Newport Beach Personal Injury Attorney

Personal Injury Lawyer in Newport Beach, CA 

If you suffered injuries in an accident that happened due to the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of another, you could have the legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. A personal injury attorney in Newport Beach, CA, can determine your legal options and next best steps. You could recover compensation such as:

• Medical expenses
• Income loss
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Disability

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Russell & Lazarus are focused on getting you results. We have handled personal injury cases successfully for over 30 years. We can fight for what you need and deserve if you got hurt through no fault of your own. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our dedicated legal team. Call (888) 539-3154 or text (949) 309-0990.

Types of Personal Injury Cases in Newport Beach, CA

The dedicated attorneys at our firm can handle most types of personal injury claims. Examples of the most common claims we see in our practice include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

One of the most common personal injury cases we deal with in our practice are motor vehicle accidents such as:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Rideshare and taxi accidents

If you suffered significant injuries in a motor vehicle accident, you could be entitled to a range of damages. However, motor vehicle accidents can be complicated, especially if the determination of fault is unclear or your accident involved multiple vehicles. A Newport Beach personal injury attorney can help to:

• Determine all liable parties in your case
• Handle the insurance parties and track your claim
• Gather time-sensitive evidence such as traffic camera footage
• Negotiate for a fair out-of-court settlement
• Take your case to trial if necessary

Since time can be of the essence with car, truck, or motorcycle accidents, the sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can get to work, protect your legal rights, and start building your case. Call Russell & Lazarus now for legal advice and a free case review.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

When a pedestrian or bicyclist collides with a motor vehicle, the outcome can be devastating and result in catastrophic and life-altering injuries. If this has happened to you or your loved one, you should seek legal help as soon as possible as you could be entitled to damages from the at-fault party in your accident.

Slip and Fall Accidents

If you visit a property, whether private or public, you have the right to be reasonably safe from hazardous, toxic, or dangerous conditions. The property owner or representative is generally responsible for maintaining their property adequately, or at least fixing or warning of dangerous conditions. If you suffered injuries due to a hazard or dangerous condition on someone else’s property, a Newport Beach personal injury attorney can advise you of all of your legal rights and options. Hazardous conditions can include, among others:

• Missing or broken lights
• Damaged flooring
• Potholes and cracks in sidewalks
• Loose mats and rugs
• Bulging and frayed carpets
• Wet and slippery floors
• Broken staircases

Workplace Accidents

Although work accidents can potentially happen anywhere, including in office environments, some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others. Construction workers, for example, may be exposed to extreme weather, work at heights, or deal with heavy and dangerous machinery. Accidents and injuries tend to be more likely in the construction industry. Moreover, when a serious accident happens on a construction site, injuries can be life-changing or even fatal.

A lot can be at stake when you are injured at work, including your physical health, emotional state, and financial future. A serious work accident can result in substantial or permanent hardship for your entire family. However, if someone else is responsible for your accident, you could potentially sue them and receive justice as well as recover compensation for your injuries and financial losses.

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death lawsuit is, in essence, a personal injury lawsuit where the injured individual passed away due to their injuries. A wrongful death case provides legal recourse for the family of the individual who may be able to recover damages such as:

• Loss of income and benefits from the deceased
• Loss of companionship
• Medical expenses
• Burial and funeral costs

A Newport Beach personal injury attorney can determine whether you have a case and help you file a wrongful death lawsuit, in order to receive justice on behalf of your family member.

Other Personal Injury Claims

Our firm also handles a variety of other personal injury cases, including dog bites, product liability, elder abuse, boating and aviation accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect and more. If you are unsure whether you have a case, contact Russell & Lazarus for legal advice today.

Personal Injury Law Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?

The length of a personal injury claim depends on a variety of factors. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), most personal injury cases settle before they go to court. Settling out of court may only take a short few weeks or months and is generally the faster option.

However, in some cases, the insurance company drags its heels, and claimants may not be able to secure a fair settlement outside of court. You may have to go all the way to trial to fight for fair compensation, which could take a year or more. It is important to note that filing a lawsuit does not necessarily mean that your case goes to trial. An out-of-court settlement is generally possible at any time before trial.

The time needed to reach a settlement is challenging to predict and can vary considerably. A claim for catastrophic injuries with astronomical medical bills will most likely take much longer to resolve than a minor accident. The same can be true if liability (responsibility regarding the accident) is contested.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Newport Beach allows you to have someone to represent you to the insurance company and the other side. Your attorney can fight for your legal rights and ensure that they remain protected.

How Do I Pay My Medical Bills Before I Get a Settlement?

If you suffered serious or catastrophic injuries in an accident, you could face substantial, long-term medical bills. You are generally entitled to payment of your medical bills and other damages if someone else is liable for your accident.

However, it can take some time before you receive a settlement from the liable party’s insurance company. In the meantime, you will be responsible for your medical bills and other expenses. Depending on your circumstances, your medical bills could be paid by:

• Your private health insurance
• Medicare or Medi-Cal
• California Med-Pay car insurance
• Worker’s compensation (if injured on the job)

You could also ask medical providers for delayed payment. Some doctors and hospitals in California work on a medical lien basis, which means they get paid directly from your settlement.

After a serious accident, your health and recovery should be the number one priority. Dealing with a personal injury claim and medical bills can feel stressful and overwhelming. A Newport Beach personal injury attorney can be your advocate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Get help and answers from our legal team today. Call Russell & Lazarus to schedule a free consultation at (949) 851-0222.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Newport Beach, CA?

Generally, you only have two years after your accident and injury to file a lawsuit, according to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Unfortunately, if you do not file your suit within these two years, the court may refuse to hear your case altogether. You could lose your right to pursue adequate compensation for your medical bills and other damages. The clock starts ticking on the day of your accident.

On the other hand, filing too soon could mean leaving money on the table as you may not know the total amount of your future medical needs and expenses. In general, it is advisable to wait with filing a lawsuit until the injured individual has either fully recovered or reached maximum possible recovery. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Newport Beach, CA, today to determine the best possible timing for filing your personal injury case.

Do I Need an Attorney for my Personal Injury Case in Newport Beach, CA?

In some situations, for example, in a minor accident where the at-fault party’s insurance agrees to pay for all your expenses, you may not need a personal injury attorney’s help.

However, if you suffered considerable injuries, your accident is complex, or the insurance company does not want to offer you a fair and equitable settlement, you should consider contacting a lawyer as soon as possible. If there is a lot of money at stake, the insurance company will likely aggressively fight your claim.

A dedicated and compassionate personal injury attorney from our firm can help you in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:

• Offering legal advice and counsel
• Working for you on a “no-win-no-fee” basis
• Gathering the evidence needed to prove your case
• Collecting and organizing evidence for your damages
• Communicating with medical providers to determine expected future damages
• Providing expert witnesses to testify in your case if needed
• Negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurer
• Representing you strongly in court

Call Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Now for Help

Handling a lawsuit on your own can be stressful, time-consuming, and frustrating. Russell & Lazarus has a track record that speaks for itself. While every case has unique facts and circumstances, our experienced lawyers have helped countless clients pursue and collect the compensation they need to go on with their lives after suffering injuries in accidents.  We can offer you the personal attention and time you deserve. Get started today and call (888) 539-3154 or text (949) 309-0990 to determine your legal options and next best steps.