Aggressive representation, compassionate results.

We Have Recovered Millions of Dollars
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Awards & recognition

  • Super Lawyers Rising Stars badge, Southern California, 2020 to 2026

    Super LawyersRising Stars, 2020-2026

  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 badge

    National Trial LawyersTop 40 Under 40

  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum member badge

    Million DollarAdvocates Forum

  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum member badge

    Multi-Million DollarAdvocates Forum

  • TopVerdict Top 100 Settlements in California, Motor Vehicle Accidents, 2025, Michael Cefali

    TopVerdict 2025California Top 100

  • TopVerdict Number 1 Settlement in Orange County, Impaired Driving Accidents, 2025, Michael Cefali

    TopVerdict 2025Orange County No. 1

Client testimonials Rated 5.0 on Google

Our most recent five-star Google reviews, from people we represented after car crashes, falls and other injuries.

5.0
190+ Google reviewsAcross our California offices
Call (949) 325-7790
Viridiana Sandoval
Google review

Iโ€™m very grateful for the help and support I received after I was involved in a hit-and-run accident. The situation was stressful and overwhelming, but the team was professional, responsive, and kept me informed throughout the process. They handled my case with care and worked hard on my behalf. I truly appreciate everything they did to help me through this difficult situation and reach a resolution. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone who needs help after an accident.

Lucar845
Google review

I had a positive experience working with Cefali & Cefali on my car accident case. The process took some time, but they stayed on top of my case and ultimately helped me reach a successful resolution.

I appreciate the time, effort, and work they put into my case, and Iโ€™m grateful for the outcome. If youโ€™ve been involved in a car accident and are looking for an attorney to help with your case, I would recommend giving Cefali & Cefali a call.

Thank you for your help and for seeing my case through to the end.

Andrea Davison
Google review

I worked with Cefali and Cefali after I had a fall. Everyone made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. I remember in the beginning, right after I had my fall, I was crying on the phone and George was so nice and supportive. When my case progressed a little further, Mike took the time to explain everything to me and prep me for what would happen. Sabrina was also always available when I would call to check on things after we reached a settlement with the other party.

I would recommend Cefali and Cefali to friends and family if they ever found themselves in a situation where they needed their help. I had a great experience with them.

mayte74668
Google review

Yo : Sr Abraham Cortes

Estaba convencido despuรฉs de accidente que no abrรญa mรกs nada que hacer me recomendaron al grupo de abogados Cefali & Cefali y ellos me ayudaron con todo. ahora me siento mรกs mejor con su amabilidad seriedad y profesionalismo pude recuperar un poco de lo perdido. Yo si recomiendo al grupo Cefali & Cefali por su honestidad en la manera de ayudarte. Muchas gracias abogados y personal Cefali&Cefali

Jason Johnson
Google review

If you need an accident attorney, do yourself a favor and go with Mike. From day one I felt like he had everything handled, so I honestly was never stressed about my case.

Biggest thing for me was the medical liens. He knocked them way down, which made a huge difference in what I actually walked away with. That's the kind of stuff that separates a good lawyer from a great one.

On top of that he's just easy to deal with. Felt more like talking to a friend than some stiff guy in a suit. He'd break everything down in plain English, never talked down to me, and was always reachable when I had questions.

Can't say enough good things. If you want someone who actually knows what he's doing and keeps it real with you, Mike's your guy. 5 stars all day.

pool Mini
Google review

Michael is a very responsible personal injury attorney. He has consistently kept in touch with us throughout the process and is highly knowledgeable and experienced in this area of law. We highly recommend him

Ken Smyth
Google review

George Parker provided me with very helpful guidance in one phone call and clarified how I should proceed with my Hit and Run case. Before connecting with George I had invested 2 weeks in contacting several other attorneys and they declined to assist because my case did not involve personal injury. This resulted in a delay in proceeding. George was receptive to understand my case, was professional, patient, and answered my questions.

I'm moving forward with an action plan, what a relief.

I highly recommend contacting George and other colleagues at Cefali & Cefali!

Thomas
Google review

I only have good things to say about Mike and his team. From intake to resolution, the staff at Cefali & Cefali were professional, courteous, and very responsive. Mike, himself guided me along the way and was very empathetic to my situation and circumstances. He made me feel comfortable, secure and I was fully confident in his abilities to fight for my best interests. I am so thankful to have found Cefali & Cefali. They really are the best!

