This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
If you or a loved one was injured because of someone else's negligence in Orange, California, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Cefali & Cefali represent injured people throughout Orange County on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. Call (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation, available 24/7.
We understand how much an injury can disrupt your life. Our team handles the legal side, dealing with the insurance company and building your case, while you focus on your recovery. Every case is different, and we give each one honest, personalized attention from the first free consultation through settlement or trial.
What types of personal injury cases do we handle?
Cefali & Cefali represents injured people across Orange County in a wide range of personal injury matters, including:
What do you have to prove in a personal injury case?
Most personal injury claims are based on negligence. To recover, you generally must prove four things: that the other party owed you a duty of reasonable care, that they breached that duty, that the breach caused your injury, and that you suffered real damages as a result. California courts decide these by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not.
California also follows pure comparative negligence, so even if you were partly at fault, you can still recover, with your compensation reduced by your percentage of fault and no cutoff. Insurers often try to shift blame onto the injured person to reduce what they pay, which is why clear evidence matters.
What compensation can you recover?
California injury victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages, and there is no cap on these damages in an ordinary injury case. Recoverable losses include:
Medical expenses, current and future
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and suffering and emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium
Where the at-fault party's conduct was especially egregious, such as a drunk-driving crash, punitive damages may also be available under Civil Code section 3294.
What should you do after a personal injury in Orange, CA?
Get medical treatment right away, even if injuries seem minor. This protects your health and documents your injuries.
Report the incident and get a police or incident report where applicable.
Gather evidence: photograph the scene and your injuries, and collect witness contact information.
Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault party's insurer before speaking with a lawyer.
Contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and handle the insurers for you.
How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Two important exceptions apply: if your claim is against a government entity (such as a city vehicle or a dangerous public road), you must file an administrative claim within six months under the California Government Claims Act; and if the injured person is a minor, the deadline is generally extended until two years after they turn 18. Missing the deadline usually ends the case, so it is best to act promptly.
How much is your personal injury case worth?
Every case is different, and value depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, your total medical costs (current and future), lost income and reduced earning capacity, the strength of the evidence on liability, and the degree of any shared fault. Serious and permanent injuries generally support higher recoveries. An attorney can review your specific situation during a free consultation and give you an honest assessment rather than a guaranteed number.
Why Choose Cefali & Cefali
We handle every part of your claim, investigating the incident, gathering evidence, working with medical and other experts, dealing with the insurance company, and pursuing the full value of your case, and we are ready to take it to trial if the offer is not fair. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no fee unless we win, and your consultation is always free.
We represent injured people in Orange and throughout Orange County, including Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano. If you or a loved one was hurt, call (949) 325-7790 or contact us for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common types of personal injury cases in Orange, CA?
The most common are motor vehicle accidents (car, truck, and motorcycle), pedestrian and bicycle accidents, slip and fall and premises liability, dog bites, and wrongful death.
How much will I receive in an injury settlement?
It depends on the type and severity of your injuries, your medical costs and lost wages, the strength of the liability evidence, and any shared fault. Compensation can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in egregious cases, punitive damages. An attorney can estimate a realistic range for your specific case.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. The fee is a percentage of your recovery, and the initial consultation is free.
When should I hire a personal injury lawyer?
As soon as possible after getting medical care. Early legal help protects your rights, preserves evidence, and ensures deadlines like the two-year statute of limitations (or the six-month government-claim deadline) are not missed.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
