Tustin Personal Injury Lawyer
Skilled Personal Injury Attorney in Tustin, CA
Suffering a serious injury in an accident can impact nearly every area of your life. From motor vehicle collisions and slip and fall accidents to workplace injuries and other preventable catastrophes, you may be left facing medical care, lost wages, and an uncertain future. A Tustin personal injury lawyer can empower you to make informed decisions after a traumatic accident.
Personal injury claims allow injured victims to seek financial compensation when someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions cause harm.
Bentley & More LLP
At Bentley & More LLP, we know that every injury claim is about more than medical bills and insurance claims. Every case starts with the unique story of an individual who suffered harm in an accident. Our attorneys serve clients throughout Orange County and all over California by learning how an injury affects our clients’ everyday life, careers, families, and future aspirations.
While our firm has been successful litigating cases and negotiating favorable settlements, we care about helping our clients seek improvements to their quality of life after serious injuries.
Common Causes of Tustin Personal Injuries
When an accident occurs, personal injuries can result from nearly any cause. That said, some types of accidents are more common than others in Orange County communities such as Tustin.
Car crashes and truck accidents are a leading cause of serious injury or death. Intersections near Jamboree Road, Irvine Blvd, and Newport Ave see heavy traffic during rush hour. Accidents can occur due to distracted driving, failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, speeding, and more. Anyone can get hurt, whether they’re driving, riding along, walking, or cycling.
Where Accidents Can Happen
Slip and fall accidents can occur in shopping centers, restaurants, apartment buildings, and office complexes. Busy commercial areas throughout Old Town Tustin as well as shopping centers like The District at Tustin Legacy draw large crowds of pedestrians. Injuries can also be caused by dangerous conditions such as defective products, negligent security, construction zone hazards, and more.
The CDC reports that 5.9% of individuals who are 18 years of age or older have experienced an activity-limiting injury in the previous three months. There were also 43.5 million visits to emergency rooms for injuries and 57.5 million visits to doctor’s offices.
California Personal Injury Laws
Several California laws can impact personal injury cases. California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1, for example, sets forth the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The law generally allows two years from the date of the injury to file a legal claim. If you fail to meet the deadline, you may be barred from seeking financial recovery through the courts.
California’s pure comparative negligence rule also plays a significant role in many personal injury claims. California allows injured victims to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault. However, an injured person’s recovery is reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. Pure comparative negligence often comes into play when more than one party shares responsibility for an accident.
The Impact of Serious Injuries
Serious injuries can have life-altering consequences that last well beyond the initial moments of an accident. Some injuries require months or even years of medical treatment and recovery. While some accident victims might require surgery or rehabilitation after an injury, others could need long-term therapy or care. Types of injuries we commonly see include:
- Broken bones
- Brain and head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Injuries to the back
- Internal injuries
Face injuries can also cause substantial and long-lasting effects. Injuries can cause mental anguish, too. Individuals might struggle with stress, depression, or anxiety following an accident. Lost wages and time away from work can also take a toll on your life. Injuries can impact your ability to provide for your family and reach your career goals.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
After suffering a serious injury, many accident victims wonder if they should hire a personal injury lawyer. The decision depends on each victim’s unique circumstances. Complicated claims with severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment should involve a qualified Tustin personal injury attorney.
Your attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident and help you understand your legal options. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they can help protect your rights.
FAQs
How Is Pain and Suffering Evaluated in a Personal Injury Case in Tustin, CA?
Pain and suffering is evaluated in Tustin, CA on a case-by-case basis. There is no invoice or receipt for these damages like there is with medical bills. Severity of the injury, duration of recovery, interference with daily activities, and long-term restrictions are just some of the things that are considered. Pain and suffering damages are your physical and emotional distress caused by an injury.
What if My Injury Worsens After I Settle a Claim?
When a settlement is reached, you usually can’t go back and ask for more money for the same injury. That’s why it’s important to know the full extent of your injuries before settling a claim. Some injuries require more treatment over time. Others may have long-term problems you don’t discover until after the accident.
Can Social Media Affect My Personal Injury Claim in California?
Yes, social media can affect your personal injury claim in California. Pictures, videos, comments, and status updates posted on social media websites could potentially be accessed during your personal injury case. Innocent postings can sometimes be construed in a manner that contradicts your injury claims. Claimants often opt to take extra precautions with what they post online until their case has concluded.
Are Personal Injury Settlements Taxable in California?
Generally speaking, damages awarded for physical injuries from a personal injury settlement are not taxable under federal law. Some portions of a settlement in California may be taxed differently, such as punitive damages or certain types of interest. Every case is different, so it’s always good to speak with a competent tax advisor about your situation.
Bentley & More LLP for Your Personal Injury Needs
Making educated judgments following an accident requires residents of Tustin and the surrounding Orange County areas to comprehend California personal injury laws and the variables that affect injury claims. In these cases, Bentley & More LLP can help you understand your options. Contact us today to learn more.
Tustin, CA Personal Injury Resources
- How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
- What Is the Burden of Proof in a California Personal Injury Case?
- How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?
- How Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Work in California?
- What Qualifies as Personal Injury?
- What Questions Should I Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer?
- What Are the Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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