Tustin Personal Injury Lawyer

A Tustin Personal Injury Lawyer Who Knows the Insurance Side

A serious injury turns everything upside down. You're in pain, you may be missing work, and the bills start arriving before you've had time to think. Then the other side's insurance company calls, sounding friendly and asking a few quick questions.

I know what's behind that call. Early in my career, I worked at firms that defended insurance companies and corporations. I saw how claims are evaluated from the inside: how adjusters look for reasons to pay less, and which details move the number. For more than 20 years, I've used that knowledge for one purpose: representing people who were hurt because someone else was careless.

Here's what I watch for on every case:

• Recorded statements. An adjuster may ask to record your account early, before you know the full extent of your injuries. Words like "I'm fine" or "I didn't see them" can be used later to argue the claim down.
• Medical authorizations. Broad release forms can let an insurer comb through years of your medical history to blame your pain on an old condition.
• Gaps in treatment. If you stop going to the doctor for a few weeks, the insurer may say you must have recovered.
• Fast, low offers. A quick check can look tempting when bills are piling up. Once you accept and sign a release, the claim is closed, even if you later need surgery.

I also hold a mechanical engineering degree. When a case turns on how a crash happened or how the forces involved caused an injury, I can work closely with accident reconstruction and biomechanical experts, and I know the questions to ask.

You Work Directly With Me

My office is a solo practice by choice. When you hire me, I handle your case personally: the investigation, every conversation with the insurance companies, the negotiations and, when a fair settlement isn't offered, the lawsuit. I don't hand your file to paralegals or junior associates, and when you call my office, you talk to me. After more than 30 years practising law and over $20 million recovered for my clients, I still believe that's how an injury case should be handled.

What Happens After You Call

1. Free consultation. Tell me what happened. I'll explain your options and the deadlines that apply, at no cost and with no obligation.
2. Investigation. I gather the police report, photos, witness statements, video and medical records, and I preserve evidence before it disappears.
3. I deal with the insurers. Once you hire me, the insurance companies talk to me, not you, so you can focus on getting better.
4. Building the claim. When your treatment is far enough along to know the full cost of your injuries, I prepare a demand that documents every loss.
5. Settlement or court. Most cases settle. If the insurer won't make a fair offer, I'm prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to court.

What You Can Recover

Depending on your case, California law lets you seek compensation for:

• Medical bills, therapy and future treatment
• Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage

In wrongful death cases, the family may also recover funeral costs and the loss of their loved one's financial support and companionship. And if you were partly at fault, you can still recover: California reduces your compensation by your share of the blame rather than barring the claim.

California Deadlines Are Strict

In most California injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If a public agency is involved, such as a City of Tustin road defect, a county vehicle or an OCTA bus, you generally must file a written claim with that agency within six months. Miss these deadlines and you can lose the right to recover, no matter how strong your case is. That's one more reason to call early.

A Local Tustin Office

My office is at 14032 Enderle Center, Suite 102, in Tustin, just off the Costa Mesa (55) Freeway at 17th Street, with free on-site parking. I know the roads where Tustin crashes happen, from the I-5 and 55 interchange to Red Hill Avenue, Newport Avenue, Irvine Boulevard and Tustin Ranch Road. When a Tustin injury case goes to court, it's filed with the Orange County Superior Court at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, a few minutes from my office.

Questions I Hear Most Often

How much does it cost to hire you?

Nothing up front. I work on a contingency fee under my No Recovery, No Fee Guarantee: you pay no fee unless I recover compensation for you. I advance the case costs, and they're repaid from the recovery.

Should I give the other driver's insurance company a recorded statement?

You aren't required to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement, and it's usually wise to talk to a lawyer first. Your own insurance policy may require you to cooperate with your own insurer, so tell your own company about the accident.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?

Generally two years from the injury to file a lawsuit. Claims against a public agency, such as a city or a public bus operator, usually need a written claim within six months.

What if I was partly at fault?

You can still recover compensation in California. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault, so if you were 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your damages.

Will I actually talk to you, or to a case manager?

You'll talk to me. I handle every case personally, from the first call to the final settlement or verdict.