In Orange County, Personal Injury Law protects individuals who have been injured or harmed as a result of another person or entity’s negligent actions. Personal injury law can involve injuries caused by car accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and many other types of accidents. It also covers wrongful death cases and allegations of negligence, including premises liability and failure to maintain safe environments.
Victims in these situations are entitled to seek financial compensation for various damages like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A critical aspect of claiming this compensation is proving that the party at fault for an accident had a duty of care towards the victim and failed in that duty.
An experienced injury lawyer in Orange County plays a crucial role in such cases. They help injury victims by:
- Being experts in Orange County personal injury laws
- Investigating the case and uncovering evidence to support liability
- Filing paperwork correctly with the court
- Negotiating a settlement on behalf of their client
- Escalating to a personal injury lawsuit and representing victims in court, where necessary.
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Orange County Personal Injury Laws To Know
The purpose of the personal injury system is to allow the injured person to be compensated financially or “made whole” after he or she has suffered harm due to someone else’s carelessness or intentional conduct.
In Orange County, California, the following aspects of personal injury law are generally applicable:
Statute of Limitations
Under California law, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases gives an injured person two years from the date of the injury to go to court and file a lawsuit against those responsible for the injury.
Comparative Negligence Rule
California follows a “pure comparative negligence rule” in personal injury cases. This means that, if you were at fault in any way for the accident that led to your injuries, your compensation would be reduced by an amount that is equal to your percentage of fault.
Damage Caps
In California, there isn’t a cap on most types of damages in personal injury cases. However, non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) are capped at $250,000 in medical malpractice cases.
Car Accident Insurance
California is a “fault” car insurance state, meaning the person at fault for the accident is responsible for any resulting harm. Therefore, the person who caused the accident is on the hook for bodily injury, medical bills, car repair costs, and other losses like lost income and pain and suffering.
Dog Bite Laws
California follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner can be held liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether or not the dog had previously shown any aggressive tendencies.
Premises Liability
Owners must ensure the safety of their property. Claims can include slip and fall accidents, construction accidents, and injuries caused by third-party misconduct
Product Defects
California’s laws on product defects, part of its strict liability regulations, require that a product must be designed, manufactured, distributed, or sold without defects to ensure consumer safety.
If a product has a manufacturing, design, or warning defect, the manufacturer can be held liable for any injuries caused by the defect, regardless of negligence. These laws allow consumers to seek compensation for injuries resulting from faulty products, covering a wide range of products from vehicles to household items.
Lemon Law
California’s Lemon Law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that turn out to be defective.
Under this law, if a vehicle has a substantial defect that is not fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either replace or refund the vehicle. The law applies to new vehicles under warranty, and it covers a variety of defects that impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
Orange County personal injury laws are constantly changing, so it’s important to contact an experienced lawyer if you have any questions or need help. The right law firm will be able to provide you with the best legal advice for your unique situation.
Working With Experienced Orange County
Personal Injury Lawyers
It’s essential for victims to find Orange County injury lawyers like RTM Law who understand all aspects of the California legal system. An experienced attorney will be knowledgeable about personal injury laws in Orange County and how they apply to your case to maximize your chances of receiving injury compensation and medical care.
If negotiating with insurance companies on your own, without legal representation, there is a high chance that you will be taken advantage of and not receive the benefits you are entitled to.
With an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side, they can help ensure that nothing is overlooked and all of your legal rights are protected.
Orange County Personal Injury Case Example
A good example is an auto v. auto case that RTM Law Firm handled. On initial assessment, the insurance company valued our client’s injuries at only $10,000, which was already a substantial amount as it is.
Our client was tempted to accept the offer, but we advised to dig deeper because of her serious physical injuries. When our team stepped in to provide further evidence of long-term and debilitating damages, we were able to secure a settlement of $250,000.
This case perfectly illustrates why it’s so important to have a personal injury law firm by your side. It’s not about getting the highest possible settlement, but rather making sure that you receive all of what is rightfully yours. In our client’s case, they would have been grossly shortchanged.
With the RTM Law group advocating on your behalf, you can rest assured knowing that no stone is left unturned and that you are receiving the best possible outcome. Orange County personal injury laws can be tricky, with many nuances that can easily fall into the cracks without a skilled lawyer to help you.
You Deserve Powerful Legal Representation
in Orange County.
File a Personal Injury Claim With RTM Law By Your Side.
At RTM Law, we do everything in our power to ensure clients get the injury settlement they deserve for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
We understand how difficult life can be after an accident or injury. That’s why we work hard to make sure our clients have access to justice and quality legal services at every step of the way.
A catastrophic injury should not hold you back. We can help you secure the true value of your claim and more — so all you have to do is focus on your recovery and healing. We know personal injury laws in California like the back of our hand. Whether you’re in Orange County or anywhere in California, count on our team to be ready to fight for your rights.
Call RTM Law Firm today to know how we can help you make the most of your personal injury claim
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We Help Accident Victims File
a Personal Injury Claim in California
Our California personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury claims in several areas, including:
✔ Anaheim, CA
✔ Bakersfield, CA
✔ Buena Park, CA
✔ Chula Vista, CA
✔ Compton, CA
✔ Costa Mesa, CA
✔ Dana Point, CA
✔ Fountain Valley, CA
✔ Glendale, CA
✔ Huntington Beach, CA
✔ Inglewood, CA
✔ Irvine, CA
✔ Laguna Beach, CA
✔ Laguna Hills, CA
✔ Laguna Niguel, CA
✔ Long Beach, CA
✔ Los Angeles, CA
✔ Mission Viejo, CA
✔ Newport Beach, CA
✔ Orange County, CA
✔ Pasadena, CA
✔ Riverside, CA
✔ San Bernardino, CA
✔ San Clemente, CA
✔ San Diego, CA
✔ San Juan Capistrano, CA
✔ Santa Ana, CA
✔ Seal Beach, CA
✔ Torrance, CA
✔ Tustin, CA
✔ Visalia, CA
✔ Vista, CA
✔ Westminster, CA