For a personal injury car accident claim to be successful, the plaintiff must prove that the at-fault party of the other vehicle was negligent and must show that such negligence was a direct cause of the accident and resulting bodily harm sustained. Our team of legal counsel and litigators in Orange County are second to none. We have a winning streak in all types of legal claims not limited to car accidents, but trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, ride-sharing accidents with Lyft and Uber and more.
Some cases have simple liability analysis while others are more complicated and difficult to prove. Sometimes it is easy to demonstrate the legal requisite of negligence and fault, and other times it is nuanced and complex. Recklessness is also a predicate for a lawsuit or legal claim pertaining to personal injury. If a driver is intoxicated or driving under the influence, negligence can be said to be so substantial, that recklessness could also be claimed.
Personal injury claims require legal counsel simultaneous to obtaining proper medical care with renowned doctors, physical therapists, surgeons, pain management specialists and more. At BD&J, we are able to guide you on this legal path and help you reach your personal health goals to recover from your accident.
What Causes Personal Injury Accidents in Orange County?
Personal injury accidents are a broad spectrum of incidents that can cause major harm to individuals across California. Whether it’s on the road or at work, accidents can happen just about anywhere – even in the comfort of your own home! However, successful personal injury lawsuits all have one thing in common: they are all caused by negligence or recklessness. Personal injury lawyers in Orange County aim to prove that their clients were injured during an accident because of the negligence of another party. This may be unsafe driving habits, harmful working conditions, or a failure to prepare for the worst. Whatever the specific case is, provable negligence is at the heart of any personal injury claim.
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Orange County?
In California, personal injury lawsuits are beholden to a strict statute of limitations. People who have been injured by negligence have only two years from the date of the accident to bring a personal injury claim in California. If the allegedly negligent party is a government agency, however, the statute is only six months from the date of the accident. For this reason, it’s extremely important for victims to receive medical care right away after their accident to check the extent of their injuries and to immediately consult with an Orange County personal injury lawyer if negligence is suspected. If victims aren’t sure if their case qualifies for compensation, they can still contact an Orange County personal injury attorney for a free consultation to discuss whether they have a case. At BD&J, our welcoming team is always ready to help 24/7.
Auto Accidents
With major freeways, such as Interstate Highways 405 and 5, cutting through the region, Orange County drivers can face heavy traffic that increases accident risk. Whether you’re dealing with a minor collision or a more serious crash, it’s important to know your legal options. We help Orange County residents hold negligent drivers accountable after accidents. Our team investigates fault, supports your claim, and pursues compensation for injuries, lost income, and other damages.
Car
We’ve worked with clients in Orange County after head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, hit-and-runs, and many other types of car accidents. Our team helps document your injuries, calculate your damages, and pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Whether you’re dealing with a simple collision or a complex multicar pileup, we can help.
Truck
Crashes involving large commercial trucks on freeways such as I-405 and I-55 can result in devastating injuries. We help Orange County clients understand what caused the accident — whether it was distracted driving, speeding, mechanical failure, or another issue — and hold responsible parties accountable. Our team pursues compensation for current and long-term damages.
Motorcycle
Whether you’re enjoying winding coastal roads or navigating crowded freeways, as an Orange County motorcyclist, you share the road with other drivers — often inattentive ones. Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, especially when larger vehicles fail to yield or signal. We assist clients injured in road rage incidents, bad-weather crashes, unsafe merging situations, and other motorcycle crash incidents. Our team helps file a personal injury claim and fight for damages tied to medical care, lost income, and other damages.
Pedestrian
Pedestrian accidents in Orange County can occur near busy intersections, shopping centers and anywhere foot traffic meets distracted or speeding drivers. Victims can suffer serious injuries, from internal trauma and orthopedic injuries to long-term disabilities. At BD&J, we help pedestrians build strong cases by investigating driver behavior, reviewing traffic footage, and securing medical documentation. We’re here to help you seek full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Rideshare
Rideshare accidents in Orange County often involve complex insurance situations. Whether you were in the rideshare vehicle or struck by one, we help you understand your legal options. Our team investigates the crash, determines who may be at fault — driver, company, or third party — and works to seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses related to the accident.
