Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Wells Call Injury Lawyers represents clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals and families. The firm does not discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. Every client who comes to Wells Call with an injury is treated with the same compassion, respect, and full legal advocacy, regardless of who they are.

Although many of the attorneys and staff are people of faith, Wells Call is not affiliated with any religion. The firm serves clients of all beliefs and backgrounds, and does not require or expect clients to share any particular religious viewpoint to receive full representation. Compassion and integrity guide how the firm treats every client, regardless of their faith or lack thereof.

Wells Call Injury Lawyers is active in the communities it serves. The firm sponsors the Outstanding Teachers Contest, honoring local educators; the Harley for a Hero giveaway; the Young Drivers Scholarship Contest and Law School Scholarship Contest, supporting students pursuing higher education; the Scholarship Speech Contest; and Free Holiday Cab Rides, offering safe rides home during the holiday season to help prevent drunk driving. These programs reflect the firm’s commitment to giving back to the Northern California communities where its clients live.

Wells Call Injury Lawyers represents injured people who were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, not the party who caused the accident. If you were at fault, your own auto insurance policy typically provides you with a lawyer at no cost, since liability insurance is designed to defend you against claims made by the other party. Wells Call generally does not take on cases where the caller was the at-fault driver, since the firm’s role is representing the injured party seeking compensation, not the party being pursued for damages. If you’re unsure who was at fault, or if fault is disputed, it’s still worth a free consultation. Fault isn’t always as clear-cut as it seems after an accident, and an attorney can help sort out the details.

You should consider contacting a car accident lawyer as soon as you have injuries, missed work, disputed fault, or pressure from an insurance company. Early guidance can help protect evidence, document medical care, and prevent mistakes that reduce the value of your claim.

Not necessarily in every case, but insurance calls often happen before the full extent of injuries is known. Adjusters may ask questions or request recorded statements that can later be used to minimize or deny a claim. Speaking with a lawyer can help you understand what to say—and what not to say.

Prioritize safety and medical care first. Call 911, cooperate with law enforcement, and make sure a police report is created when possible. If it’s safe, take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries, and gather contact information from witnesses and other drivers.

Yes, in many cases. Some injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries—can take hours or days to show symptoms. Prompt medical treatment protects your health and creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident.

Key evidence often includes photos or video of the crash scene, vehicle damage, witness statements, the police report, medical records, treatment recommendations, and proof of lost income or expenses. Gathering evidence early can reduce disputes later.

You should be cautious. Recorded statements can lock you into details before you fully understand your injuries or have all the facts. It’s reasonable to provide basic information, but many people choose to get guidance before giving a detailed or recorded statement.

You should be cautious. Recorded statements can lock you into details before you fully understand your injuries or have all the facts. It’s reasonable to provide basic information, but many people choose to get guidance before giving a detailed or recorded statement.

The timeline depends on factors such as injury severity, length of treatment, disputed liability, and how the insurance company responds. Many claims cannot be accurately valued until medical treatment is complete or future care needs are better understood.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

A lawyer can help organize evidence, document injuries and losses, communicate with insurance companies, and negotiate for a fair outcome—especially when fault is disputed or the insurer downplays the impact of the accident.

You may want to contact a lawyer early if you have injuries, missed work, uncertain fault, or pressure from the trucking company’s insurer. Early guidance can help preserve evidence, identify who may be responsible, and avoid mistakes that reduce the value of a claim.

Truck accidents often involve more severe injuries, commercial insurance, and multiple companies connected to the truck’s operation. They also tend to involve more complicated investigations, and insurers commonly dispute liability and damages more aggressively.

Put safety and medical care first. Call 911, cooperate with law enforcement, and avoid arguing about fault at the scene. If it’s safe, document the scene with photos or video, collect witness contact information, and keep all medical and expense records.

Responsibility may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo/loading entities, or other parties connected to safety and operations. Identifying all potentially responsible parties can affect both accountability and available insurance coverage.

Important evidence often includes photos/video, witness statements, crash reports, and medical records. Truck cases may also involve driver logs, maintenance records, dispatch communications, and electronic data (like telematics/black box information) that should be preserved quickly.

Be cautious. Recorded statements can lock you into details before you fully understand your injuries or have all the facts. It’s reasonable to provide basic claim information, but many people prefer to get guidance before giving a detailed recorded statement.

Truck crashes can cause head injuries, back and neck injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, and other serious trauma. Even injuries that eventually heal can lead to substantial medical costs, time off work, and ongoing limitations.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, future care needs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

Timelines vary based on injury severity, treatment length, disputed fault, and how the insurer responds. Many cases can’t be valued properly until the medical picture is clearer—especially if future treatment or long-term limitations are possible.

