Practice Area
Personal Injury
Representing Californians who have been hurt by another's negligence — auto collisions, premises liability, dog bites, and other serious-injury matters.
If you have been injured because of someone else's carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the disruption to your life — but whether and how much you can recover depends on the specific facts and the available insurance. Tollestrup Law represents injured Californians in claims against drivers, property owners, and the insurance companies that stand behind them.
Cases the Firm Often Handles
- Auto, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian collisions
- Premises liability — slip-and-falls and unsafe conditions on someone else's property
- Dog bites and other animal attacks
- Negligent security and assault on commercial property
- Wrongful death (representing surviving family members)
How a Case May Move
No two matters are the same, and timelines vary widely. As a general matter, a personal-injury case can move through the following stages:
- Free initial consultation — we evaluate liability, damages, and likely insurance coverage.
- Investigation and medical-record collection while you focus on treatment.
- A pre-litigation demand to the at-fault party's insurer when treatment is complete or stable.
- If the offer is inadequate, we may file suit and litigate.
- Resolution by settlement, mediation, or trial — depending on the matter.
California Deadlines
Most California personal-injury claims must generally be filed within two years of the incident (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1), and claims against public entities typically require a written government claim within six months. Several exceptions and tolling rules can apply, so the deadline that controls your matter may be shorter or longer than these defaults. Because deadlines are strict, contact the firm promptly rather than relying on anything on this page.
What to Bring to the Consultation
- Police or incident report (if any)
- Photos of the scene, vehicles, or injuries
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- Insurance information for everyone involved
- Medical records or a list of treating providers
Fees
Personal-injury matters are typically handled on a contingency fee, meaning the firm collects a fee only if it recovers for you. The exact percentage and the treatment of costs are set out in a written engagement letter, which is provided after the initial consultation.