VNA MM
Google review

Mike Cefali is the golden team who carried me through the entire legal process and awarded me just compensation. Grateful and blessed with Cefali & Cefali! ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

Mark Cowan
Google review

Michael is an outstanding attorney. He handled my automobile accident case from start to finish with professionalism and ease, making the entire process stress-free. He secured the maximum settlement available for my claim in a short period of time and kept me informed every step of the way. I am extremely grateful for his hard work and highly recommend him to anyone needing a skilled and dedicated attorney.

Shea Grode
Google review

Very professional awesome experience very attentive to your personal needs any concerns they have fast answers

Sully Temori
Google review

The best of the best.

After two other attorneys were unable to help me, Mike took on my case and delivered results when I had almost given up hope. He was responsive, knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cared about what I was going through.

What sets Mike apart is how he treats his clients. He never made me feel like just another case. He was always available to answer questions, kept me informed throughout the process, and made a difficult situation much easier to navigate.

Iโ€™ve worked with several attorneys over the years, and Mike completely changed my perception of what a great attorney can be. He treats his clients like family and fights for them as if their case were his own. I recommend him without hesitation.

Tanya Newton
Google review

I had an opportunity to work with this business in the past two years.

Even though, my case was complicated with little promises for success, George and Mike committed to resolve my case.

They were very patient with me during this time and provided hope and encouragement all the way.

My case was resolved successfully

I am beyond grateful to Cefali & Cefali and in particular, to George and Mike.

Thank you very much for your hard work!!

Blessings to you all

Andrea Rodriguez
Google review

We cannot thank Michael Cefali enough for everything he did for me during my ankle injury case. From the very beginning, he was professional, compassionate, knowledgeable, and always kept us informed throughout the entire process. He truly went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of and fought hard to get me the settlement I deserved.

What stood out the most was how much he genuinely cared. He was always available to answer questions, explain things clearly, and made a stressful situation much easier for our family. His dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to his clients are unmatched.

We highly recommend Michael to anyone needing an attorney who is honest, hardworking, and truly has your best interest at heart. Thank you again for everything you did for me, I am truly grateful.

Ted Young
Google review

This was my first experience dealing with an issue like this, and Iโ€™ll admit I was skeptical going in given the reputation personal injury attorneys sometimes have. Mike and his associates completely put those concerns to rest.

They were professional, ethical, easy to communicate with, and very good at what they do. Throughout the process I was kept well informed and clearly advised on my options.

I ended up with what I consider a very fair outcome, even though at first I had assumed I was simply out of luck. I highly recommend Mike and his team.

Misa Mendoza
Google review

I had an excellent experience working with my personal injury attorney, Mike Cefali. From the very beginning, he was professional, attentive, and truly cared about my case. He took the time to explain every step of the process, kept me informed throughout, and always made himself available to answer my questions.

What stood out most was his dedication and expertise. He handled everything efficiently and fought hard to ensure I received the best possible outcome. Thanks to his efforts, I received a settlement that exceeded my expectations, and I couldnโ€™t be more pleased with the result.

I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a knowledgeable, reliable, and compassionate personal injury attorney. His commitment to his clients and his work really makes all the difference.

Aidan Brummett
Google review

Mike helped me through the entire process of my accident. He is very transparent and easy to work with. My settlement actually ended up being more than originally expected thanks to Mike! I highly recommend!

Lourdes Padilla
Google review

Great experience! Always kept me updated on my case.

l.l bean ben
Google review

I had an amazing experience with Cefali & Cefali after being involved in a bike accident. From the very beginning, they were extremely professional, responsive, and easy to communicate with. They kept me updated throughout the entire process and made sure I understood every step.

What really stood out to me was how efficiently everything was handled. They moved quickly, stayed on top of everything, and made the whole situation as stress-free as possible during a difficult time.

The result honestly exceeded my expectations they were able to secure a settlement. That level of dedication and expertise speaks for itself.

