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25 Years Fighting for Nevada County Families
When you're injured, you need more than just a lawyer - you need a neighbor who understands your community and will fight like family. As Nevada County's premier personal injury attorney, Michael Phillips has spent 25 years proving that local knowledge and personal attention deliver results.
Why Nevada County Families Choose Phillips Law
Phillips Personal Injury Promise
You pay nothing unless we win.
We advance all costs for experts, investigations, and case preparation. If we don't recover compensation for your Nevada County injury case, you owe us nothing.
Direct access to your attorney.
You'll work directly with Michael Phillips, not paralegals or case managers. We'll even provide you with direct cell phone access for urgent matters.
We treat your case like our own family.
We handle your Nevada County injury case the way we'd want our own family's case handled - with personal attention, aggressive advocacy, and genuine care.
100% plaintiff representation.
We never represent insurance companies or corporations. Our practice is exclusively dedicated to fighting for injured individuals and families.
Local expertise that matters.
25+ years of Nevada County court experience. We know the local judges, medical providers, and what it takes to win here in the Sierra Foothills.
We keep you informed every step.
Regular updates on your case progress, secure 24/7 access to your files, and prompt responses to all your questions and concerns.
Questions? We can help, just send us your question for free consultation
Benefit From The Lowest Contingency Fee
Personal injury firms take 33.3% – 35% on pre-suit settlements.
Phillips Personal Injury puts more of YOUR settlement money in your pocket by offering a discounted 29% contingency fee on pre-suit settlements.
Standard industry rate for pre-suit settlements
Discounted rate means more money in your pocket
Experience the Phillips Difference
Lower fees, better results. Call (530) 555-1234 for your free consultation.
Our 8 Essential Steps to Resolving Your Nevada County Personal Injury Claim
A proven process developed over 25+ years of serving Nevada County families. We handle every detail while you focus on recovery.
Free Initial Consultation in Nevada City
We listen to your story, evaluate the strength of your case, and explain how Nevada County personal injury laws apply to your specific situation. This no-obligation meeting helps you understand your legal options while giving us insight into how your accident in Grass Valley, Truckee, or elsewhere in the Gold Country has impacted your life.
What to Expect:
A 45-60 minute meeting where we'll give you honest feedback about your case's potential value and likelihood of success.
What We Cover:
- Complete case evaluation and strength assessment
- Nevada County-specific legal considerations
- Understanding of accident impact on your life
- Clear explanation of your legal options
- No obligation to proceed
Immediate Investigation
Our team quickly collects and preserves critical evidence from your accident scene, whether on Highway 80 near Truckee or in downtown Nevada City. We secure police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident scene photos before evidence disappears.
What to Expect:
We'll contact you within 2-3 days with updates on evidence collected. Critical evidence is often lost within the first week, so speed matters here.
Evidence We Secure:
- Police reports and CHP documentation
- Witness statements and contact information
- Surveillance footage from local businesses
- Accident scene photographs and measurements
- Physical evidence preservation
Expert Accident Reconstruction
For complex cases, we employ specialized Nevada County accident reconstruction experts to scientifically demonstrate exactly how your injury occurred, creating compelling evidence that clearly establishes liability. For slip and fall cases, immediate action is critical - property owners often fix dangerous conditions within hours of an accident to avoid liability. We rush to the scene to photograph and document the exact hazard that caused your fall before it's repaired or altered.
What to Expect:
Not every case needs reconstruction. We'll tell you within the first week if your case would benefit from expert analysis. For trip and fall cases, we go to the scene immediately - often within hours - to capture critical photographic evidence before property owners can eliminate the dangerous condition.
Expert Analysis Includes:
- Scientific accident recreation and analysis
- Vehicle speed and impact calculations
- Road condition and visibility factors
- Driver behavior and reaction time studies
- Compelling visual evidence for settlement or trial
Comprehensive Medical Documentation
We work with trusted Nevada County healthcare providers to ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and documented, creating a clear link between the accident and your medical conditions. This crucial documentation from Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital or other local facilities establishes the basis for your compensation.
What to Expect:
We typically wait until you reach "maximum medical improvement" before finalizing your claim. This ensures we don't settle before knowing your full recovery needs.
Medical Documentation:
- Complete injury diagnosis and treatment records
- Clear causation linking accident to injuries
- Coordination with Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital
- Specialist referrals and treatment plans
- Future medical needs assessment
Strategic Case Building
Our experienced Nevada City attorneys calculate the full value of your claim, including current medical expenses, lost wages from your Grass Valley employer, future treatment needs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering specific to California law.
