Personal Injury FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury in Irvine

When you are involved in an accident, it is easy to let your questions and concerns cloud your judgement. Our experienced team is ready to answer any questions or concerns about personal injury in Irvine or the surrounding Orange County cities.

GENERAL FAQ

Q. How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in Irvine, California?

A. We understand the devastating impact of an injury on our client’s life and the financial difficulties in the aftermath of a sudden accident. That is why at Alipour Law Group, we resolve all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients pay no up-front or out-of-pocket costs and will only owe us legal fees if we obtain a favorable settlements or verdicts on their behalf. Our passionate attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

Q. Do I really need a Lawyer for my personal injury claims in Irvine, California?

A. Because of how serious and fatal personal injuries can be in Irvine, it is very important to consult with an experienced team. Personal injury lawyers in Irvine can help you understand the best options available to get the most compensation for your injuries or damages. At Alipour Law Group, our experienced lawyers are ready to resolve your case effectively and efficiently, so you don’t have to navigate through the trouble alone.

Q. What cases does Alipour Law Group handle in California?

A. At Alipour Law Group, our lawyers are experienced in both personal injury and lemon law claims. Specifically for personal injury, we have successfully resolved cases including bicycle accidents, car accidents, dog bites, hotel/resort injuries, medical malpractice, pedestrian accidents, premise liability, slip and fall accidents, traumatic brain injuries, truck accidents, turo accidents, Uber/Lyft accidents, and wrongful death.

Q. What should I bring to my meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Irvine, California?

A. You should bring all documents that relate to your injury. For instance, this can include medical documents, police reports, insurance claims, photographs, and receipts. During your meeting, our experienced lawyers will review and provide you with additional information that may be required.

Q. What does a personal injury lawyer in Irvine, California do?

A. At Alipour Law Group, our personal injury lawyers help resolve any legal questions or concerns about your case. Specifically, we offer the best legal options so that you are fully compensated for your damages and costs such as medical bills, repairs, and lost wages. There are a wide range of injuries that you may experience in Irvine or the surrounding Orange County cities. As a result, we highly recommend consulting with our team to discuss further what options are the most viable.

Q. Do I have the right to file a claim in Irvine, California?

A. If you have been injured in an accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Our experienced team will be able to efficiently file a personal injury claim against the person or party liable for your injuries.

Q. What can I get compensated for in Irvine, California?

A. Based on the circumstances, each personal injury case is unique in their own way. For instance, some accidents may require that the client undergo physical therapy while others may require surgery and life-long impairment. Similarly, wrongful death cases have different requirements and compensatory standards. However, you don’t have to worry about all of these costs yourself. Common costs and damages you can pursue include, but are not limited to

  • Medical bills
  • Medications
  • Car repairs
  • Physical Therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Emotional and psychological distress
  • Loss of Consortium

Whatever your circumstances be, At Alipour Law Group, we are prepared to help you receive compensation for costs and damages resulting from your injury in Irvine or the surrounding Orange County cities.

Q. Can I still get compensation even if I was found responsible after an accident in California?

A. If you have been involved in an accident in Irvine or the surrounding Orange County cities, it will fall under California’s practice of “comparative negligence.” This means that you are entitled for compensation for the portion you were not at-fault. For instance, if you were 80% responsible for the car accident, you can still seek compensation for the 20% you were not at-fault. Determining negligence can be a difficult and long process. As a result, it is important to consult with our experienced team that is dedicated to help you answer any legal questions you have.

Q. What is negligence in California?

A. If you have been involved in an accident in Irvine or the surrounding Orange County cities, neither party intended to get in an accident. Even though it was by accident, there is some liability for the accident as it could have been minor or avoided entirely. Therefore, the person or party involved was negligent in causing the accident. Under California law, some injuries, such as dog bites, follow the standard of “strict liability,” meaning that the person or party involved is responsible for their negligence, regardless of intent.

Q. Is there a time limit for personal injury cases in Irvine, California?

A. Under California law, there is statute of limitations, which sets a strict deadline as to when the claim can be filed. For most personal injury cases, it will involve a two-year deadline from the date of the injury. However, some cases, especially those that involve state or federal vehicles or individuals, may involve different deadlines. Therefore, if you have been involved in an accident in Irvine or the surrounding Orange County cities, it is important to reach out to us at Alipour Law Group immediately following your injury in Irvine.

