Dinuba, CA asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for California

Q: i was recently hit by a car . i was going through the crosswalk and hit by a car running a red light do i have a case

the car didnt stop all the way making a right turn and didnt even seem to see me cause it rammed right into me. i felt bad and was in pain i just had my girlfrind get her info just in case also she wanted to give me cash to at least pay for the bike and gave me 90$ i didnt make a police report but i went to the hospital next day. do i still have a strong case without the report the lady said she would tell the truth if it came down to it . the gas station cams had to of seen it would i tell counsel about the cameras or would they even matter . i also have a witness. if i do have a case how much is it potentially worth and what might i need to do next. how long do cases like this usually take oh i went to the emergency room for my back but the xray showed that nothing was broken . im still in pain and can not seek work with the job temp i am set up with. the accident happened two weeks ago and i start seeing ciropracter this wednesday

7 Lawyer Answers
Ronnie Kashri
PREMIUM
Ronnie Kashri
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Beverly Hills, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It appears like you have a strong case. A police report may be helpful but not necessary for your case. The value of your case will depend on your injuries and treatment. Obtaining the full value will depend on the amount of insurance or assets available. I would recommend that you contact an injury lawyer as soon as possible to evaluate your case and help you maximize your recovery.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Yes, you have a case, assuming that she has liability insurance or you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Take photos of the intersection, your injuries, and damages to your bicycle , keep your medical appointment, and talk to a personal injury attorney.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Nobody can tell you how much your case is worth. We would have to know your injuries, your medical expenses, your wage loss, your future medical expenses, your future wage loss, your diagnosis, your prognosis for recovery, whether you have any permanent injuries or disfigurement, the amount of available insurance coverage and the proportionate fault of all parties, including yourself.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: CONTACT A PI LAWYER ASAP.

YOU WANT TO SEND AN ANTI SPOLIATION LETTER ADVISING THE D NOT TO DESTROY EVIDENCE ON FILM.

YOU ALSO WANT TO HAVE YOUR LAWYER GET WIT STATEMENTS BEFORE THEY DISAPPEAR OR THE WIT FORGETS.

THE VALUE OF THE CASE DEPENDS ON MANY FACTORS.......ONE OF WHICH IS YOUR MED TREATMENT. IF YOU DON'T GO BACK TO A DOCTOR, THE CASE HAS LESS VALUE THAN IF YOU RECEIVE TREATMENT FOR 6 MONTHS.

I HAVE WRITTEN SEVERAL ARTICLES ON THE VALUE OF A PI CASE. YOU CAN GO TO MY WEBSITE TO READ THEM.

READ ATTORNEY WILLIAM LIGHTS MISSIVE HEREIN.........

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If you were hit by a car while crossing the crosswalk and the driver was running a red light, you may have a case against the driver for negligence. Even if you did not make a police report at the time of the accident, you can still potentially pursue a case with the help of an attorney.

It is important to gather any evidence that you have, including the information of the driver, the cash given to you, the witness statement, and any footage from the gas station cameras. Your attorney can use this evidence to build a case for your compensation. The amount of compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries, the medical bills, and any lost wages.

It is advisable to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to determine the strength of your case and the potential for compensation. The attorney can advise you on the legal process and how to proceed. The length of time for cases like this varies, depending on the complexity of the case and the court's calendar.

In the meantime, it is important to focus on your health and recovery. Continue to follow up with medical treatment and keep track of all medical expenses related to the accident.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Steven M. Sweat
PREMIUM
Steven M. Sweat pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It sounds like the other party was negligent, which would warrant a claim. You would still have a case even though a police report was not made. There is no way to determine potential case value without an attorney reviewing your medical records and bills. Cases like this can resolve within months if a lawsuit doesn't have to be filed (can take much longer if a lawsuit needs to be filed). If liability is not disputed by the lady that hit you, there is a high chance it can be resolved without a lawsuit. You should consult an attorney immediately if you want to pursue any claims as delay can prejudice the claim and/or reduce value.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Little Neck, NY

A: I'm sorry about your accident. I hope you're okay. My colleagues all made good points. On your question of how long cases like this take, it could depend on the law firm you hire, the duration of care needed, insurance carrier, and other factors. Straightforward cases can sometimes settle relatively quickly. Large cases with very serious injuries where there is no meeting of the minds between your attorney and the insurance carrier can sometimes take three to four years, depending on trial calendars. Good luck

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.