Common Questions About Personal Injury

These answers are general information for people researching California personal injury matters. They are not legal advice for your specific situation.

Is personal injury the same as lemon law?

No. Lemon law typically involves defective vehicles, warranty issues, and remedies like repurchase or replacement when a vehicle qualifies under California’s lemon law framework.

Personal injury focuses on physical harm and related losses caused by negligence or wrongful conduct—such as motor vehicle crashes and unsafe property conditions.

We keep these areas separate on our website so you can find the right starting point. If your issue is primarily a vehicle defect, begin with our California Lemon Law overview. If you were injured, review our personal injury overview.

What does “negligence” mean?

In many injury cases, negligence means someone failed to use reasonable care, and that failure contributed to harm. Examples can include careless driving or allowing an unreasonably unsafe condition on property.

Not every accident means someone is legally liable. Liability depends on duties, facts, and evidence.

What should I do first after an injury?

Prioritize your health. Seek appropriate medical care and follow your treatment plan.

When you can do so safely, document what happened (photos, witness information, incident details). Be cautious about signing documents or giving recorded statements to insurers before you understand your rights.

Then contact a lawyer for a case evaluation tailored to your facts.

How long do I have to bring a claim in California?

Deadlines depend on the type of case, the parties involved, and other factors. California law includes statutes of limitations and other timing rules that can bar a claim if missed.

Do not wait to get legal guidance. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and deadlines may be shorter than you expect in certain circumstances.

Attorney review recommended: if the firm wants a more specific public-facing explanation, replace this answer with approved language.

Will my case go to trial?

Many cases settle, but nobody can guarantee settlement. We prepare cases so that you are not forced to accept an unfair offer. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, litigation may be necessary.

How much is my case worth?

Case value depends on liability, damages, insurance coverage, comparative fault, and proof. Ethical attorneys do not promise a dollar amount at the start of a case.

We evaluate cases based on evidence, not guesses.

Do you charge upfront attorney fees for personal injury cases?

For qualifying personal injury matters, we often represent clients on a contingency fee basis: no attorney fee unless we recover compensation, subject to a written agreement.

Case costs may still apply depending on your agreement. Replace with the firm’s exact fee-and-costs language after attorney approval.

Will the insurance company treat me fairly?

Insurance companies are businesses. Adjusters may be courteous and still work to minimize payouts. Having counsel can help you avoid common mistakes and evaluate offers with context.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

You may need to report a claim to your own insurer based on your policy. For the at-fault party’s insurer, be cautious about recorded statements and early settlements.

What you should do depends on your facts—this is a common topic in a free case evaluation.

What is uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage?

UM/UIM coverage may apply when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance, depending on your policy and the facts. These issues can be technical and fact-specific.

Our car accident page provides additional context.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

California’s comparative fault rules may reduce recovery depending on how fault is allocated. Partial fault does not necessarily mean “no case,” but it can affect the outcome.

What is a free case evaluation?

A free case evaluation is a confidential conversation about what happened and whether we may be able to represent you. It is not a guarantee of representation or results.

How do I contact Valero Law, APC?

Phone: (424) 299-4447
Email: valero@valerolaw.com

Offices:
555 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
10000 West Washington Blvd, 6th Floor, Culver City, CA 90232