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04 Oct, 2017 by Bruce
First off, I need you to know this is the very best law office in the entire Butte County area. They are extremely courteous, polite, professional and business oriented. Stewart is very upfront about what he thinks and never ever tells you what you want to hear. Brutal honesty is his policy. I had a very stale case that had been basically sitting for almost 2 years. I contacted Stewart and he informed me that it's not gonna be an easy settlement. However in the end he ended up getting all my bills paid, medical, MRI's, loans and still able to put cash in my pocket. I had an attorney before and they never returned calls, never answered questions and acted as though I was causing an issue when I did call. I never experienced this with Stewart's office. Call and get in touch with the very best in the business.
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23 Aug, 2016 by Ellen
Mr. Galbraith did a great job of advising and representing me after I was hit by a car while I crossing a major street in a crosswalk. In the big scheme of things, this was minor, but it did keep me out of work several weeks and involved the need for physical therapy and I very much appreciated a professional advising me on this journey. I have since advised 2 friends who needed a personal injury lawyer to go to Stewart and they both give rave reviews of his professionalism and honesty and positive resolution of their cases.
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30 May, 2014 by Natalia
I was a Mr.Galbraith's client for two years and I have a great deal of appreciation for his hard work for me. He has integrity, class, knowledge which all together make him being outstanding attorney. He has put a lot of efforts in my case and never been bulled and insulted the opposite side which is rarely happens in a court of what I heard. He supported and guided me through entire process and he won. I would highly recommend to hire him if, the God forbids, somebody needs help.
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06 Nov, 2015 by Satisfied client
My experience was great. They kept us informed and got a much larger settlement than I had thought possible. Mr. Puritz negotiated with the adjusters so well that I didn't have to go to court or anything, They're kind at their office and were always available to answer my question or concerns.
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18 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
I used Mr. Puritz in a case involving a young man rear ending me in Paradise. I had a previous back injury and surgery so the insurance claimed prior injuries. Larry stood by me and ultimately they found that the fuse in my back from surgery had broken in the accident and we settled out of court for much more than I ever thought we would.
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09 Sep, 2009 by Linda
I used Lawrence Puritz for my Attorney in October of 2008 when I fell in a local supermarket. Larry settled my case within 2 months and I received compensation for my damages x 10! I was reimbursed for my medical bills and received an additional $40,000.00 for my pain and suffering. I would definitely recommend Larry to anyone who has been injured.
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26 Aug, 2024 by John smith
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11 Jun, 2024 by Down town d (dhyana kroon)
I just wanted to share what a great experience I had. These guys were attentive and always were there to answer any questions I had. I'm very happy with how my case turned out. Hopefully, I never have to contact them again but if something ever occurred I know who I'm calling! If you are injured, call the Law Offices of Adam Sorrels! 🙂
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06 Jun, 2024 by Danne boch
Kind, compassionate, professional and most important honest. Adam and his staff have the highest rating from me. My family has used his services for a number of years and I have referred a number of clients to him. If you are having personal injury legal issues, it is worth your time to talk with him.
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14 Jun, 2021 by Branden
I'm just really disappointed with my experience with this office. They really let me down. I gave Mr. Bently who works for Joe vandervoort $5,000 to write court documents for me. Although this was a lot of money I was confident that he knew what he was doing. I had to constantly call the office to get him to work on it(around 50 calls) most of the time i was unable to reach him. He said himself that he would need me on the phone while he worked on it, So he only spent a couple hours on my documents. 1 year later my documents were denied and mr Bently said it would cost me another $1500 to appeal it. I was homeless and broke. I borrowed the money from my family. If this was done correctly I would have been living happily with shelter and family but I had to live in my vehicle throughout the pandemic and not to mention I got covid 19. I wish they cared enough to not rip me off, I wish that mr. Bently treated this matter professionally and correctly.
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16 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I would like to share the profound impact Joe VanDervoort and his staff has had on my life. I was facing long term, mandatory jail time and I was consumed with fear that my life was over. The best decision I ever made was placing the out-come in Joe's hands. I asked, "What was I to do?" Joe simply smiled and said, "relax, we're going to keep you out of jail. I'll take care of everything; you live your life." I followed his instructions and my life was not only restored, but improved as a result of this seemingly impossible experience. To say "money well spent" would be grossly understating the level of professionalism of Mr. VanDervoort and his legal staff.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I was facing allot of problems with my case and Mr. VanDevoort and I were able to sit and talk about the best way to resolve it. We probably did not always agree 100% on the route to go but in the end all was explained and we did choose the right one. He is very easy to work with and will always have your best interest in mind. His results were very satisfying. If you are in need of a lawyer I would recommend him 100%.
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19 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
I has assumed my daughter would get advice and assurance when we hired Ron it’s seems these days he so busy he can barely return phone calls or emails. Have had two appointments by phone both of which I had to call because he apparently was running late. My daughter has been left without communication and a timeline we have spend our retainer and nothing has been finalized and have no direction as to how this might end. Frustrated and sorry my daughter retained Ron when he is so busy with his other cases. We hired him expecting advice assurance and resolution. Still waiting in limbo. He’s a nice man and other reviews appreciate his skills . I had hope for similar experiences.
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28 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Ron Marquez was assign by the court to be the Child's Advocate Attorney for my 2 pre-teen kids. This was a heavily litigated case over the past 2.5 years. Ron barley glanced at the court files and spent less than 20 minutes with my children. On the date of the trial Ron was reprimanded multiple times by the judge for not knowing the details of the case. Ron simply wanted to maintain a 50/50 custody timeshare. Ron made no attempt to represent the wants or needs of the children he was hired to advocate for. At the end of the trial the judge relieved him of his duties involving the case. I have seen many child custody cases of the years and Ron was the least prepared and knowledgeable lawyer I have seen to date. He was unconcerned for the wants and needs of the children he was suppose to represent.
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17 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Marquez seemed to have the right things to say but it was obvious that he takes the short road to end a case. Frivolous meetings, expensive email and phone charges and change of venue at court time make it very expensive and fruitless. He did not support the case when it was court time, manipulating his client with nonsense and pressuring his client to settle in the opposing clients agenda. Attempts to talk to his boss or anyone in his office was impossible, no return calls or emails to resolve this issue. He also has a pending issue with the CA State Bar that he did not disclose.
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Questions? We have answers

