Our Priority? Protecting Your Best Interests.
Righting Wrongs Committed Against Our Clients
If another person’s negligence caused your motor vehicle accident, catastrophic injury, or loved one’s wrongful death, the responsible party should pay for the damages. When you call Christopher C. Vader PC with your legal matters, your best interests become our priority. We have tried countless cases before juries.
Through rigorous preparation, thorough investigation, and in-depth analysis of our clients’ injury matters, we determine the most effective solutions for your legal needs. We even put ourselves in the defense attorney’s shoes when developing a plan of action, pondering all possible defense strategies that might be employed.
Don’t Wait to File Your Personal Injury Claim
According to California law the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years. This means you have two years from the date of your accident to file your injury claim or lose your right to do so. While this law is usually rightward there are some exceptions that can change this two-year time period, depending on the specifics of your case, so it’s important to speak to an attorney about your claim as soon as possible. Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations so you have nothing to lose by reaching out to us today. Our experienced firm is ready to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve after being wrongly injured.
What Damages Can You Get For Personal Injury?
If you or someone you love was involved in an accident caused by the actions of another, we may be able to help you understand the extent to which you have been wronged, assist in calculating the level of compensation you deserve, and lead the charge towards securing compensation on your behalf. We have over 20 years of experience representing people like you. We have a deep knowledge of the state laws in California and can advise you on the best route to take towards securing compensation.
There are many factors that we will take into account when offering you legal counsel, such as damage caps, relevant statute of limitations, and comparative fault laws. Aditionally, the specific amount of compensation you will be able to recover depends on the specifics of your individual case, the types of damages an injury victim can pursue remain consistent in all claims. There are three different types of damages, economic, non-economic and punitive.
We have over 20 years of experience representing people like you. We have a deep knowledge of the state laws in California and can advise you on the best route to take towards securing compensation. There are many factors that we will take into account when offering you legal counsel, such as damage caps, relevant statute of limitations, and comparative fault laws.
Economic Damages
Sometimes called "special damages,” this category of compensation covers the quantifiable monetary costs and losses you sustained as a result of your accident. Some of the most common economic damages involve:
- Medical bills
- Damaged property
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning potential
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of irreplaceable items
Noneconomic Damages
Sometimes called "general damages,” this type of compensation covers types of suffering that do not have objective costs, but can still be awarded a subjective value instead. Noneconomic damages can be granted for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma or distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of reputation
- Physical or mental impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are used to punish the at-fault party for the actions they took to cause you harm. They also serve to deter similar bad behavior from the negligent party in the future. Punitive damages may be appropriate in cases of severe negligence and extensive suffering, as is often the case in drunk driving accidents.
Personal Injury FAQs
At Christopher C. Vader PC, we have the answers you need. While accidents and personal injuries occur every day, bear in mind that no two cases are alike and the following questions and answers are general and not specific to any one case. To learn more about your options and discuss your specific case with a personal injury lawyer in Palm Springs, call (760) 537-4457.
What is the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process?
If a case cannot be closed informally or through settlement, your attorney will issue a legal document called a complaint. The defendant is given the opportunity to file a response document, also called an answer. Once done, both sides can begin to investigate each other’s claims. This is called the discovery period.
How Long Do Personal Injury Cases Last?
The time it takes for a personal injury claim to be settled depends on the unique circumstances of each matter. Insurance companies and the court system have no set time period and negligent parties may even try to delay a final settlement. If your case goes to trial, it may take a year or more. In any case, it is important you do not take an initial offer without talking to your Palm Springs personal injury attorney. These quick settlements are usually much less than what you need to recover.
Should I Seek Medical Help After An Accident?
Your health is the most important factor after any accident, so you should always seek prompt medical attention. Rely on a qualified doctor to thoroughly document your injuries, including any worsening symptoms. Not only does this ensure you get the help you need so your injuries do not become worse, but a doctor’s report can also help strengthen your claim for compensation.
What Steps Do You Take To Prepare For A Difficult Case?
First and foremost, bring in a personal injury attorney to help you investigate the facts. At Christopher C. Vader PC, we rely on expert consultants in the medical and engineering fields, investigators, and others who may add to our investigation of your claim. We also prepare by assuming the defensive role and trying to anticipate arguments that may be thrown at you in order to create a strategy. Finally, we create a litigation plan that may involve assembling a team of associate lawyers if it is beneficial to our client (your fees never increase if we choose to work with other attorney).
Can A Child File A Lawsuit?
Yes, but someone over the age of 18 (usually a parent) would need to be selected to prosecute the case. The child who wishes to file the lawsuit can also make a claim when he or she is 18.
How Do I Know If I Have A Case?
Every case consists of two parts - liability and damages. If you are a victim of an accident and have the ability to prove that the responsible party was negligent, then you may be able to establish liability. If you are also able to prove that damages resulted from the wrongful person’s negligence, then you may have a case.
What Advice Do You Most Often Give Your Clients & Why?
The best personal injury case is no personal injury case, and a small case is always better than a big one. No amount of money will ever replace your good health. We will tell you that the process can be made miserable by insurance companies, but we will be there every step of the way to fight for your best interests.