Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer

Failing to meet the filing deadline usually results in the expiration of the statute of limitations. When the statute of limitations expires, you are barred from filing legal action and will not be able to recover compensation for your losses.

Because there are major consequences for missing the personal injury claim deadline, taking prompt action should be a priority for anyone with a potential case.

The resolution time for personal injury cases in Orange County can range from several months to several years. Factors influencing case duration include case complexity, the willingness of both parties to settle, and court schedules. The nature of injuries suffered by victims and whether they are still receiving medical treatment or need more insight into their condition and prognosis can also impact the trajectory of a case.

Our team works diligently to explain how cases are likely to progress based on each client’s circumstances and strives to set realistic expectations. And while we can maximize efficiency through negotiations and processes such as mediation, we’re always willing to fight for our clients in court, when necessary.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they are paid a percentage of any final settlement or verdict once a case has been concluded. This fee percentage may range from 25% to 33% or more for personal injury cases that are settled out of court but can increase to around 40% when cases are inordinately complex or require litigation.

One of the greatest advantages of using lawyers who work on contingency is that there are no upfront costs for clients. Additionally, well-resourced firms like ours use their own funds to cover important expenses. This can help ensure the chances of a successful outcome are not hindered by a victim’s inability to pay for independent investigations, medical experts, or other things that can prove vital to their claims.

The advantages of engaging a local lawyer include:

• Local Expertise: Knowledge of the Orange County court system, judges, and legal nuances can facilitate a more effective legal strategy.
• Legal Acumen: Awareness of California and Orange County-specific laws ensures that your case adheres to the correct legal practices.
• Insurance Insight: Insight into regional insurance carriers and local insurance practices can pay dividends when it comes to leveling the playing field and seeking full recoveries.
• Resource Access: Lawyers with established networks can leverage their connections with local experts who provide important evidence and testimony to support a case.
• Convenience: Working with a local lawyer lets you have an advocate who’s nearby and available to your needs and can enhance communication and collaboration.

Personal injury lawyers handle cases such as car accidents, slip and falls, and product liability, where there is a claim against another party's negligence. These cases are handled in civil court and they require plaintiffs (the victims who personal injury lawyers represent) to prove that defendants are at fault and liable for damages.

A workers' compensation attorney specializes in representing employees injured on the job, helping them secure important benefits. These cases are handled through administrative proceedings and do not require claimants to prove who was at fault.

While there are distinct differences between personal injury and workers’ compensation, these fields have much in common and may intersect in certain circumstances. Workers injured on the job, for example, may have grounds to pursue civil personal injury lawsuits against negligent third parties who caused their accidents.

Winning a personal injury case generally requires evidence that proves negligence, causation, and damages. While every case is different, it’s critical to be thorough in gathering comprehensive and compelling evidence. This may include:

• Documentation, including photos of the injury and accident scene, communications with at-fault parties or insurers, company or insurance policies, bylaws, and more.
• Medical records, including assessments / diagnoses of injuries and treatment provided.
• Testimony from witnesses with knowledge about the accident or the victim’s injuries. This can include eyewitnesses who saw an accident, medical experts who provide information about injuries and prognoses, industry experts who testify about standards of their professions, investigators who explain their findings, and more.

As a victim hurt by a policyholder, you are under no obligation to speak with their insurance company. In fact, it’s widely advised that victims withhold from communicating with insurers until they have consulted an experienced lawyer. Insurance companies are corporations that care solely about their bottom lines. They’re not on your side and they may employ tactics that aid them in their quest to dispute, deny, and underpay your claim.

At Alvandi Law Group, P.C., we make it a point to handle all communications with insurers for our clients so that these companies can’t capitalize on their lack of legal knowledge.

Yes, a personal injury lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Lawyers are skilled in negotiating fair settlements that account for all your damages. This includes the medical bills you’ve already incurred and, if your injuries haven’t healed or have resulted in long-term or life-long issues, medical expenses you’re likely to incur in the future.

Don't accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without consulting a personal injury lawyer, especially if it’s too early to evaluate the true impact of your injuries or what losses and expenses you’re still likely to incur.