What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

A car accident lawyer specializes in representing individuals who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. These lawyers help victims secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from a car crash. They also negotiate with insurance companies, investigate the cause of the accident, and, if necessary, represent clients in court to ensure they receive fair compensation.

If you've been injured in a car accident - whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian - a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights, navigate the insurance claims process, and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Consider hiring a car accident lawyer in several situations, especially when the accident results in injuries, property damage, or disputes with the insurance company. Key situations include:

  • Serious injuries: If you’ve suffered significant injuries, such as broken bones, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, a lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, and pain and suffering.
  • Disputes with the insurance company: If your insurance claim has been denied or the insurance company offers an unreasonably low settlement, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get fair compensation.
  • Liability disputes: If the other driver’s insurance company is disputing fault or claiming you were partially at fault, a lawyer can gather evidence to prove the other party’s negligence.
  • Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a car accident, a lawyer can help the family pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
  • Uninsured or underinsured driver: If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, a lawyer can help you explore other compensation options, such as filing a claim with your own insurance company.
  • Complex cases: Accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or complicated circumstances require legal expertise to manage complexities and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A car accident lawyer provides various legal services to help injured individuals pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Investigating the accident: Gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, photos, and video footage to determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
  • Filing insurance claims: Assisting clients in filing claims with their insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer to ensure all necessary documentation is submitted correctly.
  • Negotiating settlements: Working with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Calculating damages: Determining the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
  • Handling medical bills: Coordinating with healthcare providers to ensure your medical bills are paid and helping you avoid financial hardship during the claims process.
  • Filing lawsuits: If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, the lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
  • Representing you in court: Presenting your case before a judge and jury, providing evidence and witness testimony to prove negligence and your right to compensation.

How Are Car Accident Lawyers Paid?

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle your case. The key aspects include:

  • Contingency fee: The lawyer’s fee is typically between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or award. You won't pay upfront fees; the lawyer's payment comes from the compensation they recover for you.
  • No fee if no recovery: If the lawyer doesn’t secure compensation for you, you generally don't owe any legal fees.
  • Case expenses: You may be responsible for certain costs related to your case, such as filing fees or expert witness fees. These are usually deducted from the settlement after the lawyer's fee is paid.

Discuss the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how much you'll owe if your case is successful.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer is generally based on the contingency fee arrangement. General estimates include:

  • Contingency fee percentage: Lawyers typically charge between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or award. For example, if you receive a $100,000 settlement and the lawyer's fee is 33%, the lawyer would receive $33,000, and you'd keep the remaining $67,000.
  • Case expenses: Additional costs such as court filing fees, expert witness costs, and administrative fees can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the case complexity.

Ensure you get a clear explanation of fees and expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer

Before hiring a car accident lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with car accident cases?
    Confirm the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours, especially involving serious injuries or complex liability issues.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Understand the contingency fee percentage and any additional costs you may incur.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Seek an honest assessment of your case's strengths and potential challenges.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Get an estimate of the timeline for settling or taking the case to trial.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    Ensure you know who will be managing your case and their level of involvement.
  6. What kind of compensation can I expect?
    Ask about the types of damages you may be entitled to, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How to Check the Credibility of a Car Accident Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
  • Review their experience: Look for specialization in personal injury and car accident cases.
  • Read client reviews: Consult platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell for testimonials and ratings.
  • Ask for references: Request contact information of previous clients willing to discuss their experience.
  • Check professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) indicates a commitment to the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Police report: A copy of the accident report filed by the police.
  • Medical records: Documentation of your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses.
  • Photos and videos: Any visual evidence from the accident scene and of your injuries.
  • Insurance information: Copies of your insurance policy and any correspondence with insurance companies.
  • Witness information: Contact details and statements from any witnesses.
  • List of questions: Prepared questions about your case and the legal process.

Being well-prepared helps the lawyer assess your case accurately and advise you on the best course of action.

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