I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. Youโ€™ll be in good hands.

damian Zamarron
Google review

Extremely thorough and dedicated with compassion. My family and I are pleased with the results in our case. Highly recommended

Laith Hoso
Google review

I had the easiest and most comfortable experience when Attorney Mike took over my case when I got rear ended. A couple months ago when I had gotten rear ended, I was so anxious and stressed because I was going to have to deal with the horrors of insurance. However I got referred to Mike from a family member who had a great experience with him. When going with Mike, I never had to deal with insurance since Mike would. Mike made the process very simple and easy for me and even though I had gotten in a car crash, Mike and his group made the experience working through the troubles of insurance and making sure I got a fair settlement. I really appreciate Mike and his group for making the process so simple. I would definitely recommend anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer to contact Mike and his group!!!

Frank Banda
Google review

Mike I lam please with the work u put up a great fight for my dad and family u had are back all the way your firm has a good staff can't be any happier thank for yr time ๐Ÿ™

Omar Mancillas
Google review

I would highly recommend Mike and his team for any of your injury needs. His team went above and beyond to not only make me feel like I was heard, but also that I was valued and important. I wasnโ€™t just another case file, I was treated like family. Even when stuff got hard, and it became an uphill battle this did not discourage them. They only fought harder. What stood out most was how genuinely they cared about my recovery and well-being. They checked in on how I was feeling, explained everything in simple terms, and made sure I understood each step before moving forward. It never felt like it was just about the settlement, it felt like they truly wanted the best outcome for me and my family. The communication, respect, and compassion I received from them is rare. I would highly recommend Cefali & Cefali for all your personal injury needs!

Emelia Galeana
Google review

Buscar ayuda legal despuรฉs de un accidente puede ser muy estresante, y lidiar con las aseguradoras lo hace aรบn mรกs difรญcil. Afortunadamente, me recomendaron a Michael Cefali, y no podrรญa estar mรกs agradecida. Desde el principio, se tomรณ el tiempo para explicarme todo el proceso con claridad, escuchรณ todas mis preocupaciones y respondiรณ a cada una de mis preguntas con mucha paciencia.

Michael no es como otros abogados; es una persona muy sencilla, humana y genuinamente comprometida con sus clientes. Se nota la pasiรณn que tiene por su trabajo y lo importante que es para รฉl que sus clientes se sientan apoyados y cuidados despuรฉs de un accidente. Siempre estuvo disponible cuando lo necesitรฉ y tambiรฉn cuenta con traductores, lo cual hizo que todo el proceso fuera aรบn mรกs accesible y tranquilo.

Estoy muy agradecida por todo lo que Michael y su equipo hicieron por mรญ, desde ayudarme a coordinar citas mรฉdicas hasta llamarme para saber cรณmo me encontraba. Ese nivel de atenciรณn y dedicaciรณn marcรณ una gran diferencia. Cefali & Cefali es un equipo excepcional y los recomiendo con total confianza a cualquier persona que estรฉ buscando un abogado que realmente defienda a sus clientes.

See all client testimonials

Testimonials are from real clients and describe their own experiences. They are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your legal matter. Every case is different.

Watch & Learn

Straight Answers From Our Attorneys

Short, plain-English videos on what to do after an accident, how insurance companies handle claims and how to protect the value of your case.

  • New VideosPosted regularly on our YouTube channel
  • Free AdviceNo sign-up, just practical answers
CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

Real Cases. Real Recoveries.

Millions Recovered for Our Clients

Michael J. Cefali has recovered more than $60 million for injured clients over his career. Here are some of his results against insurance companies.

  • $3M

    Recovered

    Type
    Confidential
    Location
    Confidential
    Attorney
    Michael J. Cefali
  • $1.3M

    Recovered

    Type
    Confidential
    Location
    Confidential
    Attorney
    Michael J. Cefali
  • $1.275M

    Recovered

    Type
    DUI Rear-End Accident
    Location
    Costa Mesa, CA
    Attorney
    Michael J. Cefali
  • $1.06M

    Recovered

    Type
    Public Entity
    Location
    Confidential
    Attorney
    Michael J. Cefali
  • $990K

    Recovered

    Type
    Security Assault
    Location
    Confidential
    Attorney
    Michael J. Cefali
  • $600K

    Recovered

    Type
    Car Accident
    Location
    San Clemente, CA
    Attorney
    Michael J. Cefali
  • $600K

