Lawyer Monthly - October 2024

What role does technology play in your practice, especially when gathering evidence or presenting a case in California’s courts? I have watched technology change since I began practicing law in 1999. At every step, I changed with the times because I never stop learning and adapting. The days of typewriters and papers files, moved into faxes and computers, and has evolved into electronic filing and AI. Staying ahead of the curve has allowed me to incorporate emerging technology into my practice. Whether it’s dashcam footage, surveillance videos, electronic medical records, my law firm uses stateof-the-art tools to acquire and analyze data and present clients’ cases clearly and convincingly in court. California is known for its diversity. How do you ensure that your practice is inclusive and accessible to clients from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds? In a state as rich in diversity as California, inclusivity is essential. I believe I have a duty as a California lawyer to provide services to all persons equally access all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. I have access to interpreter services and have been able to assist clients and provide accessibility by offering services in multiple languages, including but not limited to Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. We provide culturally competent legal services, ensuring every client, no matter their background, feels heard and represented and has access to justice. How do you manage the expectations of your clients regarding the timeline and potential outcomes of personal injury cases in California’s busy legal environment? I provide my direct contact information to clients and make time to be available to discuss their case. Managing expectations is about honesty and clarity. Each client and case is unique, and personal injury cases can take anywhere from three months to three years, depending on the injuries, the evidence, the insurance, and the court. For example, an injured person needs to recover or reach a point in therapy where costs of medical care can be determined with reasonable certainty; A claim needs to be presented to the insurance company, who will perform their own diligence and assessment of claim value; If a settlement cannot be We provide culturally competent legal services, ensuring every client, no matter their background, feels heard and represented and has access to justice. reached with the insurance company, the client would need to proceed with Court litigation. As personal injury cases may span several months or even years, for more precise information about case value and timeline I would need to speak directly with a client on a case-by-case basis. What steps should someone take immediately after an accident in California to build a strong foundation for a personal injury claim? After an accident, it’s essential to act swiftly but thoughtfully. Stay calm, but be proactive. First, call the authorities and get a police report. Then, document the scene—every angle, every detail. Get medical help immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Lastly, consult with an attorney like me, who will ensure that your rights are protected and help you navigate what can often be a complex claims process and civil legal process. Insurance companies have and use their lawyers, so all injured persons should do likewise. Call me, the personal injury claims lawyer, to battle the insurance company for your rights, damages and compensation. WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM 29 Contact Adam J. Krolikowski, Esq. The Krolikowski Law Firm 930 W 17th St, Ste D Santa Ana, CA 92706 Tel (949) 269-1869 Fax (949) 269-1868 www.usethelaw.com

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