California Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, working with qualified local California personal injury lawyers can make a big difference in pursuing full compensation. They can handle all the paperwork, help you meet deadlines, monitor your medical progress, and assess the full scope of damages you suffered—including those that may not be immediately visible.
Don’t risk settling for far less than you deserve—that’s exactly what insurance companies and sketchy lawyers want. Instead, hire an aggressive, experienced California accident lawyer from Megeredchian Law. You’ll speak directly with an attorney—no virtual assistants, call centers, or middlemen. Gain peace of mind and focus on your recovery while we build a strong strategy on your behalf.
Call (866) 359-0807 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case in five minutes or less. If you qualify, we’ll assign you a lawyer to start working with you immediately. Easy, fast, hassle-free, and effective—the way Megeredchian Law gets results.
The Megeredchian Law team consists of local California personal injury lawyers who know state law inside and out. We have the experience, knowledge, and determination to stand up to insurance companies on your behalf and fight for every dollar you are legally owed. Unlike many attorneys who rush into quick settlements, we never treat you as just another case—we treat you like family and go the extra mile to pursue maximum compensation.
With Megeredchian Law, you can benefit from:
Megeredchian Law is a personal injury law firm in California serving many locations all around the state. Check out our full location list and find a lawyer in your area. Our headquarters in Burbank are located at:
Find a Personal injury lawyer near me California – Megeredchian Law has several office locations across the state:
California personal injury lawyers focus on helping people who have been hurt because of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Their role is to protect clients’ rights, make sure they don’t get taken advantage of by insurers, and pursue fair financial recovery. Here are the main ways they help:
Before accepting a case, a lawyer reviews the facts, medical records, and liability issues. Because most personal injury attorneys work on contingency (no fee unless money is recovered), they carefully screen claims for legal merit and potential value.
Attorneys gather proof such as medical charts, photographs, police reports, and witness statements. They may also hire experts in accident reconstruction or medicine to explain what caused the accident and how the injuries affect the victim’s life.
Using California law on negligence and strict liability, attorneys calculate damages. This includes medical expenses (past and future), lost income, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and—when applicable—loss of consortium or punitive damages. California’s pure comparative negligence rule means even if a client is partly at fault, they can still recover compensation, reduced by their percentage of fault.
Lawyers manage all communication with insurers, preventing clients from being pressured into low settlements or signing away rights. They review policy limits, submit demand letters, and negotiate to secure fair offers.
If insurers refuse to settle, attorneys file lawsuits in civil court. In California, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury (Code Civ. Proc. §335.1). Cases against government entities usually require an administrative claim within six months.
Both sides exchange evidence, submit written questions, and take depositions. Courts in California often require settlement conferences or mediation before trial, making negotiation skills critical.
If a settlement still isn’t reached, the lawyer presents the case in court, questions witnesses, and argues before a judge or jury to secure maximum compensation.
Throughout the case, attorneys advise clients about their rights, explain options, and may connect them with medical providers when insurance coverage is lacking. Many firms also help clients handle liens from hospitals or insurers so that medical bills don’t overwhelm them while the case is pending.
California personal injury lawyers are usually paid through a contingency fee agreement rather than an hourly rate. This means the lawyer’s fee is taken as a percentage of the money recovered for the client through a settlement or trial. If no compensation is obtained, the client typically does not owe attorney’s fees. This system makes legal representation accessible to injured people who may not have the resources to pay upfront.
California Business and Professions Code section 6147 requires that all contingency fee agreements be put in writing and signed by both the lawyer and the client. The written contract must clearly explain the percentage the lawyer will take if the case settles versus if it goes to trial, and it must outline how litigation expenses will be handled. It also needs to specify whether those costs will be deducted before or after the lawyer’s percentage is calculated.
If the injury attorney in California fails to comply with these requirements, the fee agreement may be considered invalid, and the lawyer would only be entitled to collect a reasonable fee for their services.
In most cases, a personal injury law firm in California can advance the costs of litigation on behalf of the client. These costs can include court filing fees, payments to expert witnesses, expenses related to depositions and investigations, and the price of obtaining medical records or other crucial documents. At the conclusion of the case, these expenses are reimbursed from the settlement or judgment, along with the attorney’s contingency fee.
