When dealing with a personal injury claim, it is easy to make costly mistakes. Most of them happen in the first days and weeks, before you fully understand what your claim is worth, and they are difficult or impossible to undo later. Below are the eight mistakes we see most often in California personal injury [...]
Fact-Checked: 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. Please see our Editorial Guidelines. By: MICHAEL CEFALI 6 Tips to Maximize the Value of Your Personal Injury Case Some minor injury claims can [...]
After a California car accident, you can request a copy of the police report from the responding agency. The California Highway Patrol uses the CHP 555 Traffic Collision Report form, which you can request through the CHP Crossroads online portal for a $10 fee. Local police departments have their own request processes [...]
If you do not report a California car accident within 24 hours when injury or death is involved, you may face misdemeanor charges under California Vehicle Code section 20008, fines up to $1,000, up to 6 months in jail, possible license suspension, insurance claim denial, and serious problems proving your case later. [...]
If you have been injured at someone else's home in California, their homeowners insurance policy may cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The coverage that applies depends on what happened. Most people who search for "personal injury coverage on homeowners insurance" actually mean the bodily [...]
After a car accident in California, you have 10 days to file the DMV SR-1 form, 24 hours to notify police if anyone was injured, 24 to 72 hours to report to your insurance company (depending on policy terms), and 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure section [...]
Key Takeaways You can sue for loss of enjoyment of life in California if an injury stops you from doing things you love. This loss is a form of non-economic damage because it lacks a fixed price. California law usually groups this with pain-and-suffering claims. When someone else causes you harm, you can ask for [...]
Calculations for pain and suffering are based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. In a personal injury case, these awards provide money for physical pain and the emotional distress you endure. There is no set formula under California law, so attorneys use specific methods, such as the [...]
When you are hurt in an accident, the impact can be overwhelming. Medical bills start to pile up, lost wages add stress, and you may not know where to turn for help. A personal injury lawyer is there to guide you, explain your legal options, and help you pursue fair compensation for your losses. Cefali [...]
A personal injury lawsuit can be a lengthy process, and many people want to know how long it will take to obtain a fair settlement or proceed to trial. Cefali Personal Injury helps you understand the personal injury claims process and what to expect. If you or someone you love has been injured, our experienced [...]