What to Expect:
We'll present you with a comprehensive damage calculation and explain how we arrived at your case's value before beginning negotiations.
Damages We Calculate:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering under California law
- Property damage and replacement costs
- Long-term care and rehabilitation needs
Insurance Claim Management
We handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your settlement. Our team files all necessary paperwork within California's strict deadlines to preserve your right to compensation.
What to Expect:
Insurance companies typically respond to initial demands within 30 days. We'll keep you updated on all communications and never accept an offer without your approval.
Insurance Protection:
- All insurance company communications handled
- Protection from lowball settlement tactics
- Strict California deadline compliance
- Proper claim filing and documentation
- Your rights preserved throughout process
Skilled Negotiation
We present your case with compelling evidence and forceful advocacy. Our reputation throughout Nevada County for preparing every case for trial gives us leverage to secure maximum settlement offers without court intervention.
What to Expect:
Most cases settle during this phase. We'll provide regular updates and explain each offer, but you make the final decision on whether to accept or continue negotiating.
Negotiation Advantages:
- Compelling evidence presentation
- Trial-ready reputation provides leverage
- 25+ years of Nevada County negotiation experience
- Maximum settlement without court costs
- Forceful advocacy for your interests
Litigation When Necessary
If fair settlement cannot be reached, our trial-ready attorneys will confidently represent you in Nevada County courts. We advance all costs of litigation and prepare you thoroughly for each step of the process, fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
What to Expect:
Only about 5% of our cases go to trial, but we prepare every case as if it will. You'll be fully prepared for depositions, mediation, and trial if necessary.
Trial Preparation:
- Confident Nevada County court representation
- All litigation costs advanced by our firm
- Thorough client preparation for each step
- Expert witness coordination and testimony
- Fighting for maximum compensation at trial
Ready to Get Started?
Your free consultation is just a phone call away. We'll explain exactly what to expect and how long your specific case might take. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
Nevada County Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Serious injuries require serious representation throughout the Sierra Foothills and Gold Country
Car Accident Lawyer
Highway collisions and intersection crashes
Truck Accident Lawyer
Commercial vehicle crashes
TBI Lawyer
Traumatic brain injury cases
Concussion Lawyer
Mild traumatic brain injuries
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
DUI victim representation
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Fatal accident representation
Spine and Back Injury Lawyer
Spinal cord and back injuries
Disc Herniation Lawyer
Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar disc injuries
Whiplash and Neck Injury Lawyer
Cervical spine injuries
Slip, Trip and Fall Lawyer
Premises liability cases
Dog Bite Lawyer
Animal attack cases
Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
Pedestrian vs. vehicle accidents
Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Cyclist injury cases
Child Injury Lawyer
Injuries to minors
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle crash cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about personal injury cases in Nevada County, answered by your local attorney
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nevada County, California?
In Nevada County and throughout California, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of injury. However, claims against government entities in Nevada City, Grass Valley, or Truckee require filing an administrative claim within just six months. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, which is why consulting with a Nevada County personal injury attorney promptly is essential.
Important: Determining the statute of limitations can be difficult - don't try to do it yourself! Talk to a lawyer!
What types of compensation can I recover after an accident in Grass Valley?
Victims of personal injuries in Grass Valley and throughout Nevada County may be entitled to recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress), and sometimes punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence. Our Nevada City attorneys calculate all applicable damages to ensure you receive maximum compensation under California law.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney in Nevada County?
Our Nevada County personal injury firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Initial consultations for Truckee, Grass Valley, and Nevada City residents are always free, and we advance all costs associated with investigating and litigating your claim. This arrangement ensures everyone in the Gold Country has access to quality legal representation regardless of financial situation.
What should I do immediately after being injured in an accident in Truckee?
After an injury in Truckee or elsewhere in Nevada County, seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries. Report the accident to relevant authorities, gather contact information from witnesses, take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, and contact our Nevada County personal injury attorneys before speaking with any insurance representatives.
Will my personal injury case in Nevada City go to trial?
While most personal injury cases settle before trial, our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to court. This thorough preparation often results in higher settlement offers. However, if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are fully prepared to advocate for you in Nevada County courts.
How long will it take to resolve my personal injury claim in Nevada County?
