Personal Injury FAQs

Under California’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for your accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would still be eligible to receive $80,000. Determining fault can be complex, and insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced personal injury attorney like Torem & Associates on your side to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

The timeline for a personal injury case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, the complexity of your case, and the insurance company’s willingness to settle.

Straightforward claims may resolve within a few months.

Serious injury or disputed liability cases can take a year or more, especially if they go to trial.

Cases involving ongoing medical treatment may be delayed until your condition stabilizes to accurately assess long-term damages.

We keep you informed at every step and work efficiently to secure the best possible result in the shortest reasonable time.

After an accident, your health and safety come first. Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Then, follow these steps:

1. Call the police and file an accident report
2. Document the scene with photos or video
3. Exchange information with any involved parties
4. Collect witness contact info, if available
5. Avoid admitting fault, even casually
6. Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters - Torem & Associates will make sure you know your rights.
7. Taking these actions early will protect your rights and strengthen your case.

There is no universal formula to determine how much your case is worth. The value of a personal injury claim depends on:

• The extent of your injuries
• Medical bills and treatment costs
• Lost wages and loss of future income
• Pain and suffering
• Whether you suffered permanent disability or disfigurement
• Emotional trauma, lifestyle changes, and more

At Torem & Associates, we evaluate every aspect of your damages to pursue the maximum compensation you’re legally entitled to.

Technically, you can file a claim on your own. But without legal guidance, you risk settling for far less than your case is worth, or having your claim denied altogether.

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. An experienced personal injury attorney will:

1. Handle all communication with insurers
2. Gather evidence and expert testimony
3. Accurately calculate damages
4. Negotiate a fair settlement
5. Go to trial if necessary

Having Torem & Associates in your corner levels the playing field and increases your chances of a favorable outcome.

In most cases, the statute of limitations in California is two years from the date of the injury. If you wait too long, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation.

Some exceptions apply:

• If the injury was not immediately discovered, the deadline may be extended
• If the defendant is a government entity, the time limit may be as short as six months
• That’s why it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run crash, you may still be able to recover compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or by pursuing other third parties who may be liable.

Torem & Associates can help you file a claim, identify alternative sources of compensation, and work with law enforcement to support your case.

Yes. If the person who caused your injury is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover damages through your own UM/UIM insurance policy, which covers situations where the at-fault driver has no (or insufficient) coverage.

We’ll examine all available policies and explore every legal avenue to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Not necessarily. In fact, most personal injury claims settle out of court through negotiation. We strive to resolve your case quickly and fairly without the need for trial.

However, if the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge or jury.

At Torem & Associates, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which puts pressure on insurers and often leads to better settlement offers.