Clients are entitled to receive a final settlement statement that provides a clear breakdown of how the funds are distributed, including attorney’s fees, costs, and the net amount payable to the client.
A personal injury law firm in California typically handles a wide range of cases where someone is harmed due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These cases include car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents, as well as slip and fall incidents, dog bites, premises liability claims, workplace injuries, defective products, and wrongful death claims.
By representing injured clients, a personal injury law firm in California works to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related losses under California’s personal injury laws.
Vehicle accidents cover collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians on California roads.
These cases often result from negligent driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, or driving under the influence.
A personal injury lawyer in California helps victims of vehicle accidents pursue compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and property damage while navigating the state’s comparative negligence rules, which allow recovery even when the injured party is partially at fault.
Vehicle accidents we work with:
These injuries cause long-term or permanent harm, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, amputations, or other life-altering conditions.
Wrongful death cases, a subset of this category, arise when a person dies due to another’s negligence or intentional misconduct. In California, surviving family members may bring wrongful death claims to recover compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
These cases often require extensive medical evidence and expert testimony to demonstrate the impact of the injury or death on the victim and their loved ones:
These occur when someone is injured on another person’s property due to unsafe conditions, such as slippery floors, uneven walkways, poor lighting, broken stairways, or unrestrained dogs. Under California premises liability law, property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain their premises in reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors of potential hazards.
When they fail to do so, an injury attorney in California can hold them accountable and recover damages for the injured person. Some good examples include:
Rideshare accidents involve collisions or incidents with services like Uber and Lyft. These cases can be legally complex because multiple parties may be involved, including the rideshare driver, another motorist, or the rideshare company’s insurance provider. California law requires rideshare companies to carry commercial insurance coverage when drivers are transporting passengers, but the amount of coverage depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the accident.
A personal injury lawyer helps victims untangle these insurance issues and pursue the maximum compensation available under state law. Find more information in the following links:
Disclaimer: The timeframes listed below are only general estimates based on typical California personal injury cases. Actual timelines vary depending on the facts, severity of injuries, insurance company tactics, and the court’s calendar. Always consult with licensed California personal injury lawyers for advice on your specific case.
The first step after any accident is seeking medical care, even if symptoms seem minor. Certain injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma may not be visible right away, and prompt medical attention both protects your health and creates the records needed for your claim. Victims should also take photos of visible injuries, obtain a copy of the police report, and gather witness contact information as soon as possible.
Approximate deadline: Immediately to within the first few days after the accident.
After receiving medical care, it’s best to consult a personal injury lawyer right away. In California, initial consultations are usually free, and contingency fee agreements must be in writing under Business & Professions Code §6147. Hiring an attorney early ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines are not missed, while also preventing insurers from pressuring you into a low settlement.
Approximate deadline: Within the first week to first month after the accident.
Once retained, the attorney investigates the case by reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, securing medical records, and, if necessary, hiring experts to reconstruct the accident or explain the medical impact. Preservation letters may also be sent to prevent loss of key evidence like surveillance video. The length of this step depends on how complex the case is and how quickly records are available.
Approximate deadline: Usually completed within 1 to 3 months.
Most personal injury cases start with filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance. A demand letter is sent, the insurer investigates, and negotiations begin. Many cases are settled at this stage without ever going to court. If the insurer offers too little, your injury attorney in California will advise whether to accept or proceed with litigation.
Approximate deadline: Often filed within 1 to 6 months of the accident.
If negotiations fail, your attorney may file a lawsuit in civil court. California law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file (Code Civ. Proc. §335.1), though claims against government agencies require filing an administrative claim within six months. Exceptions exist for minors and for injuries discovered later. Filing the lawsuit formally begins litigation.
Approximate deadline: Must be filed within 6 months for government claims, or 2 years for most personal injury cases.
Discovery is the exchange of evidence between both sides and includes written questions, document requests, and depositions. This phase is critical for building the case and often takes the most time, especially if expert witnesses are involved.