The timeline for resolving personal injury claims in Nevada County varies based on case complexity, severity of injuries, and insurance company cooperation. Simple cases may settle within months, while complex cases involving serious injuries in Grass Valley, Nevada City, or Truckee might take one to two years to reach fair resolution, especially if litigation becomes necessary.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer after my accident near Lake Tahoe?
Never accept an insurance company's initial settlement offer after an accident in the Lake Tahoe area without consulting an attorney. Early offers are typically far below the true value of your claim and may not account for future medical needs or complications. Our Nevada County attorneys will evaluate all aspects of your case to determine fair compensation.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my accident in Grass Valley?
Yes. California follows "comparative negligence" rules, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for your accident in Grass Valley or elsewhere in Nevada County. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery. Our attorneys work to minimize your assigned percentage of fault to maximize your compensation.
What makes personal injury cases in Nevada County different from other areas?
Personal injury cases in Nevada County often involve unique regional factors like mountain road accidents, winter weather conditions in Truckee and Lake Tahoe, recreational activity injuries, and local liability laws. Our attorneys have specific experience with Nevada County's court system, local insurance practices, and the particular types of accidents common to the Gold Country region.
How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim in Nevada City?
A valid personal injury claim in Nevada City or anywhere in Nevada County generally requires proving that another party's negligence caused your injuries and resulting damages. During your free consultation, our experienced attorneys will evaluate the circumstances of your accident, the available evidence, applicable laws, and potential compensation to determine the strength of your case and advise you on the best path forward.
Still Have Questions?
Every personal injury case is unique. Get personalized answers to your specific questions with a free consultation from your Nevada County personal injury attorney.
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from real clients who trusted Phillips Personal Injury with their most important legal matters
"I met Michael Phillips when I was a juror at Nevada County Superior Court. I was immediately impressed by the caliber of his defense, especially since Nevada County is a fairly rural area. Both his language and careful construction of a solid case made reaching a conclusion in a thorny issue fairly easy work for the twelve of us. I wholeheartedly recommend him."
"So thankful I decided to get a lawyer and Michael Phillips was obviously my best choice... He kept me at ease and out of stress and the court room until the last one... His secretary Laura is fantastic too!"
"Michael Phillips was not only very well versed in what he does but he was fast, friendly, encouraging, and supportive. He without hesitation was willing to take on my massive migraine of a case with literally a week left on the clock. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone that needs an attorney with his specialties."
"I hired Michael to represent me for a DUI case and could not have been more satisfied with the service he provided me. He went above and beyond any expectations I had. He and his staff are personable, patient, and very diligent in taking care of their clients. I would highly recommend this office to anyone needing legal counsel."
"Michael exceeded my expectation. He was a good and prompt communicator. I give him my highest recommendation!"
"Michael was amazing! He helped me out of a crazy tenant/landlord situation and jumped in at the last minute and saved the day! Super professional, caring, and competent. Handled everything and guided me through a tough time. Thanks Mike!"
"Michael Phillips and his assistant Laura Arkin are wonderful, caring people. They were very kind and helpful in advising and doing the legal work necessary to get my disabled nephew the disability payments he needed. Michael and Laura went above and beyond to make sure that he got to where he needed to be. They were supportive and patient with him every step of the way."
"Michael Phillips and his office manager Laura went above and beyond my expectations and provided excellent service and assistance in a difficult circumstance to achieve the best possible outcome. Mr. Phillips really gave his best and I highly recommend him!"
Join Our Family of Satisfied Clients
Experience the personal attention and professional results that have earned us these outstanding reviews. Your free consultation is just a phone call away.
Let's Chat.
If you are looking for an attorney you can talk to, and who is truly interested in you and your situation, then call my office at 530-265-0186 to schedule your free consultation. Or if you prefer, you can email me directly using the address box.
I am available for conferences in person, on the telephone, or we can meet by “Zoom” from the convenience of your own home or office.
Serving all of Nevada County including Nevada City, Grass Valley & Truckee
Get Legal Help Fast After an Injury
Contact us for a free consultation. When you've been injured, quick legal support is essential.
Our streamlined process allows you to connect with an attorney in minutes - no lengthy interviews or appointments necessary. Simply call or message us from your home, to speak with an injury lawyer, and sign documents electronically.
An experienced lawyer will begin working on your case immediately, providing the relief you need without delay.
Don't wait to get the support you deserve. Call today.