Q. How much compensation should I expect in Irvine, California?

A. For economic damages, there is no limit on how much you can get compensated. For instance, if the doctor requires you to undergo surgery, the cost of the operation can be documented for compensation. As long as there is documentation and expert justification, you are entitled to reimbursement. Additionally, for noneconomic damages such as suffering that a client may have gone through, it is up to the jury to determine how much compensation is justified. However, for medical malpractice cases, there is a limit of $250,000, which, in California, is projected to increase over the next several years. Whatever your circumstances may be, at Alipour law group, we highly recommend that you consult with our experienced lawyers to navigate through legal process hassle-free.

Q. How long will my case take in Irvine, California?

A. Each case is unique with their own circumstances and can take a long time. The main factor that can help estimate the timeline includes

  • The degree and amount of injuries/damages
  • Number of individuals/parties involved
  • Type of individuals/parties involved
  • The complexity of the case
  • Communication from the at-fault party
  • Client and at-fault party’s insurance

While cases that end up in court can take much longer, our experienced lawyers are ready to resolve your case efficiently and get results as soon as possible.

Q. What if my injuries appear later than the date of the accident?

A. Some injuries may take some time to get noticed. However, this does not affect the time or amount you can get compensated. If you have been involved in an accident in Irvine or the surrounding Orange County area, we highly recommend that you keep a record of any pain or suffering and seek medical help right away if necessary. You are still entitled to the full two-year statute of limitations under California law and our lawyers are ready to guide you through the entire process.

Q. Should I accept a settlement in California?

A. If you were given an offer, we highly recommend that you discuss the offer with our expert lawyers at Alipour Law Group. It is very likely that your injury in Irvine or the surrounding Orange County cities will be undervalued and under-compensated. Furthermore, some insurance companies may try to convince you that a lawyer is not necessary since the settlement is favorable. As a result, our lawyers are determined to get you the compensation you deserve. Before you sign any documents or make any agreements, contact our office for a fast and free consultation for knowledgeable legal advice.

Q. Can I sue the city or county in California?

A. If you have been involved in an accident in Irvine or in the greater Orange County area, you may wonder who the negligent party is. If a government agency or the city/county was responsible for your injuries, you are entitled to seek compensation from the government entity. The attorneys at Alipour Law Group are ready to handle your Irvine and OC claims.

Q. Is my personal injury information private in a Personal Injury Case in California?

A. Absolutely. We take our clients’ privacy very seriously and uphold the highest standard for attorney-client privilege. Furthermore, any communication with our lawyers and firm will stay privileged, allowing you to stay comfortable when fully disclosing details pertinent to your case. Even after your case is over, we stay determined to protect your information. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the privacy of your information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Alipour Law Group.

Q. What is “statute of limitations” in California?

A. For most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, if your injuries came after the initial date of the injury, the two-year deadline only starts after you have discovered your injuries. Additionally, accidents involving government entities and cities are subject to different governmental claim deadline of 6 months.

On the other hand, if you are seeking compensation for damage to property, there is a three year deadline for repair and replacement under California Code of Civil Procedure section 338.

Q. What if I was injured at work and my employer does not take responsibility in California?

A. If you have been injured while at work, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It is important that you notify your employer of the injury immediately following the incident. There is only a 30-day period to report your injury under California law.

However, if they do not have workers’ compensation insurance or are unwilling to take responsibility, you can seek compensation benefits from the company or file a claim. Whatever road you take, our experienced team of personal injury lawyers will get you the compensation you deserve.

Q. Do I need to file a police report? How will it help my personal injury case in California?

A. Under California law, you are required to file a police report if you were involved in an accident. At Alipour Law Group, we highly recommend that you immediately file a police report so there is a legal record that the incident took place and for us to refer back to.

CAR ACCIDENTS FAQ

Q. What happens if I get into an accident with someone who does not have insurance in California?

A. If you have been involved in an accident in California with someone who don’t have insurance or adequate insurance, you are still entitled to compensation. If your insurance includes Uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance will help cover for the lack of insurance coverage from the at-fault’s driver.

Q. I was injured as a passenger of a car crash in California. Do I have the right to a personal injury case?

A. Yes. If a passenger has been injured due to a negligent driver, the passenger is entitled for compensation through passenger compensation claim. Physical injuries, pain and suffering, and financial losses can all be compensated. If you have been injured from a car accident in California, we highly recommend you check our dedicated page for car accidents and reach out to our expert team of car accident lawyers in Irvine and the surrounding Orange County area.

