Straight answers — before you pick up the phone
General information about California claims — not legal advice for your case
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.
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.
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.
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?
Lawyers can be expensive—and that alone can make people hesitate to reach out, especially if they’re worried about a large bill. Rest easy: any consultation with Valero Law, APC is completely free. We want you to understand your options before you make any decisions.
More importantly, for qualifying personal injury matters, we typically handle cases on a contingency fee basis: you owe no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you, subject to the terms of a written fee agreement. Case costs (such as filing fees, records fees, or expert costs) may still apply depending on your agreement and how your case is handled.