A lawyer can help preserve time-sensitive evidence, identify responsible parties, document damages, communicate with insurance companies, and negotiate for a fair outcome—especially when the insurer disputes fault, downplays injuries, or pressures you to settle quickly.

Consider contacting a California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you have injuries, missed work, disputed fault, or insurance pressure. Early help can protect evidence, document your injuries, and prevent common mistakes that lower claim value.

Not in every situation, but early calls often happen before the full extent of injuries is known. Adjusters may ask for recorded statements or push quick offers. Speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand what information matters and what to avoid saying too soon.

Prioritize safety and medical care. Call 911, cooperate with law enforcement, and avoid debating fault at the scene. If safe, take photos/video, gather witness contacts, and keep your helmet and riding gear in the condition they were in after the crash.

Motorcyclists have less physical protection, so injuries can be more serious and recovery can take longer. Insurance companies may also try to downplay injuries or shift blame, which makes medical documentation and evidence especially important.

Useful evidence includes photos/video, witness statements, the police report, medical records, and proof of lost income and expenses. Physical evidence like the motorcycle’s condition and damaged riding gear (including the helmet) can also help show impact severity and injury mechanics.

Be cautious. A recorded statement can lock you into details before your diagnosis and treatment plan are clear. It’s reasonable to provide basic claim information, but many people prefer to get guidance before giving a detailed recorded statement.

That’s a common claim in motorcycle collisions. Liability often comes down to timelines, visibility, road conditions, witness accounts, vehicle positioning, and objective evidence (photos/video and scene documentation). A careful reconstruction of what happened can make a big difference.

Depending on the facts, compensation may include medical expenses, future care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage (bike/gear), and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

Timelines depend on injury severity, length of treatment, disputed fault, and how the insurer responds. Many cases can’t be valued accurately until the medical picture is clearer—especially if future care or long-term limitations are possible.

A motorcycle accident attorney can help preserve evidence, document damages, handle insurance communication, and negotiate for a fair outcome—especially when fault is disputed or the insurer minimizes injuries. They can also help ensure your claim reflects the full impact of the crash, not just the immediate bills.

You should consider contacting a California pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as you have injuries, missed work, or an insurance company is contacting you. Early guidance can help preserve evidence, document injuries, and prevent mistakes that can reduce the value of your claim.

Start with safety and medical care. Call 911, ask for law enforcement to respond, and get medical evaluation even if symptoms seem minor. If you can, document the scene with photos/video, get witness contact information, and keep the clothing/shoes you were wearing in the condition they were in after the crash.

Often, yes. Pedestrian impacts can cause injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, and symptoms may worsen over hours or days. Prompt medical care protects your health and creates a record connecting your injuries to the collision.

That’s a common defense in pedestrian accidents. Liability often depends on the timeline, visibility, traffic conditions, witness accounts, and scene evidence. Photos, surveillance footage, and consistent medical documentation can be important for establishing what actually happened.

Useful evidence includes the police report, witness statements, photos/video of the scene, visible injuries, and any nearby cameras that may have captured the collision. Medical records, treatment recommendations, and proof of missed work and expenses also help show the full impact of the injuries.

Be cautious. Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement or try to get you to agree with details before you know the full extent of your injuries. It’s reasonable to provide basic claim information, but many people prefer guidance before giving a detailed statement.

Possibly. Pedestrian accident cases often involve disputed facts, and liability can depend on the full context—vehicle speed, driver attention, lighting, and other conditions. Even when there are arguments about shared fault, that does not automatically eliminate a claim.

Parking lot and driveway pedestrian accidents can still cause serious injuries and may involve complicated questions about visibility, right-of-way, and safe driving practices. Evidence and documentation matter because insurers sometimes treat these collisions differently than roadway crashes.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, future care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. The value often depends on injury severity, treatment needs, and the strength of liability proof.

A lawyer can help gather evidence, document injuries and damages, communicate with insurance companies, and negotiate for a fair outcome—especially when the insurer disputes fault, minimizes injuries, or pressures you to settle quickly.

You should consider contacting a California bicycle accident lawyer as soon as you have injuries, missed work, disputed fault, or pressure from an insurance company. Early guidance can help preserve evidence, document treatment, and prevent mistakes that reduce the value of your claim.

Start with safety and medical care. Call 911, cooperate with law enforcement, and make sure the crash is documented when possible. If it is safe, take photos of the scene, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and your injuries, and get contact information from witnesses and the driver.

