Key Questions Hiring your personal injury attorney

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1. Will I get to talk to an experienced California personal injury attorney if I call?

Yes. If you want some answers right now call because everyone who calls for a free consultation gets to talk to me, Dean Goetz, right away or later the same day.

2. What if I can't get to your office for a consultation?

I will make arrangements to come to the hospital, your home or your office.

3. Why should I hire Dean Goetz?

Because Dean Goetz is an excellent experienced lawyer who will personally fight for you every step of the way. He understands how traumatic it is to be injured in an accident that was caused by another person's negligence. He and his staff will treat you like family and do everything they can to make sure you are compensated for the damages you have suffered.

4. Should I call even if I am not sure if I need a lawyer or if I think I may be able to handle my claim on my own?

Yes. I can answer your questions and advise you on the best course of action. I can frequently give you an estimate of what the insurance company may offer to settle your claim. If your best choice is to settle without an attorney, I will tell you.

5. What type of accident cases do you handle?

I handle motorcycle injury accidents, bicycle injury accidents, auto injury accidents, construction accidents, dog bites, boating injury accidents, slip and fall injury accidents and any other case where someone else causes a personal injury.

6. How soon after my accident should I call an attorney?

Call me immediately at 858-481-8844. Do not give the insurance company a statement until you have consulted with a lawyer. I return all calls and e-mails as soon as possible. If you have suffered a personal injury, you need to know right away what to do, how to do it and what you can expect. You need to know how much insurance coverage is available to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. You need answers so call 858-481-8844.

7. How long will it take to settle my California personal injury case?

It depends on the nature of your personal injury claim. Some cases settle within a few weeks or months. Larger personal injury cases typically take longer to settle.

8. Will pursuing my California personal injury case take up a lot of my time?

Probably not, since we will be the ones spending time on your case. We may only need to meet for the initial interview and then we can just talk over the phone or just meet when you want to. If the other side takes your deposition or we have to go to court, it will take more of your time.

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9. Will I have to go to trial?

The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled before trial. However, I treat each case as if it is going to go to trial so you have to be willing to go to trial to maximize your settlement.

10. Do I need a California personal injury attorney?

If you want to maximize your recovery in a significant injury case, you do need an experienced personal injury attorney. If you are not represented by a lawyer you will have to deal with the insurance companies. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. You are not experienced so you are at a severe disadvantage. You have no ideas what your claim is worth so you can't know what a fair settlement amount is. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine that amount and reach a fair settlement.

11. How do I pay your legal fees?

You will not pay a retainer or a fee up front. I handle California personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means YOU DO NOT OWE ME A LEGAL FEE UNLESS I OBTAIN A RECOVERY FOR YOU. I do not ask for any attorney fees up front. If there is no recovery, you will not pay a fee.

12. Will I have to pay any money up front for filing fees, court costs, expert witness fees, or any other costs?

No, I will advance all of the costs including investigative costs, filing fees, court costs, deposition costs, and expert witness costs. I know that most people cannot afford these costs up front, so I forward these costs up front. I am willing to pay the costs and expenses required to make sure you maximize your recovery. Spending a few thousand dollars on a good expert witness can make the difference between obtaining no settlement and getting thousands of dollars for your claim. Before you hire a lawyer, make sure that the attorney is willing to advance the monies needed to adequately pursue your personal injury case. Otherwise, you may be forced into taking a minimal settlement.

13. Do you handle work related injuries?

Yes, if a third-party (someone other than your employer, a co-employee or yourself) negligently caused your injury. In other words if your injuries are caused by someone other than your employer, such as another driver, faulty equipment, general contractor, owner, or subcontractor, I will handle your case. If you only have a first-party workers compensation claim, I can refer you to a lawyer who specializes in these claims.