Orange County Car Accident Lawyers

Orange County’s roadways are busy, with intersections and highways seeing thousands of vehicles every day. Roads like Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 55 (SR-55), and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) are vital arteries that connect local neighborhoods, workspaces, and shopping areas. While they are essential parts of daily life, they are also hotspots for car accidents. From fender benders to severe collisions, accidents on these roads can result in life-changing injuries, financial strain, and emotional distress.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident in Orange County, the team at Neale & Fhima: Accident, Injury, and Lemon Law Lawyers is here to help. Our experienced Orange County car accident lawyers understand the pain and uncertainty that follow a crash. With decades of success and a deep commitment to our clients, we are ready to guide you toward the outcome you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.

Why Choose Neale & Fhima for Your Orange County Car Accident Claim

Choosing the right attorney after a car accident is crucial, and at Neale & Fhima, you can count on our experience, dedication, and results-driven approach. Here’s why people across Southern California trust us with their car accident claims:

• Proven Track Record: With more than 40 years of combined legal experience, our team has helped thousands of clients secure favorable settlements and verdicts.
• Exceptional Success Rate: We maintain a 99% success rate in obtaining results for our clients in both personal injury and lemon law cases.
• Client-Centered Approach: We believe in forging strong relationships with the families we represent. Our team genuinely cares about your well-being and takes the time to understand your unique challenges.
• Deep Understanding of the Law: California’s car accident laws are detailed and complex. We’ll walk you through every step of your case, ensuring we build the strongest claim possible while avoiding common legal pitfalls.
• Honesty and Transparency: We know it’s stressful to face mounting medical bills and uncertainties about your future. That’s why we give you a candid assessment of your options and the potential outcomes for your case.

At Neale & Fhima, we don’t just see you as a case, we see you as a person fighting for justice. That’s why we work tirelessly to help you rebuild your life after an accident.

The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?

After an accident, you may receive a quick settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It might seem like a relief, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, car repairs, or time off work. But beware: this offer is often far less than what your claim is truly worth.

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to:

• Settle quickly and cheaply before you speak to a lawyer.
• Get you to sign away your rights to future compensation.
• Use your statements against you to limit liability.
• Minimize or deny legitimate claims.

Accepting a lowball settlement can leave you stuck with unpaid expenses down the line, especially if your injuries worsen or you require long-term care. That’s why it’s so important to consult with an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer before agreeing to anything.

We’ll review your case, calculate your damages, and negotiate with the insurance company to pursue a full and fair settlement. If they refuse to play fair, we’re prepared to go to court.

Laws that Impact Car Accidents in Orange County, California

Understanding your rights after a car accident means knowing the laws that govern personal injury claims in California. Our team is here to help you make sense of them.

California’s At-Fault Insurance System

California is a fault-based insurance state, which means that the person who caused the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages. If you’re injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you can:

• File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
• File a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional compensation.
• Use your own insurance policy (if applicable) for immediate expenses.

The key is proving the other driver’s fault, which our attorneys are skilled at doing through evidence collection, expert witnesses, and legal strategy.

California’s Statute of Limitations

You have a limited amount of time to take legal action after a car accident, called the statute of limitations. In California:

• Personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.
• If the accident involved a government vehicle or entity, you typically have only six months to file a claim.

Missing these deadlines could prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

California’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example:

• If you are found 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000.

Our attorneys will fight to minimize any assigned fault and maximize your financial recovery.

How Our Lawyers Prove Negligence in Orange County Car Accident Cases

Car accident cases are typically based on the legal theory of negligence, the failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person. To succeed in your case, our attorneys must prove four key elements:

1. Duty of Care – The other driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
2. Breach of Duty – The driver violated that duty by acting recklessly or carelessly (e.g., speeding, texting, or running a red light).
3. Causation – Their negligent actions directly caused the accident and your injuries.
4. Damages – You suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result.

We gather police reports, eyewitness testimony, medical records, accident reconstruction evidence, and more to build a compelling case.

Who May Be Held Liable in an Orange County Car Accident Case?

Determining liability in a car accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the situation. While it often seems straightforward to blame the other driver, our attorneys at Neale & Fhima dig deeper to ensure all liable parties are identified.

• Negligent Drivers: The person behind the wheel who caused the crash, whether due to speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or failing to yield, is typically the primary at-fault party.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defective part, like faulty brakes or a malfunctioning airbag, contributed to the accident, the car’s manufacturer may share liability.
• Employers: Commercial drivers who cause accidents while completing job-related tasks could leave their employers liable under the “vicarious liability” legal doctrine.
• Government Agencies: Poorly maintained roads, dangerous intersections, or inadequate signage often lead to crashes. When negligence from a public entity is involved in roadway conditions, they too could be held accountable.
• Third Parties: Other involved drivers or pedestrians who contributed to unsafe conditions, such as unexpected lane changes or jaywalking, may bear some blame.

At Neale & Fhima, we take a comprehensive approach with every case. Our attorneys gather evidence, consult professionals, and even reconstruct accidents when necessary to identify all parties responsible for your injuries, giving you the best chance to pursue maximum compensation.

Compensation Available in a Car Accident Lawsuit

A car accident can leave victims facing significant expenses and devastating personal losses. California law allows compensation to help ease these burdens, and with the guidance of our skilled attorneys, we can help you pursue the following:

• Medical Costs: This includes everything from emergency services and hospital bills to physical therapy, follow-up treatments, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages and Earning Potential: If you’ve been unable to work during recovery or your injuries impact your ability to earn a living in the long term, these damages can be compensated.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident can significantly affect your quality of life. These non-economic losses are also factored into your claim.
• Property Damage: Whether your car was damaged beyond repair or you incurred repair costs, compensation can cover the financial losses related to your vehicle.
• Wrongful Death: If you’ve tragically lost a loved one in an accident, you may seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support your loved one provided.

At Neale & Fhima, we understand the unique challenges you face following a car accident. With our extensive experience, we are committed to fighting for fair and just compensation so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Contact Our Experienced Orange County Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Orange County, you don’t have to face the insurance companies, medical bills, or legal challenges alone. Let our experienced attorneys take the burden off your shoulders and fight for the justice you deserve.

Here’s how we can help:

• Evaluate your case in a free consultation
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Negotiate with insurers on your behalf
• Take your case to court if needed

Don’t wait. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Contact us today at 888-407-2955 or through our online form for a free initial consultation.