limitations for most personal injury accident claims is two years from when the accident happened. However, there are several exceptions that could extend that deadline, including but not limited to the following:
The plaintiff is a minor: If the plaintiff is a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until they turn eighteen. This means that a minor injured in an accident has until their 20th birthday to file a personal injury claim.
The defendant was evading service: If the defendant has been evading service—for example, by using a false name or address—the court may toll (pause) the statute of limitations until they can be served.
The defendant was out of the country. If the defendant was out of the country at the time that the plaintiff attempted to serve them, the court might toll (pause) the statute of limitations until they return to California.
If you were injured in an accident, speak with Redding Personal Injury Attorney Michael Rehm as soon as possible to discuss your legal options, and ensure that your claim is filed before the applicable deadline expires.
Compensation You Can Collect in a Personal Injury Claim
If you were injured because of someone else's negligence, you might be able to obtain monetary compensation. The most common types of compensation you can recover are economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate you for financial losses incurred due to your injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Here is what you need to know about economic damages.
Types of Economic Damages
There are two main types of economic damages: past and future. Past economic damages have already been incurred up until the time of trial. On the other hand, future economic damages are those that have not yet been incurred but are reasonably certain to occur in the future due to your injury. For example, if you are unable to return to work due to your injuries, future economic damages may include loss of earnings and loss of earning capacity.
How Are Economic Damages Calculated?
The amount of economic damages you may be entitled to depends on the facts and circumstances of your case. Generally speaking, economic damages are calculated by looking at the monetary impact that your injury has had on your life. This includes things like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. In some cases, expert testimony may be necessary to calculate future economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
In addition to physical injuries, many personal injury victims suffer from emotional trauma. This can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Emotional trauma can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Compensation can be recovered for these types of damages as well. This is known as non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are those that do not have a clear monetary value. They are usually far more difficult to calculate than economic damages.
Contact The Office of Michael Rehm for Your Personal Injury Claim
Attorney Michael Rehm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of his clients. With a deep understanding of the law and a passion for justice, every aspect of a case is thoroughly investigated. He understands the legal system and knows how to navigate the often-complicated process of filing a claim. Finding the right lawyer can make all the difference. Call Redding Personal Injury Lawyer Michael Rehm today at (530) 410-6474 for a free consultation. Attorney Rehm will be happy to review your case and answer any questions you have.
SHASTA COUNTY ACCIDENT LAWYER - MICHAEL REHM - (530) 410-6474
Redding Personal Injury Resources:
Redding Police Department - Traffic Accident Reports