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Frequently Asked Questions

Clear Answers to the Most Common Personal Injury Concerns

When someone is injured in an accident, it’s normal to feel confused about what to do next. This page brings together the questions clients ask most, explained in simple language to help you understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect your case.

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Do I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?

A case usually exists when your injuries were caused by someone who failed to act safely. This could be a driver who wasn’t paying attention, a property owner who ignored a hazard, or a dog owner who didn’t control their pet. If your injuries required medical attention and the accident wasn’t your fault, there’s a strong chance you have a claim. The best way to know for sure is to talk with a personal injury attorney who can review what happened and explain your options.

Personal injury compensation is based on how the accident changed your life, both financially and physically. Medical treatment is often the starting point, but the full calculation looks at much more than hospital bills. It considers the time you missed from work, how long recovery is expected to take, ongoing medical needs, and any lasting pain or limitations. Your attorney will review your injuries, talk with your doctors, look at how your daily routine has been affected, and assess any long-term impact. Once these details are gathered, your lawyer can give you a clearer picture of what fair compensation should look like in your case.

If you’re hurt in a crash, your health comes first. Get medical attention right away, then make sure the accident is reported. Exchange information with the other driver and take photos of the scene and your injuries if you’re able to. It’s important not to discuss fault with anyone involved. Before you speak with an insurance company, reach out to a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can guide you and help prevent mistakes that could weaken your claim.

RA & Associates represents people injured in many situations, including car accidents, motorcycle collisions, truck crashes, pedestrian injuries, slips and falls, dog bites, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death cases. If your injuries were caused by someone else, we can help you understand the legal path forward.

Liability depends on the actions that led to your accident. If someone acted carelessly, like running a red light, failing to maintain a safe property, or allowing an unsafe dog to roam freely, they may be legally responsible for the harm you suffered. During a consultation, your attorney will go through the evidence with you and explain who may be at fault.

At RA & Associates, hiring a lawyer never adds stress to an already difficult situation. Our firm works strictly on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket while your case is active. We cover the cost of building your claim from day one, including gathering records, working with experts, and handling negotiations, so you can focus on healing.

We are only paid if we win for you. If there is no recovery, you owe us nothing. This approach allows every client, no matter their financial situation, to access strong legal representation and have a dedicated team fighting for full compensation.

Filing a personal injury claim starts with documenting what happened and getting medical care right away. From there, RA & Associates steps in to handle the entire process for you. Our team reviews the accident details, gathers evidence, speaks with witnesses, collects medical records, and notifies the insurance companies involved. We make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time, and we manage all communication so nothing is missed or misunderstood.

California has strict deadlines, so starting early is important; most personal injury cases must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Some situations require much faster action, especially when a government agency is involved. Missing the deadline can mean losing your right to compensation. The sooner you involve our firm, the easier it is to protect your case and build the strongest path toward compensation.

Any documents or details that show what happened and how it affected you can be helpful. This includes medical records, accident reports, photos of the scene, witness statements, and proof of missed work. Your attorney will help you gather everything needed and present it clearly.

Insurance companies often reach out quickly, but their goal is to protect their own interests. They may ask questions designed to reduce your claim. It’s safest to let them know you prefer not to give statements without an attorney present. Once you hire a lawyer, all communication can be directed through your legal team.

In California, you may still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but it does not automatically prevent you from filing a claim. An attorney will work to keep that percentage as low as possible.

Many clients worry about paying for treatment before their case settles. Depending on your situation, medical liens, health insurance, or auto insurance coverage may help you receive care immediately. Your attorney will help coordinate treatment options so you can focus on healing instead of financial stress.

While you’re not required to hire one, having a lawyer often makes a major difference. An attorney protects you from insurance pressure, organizes evidence, calculates damages, and negotiates for the compensation you deserve. Without legal representation, many injured people receive far less than their case is worth.

The timeline varies based on the severity of injuries, the length of medical treatment, and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate. Some cases settle in a few months; others take longer if treatment is ongoing or if the case becomes more complex. Throughout the process, your attorney will keep you informed every step of the way.

It’s best to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Early legal support helps protect important evidence, prevents avoidable errors, and gives you stronger leverage during negotiations. The sooner a lawyer is involved, the more support you have throughout your recovery.