Frequently Asked Questions

The timeline for a personal injury claim depends on many factors, including the challenges of the case, the severity of the injury, cooperation from insurance companies, and whether a trial is necessary. Some cases resolve in months, others take over a year. At Danko Meredith, we’ll give you a realistic outlook from day one.

It’s best to speak with a person injury attorney as soon as possible. Early legal intervention helps preserve evidence, avoid missteps with insurance adjusters, and ensure all deadlines are met. The sooner you contact the team at Danko Meredith, the stronger your case can be.

Most cases settle without going to trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will. At Danko Meredith, our trial readiness gives us leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re always ready for litigation if needed.

California follows a comparative fault system. You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your compensation may be reduced. Let us evaluate the details of your case and explain your legal options.

At Danko Meredith, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

A settlement conference takes place with a judge. A mediation is similar to a settlement conference. But instead of the settlement talks being supervised by a judge, in a mediation, the talks are supervised by a “mediator,” who is a neutral lawyer or a retired judge.

Yes, sometimes, especially if the injuries are not significant, or if the available insurance is limited. Before doing so, however, be sure to consult with a lawyer. Most will talk things over without charge and advise you whether it makes to settle on your own.

Many clients are surprised to learn that the police or other investigative agencies do nothing after an accident, regardless of what it concludes caused it. For most corporations, unless there’s a lawsuit, it’s "business as usual."

Some cases can be resolved within a few months of the injury or accident. But in our experience, most cases resolve between 18 months and 3 years from the date we file them.

Find an attorney with an excellent record of verdicts in a case similar to yours. You don’t want your lawyer to be learning “on the job.”

Under the contingency fee agreement, those costs are paid by the attorney, not the client. The attorney is reimbursed only if there is a settlement or a judgment in the client’s favor.

Only certain family members can sue for the loss of a loved one in. Those family members may all agree to have the same attorney represent them. When the family members don’t agree, each family member is entitled to his own attorney.