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Personal Injury Attorney Serving Lake Forest, California
Lake Forest is formerly known as El Toro and is located in Orange County. Since its incorporation in 1991, it has expanded to include Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills to its boundaries and welcome new residents to its growing community.
The city is home to approximately 85,858 people as of the 2020 census. Lake Forest’s “forest” is an area of Eucalyptus trees planted in the early 1900s, which remains a cherished part of the community. Originally planted to support development, this area now adds natural beauty and charm to the city that attracts thousands of tourists daily.
This increased pedestrian traffic causes an increase in the likelihood of accidents to happen such as vehicular and ridesharing accidents, and many others.
PRACTICE AREAS
Car Accidents
According to California Office Of Traffic Safety Crash Rankings, Lake Forest ranked 79 out of 105 for total fatal injury and crashes with 213 victims killed and fatally injured in 2021. Of those incidents, 32 were speed-related and 28 had alcohol involved.
The injuries commonly seen in car accidents include cuts, bruises, fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even untimely death. These injuries may also result in long-term issues that can compromise the victim for the years to come, so compensation may be warranted to help recover damages.
A Lake Forest car accident lawyer can help you receive both economic and non-economic monetary compensation to help you recover damages resulting from such accidents. They can also help you with insurance claims, negotiations, determination of liability, coordinate investigations, and help you receive compensation for injuries sustained from the incident.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Lake Forest often lead to serious property damage due to the size and impact of the trucks involved in collisions. They require immediate investigation, expert analysis, and police intervention due to their severity. Victims of truck accidents may suffer from severe injuries such as cuts, burns, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even wrongful death. These accidents can also escalate into fires or explosions due to their intensity.
These complex situations often warrant the services of a truck accident lawyer in Lake Forest who is well-versed with the local ordinances as well as federal and state laws. A Lake Forest accident attorney can assist you in determining fault, conducting accident investigations, and seeking compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages that resulted from the accident.
Product Liability
Product liability laws protect consumers by creating avenues of recovery from injuries sustained due to faulty or defective products. In the US alone, millions of individuals end up in hospitals annually due to injuries caused by faulty consumer goods. They seek medical care for injuries that range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious problems like broken bones, brain injuries, and spinal cord damage.
A product liability lawyer can help you understand your legal options and help navigate you through the legal process.
Pedestrian Accidents
In 2023, there were 3,331 fatalities and serious injuries (FSIs) from pedestrian accidents reported across the state. Over the past five years, on average, there have been 3,449 FSIs annually. Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County have seen a high number of these incidents over the years.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Lake Forest, you may seek legal advice from a pedestrian accident attorney.
Work-Related Accidents
The California Department of Industrial Relations reported that Orange County had 51,976 first reports of injuries (FROIs) in 2022, equivalent to 8.4% of the national total. There was a recorded average of 3.4 incidents per 100 employees.
Work-related injuries often occur in high-risk areas like construction sites, where dangers from heights, heavy machinery, and high-voltage electricity are present at all times. These hazards may result in injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to fractures, amputations, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death.
California law requires employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance, but some companies use this to minimize their financial obligations to help victims of work-related injuries.
Rideshare Accidents
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become popular due to their convenience and practicality. They offer a safe alternative to driving, so you can get to your destination safely.
With a growing number of users, Uber and Lyft accounted for 13% of vehicle miles traveled in San Francisco, more than double the national average of 6%. About 36% of Americans have used these services, which is why these companies made $117 billion in 2021. However, this popularity also brings risks of car accidents and injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and more.
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident in Lake Forest, we recommend seeking help from personal injury lawyers.
Personal Injury
In the state of California, a personal injury is a type of injury resulting from another person’s negligence, including vehicular accidents, truck and traffic accidents, product liability, spinal cord injuries, slip-and-fall accidents, and traumatic brain injuries.
The injuries you may sustain in such incidents can vary in both types and severity. They include mild injuries like cuts, surface burns, bruises, and abrasions that do not necessarily cause you long-term harm, but inconvenience you and limit your capability to do your everyday job. You may also end up sustaining more severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and spinal cord injuries that can debilitate you for months and even years to come.
If you experience such incidents, then we suggest that you seek the help of a Lake Forest personal injury attorney to help your claim.
LAKE FOREST PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT
STEPS AND PROCESS
1
Collect All Available Evidence
Every case rests on the backs of investigators who dig deep. We’ll investigate your accident and find evidence like police reports, hospital records, and witness statements. Our injury attorneys go deep into each potential avenue of inquiry, leaving no stone unturned in their exhaustive search for justice.
