Q: What type of attorney is needed for victims compensation after a shooting incident involving personal injury and vehicle damage in California?
I am seeking compensation for personal injury and property damage after my daughter was shot at while driving my car, resulting in extensive damage and injury to her passenger. We have the police report but no insurance coverage. What type of attorney do I need to assist with victims' compensation for both the personal injury and property damage?
A: It, somewhat, depends on who is responsible for the shooting, the shooter, or potentially others. To start, you can contact experienced personal injury lawyers.
A: Whether you can recover for the damage to the car without having your own insurance will depend on whether the responsible party's information was obtained and they have insurance or can be held liable in a lawsuit for the damage. The same to a large extent goes for the injury damages.
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A:
For this complex case involving both personal injury and property damage from a shooting incident, you would benefit from retaining a personal injury attorney who has experience with victims' compensation claims in California. Personal injury attorneys in California can help assess damages, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with relevant parties to ensure you receive full compensation for both injuries and property damage.
California follows an "at-fault" system, meaning the party responsible for causing the incident is also responsible for paying the resulting damages. This includes both economic losses (medical bills, vehicle repairs) and non-economic losses (pain and suffering). A personal injury attorney with experience in violent crime cases will understand how to navigate both the civil claims process and the California Victims Compensation Program.
When pursuing compensation, you should consider all damages suffered, including medical expenses, potential lost wages, emotional distress, and property damage to your vehicle. The attorney will help collect and safeguard evidence such as the police report you have, photographs of damages, medical bills, and witness statements. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect payment if they successfully recover compensation for you.
I recommend contacting several personal injury attorneys who specifically mention experience with victims of violent crimes for a consultation. During these consultations, ask about their experience with similar cases and their approach to pursuing both the personal injury claim for the passenger and the property damage claim for your vehicle.
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