Resources
Helpful information and guides for personal injury victims in California.
At Frank Penney Injury Law, we believe in empowering our clients and the community with knowledge. Below you'll find helpful resources about personal injury law in California.
Resource Categories
What To Do After an Accident
Step-by-step guide on protecting your rights and building a strong case.
- Seek medical attention
- Document the scene
- Exchange information
- Report to insurance
- Contact an attorney
Understanding PI Claims
Learn how personal injury claims work in California.
- Types of damages
- Statute of limitations
- Comparative negligence
- Settlement vs. trial
- Attorney fees
Insurance Company Tactics
Know the tricks insurers use to minimize your claim.
- Quick settlement offers
- Recorded statements
- Medical authorization forms
- Delay tactics
- Surveillance
Personal Injury Legal Guides
Detailed, plain-English answers to the questions California injury victims ask most.
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims
What to do when the at-fault driver has no insurance, too little coverage, or fled the scene in a hit-and-run.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
How California settlements are calculated, what raises or lowers value, and a free estimate of your claim.
The Injury Claim Process
A step-by-step walkthrough of the California claim process and how long each stage typically takes.
Catastrophic Injury Types
Spinal Cord Injuries
Compensation for paralysis and catastrophic back injuries, including lifetime care costs.
Burn Injuries
Recovery for burns, permanent scarring, and disfigurement caused by another's negligence.
Amputation Injuries
Full lifetime value for limb loss, including recurring prosthetic costs.
Accident Types
Rear-End Collisions
Who's at fault, whiplash claims, and the value of rear-impact injuries.
Head-On Collisions
Catastrophic frontal crashes caused by wrong-way and impaired drivers.
T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents
Intersection crashes, right-of-way, and proving who ran the light.
Rollover Accidents
Driver negligence and vehicle-defect claims after a rollover.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Recovering through uninsured motorist coverage when a driver flees.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Proving texting and phone use under California's hands-free laws.
Drunk Driving Accidents
DUI crash claims, punitive damages, and civil vs. criminal cases.
Rideshare (Uber & Lyft) Accidents
Untangling rideshare insurance tiers to find the coverage that pays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to hire Frank Penney Injury Law?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you, so there's no financial risk to you.
Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions that may shorten or extend this deadline, so it's important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you could recover $80,000.
Q: How much is my case worth?
Every case is unique, and the value depends on many factors including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the strength of liability evidence. During your free consultation, we can provide an initial assessment of your case's potential value.
Q: Should I talk to the insurance company?
We recommend speaking with an attorney before giving any statements to insurance companies. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used against you. Let us handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
Q: How long will my case take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more. We'll keep you informed throughout the process.