The hours, days, and weeks after a serious accident are a critical time when it comes to getting fairly compensated for medical bills and lost wages. Anything you say and do may be scrutinized by the insurance company to reduce the value of your claim or deny it outright. Our Orange County personal injury attorneys can help you make informed decisions and fight for the highest settlement possible. We offer free consultations and accept claims on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t win your case through a settlement or trial verdict, you won’t owe any attorney’s fees. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to discuss your situation with a member of our team.

What Types of Accident Claims Do Our Orange County Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?

• Motorcycle Accidents
• Car Wrecks
• Tour, Public, & Other Bus Accidents
• Scooter Injuries
• Large Truck Crashes
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Injuries
• Serious Burns
• Accidents Involving Turo Vehicles
• Boating Injuries
• Rideshare Accidents
• Slips and Falls
• Premises Liability
• Bicycle Accidents
• Train Accidents
• Pedestrian Injuries
• Dog Attacks
• Airplane & Other Aircraft Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Other Personal Injuries

How Do Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Personal Injury Claims?

If you were involved in an accident that aggravated a pre-existing condition, you may be wondering how this might affect your claim. Fortunately, personal injury victims have the right to seek damages even if they had a pre-existing condition, but the insurance company may be more inclined to dispute causation. Like any other business, insurance companies want to protect their bottom line by minimizing the amount of compensation they have to pay out. If you had a pre-existing condition, the claims adjuster might argue that you would have incurred the medical bills and other damages you’re claiming even if the accident had not happened. As such, it’s important that you hire a well-credentialed attorney if there’s even a chance that such a dispute might arise. Our Orange County personal injury lawyers have many years of experience handling claims that involve pre-existing conditions. We know how to use medical records, testimony from relevant experts, and other evidence to prove causation. We won’t accept an unfair settlement, and we’re not afraid to go to trial if the insurer refuses to cooperate.

What Is a Personal Injury Journal & Why Should I Create One?

Serious injuries can affect a person’s life in ways that aren’t necessarily conveyed through photographs and medical records. They might impact your relationships, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life. This is especially true if your injuries prevent you from attending social events, living an active lifestyle, or providing for your family. A personal injury journal is a place for you to document the more intimate consequences of the accident. Your attorney might use the contents of this journal to make your claim more compelling. Your first entry should be a detailed description of everything you remember about the accident such as:

• When, where, and how it happened;
• What you were doing just before the accident;
• Any statements you remember from the parties involved and eyewitnesses;
• Contact and insurance details from all parties involved; and
• The contact details of eyewitnesses.

After this initial entry, take a few minutes each day to write about how the injuries are affecting your life. Once you’re near maximum medical improvement, you can write an entry every few days.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim Against a Government Entity?

Yes. In the state of California, personal injury victims have the right to bring a claim against a government entity. If, for example, you were involved in an accident that was caused by a government employee, the agency that employs him or her might be held liable for the resulting damages through the doctrine of respondeat superior. There are several nuances to tort claims involving government entities. For example, you’ll have to file an administrative claim with the appropriate agency within just a few months of the accident. Also, punitive damages are not recoverable in claims against government entities in California. If you think a government entity might be liable for your damages, turn to Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. We have an in-depth knowledge of the nuances of these claims and can make sure you are well-represented through every stage of the proceedings.

Speak with Our Orange County Accident Attorneys Today

If you've been injured in a serious accident that someone else caused, don't hesitate to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. We will answer your questions, provide insight into the relevant case law and statutes, and help you determine the best way to proceed. Our lawyers provide aggressive and compassionate legal services to each and every one of our clients, no matter the potential size of their claim. To discuss your situation in a free case review, call our office at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message online.