Q. What happens if the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover my damages in California?

A. Even though the at-fault driver may have car insurance, it might not be adequate enough to cover your damages. As a result, you can have Underinsured Motorist insurance to cover for the at-fault party’s limited insurance coverage.

Q. What is Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) and how does it protect me in California?

A. Uninsured Motorist, or UM in short, is insurance that protects you from other drivers who don’t have any insurance. With a low UM, you may not be able to get full compensation for your damages, especially if the at-fault driver did not have any insurance.

Similarly, Underinsured Motorist, or UIM in short, is insurance to protect you against underinsured drivers. Both of these coverages protect you from car accidents in California.

Q. What is California’s minimum requirement for car insurance?

A. Under California Insurance Code §11580.1b, the minimum insurance requirements are

  • $15,000 for injury or death of one individual
  • $30,000 for injury or death of more than one individual
  • $5,000 for property damages

Q. What happens if I can’t go to work because of my accident injuries in California

A. If you were not able to go to work due to your accident injuries in California, you are entitled to compensation for your loss of wages. At Alipour Law Group, we highly recommend that you consult our expert team of personal injury lawyers to discuss the best options for your case.

Q. Should I give a statement to my insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance company in California?

A. At Alipour Law Group, we highly advice our clients to seek a lawyer before making any statements or signing any written documents. Our team is dedicated to make sure you are receiving the best offer and fully understand its terms.

Q. Can I take my car to any body shop for inspection after a car accident in California?

A. While many car owners assume that they can only go to the manufacturer for a vehicle inspection, under California law, you are allowed to go to any body shop you want. The Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights no longer limits you on where you can get your vehicle inspected after an accident in California.

Q. I was borrowing my friend’s car and got in an accident. What should I do?

A. While your friend’s insurance or the insurance of whoever borrowed your car may not cover your damages, your insurance can give you compensation for your damages. California follows “permissive use” where if you had permission from the owner to drive the car at the time of the accident, insurance will help cover damages.

Q. Can I get compensated for the time that my car is being repaired in a body shop after an accident in California?

A. If you were unable to work due to your car being in the repair shop or there was some other limiting factor in your daily functions, you are entitled for compensation. While there may not be a direct cost conversion for the time your car repair took, each case is unique, and our expert team of car accident lawyers are ready to help answer any questions or concerns.

Q. What is an umbrella insurance and how does it protect me in California?

A. Umbrella insurance is a liability insurance in California that covers claims that may exceed your car and home policies. For example, if your car insurance covers for $30,000 in damages but you have a total of $80,000 in damages, the umbrella insurance will protect you by covering for the remaining $50,000.

TRUCK ACCIDENTS FAQ

Q. What happens if I was hit by a UPS, USPS, or FedEx truck in California?

A. If you have been involved in an accident with a UPS, USPS, FedEx, or any other similar trucks, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Under California law, the employer is responsible for the negligent acts from the employee. As a result, you can seek compensation from the company for damages/costs such as property loss or hospital bills. If you have been injured from a truck accident in California, we highly recommend you check our dedicated page for truck accidents and reach out to our expert team of truck accident lawyers in Irvine and the surrounding Orange County area.

Q. Can Semi Truck drive in any lane in California?

A. In California, semis, and other large commercial trucks, are required to drive in the right lane. There may be exceptions to this general rule based on how many lanes are available. For instance, trucks can go into the other lane to pass a car but are not permitted to stay in that lane. Additionally, even in a three-lane highway, trucks are still required to drive in the far-right lane. Under California law, trucks are not allowed to drive in the left lane at all as it is dedicated for faster-moving vehicles.

UBER/LYFT ACCIDENTS FAQ

Q. What happens if I get into a car accident while using a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft in California?

A. If you have been involved in a car accident in California while using a rideshare service, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Whether you were the uber driver, an uber passenger, or a personal vehicle driver, we highly recommend you consult our expert Uber/Lyft accident attorneys in Irvine. For more detailed information, please visit our dedicated page for Uber and Lyft accidents.

Q. What should I do if an Uber passenger caused an accident in California?

A. It may be possible that a negligent Uber or Lyft passenger to cause an accident in California. If the passenger was at-fault, you can get compensation for your costs and damages. To understand your specific case more, we highly recommend that you consult with our team of expert Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Irvine and the surrounding Orange County cities.