2
Write a Letter of Demand
A demand letter will be addressed to the offender and their insurance provider or legal counsel. The full financial burden is considered, including future medical expenditures, wage losses, and other expenses.
3
Negotiation
By bringing a lawsuit on your behalf, we acquire bargaining power when an insurance company refuses to give fair compensation. In addition, by filing a case, we can obtain information on the defendants we would not have had access to before.
4
Begin Filing a Lawsuit for Injury
By bringing a lawsuit on your behalf, we acquire bargaining power when an insurance company refuses to give fair compensation. In addition, by filing a case, we can obtain information on the defendants we would not have had access to before.
5
Discovery
Now that we have filed suit, we have the right to obtain information from the defendants that they were previously unwilling to release. By serving them with Requests for Admissions, Interrogatories, and Document Production, we can investigate the validity of their allegations.
6
Mediation
Once both parties have reviewed the facts of the case, a mediation session may be planned to see whether or not an amicable resolution may be reached. The defense will hear our position from a non-biased individual (Mediator), and we may continue bargaining with the insurance company over a reasonable payment.
7
Civil Trial for Injury
We will go to trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached. We’ll argue your case in court, using the information found through discovery and any necessary expert testimony. Many of us would rather have a jury decide our cases than a judge, as juries tend to be more compassionate in times of tragedy.
8
Settlement
A settlement has been reached if an agreement can be made before trial. In return for release of all personal injury claims, you should get a settlement that accounts for all your losses up to and including the date of your injury, fees, taxable cost, medical expenditures, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.
9
Appeal
Suppose the jury decides against you. We will then file an appeal if we believe the defense or the court made a legal mistake. Additional data and legal arguments on our part will likely be required to convince the court of our position. The court, if we prevail, may decide to overturn its earlier ruling or even retry the case.
RESPONSE TO SOME GENERAL QUESTIONS
Who will pay for my medical bills after an accident?
Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident?
Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?
What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?
Who will pay for my medical bills after an accident?
Who Will Pay for My Car Accident Medical Bills
Determining who will be responsible for your car accident medical bills depends on several factors: the cause of the accident, your level of fault, and the insurance coverage held by the other driver. In such circumstances, seeking guidance and support from a personal injury lawyer, Dallas can prove invaluable.
Following a car accident and sustaining injuries, it is natural to wonder who will bear the burden of your medical expenses and treatment costs. While a car accident injury settlement or a trial verdict can provide financial relief, they may not offer immediate assistance in covering your medical treatment. The answer, in essence, relies on the accident’s nature, the relevant state laws, and the specific insurance policies involved.
General Rule – Ongoing Payment Responsibility Rests with the Injured Party
It is crucial to understand that, in most cases, if you are involved in an accident, you are responsible for paying your medical bills as they are incurred. The only exception occurs in “no fault” states, which will be discussed below. Even if the at-fault party is clearly responsible for your injuries, the law does not mandate them to cover your bills on an ongoing basis.
The law only requires them to provide damages to resolve your lawsuit, and in many instances, your medical claim is included in those damages. However, the defendant is not obligated to pay your medical invoice as they arise.
Car Accidents – “No Fault” States
In motor vehicle accident cases, the coverage of hospital bills depends on whether the accident occurred in a “no fault” state. In “no fault” insurance states, your automobile insurer will cover some or all of your hospital bills resulting from a car accident, regardless of fault. However, there is typically a limit to what your own automobile insurance company will pay, varying from state to state but generally around $10,000 or less.
Once your medical expenses exceed the state’s “no fault” limit, you become responsible for paying them. If you have health insurance, your provider will cover your bills. In the case of Medicare or a state-run health insurance program through Medicaid, these entities will handle the bills. If you lack health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, you will need to arrange payment agreements directly with your healthcare providers.
Motor Vehicle Accidents – Non-“No Fault” States (Dallas, TX)
If you are involved in a serious accident in a state without “no fault” insurance, you will generally be responsible for paying your expenses until you claim compensation from the at-fault party. However, some drivers in these states have medical payment or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage, commonly known as “med pay” and “PIP” coverage.
This coverage will pay for the fair compensation of drivers or passengers involved in a car accident with the insured party, up to the “med pay” policy limits, which are typically less than $10,000. Once your bills exceed these policy limits, you will be responsible for payment.
Medpay and PIP funds can be utilized initially to cover health insurance deductibles, co-pays, and lost wages until you recover from the at-fault party. If you lack such coverage, in most cases, you will need to find healthcare providers willing to treat you upfront and defer their bills until you receive compensation from the insurance company.