    Recovered

    Type
    Pedestrian Accident
    Location
    Dana Point, CA
    Attorney
    Michael J. Cefali
  • $500K

    Recovered

    Type
    Open Policy, Low-Speed Car Accident
    Location
    Dana Point, CA
    Attorney
    Michael J. Cefali
  • $500K

    Recovered

    Type
    Jail Inmate Injury
    Location
    Orange County Jail
    Attorney
    Michael J. Cefali
  • $400K

    Recovered

    Type
    Confidential
    Location
    Confidential
    Attorney
    Michael J. Cefali

Results obtained in Michael J. Cefali's career. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View all case results

Meet OUR PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Meet Cefali & Cefali's Personal Injury Lawyers. Call us at (949) 325-7790 to speak with our lawyers and discuss your legal matter.

Michael j. Cefali, Esq.

PARTNER
view attorney profile

Courtney L.C. Cefali, Esq.

PARTNER
view attorney profile

Orange County Personal Injury Lawyers

"Fighting for All of California"

Aerial view of Mission San Juan Capistrano and downtown San Juan Capistrano, home of Cefali & Cefali
When we represent our clients, we're fully dedicated. No exceptions. Call us today! (949) 325-7790
Michael J. Cefali, Esq., founding partner of Cefali & Cefali
Mike

Cefali & CefaliPersonal Injury Lawyers

27136 Paseo Espada, Suite 1123, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 325-7790

Dear Neighbor,

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. If you or someone you love was hurt because of someone else's carelessness, I want you to know you don't have to figure this out alone.

Courtney and I built Cefali & Cefali to stand up for injured people in San Juan Capistrano, across Orange County and throughout California. We have years of experience representing accident victims and getting them the compensation they deserve, and we understand what you are going through.

Our clients are our number one priority. We take the time to explain every part of your case so you can make informed decisions, and we will do everything we can to make the process easy for you.

Insurance companies know us for our integrity and fairness. They also know we are ready to go to trial. Let us fight for you so you can focus on getting better.

Call me at (949) 325-7790. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Cefali, Esq.Founding Partner, Cefali & Cefali

The Cefali & Cefali attorneys and support staff team
No Win, No FeeFree consultation, 24/7

Why Cefali & Cefali

We Litigate, and the Insurance Companies Know It

Insurance companies pay less to people who don't have a lawyer. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, keep you informed at every step and take on the hard cases other firms turn away.

  • Unparalleled client communication leads to better results
  • Down-to-earth attorneys who listen and care
  • We take the tough cases other firms reject
  • A great team of paralegals and friendly support staff
  • No out-of-pocket costs, no win, no charge
  • 100% free consultation

What an Injury Attorney Does for You

Hiring a personal injury lawyer takes the legal work off your plate so you can focus on getting better.

  1. Clear Legal Guidance

    We explain the process, your options and the damages you may recover, such as medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

  2. We Deal With the Insurer

    We handle the adjusters, counter their tactics to undervalue your claim and push for a fair settlement.

  3. We Handle the Paperwork

    We gather evidence, file the paperwork and manage communication with everyone involved in your case.

  4. Help Getting Treatment

    We can coordinate care with doctors and specialists in your area, with no out-of-pocket payment from you.

Hurt because of someone else's negligence?Talk to our team today. The consultation is free.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about California personal injury claims. Every case is different, so call us to talk about yours.

Call (949) 325-7790
How much does it cost to hire Cefali & Cefali?

The consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees and no out-of-pocket costs unless we recover compensation for you.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?

In most cases you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1). If a city, county or other public agency is involved, you usually must file a government claim within six months. Waiting can also mean lost evidence, so it is best to talk to a lawyer early.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence. Your compensation is reduced by your share of the fault, but it is not barred. If you were 30 percent at fault, you can still recover 70 percent of your damages.

What should I do after an accident?

Get medical care first, even if you feel fine. Then report the accident, take photos of the scene and your injuries, get contact details from witnesses and keep your medical records. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before you speak with a lawyer.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

It depends on your medical bills, lost income, the severity of your injuries, how your life has been affected and the insurance coverage available. No lawyer can promise a number, but we can review your case for free and explain what it may be worth. See our case results for examples.

Contact Us Today
Start your no-obligation consultation with us by filling out the form below and we will contact you about your case within 24 hours.
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