Approximate deadline: Commonly lasts 6 months to 1 year after the lawsuit is filed.
Most California courts require mediation or settlement conferences before trial. At this stage, the attorneys and a neutral mediator attempt to resolve the case without a jury. Many cases settle here, saving both time and costs.
Approximate deadline: Often occurs 1 to 2 years after the accident, depending on case complexity and court scheduling.
If mediation fails, the case goes to trial. At trial, both sides present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue before a jury or judge. The jury issues a verdict, and damages are awarded accordingly. Trials may last from several days to weeks, and appeals can extend the process.
Approximate deadline: Usually 1 to 3 years after the accident, depending on the court’s calendar.
Technically, you can. Should you do it? That’s another story.
You may file an insurance claim or even a lawsuit without a California accident lawyer. This applies to many types of cases including car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, or wrongful death claims. Representing yourself means you are fully responsible for gathering evidence, proving liability, calculating damages, and complying with California’s procedural rules.
In most cases, lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of injury (Code Civ. Proc. §335.1), while claims against government entities must be filed within six months. Exceptions apply for minors and for injuries discovered later, but if you miss the deadline your case is likely barred.
California also applies pure comparative negligence, which reduces your compensation by your share of fault. Without legal training, it can be hard to dispute an insurer’s attempts to shift blame.
You must also calculate complex damages such as future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies may pressure unrepresented claimants into giving recorded statements or signing releases, and California courts now require electronic filing and often mandatory settlement conferences, which can be difficult to navigate without legal experience.
Experienced California personal injury lawyers make a big difference because they remove most of the burdens detailed above.
Attorneys know how to collect and preserve evidence, work with expert witnesses, negotiate with insurance companies, and comply with all filing requirements.
By law, contingency fee agreements must be in writing (Bus. & Prof. Code §6147), and clients receive a final settlement statement that shows exactly how funds are divided. You pay nothing upfront, since attorneys are typically paid a percentage of your recovery only if you win.
A California accident lawyer helps ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines, undervalue your claim, or get pressured into an unfair settlement.
They also handle medical liens, calculate long-term damages, and represent you in mediation, mandatory settlement conferences, and, if necessary, trial.
This support is especially valuable in serious or contested cases, where insurance companies work aggressively to avoid paying full compensation.
When someone is injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence, one of the most common questions is: “How much is my case worth?” Settlement amounts in California vary depending on the type of accident, the severity of injuries, and the insurance policies involved. Below are some common examples to give you a general idea of what victims may expect.
These figures are only estimates based on past cases. Every personal injury claim is unique, and compensation depends on injury severity, medical treatment, insurance coverage, and liability. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Yes. You have the right to change lawyers if you’re unhappy with your representation. Your new lawyer will usually handle the transition, and fees are shared between the old and new lawyer, not doubled.
Most cases settle out of court, but a skilled injury attorney in California should be fully prepared to take your case to trial if negotiations don’t provide fair compensation.
Yes. California personal injury lawyers handle legal complexities, fight insurance companies, and often secure higher settlements than clients could on their own.
Timelines vary from a few months to several years. It depends on case complexity, severity of injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.
As soon as possible after your accident. Early representation ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines are met while protecting your rights from the start.
Typically, California personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, charging around 33% to 40% of the settlement or verdict — only if they win your case.
When you pursue compensation for a personal injury, you don’t want just any lawyer—you want the best personal injury lawyer in California by your side. Megeredchian Law stands out because we combine aggressive representation, extensive legal knowledge, substantial resources, and compassionate, client-focused care.
Gain peace of mind with a solid legal strategy and strong representation for your personal injury claim. Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 today. Schedule a free, confidential consultation to see if you have a case and start pursuing compensation with a winning personal injury lawyer in California.
We are selective about the volume of cases and the type of cases we undertake. This ensures our client’s case gets the attention it needs so results are achieved. Big firms with big case volumes means your case gets lost with the thousand others. Results matter, experience the difference by retaining our firm and let us exceed your expectations.
Our clients are not just “clients,” we treat everyone like family with compassion and the utmost care.
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