Premises Liability: Slip or Trip and Fall Accidents
In premises liability or slip and fall cases, the responsibility for payment of medical bills typically falls on the injured person, unless the premises owner’s property insurance policy includes “med pay” coverage.
Dallas personal injury attorneys with experience in handling personal injury claims related to premises liability understand that “med pay” coverage can be beneficial. If the premises owner has this type of insurance coverage, the injured person’s medical bills will be paid by the insurance carriers, up to the limits specified in the “med pay” policy. However, once the “med pay” limits are exhausted, the injured person becomes responsible for paying the remaining bills.
Boating Accidents
Boating insurance policies seldom include “med pay” coverage. Consequently, personal injury victims involved in boating accidents will likely be responsible for covering their own expenses. It is crucial for individuals who suffer injuries caused by boating accidents to consult the right lawyer in Dallas to understand their legal options and seek rightful compensation for their injuries.
Work-Related Accidents
In the unfortunate event of a work-related accident due to gross negligence, personal injury victims may find relief if their company carries workers’ compensation insurance. In such personal injury cases, the workers’ compensation insurer will cover all the medical bills incurred by the injured party. It is important to note that these victims involved in work-related accidents are not required to contribute any money towards their expenses, including bills or deductibles.
Moreover, our Fort Worth, Dallas personal injury lawyers who handle personal injury cases are well-versed in the laws pertaining to workers’ compensation and can ensure that victims receive proper reimbursement for transportation expenses related to medical appointments. However, if a company does not have workers’ compensation insurance, pursuing damages under Texas non-subscriber laws becomes necessary.
Reimbursement for Medical Bills Paid by Insurers
If health insurers, Medicare, or the state agency administering Medicaid benefits have paid for your medical bills in relation to the accident, they are entitled to reimbursement for the amount they disbursed to your healthcare providers. Skilled Dallas personal injury attorneys can help navigate the complexities of dealing with insurers and ensure fair reimbursement processes.
Worst-Case Scenario
In the worst-case scenario where an accident occurs, insurance coverage is unavailable, and it is determined that there is no personal injury case due to factors such as personal fault or insufficient evidence, the injured party becomes solely responsible for all medical expenses. These victims facing this situation have limited options and should seek legal counsel to explore any possible alternatives.
Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident?
Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident in Dallas?
In Dallas, Texas, the responsibility for covering the cost of property damage resulting from a car accident lies within specific legal parameters. As a car owner, you have the right to choose the body shop for repairing your vehicle. However, determining who will foot the bill for your property damage depends on the urgency of your vehicle’s repair and whether the at-fault party has accepted liability.
In Dallas, as in most places, the responsibility for the cost of property damage after a car accident typically falls on the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Texas follows a fault-based system, meaning that the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for covering the damages.
If you were not at fault in the accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for your property damage. Their insurance should cover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property, such as your vehicle or any other damaged property involved in the accident.
It’s important to gather evidence and documentation of the accident, including photographs, police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant information that can support your claim. You should notify your insurance company about the accident as well, even if you are not at fault, to ensure they are aware of the situation.
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or is underinsured, you may need to rely on your own insurance coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, to help cover the property damage costs.
Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?
Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?
When you engage the services of our Dallas personal injury law firm, we ensure complete transparency regarding our fee structure. There are no hidden charges or surprise fees that catch you off guard. We take the time to explain the details of our contingency fee agreement, outlining all the fees and expenses involved.
In fact, paragraphs 1 and 2 of our agreement provide a comprehensive breakdown, and we require your initials next to each item to confirm your understanding. Our aim is to establish trust with our clients, providing them with peace of mind and alleviating any concerns. Our goal is not to profit at your expense but rather to obtain the best possible results for your injuries and damages.
Are My Medical Bills And Attorney Fees Combined?
It’s important to note that your medical bills and attorney fees are separate entities. While our law firm fees are based on the “No Fee, No Recovery” concept, your medical bills remain your responsibility. For instance, if you received a bill from the emergency room following your accident, it is your obligation to settle that bill as it does not fall within our purview to waive it.
However, when you enter into a contract with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Dallas, such as ourselves, you grant us permission to reimburse the medical providers from the eventual settlement or judgment you receive. This arrangement ensures that your expenses are appropriately handled while allowing us to pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve for your harm or serious injury.
Who Covers the Expenses of Managing My Case?