BICYCLE ACCIDENTS FAQ

Q. Does my UM and UIM protect me if I was riding my bicycle in California?

A. Yes! While some cyclists believe that they are not protected since they are not in a car, cyclists are actually protected under California law. In fact, UM and UIM includes injuries and damages from pedestrian and cycling accidents. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in California, we recommend you visit the dedicated page on bicycle accidents.

Q. What lanes can I ride my bike in California?

A. Under California Vehicle Code, you are required to use the dedicated bicycle lane when moving slower than traffic. Additionally, you are required to ride in the same direction of traffic. There are some exceptions as well. Cyclists are allowed to go into the other driving lanes to make a turn or avoid dangerous areas such as construction or debris.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS FAQ

Q. What is the motorcycle passenger age limit?

A. Surprisingly, California does not have a law that puts an age restriction on a motorcycle passenger. However, there are different requirements that the passenger may have to meet. For example, there is a height requirement of four feet eight inches for children to ride as passengers. Additionally, all passengers are required to be safely secured to the motorcycle behind the driver’s seat.

Q. What is lane splitting? Is lane splitting legal in California?

A. Lane splitting is when motorcyclists ride between the car lanes. In fact, if you live in Southern California, it is common to see motorcyclists swerve between cars during traffic. This is because it is completely legal in California. Additionally, blocking a motorcyclist intentionally, such as leaving your car door open, is illegal since it can cause harm to the rider. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in California, we highly recommend that you check our dedicated page on motorcycle accidents and reach out to our team of expert motorcycle accident lawyers in Irvine and the surrounding Orange County cities to resolve your case hassle-free.

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS FAQ

Q. Is it my fault if I was injured while crossing the street in California?

A. Under California Vehicle code, pedestrians have right-of-way whether it be a marked or unmarked crosswalk. While it also mandates that pedestrians use crosswalks to cross an intersection safely and legally, it also puts the duty on the driver. However, this does not mean that all pedestrians are not at-fault. Some can be held liable if they were negligent and contributed to the accident. Whatever your unique situation may be, we are determined to help you get the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured from a pedestrian accident in California, we highly recommend you check our dedicated page for pedestrian accident and reach out to our expert team of pedestrian accident lawyers in Irvine and the surrounding Orange County area.

DOG BITE ACCIDENTS FAQ

Q. What should I do if a dog attacks me in California?

A. If you need medical attention, you should call 911 immediately to get the necessary help. If you have been in a dog bite accident in California, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. At Alipour Law Group, we highly recommend that you consult with our expert team of dog bite injury lawyers to help you with your dog bite case in Irvine and in the great Orange County area. For more information, please visit our dedicated page on dog bite accidents.

Q. Can I defend myself if a dog attacks me in California?

A. Under California law, dog owners are liable for the actions of their dogs. This is because California follows strict liability laws. However, if you were attacked by a dog, it does not automatically give you permission to harm or kill the dog. If the attacking dog is a great threat to life, you are allowed to protect yourself or others.

Other exceptions are when a dog is chasing your livestock or your pet. Since livestock and pets are considered property in legal terms, you are allowed to protect your property from extensive harm.

Q. What is the “One Bite Rule” in California?

A. Under California law, compensation for dog bite injuries can be recovered with the assumption that the dog was involved in a different dog bite accident. Therefore, if it was the dog’s first time, it would most likely be difficult to get compensation. However, it is possible to still prove that the dog has a violent nature that would still be enough to pose a danger to others. Because of how complicated dog bite cases can be, we highly recommend you each out to our expert team of dog bite accident lawyers in Irvine and the surrounding Orange County area to get you the compensation you deserve.

HOTEL, RESORT, AND VACATION ACCIDENTS FAQ

Q. Who is at-fault for a skydiving accident?

A. While the skydiving company will have their participants sign a lot of documents and waivers prior to their flight, it does not mean that they aren’t responsible for any injuries. For instance, if your injuries were caused by the pilot’s negligent and reckless operation of the plane, the skydiving company can be held liable for your damages. If you have been involved in an accident while in a hotel, resort, or on vacation in California, we highly advise you to check our dedicated page on hotel, resort, and vacation accidents and consult with your team of experienced lawyers to help you get the compensation you deserve.

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