Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Hello. I was involved in a rear-end collision with the other party 100% at fault. The car I was driving was paid for. The driver was in a truck for a local cable company and did not have a drivers license at the time of the accident. I injured my knee and saw an MD and then went to my orthopedic surgeon (who had repaired my ACL on the injured knee several years earlier) and he prescribed physical therapy.

The car is paid for, and the PT is completed. The PT cost me $1800 at $100/session and I missed one day of work. A friend said I will be able to recover the money for PT and the lost work and that I should request another $5,000 for pain, aggravated damages, disruption of personal schedule etc. Is that a reasonable amount? The accident was just over 1 year ago. Thanks.


Asked on 3/12/10, 10:01 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone-Molloy The Lion's Law Office

My answer is NO, you can do much better, and you should have a case like that handled by a professional. If you don't have all the bills for all your treatment, including treatment that you will need in the future, then you aren't getting the maximum value for your case. Also, are you sure you understand everything about your injury? Because if you find out later that it's more serious, you can't go back and "un-settle" the case! Take the time to do it right. Call me for a free consultation: 877-LION-FOR-LAW (546-6367)

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Answered on 3/17/10, 10:17 am
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates

This is is a example of how not getting

a PI attorney probably costs you thousands of dollars. However it may not be too late to salvage your case. My firm handles car accident cases all over California, you may call me for a free consultation on your case at 800-816-1529 ext. 1.

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Answered on 3/17/10, 10:40 am
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

In addition to what my colleagues suggest, you are limited to recover $7,500 in small claims court. Then, an award will be based upon your convincing the judge of the value of your case. The benefit, of course, is that you won't have to pay an attorney. The risks are that you can undervalue your case, and/or you can lose.

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Answered on 3/17/10, 11:36 am


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