The good news is that, as experienced personal injury attorneys in Dallas, TX, we have provisions in our contingency contract that allow us to bear the expenses associated with your case. Our law firm agreement enables us to cover the necessary costs throughout the process, and once we secure a settlement on your behalf, we will deduct those expenses from the settlement amount.
It’s important to understand the typical expenses involved in a personal injury case, as they can be significant. For instance, the police department charges a fee for providing copies of the police report, collision videos, and the police call log. Medical providers charge per page to produce your medical records. Filing a lawsuit incurs fees imposed by the court.
What sets our law firm apart is our commitment to leveraging digital resources to streamline these requests and save you money at every turn. For example, our Dallas personal injury attorney makes digital requests for your medical records and bills, opting for a flat fee instead of a per-page charge.
Our communication is predominantly conducted through email and client portals, providing you with convenient and cost-effective access to our Dallas personal injury lawyers. This approach allows us to operate as a faster and more affordable law firm, dedicated to serving your needs.
What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?
What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?
“No Recovery, No Fee” or “No Attorney Fee if No Recovery” means that you will not be responsible for your attorney fees if we lose your case, or do not settle your case with the responsible party or their insurance company. We will charge you a percentage of the settlement instead of the typical retainer and hourly fees that attorneys charge.
Therefore, if we lose your case any percentage X $0.00 = $0.00 and you owe us nothing for attorney fees. This agreement allows you as a victim of a car accident to receive the proper medical attention that you need without worrying about the outrageous legal fees piling up. Also, this will give you the opportunity to handle your property damage much faster and get back to your daily lives.
In the other Sections, we explain that although there are no attorney fees if there is no recovery, your medical bills and expenses are still due and the medical providers will want payment irrelevant of the results. In addition, we explain in some rarer circumstances that if we lose you may be responsible for attorney fees and taxable court costs of the defendant if the judge exercises discretion and grants them.
What Type Of Compensation Can I Get For Personal Injuries In Lake Forest?
You may be awarded both economic and non-economic damages to compensate for injuries sustained in a personal injury case. Economic damages include quantifiable damages like economic losses, repair costs, medical and hospitalization fees, and more. Non-economic damages are for intangible losses like depression, anxiety, pain, and suffering.
Courts may also decide to award you punitive damages, which seeks to punish the at-fault party to help deter the same thing from happening in the future.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Cases in Lake Forest?
The statute of limitations pertains to the timeframe you have to file suit on your personal injury claim. Cases that get filed after their statute of limitations will be dismissed, unless certain exceptions apply.
The statute of limitations for personal injury in Lake Forest, California is two years. This includes cases involving vehicular accidents, slip and fall incidents, defective product claims, traumatic brain injuries, and even wrongful death.
If you are uncertain of whether you can pursue a claim for your personal injuries, you may contact a Lake Forest personal injury lawyer to help evaluate your case.
How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge In Lake Forest?
Personal injury cases in Lake Forest are often processed on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients do not have to pay their attorney up front, but pay a percentage to them out of the settlement. Miscellaneous fees like filing costs, hiring of witnesses, and transportation costs may not be included in the contingency payment plan.
Can I Schedule A Free Consultation With A Lake Forest Personal Injury Attorney?
You may schedule a free consultation for your injury with our personal injury lawyers at Gosuits. If you think you may need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer, you can contact us today for a free consultation.
GET TO KNOW OUR LAKE FOREST PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
It's time we do things the SMART way rather than the hard way
“Hire the Smart Suits for Your Lawsuits”
SEAN CHALAKI
- Texas Super Lawyers: Rising Star 2016 2023 2024
- Law Firm of the Month by Attorney at Law Magazine 2016
- Top 40 under 40 Trial Attorney by The National Trial Lawyers (2015, 2016, 2022)
- Board Member Texas Trial Lawyers Association
- Dallas Trial Lawyers Association
- Danielle Hall, Individually Anf Amh-s V. Witron Integrated Logistics, Inc. Et
- Best Lawyers Ones to Watch 2022
- Best Lawyers 2024
YASAMIN MOUSSAVI
- Principal / Texas and New York Litigation Attorney
- Licensed Attorney with State Bar of Texas
- Licensed Attorney with State Bar of New York
- Licensed Attorney in Federal and District Court
- South Australian Bar Association
SHAWN HASHEMI
- Principal / Litigation Attorney
- State Bar of Texas
U.S. Federal District Court for Northern District of Texas - U.S. Federal District Court for Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. Federal District Court for Southern District of Texas
- U.S. Federal District Court for Western District of Texas
ABBAS HARATI
- Admitted to the State Bar of California
- Certified Mediator in the State of Texas
- Member of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
- Member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
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