Orange County Bike Accident Lawyers

with over $500 Million Recovered in Compensation for Injury Clients.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation
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Bike injuries cause serious injuries. Because a bicyclist has less protection from impact than vehicle occupants, they are more likely to be injured in a crash, and their injuries are more likely to be fatal. A bicycle accident can leave you with permanent injuries that force changes for the rest of your life.

You are entitled to compensation for these injuries and losses. The experienced Orange County Bike Accident lawyers at Arash Law headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. know how to get fair compensation in bike accident cases. We work hard to prove exactly how a negligent driver has hurt our client and what the fair value of their losses is. Learn more about Orange County bike accidents.

Schedule your Free Consultation by calling (888) 488-1391 to speak with a bike accident lawyer in Orange County.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

$11,779,154.00

Verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case involving a motor vehicle collision.
–  Judd Ross Allen

How a Personal Injury Claim Is Resolved

The entire personal injury case process can be overwhelming – especially if you have never had to go through it before. Our attorneys have created this basic outline of how a personal injury case is resolved. Of course, every case is different, so be sure to schedule your free consultation to learn more about what is likely to happen in your particular case.

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1.) The claim is filed

First, a claim must be opened with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. (Your Orange County personal injury lawyer can do this for you if you do not want to deal with it.) The insurance company might ask you for a statement about how the accident happened. They might even ask to record your statement. You do not have to do so. Any communication with the insurance company about the accident should go through your injury lawyer’s office.

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2.) The insurance company determines liability

Once the claim has been opened, the insurance company has a limited time to either accept the claim, deny the claim, or request more information about the claim. This decision starts with an investigation into who was at fault for causing the accident. The person who was legally at fault (“liable”) also has a legal obligation to pay for the injuries caused by the accident.

The insurance company might try to say that you were partly or wholly at fault for the accident because they only have to pay for the portion of injuries and damages that were caused by their client. You want an experienced injury attorney on your side to prove just what happened and who is legally at fault for causing the accident.

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3.) Your attorney documents the full value of your medical bills and other losses

Your medical records and billing invoices document the necessity of your medical care. Your attorney will compile these in a format that is easy for a claims adjuster to review. In many cases, the injury victim has not finished receiving medical care by the time the case must be filed.

Your attorney can hire a life care planner to estimate the value of the future medical care you will need throughout your lifetime. The same process is done to document your lost wages. If you were out of work for a limited time, your employer could provide a statement showing exactly how many hours you missed and what your rate of pay is.

If you are permanently unable to work, your attorney can hire a vocational expert to testify about what your employment prospects are in light of your injuries. An economist can then calculate the difference between your wages before and after the accident. You are entitled to compensation for all the future wages you will lose because of your injuries.

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4.) Your attorney makes a settlement demand to the insurance company

Once these calculations are complete, your attorney is ready to negotiate a settlement offer from the insurance company, starting with a “demand letter.” The demand letter itemizes each area of compensation (including medical bills, lost wages, and future losses) and supports them with documentation of these losses. The letter will also demand fair compensation for your pain and suffering. The demand letter and supporting documentation are sent to your assigned claims adjuster for consideration.

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5.) The insurance company negotiates the value of your claim with the insurance company

Claims adjusters approach demand letters in a variety of ways. In cases that involve relatively minor injuries and a lower settlement amount, the adjuster might use a very basic computer program that analyzes the amount of the claim, a very impersonal and inaccurate method of valuation. It does not take into account your particular pain and suffering. Your attorney can counter an offer created by a computer with evidence of your specific losses.

In complex cases, the assigned adjuster might need to consult with a senior claims adjuster or supervisor – or even an attorney in the insurance company’s legal department. These employees tend to have more experience, so they have a better understanding of what pain and suffering is fairly worth. The attorneys also understand the strengths and weaknesses of a case at trial. Sometimes, it is actually easier to have settlement negotiations between your lawyer and a lawyer for the insurance company because they can focus on the legal issues of your case.

