Overview
The intake process that separates strong cases from weak ones: screening criteria, the liability assessment matrix, damages evaluation checklists, insurance coverage investigation, and the first 48 hours of investigation that set the trajectory of every case.
This guide is written for injured people, their families, and the lawyers who help them. It is not legal advice for any specific case. Call us, or any California lawyer you trust, before you make decisions that affect your claim.
The Intake Process
Understanding the intake process is essential for California personal injury practice. This section covers the key principles, legal standards, and practical strategies that shape outcomes in case intake cases.
Screening Criteria
Understanding screening criteria is essential for California personal injury practice. This section covers the key principles, legal standards, and practical strategies that shape outcomes in case intake cases.
Liability Assessment
Understanding liability assessment is essential for California personal injury practice. This section covers the key principles, legal standards, and practical strategies that shape outcomes in case intake cases.
Damages Assessment
Understanding damages assessment is essential for California personal injury practice. This section covers the key principles, legal standards, and practical strategies that shape outcomes in case intake cases.
Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Start now.
Surveillance footage is overwritten. Witnesses relocate. Memories fade. The first 48 hours matter more than any other phase of your case.
Insurance Investigation
Understanding insurance investigation is essential for California personal injury practice. This section covers the key principles, legal standards, and practical strategies that shape outcomes in case intake cases.
Venue Analysis
Understanding venue analysis is essential for California personal injury practice. This section covers the key principles, legal standards, and practical strategies that shape outcomes in case intake cases.
Statute of Limitations
Understanding statute of limitations is essential for California personal injury practice. This section covers the key principles, legal standards, and practical strategies that shape outcomes in case intake cases.
Retainer Agreement
Understanding retainer agreement is essential for California personal injury practice. This section covers the key principles, legal standards, and practical strategies that shape outcomes in case intake cases.
We know the playbook. We've read every page.
Insurance carriers run the same defenses in every case. We prepare for each of them on day one. Call for a free, no-pressure case review.
Cross-References
- Demand Letters — related case intake resource
- Negotiation Strategy — related case intake resource
- Client Management — related case intake resource
- Statute of Limitations — related case intake resource
- Comparative Fault — related case intake resource
- Economic Damages — related case intake resource
Common Questions
What makes a strong personal injury case?
A strong case has clear liability with minimal comparative fault, documented injuries with prompt medical treatment, adequate insurance coverage, a sympathetic client, and a favorable venue. Objective findings on imaging, surgery, and permanent impairment significantly increase case value.
How long does a personal injury case take?
Pre-litigation cases typically resolve in 6 to 18 months. Litigated cases take 18 to 36 months. Complex cases with multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries may take 2 to 5 years. The timeline depends on the severity of injuries, the complexity of liability, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in California?
Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury under CCP 335.1. Medical malpractice has a one-year discovery rule with a three-year outer limit. Government entity claims require a six-month government claim filing. Minors' claims are tolled until age 18.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?
Bring any police or incident reports, photographs of injuries and the accident scene, medical records and bills, insurance information for all parties, contact information for witnesses, and any correspondence from insurance companies. The more information you provide at intake, the faster the evaluation.
Our offices
Local Resources
- LA Superior Court · Stanley MoskCivil filings for LA County cases.
- CHP Collision ReportsRequest California highway collision reports.
- Cedars-Sinai EmergencyLos Angeles trauma center.
- CA State Bar LookupVerify any attorney's license before hiring.
- LA County Risk ManagementGovernment claims filings for LA County.
- Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Two-year statute of limitations for personal injury.
- Government Code § 911.2. Six-month deadline for government claims.
- Civil Code § 1714. General duty of reasonable care — comparative negligence.
- Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804. California pure comparative negligence standard.
- Business & Professions Code § 6147. Contingency fee agreement requirements.
- California Insurance Code § 11580.2. UM/UIM coverage mandatory unless rejected in writing.