Yes, in many cases. Some injuries are not obvious right away, and symptoms can worsen over time. Prompt treatment protects your health and creates documentation linking your injuries to the collision.

Helpful evidence often includes photos or videos of the scene, witness statements, the police report, medical records, treatment recommendations, and proof of lost income or expenses. The condition of your bike and safety gear can also help show the severity and mechanics of the crash.

That does not automatically end your case. California follows comparative fault rules, which means a bicyclist may still recover compensation even if they share some responsibility. The main issue is how fault is assigned and how that affects the total recovery.

Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, opening a car door into a cyclist’s path, impaired driving, road rage, traffic violations, and road hazards. These issues often matter when proving liability.

Bicycle crashes can cause broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, hemorrhage, and other catastrophic harm. Because bicyclists have little physical protection, even a single impact can cause severe injuries.

Depending on the facts, compensation may include medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, disability or disfigurement, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses tied to the crash. In some cases, additional damages may also be argued based on the conduct involved.

A police report is important, but it is not the final word. If the report is incomplete or based on inaccurate information, other evidence such as witness statements, photos, and medical documentation may help challenge that conclusion.

One of our lawyers can help gather evidence, prove liability, document your damages, deal with the insurance company, and pursue a settlement or litigation strategy that reflects the true value of the claim. This can be especially important when the insurer tries to downplay injuries or shift blame.

After a slip and fall accident in California, prioritize your safety and health by seeking medical attention for any injuries. Report the accident to the property owner or manager, take photos of the scene, and document any hazards that contributed to your fall. Collect contact information from any witnesses and keep records of all related expenses.

To have a valid case, you must prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining a safe environment and that their negligence caused your injury. Examples of negligence include failing to fix hazardous conditions or not providing adequate warnings about known dangers.

You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other damages related to your injury. The amount will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including slip and fall cases, is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, exceptions may apply, so it’s important to consult with a California slip and fall lawyer promptly.

California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. A slip and fall lawyer in California can help evaluate your case and determine the potential impact of shared fault.

Yes, but special rules apply. Under the California Government Claims Act, you must file an administrative claim with the responsible government agency within six months of the accident — significantly shorter than the standard two-year statute of limitations. Failing to meet this deadline can permanently bar your claim. A premises liability lawyer can help you identify the correct agency and file on time.

Property owners sometimes argue that the hazard was ‘open and obvious’ and that you should have seen and avoided it. In California, however, an open and obvious hazard does not automatically eliminate the property owner’s liability. It is one factor a jury considers when evaluating comparative negligence. An experienced attorney can argue that the owner still had a duty to address the hazard regardless of its visibility.

While you can technically file a claim on your own, premises liability cases are complex. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your payout. A slip and fall attorney understands how to gather evidence, prove negligence, calculate the full value of your claim, and negotiate effectively. Most slip and fall lawyers, including Wells Call Injury Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

First, seek medical attention for your injuries. Your health and safety are the top priority. Then, report the accident to your employer and document everything—take photos of the scene, gather witness statements, and keep records of all medical treatments. Contacting a California construction accident lawyer early on can help preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, the timeline for filing a workers’ compensation claim is much shorter—you generally need to notify your employer within 30 days and file your claim within one year of the injury. Failing to meet these deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation.

California follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning that even if you are partially at fault for the construction accident, you may still be able to recover damages. However, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. An experienced California construction accident attorney can help you understand how this rule might apply to your case.

In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against your direct employer, meaning you cannot sue your employer in a traditional personal injury lawsuit. However, there are important exceptions. If your employer intentionally caused your injury, committed fraud regarding your workers’ comp claim, or did not carry workers’ compensation insurance (in violation of California Labor Code §3700.5), you may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit directly against your employer. You may also sue third parties whose negligence contributed to your accident.

Cal/OSHA (the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health) is the state agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards. If Cal/OSHA investigated your construction accident and issued citations or fines against your employer or a contractor, this can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in your injury claim. Cal/OSHA violations may also support a claim of negligence per se — meaning the violation of a safety regulation is itself evidence of negligence.

If you are classified as an independent contractor, you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits from the hiring party. However, California has strict rules about worker classification under Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5). Many construction workers who are classified as independent contractors are actually employees under California law. If you have been misclassified, you may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits. Additionally, as an independent contractor, you are not limited to workers’ comp and can pursue a full personal injury lawsuit against the negligent parties.

