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 were hurt in a car accident in Orange, California, Cefali & Cefali helps you hold the at-fault driver and their insurer accountable. Our Orange car accident attorneys handle the claim from start to finish so you can focus on recovering, and you pay no fee unless we win. Call (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation.
Car accidents happen in many ways: a rear-end collision at a stoplight on Tustin Street, a broadside crash at an intersection along Chapman Avenue, or a hit and run near the 22 or 55 freeway. However your crash happened, our team investigates who was at fault, deals with the insurance company on your behalf, and pursues the full value of your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies do not work for you. Their adjusters are trained to settle claims for as little as possible, and they often reach out early, before you know the full extent of your injuries. We handle that communication so you do not sign away your rights or accept a lowball offer. Contact Cefali & Cefali today to speak with an experienced Orange personal injury lawyer.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Orange, CA
What you do in the minutes and days after a crash can protect both your health and your claim. If you have been in an accident in Orange, take these steps when you are able:
Stay at the scene and check for injuries. Leaving the scene of an injury crash is a crime under California Vehicle Code 20001. Move to safety if you can, then call for help.
Call the police. A police report documents the drivers, witnesses, and conditions. In Orange, city police or CHP will respond depending on where the crash occurred.
Exchange information. Get the other driver's name, phone, address, license, insurance, and plate number. Do not discuss fault or apologize.
Document the scene. Photograph both vehicles, the damage, skid marks, signals, and your injuries. Get names and numbers of any witnesses.
Get medical care right away. Some injuries, including concussions and soft-tissue damage, do not show symptoms for hours or days. Prompt treatment protects your health and ties your injuries to the crash.
Talk to a car accident lawyer before the insurer. One call to an attorney before you give a recorded statement can keep you from saying something the adjuster later uses to cut your payout.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Orange County
Most crashes trace back to a driver who was not paying attention or not following the rules of the road. The most common causes we see in Orange County include:
Distracted driving. Texting, phone use, and other distractions are a leading cause of collisions. California Vehicle Code 23123.5 prohibits holding a phone while driving.
Speeding. Higher speeds lengthen stopping distance and make crashes more severe, especially in rear-end and intersection collisions.
Impaired driving. Drunk or drugged drivers have slower reactions and poorer judgment. A DUI crash can also support a claim for punitive damages.
Running lights and signs. Failing to yield at intersections causes some of the most serious broadside and T-bone crashes.
Unsafe lane changes and tailgating. Weaving, cutting off other drivers, and following too closely leave no room to react.
The injuries from a collision range from soreness that fades in a week to permanent, life-changing harm. Common car accident injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries. Concussions and more severe head trauma can cause memory loss, confusion, and lasting cognitive problems.
Spinal cord and back injuries. Herniated discs, fractures, and spinal cord damage can lead to chronic pain or paralysis.
Broken bones and orthopedic injuries. Fractures, dislocations, and torn ligaments often require surgery and long rehabilitation.
Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries. Neck and back strains are common in rear-end crashes and can linger for months.
Internal injuries. Organ damage and internal bleeding can be life-threatening and are not always obvious at the scene.
Serious injuries mean higher medical costs and longer recovery, which is exactly what insurers try to minimize. Keeping every bill, record, and doctor's note helps us prove the full extent of what the crash cost you.
Proving Fault in a California Car Accident Claim
California car accident claims turn on negligence. To recover compensation, we prove four things:
Duty. Every driver owes a duty to operate their vehicle safely and follow the rules of the road.
Breach. The other driver broke that duty, for example by texting, speeding, or running a red light.
Causation. That breach directly caused the crash and your injuries.
Damages. You suffered real losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
California follows pure comparative negligence. If you are found partly at fault, your compensation is reduced by your share of fault, but you are never barred from recovering. For example, if you are 20 percent at fault, you can still recover 80 percent of your damages. When more than one driver is responsible, California Civil Code 1431.2 (Proposition 51) makes each defendant liable for their own share of non-economic damages, while economic damages can be pursued jointly.
Damages You Can Recover After a Car Accident
California law lets injured drivers and passengers recover both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on your case, that can include:
Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and future treatment.
Lost income, including wages missed during recovery and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to the same work.
Property damage, to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal property.
Pain and suffering, for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash.
Punitive damages, in cases of extreme misconduct such as drunk driving, under California Civil Code 3294.
California does not cap non-economic damages in an ordinary car accident case. A statutory cap applies only to medical malpractice claims under MICRA, which does not affect a standard collision claim. If a crash was fatal, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60.
How Long Do You Have to File in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for a car accident injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the crash under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. Claims for property damage have a three-year deadline under Code of Civil Procedure 338. If a government vehicle or public entity is involved, you must file an administrative claim within six months, a much shorter window. These deadlines are strict, so it is best to speak with a lawyer early while evidence is still fresh.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Helps Your Case
You do not have to prove your claim or fight the insurance company alone. When you hire Cefali & Cefali, we take over the work so you can heal. Our Orange car accident attorneys:
Investigate the crash and gather police reports, photos, video, and witness statements.
Work with medical providers and experts to document the full extent of your injuries.
Handle every call and letter from the insurance company so you do not have to.
Calculate the true value of your claim, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Negotiate for a full settlement and take your case to trial if the insurer will not pay fairly.
After a crash, an adjuster will investigate the claim, assess the damage, and decide how much to offer. Remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company, and their job is to keep the payout low. Common tactics include asking for a recorded statement, pushing a fast settlement before you know your full injuries, and suggesting you were partly at fault.
Having a lawyer levels the field. We prepare your documentation, handle the adjuster directly, and make sure your claim reflects the full extent of your losses rather than the insurer's first number.
Why Photographs Matter
Photos are some of the strongest evidence in a car accident claim. Pictures of the vehicle damage, the scene, road conditions, and your injuries create a clear record that is hard for an insurer to dispute. Take as many photos as you safely can at the scene, from several angles, and keep photographing your injuries as they heal. These images help counter attempts to downplay the crash and show a judge or jury exactly what happened.
Contact an Orange, CA Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Orange, Cefali & Cefali is ready to help. We handle car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, and DUI-related injury cases for clients across Orange County. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we recover for you, and your first consultation is always free.
We serve clients throughout Orange County, including Orange, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, and the surrounding communities. To learn how we can help with your claim, call (949) 325-7790 or reach out through our contact page to schedule your free consultation with an Orange car accident lawyer. You can also explore our Orange County personal injury practice to see the full range of cases we handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Cefali & Cefali works on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront cost and no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. The first consultation is free.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file an injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1, and three years for property damage. If a government entity is involved, you must file an administrative claim within six months.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
California follows pure comparative negligence. You can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Being partly at fault does not bar your claim.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
It is rarely a good idea. First offers are typically well below the full value of a claim and are often made before your injuries are fully known. Talk to a lawyer before accepting or signing anything.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
If anyone was injured or fault is disputed, it is worth a free consultation. Injuries that seem minor can turn out to be serious, and an attorney makes sure you do not settle for less than your claim is worth.
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.