Premises Liability
Whether you’re shopping at a mall or walking through a parking structure, unsafe property conditions in Orange County can lead to mishaps that cause serious injuries. These accidents are often caused by poor lighting, neglected maintenance, or lack of warning signs related to wet flooring. Our firm works with you to uncover what led to your injury and whether the property owner or another party failed in their duty to keep the premises safe and secure.
Product Liability
Product liability cases in Orange County can involve anything from defective electronics to recalled children’s toys. If you were using a product as intended, and it caused harm, you may have a case. We help identify the defect, trace it back to the responsible party — the manufacturer, distributor, or seller — and pursue compensation for the harm you suffered as a result of that failure.
Wrongful Death
The sudden loss of a loved one due to someone else’s actions or inaction can be one of life’s most painful experiences. We work with Orange County families to honor their loss by seeking justice through a wrongful death claim. From explaining your rights to handling large and small legal details of your case, our team is here to shoulder the burden, so you can focus on grieving, healing, and remembering the person you loved.
Construction Accidents
From residential builds to commercial projects, Orange County construction sites can be dangerous. If you’re injured in a fall, equipment malfunction, or other incident, we’ll help identify the responsible parties. Our team evaluates whether safety standards were followed and guides you through the legal process to seek the financial recovery you deserve.
Dog Bites
Even in a friendly and safe neighborhood in Orange County, dog-bite incidents are possible. If someone else’s pet causes you harm, you may be entitled to compensation. We help gather the facts, document your injuries, and file a personal injury claim on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact a personal injury lawyer?
To ensure the evidence related to your case is as fresh and available as possible, contact a personal injury lawyer near you as soon as possible after receiving medical care. Photos of injuries, eyewitness testimonies, and video evidence are key pieces of evidence that may become lost or degrade over time.
How do I know if I have a case?
If you were hurt significantly in an accident that you believe was caused by someone acting carelessly or recklessly, you may have a personal injury case. To be sure, you should schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer near you to identify whether the other party can be held responsible for your medical bills, property damage, and other costs.
How much can I get for my case?
Personal injury cases are as varied as the clients who bring them. While some clients may suffer from significant but temporary injuries like broken bones, others may suffer lifelong consequences or even die due to their accident. Typically, due to the extent of care needed for the most severe cases, those who endure paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, or other lifelong disabling injuries receive larger settlements and verdicts than those who can recover from their injuries. Generally, BD&J recovers anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to multi-million-dollar settlements for its clients.
Can I still sue if I was partially responsible?
Yes! According to California law, victims who were hurt in an accident but made a mistake that helped contribute to it can still file a personal injury lawsuit. California’s system of comparative negligence identifies the percentage of fault each party has and reduces any compensation by the party’s percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but at 20% responsible for the accident, your maximum compensation is reduced to $80,000.
What do I do if I can’t afford a lawyer?
If you struggle to afford legal representation, you don’t have to worry if you work with an Orange County personal injury lawyer like BD&J. We only charge on a contingency basis. There are no upfront fees, and all attorney fees are collected from the settlement amount after your case is resolved, so nothing comes out of your pocket.
How to Work with an Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer
When you’re ready to bring your personal injury claim in Orange County, the award-winning team at BD&J is ready to help you. To ensure we are as successful as possible, our clients should be prepared to:
- Explain the details of their case extensively and any information about themselves that may be relevant.
- Bring evidence, including text messages, voicemails, medical records, and photos, to your consultation. If you aren’t sure what evidence is needed, your attorney can help you track down the most compelling items for your case.
- Stay in contact with attorneys and case managers. Our team make every effort to keep clients engaged and informed. Ask your questions at any time. We’re available 24/7.
Our BD&J accident attorneys are readily available to discuss your case and pursue your legal options for you in Orange County.