Yes, you can sue if you are injured in California even if you are visiting. If you are hurt in a slip and fall accident at the airport or a bus accident in Los Angeles, you have the same rights as a local resident. In other words, if someone else negligently caused your accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages to cover medical costs and other expenses as well.
Two laws in California may vary from your state, so it is essential to know them:
Individuals who are hurt in an accident while visiting California may think it is easier to avoid hiring an attorney and negotiate a settlement directly with the insurance company. They may fear the cost and inconvenience of spending extended amounts of time in California to pursue their claim. What you may not know, though, is that most of your case can be handled by your attorney here in California– while you are back at home.
You may be required to return to California to appear at a deposition, a medical exam, a hearing, or a trial. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Salamati Law are accustomed to assisting our out-of-state clients with coordinating these trips. Our legal team will remain in regular contact with you throughout the litigation process and fight for justice on your behalf to enable you to focus on what matters most: your physical and emotional recovery.
Without an experienced attorney representing you, the insurance company will likely only present lowball offers for you that are well below what your case is worth. If you accept one of these offers, you will forego any additional rights to this claim. That is why hiring the right Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in your case. The insurance company will take notice once you hire an experienced lawyer. That will reduce the likelihood of them trying to get you to agree to an unfair settlement offer.
If you were injured while visiting California, call our attorneys at Salamati Law today to book your free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, so there are legal fees unless you prevail.