Frequently asked questions.
WHAT IS A CONTINGENCY FEE?
The Bains Firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients owe no attorney’s fees and will not be required to pay any costs until a recovery is obtained for the client in the case.
Contingency fees allow injured parties to hire an experienced personal injury attorney without having to pay any upfront legal fees. This allows the injured party to focus on recovering, giving them peace of mind instead of more bills. In our contingent fee arrangements, The Bains Firm will cover all of its costs of investigations, securing medical records and expert witnesses, depositions in addition to any other necessary fees and incidental costs.
WHEN DO I NEED TO FILE A CLAIM?
California law requires a victim to file a claim or lawsuit within a predetermined amount of time from the date of injury. These are known as a “statute of limitation” and differ according to the type of personal injury.
Injury to Person – 2 years
Libel/Slander – 1 year
Trespassing – 3 years
Fraud – 3 years
Damage to Personal Property – 3 years
Medical Malpractice – 1 year from discovery; 3 years if injury is known
DO I NEED A LAWYER?
It is difficult to handle a legal claim, navigate a complex process, and successfully obtain the maximum compensation possible while recovering from debilitating injuries without an attorney. Insurance companies do not treat self-represented victims fairly and will not think twice about taking advantage of them with lowball offers. Having an experienced personal injury firm on your side with a track record of successful results will ensure that insurance companies and defendants negotiate in good faith.
HOW IS THE VALUE OF A PERSONAL INJURY CASE DETERMINED?
The value of a personal injury case varies based on the amount of damages incurred as a result of the injuries sustained. Damages can be awarded for pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, in addition to present and future medical bills. In certain cases where the wrongdoer’s conduct was intentional or particularly egregious, courts may also award punitive damages.
HOW LONG DOES A PERSONAL INJURY CASE TAKE?
Personal injury cases vary in their complexity and difficulty – some may be able to settle fairly quickly while others could take years to litigate. It is also the business practice of insurance companies to attempt to delay resolution of a personal injury case for as long as possible. The Bains Firm aggressively litigates its cases and does not settle for anything less than their full value no matter how long it takes to achieve the maximum compensation for its clients.
WHAT KINDS OF CASES DOES THE BAINS FIRM HANDLE?
The Bains Firm has collected millions on behalf of our injured clients. While we focus on personal injury and truck accident cases, we’ve successfully sought damages for wrongful death, premises liability, traumatic brain injury, burn injury, motorcycle accidents, auto accidents, boat accidents, pedestrian versus motor vehicle collisions, workplace discrimination, and wrongful termination.
DOES THE BAINS FIRM SPECIALIZE IN TRUCK ACCIDENT CASES?
Yes. The Bains Firm is focused on protecting the rights of truck drivers across California.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A TRUCK, CAR, OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
A vehicle collision can be a disorienting ordeal, but following these seven simple steps could help you obtain compensation for your injuries or a loved one’s wrongful death. Here’s what to do if you or a loved one has been involved in a truck, car, or motorcycle accident.
Obtain medical treatment from a qualified physician or go to an emergency room as soon as possible.
Keep all medical appointments unless you have a documented reason for failing to keep the appointment. Insurance companies will sometimes attempt to use missed medical appointments as evidence of “failure to mitigate damages”, and will seek to reduce any compensation or settlement accordingly.
Keep accurate, detailed records of any time lost from work as a result of the accident, including the date and amount of time lost.
Keep records of any additional expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident, including receipts and proof of payment. You may wish to pay by check or credit card in order to have proof of payment.
Obtain photographs of the damage to your vehicle. It is important to obtain these photographs prior to sending the vehicle for repairs, to the insurance company for inspection, or to a salvage yard if the vehicle is a total loss.
Obtain photographs of the accident scene, capturing any skid marks, debris, traffic signs or signals, and the condition of the road.
Contact The Bains Firm today. Seek legal counsel immediately to preserve your legal rights. Legal representation is important to ensure that key evidence is properly obtained.
WHERE DOES THE BAINS FIRM PRACTICE?
The Bains Firm practices personal injury and employment law across the San Francisco Bay Area and the greater state of California. Our offices are located in Fremont, with easy access to Silicon Valley, the East Bay, Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and beyond. We also serve the following areas: Fresno, Tracy, Manteca, Adelante, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Irvine, Orange County, San Diego, and surrounding areas.
WHY SHOULD PUNJABI TRUCK DRIVERS CHOOSE THE BAINS FIRM?
In addition to the dangers of driving big rigs, Punjabi truckers face a unique set of challenges. Long hours on the road, demanding schedules, and difficult driving conditions are compounded by language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and, at times, discrimination. As independent owner-operators, they must also navigate complex insurance claims, maintenance costs, and legal disputes when accidents occur.
At The Bains Firm, we understand these challenges and are dedicated to providing legal support tailored to the needs of Punjabi truckers and their families. We know how to navigate the complexities of trucking regulations, insurance companies, and accident claims to ensure fair outcomes for our community.
If you or a loved one is a Punjabi truck driver involved in a serious accident, we can help. As a Punjabi-speaking personal injury lawyer, Manpreet Bains understands the cultural and legal complexities facing South Asian, Indian, and Punjabi truckers and their families. Whether the crash involves another truck, a negligent driver, or unsafe road conditions, we focus on securing justice and maximum compensation for serious injuries and wrongful death. From Fresno to Yuba City, Stockton to Bakersfield, The Bains Firm is here to protect your rights and guide you every step of the way.