Frequently Asked Personal Injury Questions

FAQs

Do you have questions about pursuing legal action for an injury? Review some of the most commonly asked questions below. For more help, contact our firm for a free consultation.

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FAQs

Who is at fault in a rideshare accident?

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Fault in rideshare accidents depends on the circumstances and whether the driver was actively using the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the crash. If the rideshare driver was on a trip, their insurance through the company may apply. If the driver was offline, their personal auto insurance may be responsible.

Sometimes, another driver is fully or partially at fault. Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, making it key to have an experienced rideshare attorney at MKP Law Group LLP review your case. They can determine which policies apply and ensure you recover all damages owed.

Can I Still Make an Insurance Claim if I Don’t Have Car Insurance?

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Yes. You can still pursue a claim against the at-fault driver even if you didn’t have car insurance at the time of your crash. In California, Proposition 213 may limit what uninsured drivers can recover if they’re at fault. Specifically, uninsured motorists may be entitled only to economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, but not non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

However, there are important exceptions. If the at-fault driver was convicted of DUI, uninsured passengers in your vehicle, or if you had insurance on a different car at the time of the crash, Prop 213 may not apply to your case.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney for My Car Accident?

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Insurance companies are businesses designed to protect their profits, not your recovery. After an accident, they often push lowball offers or delay claims to wear you down. A personal injury attorney does the heavy lifting for you: we investigate the crash, obtain police reports, coordinate with medical experts, gather evidence, and build a complete picture of liability and damages.

We know how insurers value cases incorrectly and how to push back. We ensure that deadlines are met, paperwork is correct, and your rights are protected every step of the way so you can focus on healing.

How Does My Attorney Get Paid?

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MKP Law Group, LLP represents clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront or out of pocket for legal services. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us any attorney fees.

If we do win your case, our fee comes as a percentage of the total recovery. This alignment ensures we work hard to maximize your compensation. We also offer 100% free consultations, so you can get experienced legal guidance without any cost or obligation.

How Long Does a Rideshare Accident Claim Take?

Every case is different, but most rideshare accident claims follow a similar path. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

Step 1
Initial Consultation
Days 1–3

You speak with an attorney, review what happened, and confirm which insurance policies may apply. No upfront costs.

Step 2
Medical Treatment and Investigation
Weeks 1–8

You focus on receiving proper medical care while your legal team gathers accident reports, app data, insurance information, and other relevant evidence.

Step 3
Claim Filing and Insurance Review
Months 2–4

Claims are submitted to the appropriate insurance carriers. This often includes Uber or Lyft’s insurance and any other involved drivers.

Step 4
Negotiation and Case Evaluation
Months 3–6

Insurance companies review the claim, and negotiations begin. Many cases resolve during this phase.

Step 5
Litigation (If Necessary)
6+ Months

If a fair settlement isn’t offered, the case may move into litigation. Preparing every case for trial helps protect its value.

What Should I Do if I Was in a Crash, But Can’t Afford Medical Care?

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Many injury victims face financial barriers to care after a crash. We work with a network of doctors and medical professionals throughout California who accept patients on a medical lien basis. This means you receive treatment now, and the provider is paid from your settlement later.

You pay nothing upfront. This ensures you get the care you need while we focus on building your legal claim.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

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Right after a crash, taking these steps can strengthen your claim:

  • Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, and injuries before vehicles are moved.
  • Call the police so a formal report can be generated.
  • Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s).
  • Seek medical evaluation even if you feel okay; some injuries show up later.
  • Keep records of all medical visits and expenses.

Documenting the accident thoroughly helps prove liability and shows insurers the seriousness of your claim.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?

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Dog bites can be traumatic and quickly lead to infection or long-term scarring. After a bite incident:

  • Get the dog owner’s contact and insurance information immediately.
  • Report the attack to animal control or local authorities.
  • Seek medical attention right away and follow all doctor recommendations.
  • Take photos of injuries and the location where the bite occurred.

These steps help create documentation that strengthens your claim and establishes liability.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

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In California, only specific people can file a wrongful death claim:

  • The decedent’s spouse
  • The decedent’s domestic partner
  • The decedent’s children

If none of these exist, parents or siblings may have standing through a “personal representative.” A related “survival action” may also be available to recover damages the deceased could have pursued if they had lived.

What Should I Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

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After a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall incident:

  • Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
  • Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall (e.g., liquid, debris, uneven flooring).
  • Gather contact information of any witnesses.
  • Seek medical care immediately.

This evidence helps your attorney prove that a dangerous condition existed and that the property owner failed to address it.

What if I Want to Represent Myself Instead of Hiring a Lawyer?

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You can represent yourself, but personal injury law is complicated. Without an experienced attorney, you may miss key deadlines, overlook evidence, or accept an unfair insurance offer. Attorneys understand how to build cases, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if necessary – experience that can significantly increase your compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in California?

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In most California personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation.

Certain cases, like those involving government entities, may have shorter deadlines and require specific notice periods. Prompt legal consultation ensures your claim is timely and properly filed.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault?

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Yes. California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your award may be reduced by 20%.

An attorney can help ensure fault is fairly evaluated.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?

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In personal injury cases, you may be entitled to recover:

  • Economic damages: medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and future care expenses
  • Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages: in rare cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless

The amount varies based on your injuries, losses, and the circumstances of the accident.

What Should I Bring to My First Consultation with MKP Law Group, LLP?

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To make your first meeting productive, try to bring:

  • Any police or accident reports
  • Medical records or billing statements
  • Photos of injuries and the accident scene
  • Insurance information
  • Names and contact information for witnesses

Even if you don’t have everything, we can help gather the records you need.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

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Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair value for your injuries, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Preparing each case as if it may go to court often leads to stronger settlement offers.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in California?

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Most personal injury attorneys, including MKP Law Group, LLP, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless your case is won. This ensures access to legal representation without an upfront financial burden.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim without a Lawyer?

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You can file your own claim, but handling it alone, especially against experienced insurance adjusters, is challenging. An attorney ensures proper investigation, evidence gathering, and strategic negotiation.

How Do I Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer?

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Look for an attorney who:

  • Has a strong track record of results
  • Has experience in personal injury cases
  • Communicates clearly and promptly
  • Is willing to prepare cases for trial

We offer all of these qualities and offer our clients personalized care.

What Makes MKP Law Group, LLP Different from Other Firms?

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We handle all cases with compassion and attention. We communicate clearly, answer your questions promptly, and focus on maximizing your recovery, not rushing you through the process. Many firms treat clients like files; we treat you like people.

How Long Will It Take for My Claim to Resolve?

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Personal injury timelines vary, but here’s a general outline:

  • Initial investigation and claim filing: Weeks 1–8
  • Medical treatment and documentation: Weeks to months, depending on injury
  • Insurance negotiation: Months 2–6
  • Trial or litigation (if necessary): 6+ months

Cases with unresolved medical treatment or disputed liability take longer. We keep you informed at every step.