Under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations is typically tolled until the child turns 18. Contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Yes. California follows a strict liability rule under Civil Code §3342, which means the dog owner is liable for bite injuries regardless of whether the dog has any prior history of aggression. There is no “one-bite rule” in California.

California follows a pure comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault — for example, if you ignored warning signs — your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault but not eliminated entirely. A dog bite lawyer can help determine how comparative fault may affect your specific claim.

Most dog bite lawyers, including Wells Call Injury Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees and owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our free consultation allows you to understand your legal options without any financial risk.

In some cases, yes. A landlord may be liable for a tenant’s dog bite if the landlord knew (or should have known) that the tenant’s dog was dangerous and had the ability to remove the dog or take other action. Landlord liability in dog bite cases requires proof of knowledge and control.

While certain breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are statistically involved in more bite incidents, California law does not impose breed-specific liability. Under Civil Code §3342, all dog owners are equally subject to strict liability regardless of their dog’s breed.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence needed, and whether a settlement is reached or litigation is required. Cases can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to resolve.

Yes, accepting a partial payment does not necessarily waive your right to pursue the remaining amount if the insurance company acted in bad faith. Consult a California insurance bad faith attorney to evaluate your options.

You may recover compensation for your denied claim, attorney’s fees, court costs, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages for intentional misconduct by the insurer.

Because multiple deadlines may apply to different aspects of the same case, consulting a bad faith insurance attorney as soon as possible is essential to preserving all of your legal options.

Yes, documentation is crucial. Keep records of all correspondence, denials, and delays, as well as a copy of your policy and any evidence showing the insurance company’s misconduct.

While it’s possible, insurance companies often have extensive legal resources. Hiring an experienced bad faith insurance attorney in California increases your chances of a fair outcome and ensures your rights are protected.

First-party bad faith occurs when your own insurance company wrongfully denies or underpays your claim (e.g., your homeowners insurer denies a fire damage claim). Third-party bad faith occurs when another person’s insurer fails to settle a liability claim within policy limits, exposing their policyholder to excess judgment. Both types are actionable under California law, but they involve different legal standards and remedies.

Yes. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) accepts consumer complaints against insurers and can investigate potential violations of the Insurance Code. You can file a complaint online at insurance.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-927-4357. While a CDI complaint does not replace a civil lawsuit, it creates an official record and may support your bad faith claim.

Under Brandt v. Superior Court (1985) 37 Cal.3d 813, you can recover attorney fees you incurred to obtain the policy benefits your insurer wrongfully withheld. This is separate from punitive damages and is specifically designed to ensure policyholders are made whole when forced to hire a lawyer to collect on a valid claim.

You can contact a California wrongful death lawyer as soon as you believe a death may have been caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Early guidance can help your family understand options, preserve important evidence, and avoid pressure from insurance companies during an already painful time.

A wrongful death claim is a civil case that may be available when a person dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. The purpose is to address the losses the family experiences after the death, including financial support that is now missing and other related harms.

In many situations, claims are brought by close family members such as a spouse or domestic partner, children, or other relatives who were financially impacted. The right approach depends on the family structure and relationship to the person who died, so it helps to get guidance specific to your situation.

Focus on your family first. If there is an investigation, keep copies of reports and any documents you receive. If you’re contacted by an insurer, be cautious about giving detailed statements or signing anything quickly. It can help to speak with a wrongful death attorney before making decisions that affect your family’s rights.

Important evidence often includes investigation reports, witness statements, photos/video, medical records related to the incident, and any documentation showing financial support the person provided. In some cases, timelines, employer records, or safety documentation may also matter, depending on how the death occurred.

Depending on the circumstances, a family may seek compensation for the financial support the person would have provided, and other losses related to the death. The value often depends on the person’s role in the household, earnings, age, and the facts showing responsibility.

It varies widely based on how clear liability is, the completeness of the investigation, insurance issues, and whether the case requires litigation. Many families prefer a careful process that respects the seriousness of the loss while ensuring the claim is properly supported.

In many cases, yes—insurance often becomes involved quickly. Insurers may request recorded statements or documents early. Because the stakes are high, many families choose to get legal guidance before engaging in detailed discussions.

A quick offer may feel like a way to end stress, but it can also come before the full scope of your family’s long-term financial losses is understood. It’s reasonable to pause and get guidance before signing releases or accepting an offer.

A wrongful death attorney can help gather evidence, clarify who may be responsible, handle insurance communication, and pursue fair compensation for your family’s losses. Just as importantly, an attorney can reduce the burden on your family so you’re not forced to navigate complex decisions alone.