In any event, your attorney will work with insurance company employees to negotiate a fair settlement offer for your injuries. If an agreement can be reached, you will sign a release of liability, and the insurance company will send a check to your attorney. Your attorney will deduct their fee, administrative costs, and any medical liens against your settlement that must be paid. The remaining funds will be paid directly to you. If no settlement can be reached, your attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit against the defendant.

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6.) Your attorney files a lawsuit against the negligent driver (or company) that caused your injuries

If your case cannot be resolved through settlement, your recourse is to go through the court system. This process starts by filing a complaint against the negligent driver (and any other defendants). You do not need to go to court for this. Your attorney will prepare the complaint and related documents, have them filed with the court, then serve the defendant and their insurance company with formal notice of the lawsuit.

Sometimes, the mere fact that a lawsuit has been filed is enough to get the insurance company to make a fair settlement offer, which can be an effective strategy when the other side needs to know that you are serious about litigating your case. If the initial complaint does not lead to a fair settlement offer, your attorney will proceed with the rest of the litigation process.

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7.) The parties proceed through pretrial investigation and court hearings

After the initial complaint has been served and the defendant files a formal response to the lawsuit, the attorneys begin their investigations of the case, known as “discovery.” The attorneys discover admissible evidence by issuing subpoenas for documents, deposing witnesses, sending each party formal written questions to answer, and hiring expert witnesses to review the evidence that they receive from the other side.

This process is important, as it helps each attorney prepare their own case for trial. Additionally, discovery also assists attorneys in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent’s case, which can lead to more productive settlement negotiations. Your case can settle at any point in the discovery process. If it does not, your attorney will continue preparing the case for trial.

The court will hold periodic status conferences throughout the discovery process, which gives the attorneys a chance to update the court about their progress on the case and advise the court of any legal issues that they cannot resolve. (If, for example, the attorneys cannot agree about whether a certain piece of evidence is admissible at trial, the court can hold an evidentiary hearing and listen to arguments from both sides before making a ruling on the issue.) All these steps help to prepare your case for trial.

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8.) If necessary, your case will go to trial

Your case can settle at any point prior to trial. Some cases even settle in the very moments before the trial is set to begin. If, however, the insurance company simply refuses to make a fair settlement offer in your case, your best legal option might be to go to trial and let a jury decide what your case is fairly worth. The trial starts with jury selection.

The court will call in a large panel of prospective jurors, and the attorneys will each get to ask them questions. The court can excuse any prospective juror if they cannot be fair and impartial. The attorneys can also use “peremptory strikes” to excuse jurors for any reason. Once a jury has been chosen, the court will swear them in and give them instructions about the case. The case then proceeds with each attorney making their opening statement.

Because the plaintiff filed the case, the injury victim’s lawyer is the first to make an opening statement and call their witnesses. The defense lawyer then follows and has the right to cross-examine the plaintiff’s witnesses. Once the plaintiff’s attorney has presented their entire case, it is the defendant’s turn to call witnesses. Here, too, the other attorney gets to cross-examine the witnesses.

After each side has presented its case, the lawyers will make their closing statements (again, plaintiff first, then defense). The jury is then excused to deliberate about the case. The verdict can take a few minutes or a few days. Judges are hesitant to declare a hung jury and call a mistrial, so they often allow juries lengthy periods to deliberate as much as they need to. When the verdict does come back, it will be read aloud in court. Your attorney will advise you if there are legal steps that should be taken after the verdict is issued (for example, filing an appeal).

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Emperatriz Ayala
Emperatriz Ayala
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My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.
Chris Zavala
Chris Zavala
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Had a great experience with all the people at Arash law. Long story short was in a bad car accident. It was overwhelming and the whole process was a lot, but they kept me in the loop. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice. Couldn't be any happier. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. They'll guide you through the whole process!
Jill Smith
Jill Smith
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Having Arash Law handle my auto accident was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional and detail oriented. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would recommend them highly.
Joseph R. Porter
Joseph R. Porter
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From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.
Monica Parra
Monica Parra
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I had an excellent experience with Arash Law. I will definitely recommend to my family and friends. I interviewed a few firms before deciding to work with Arash Law. What made my experience excellent was (i.e. head attorney being accessible to talk to and he answered all my questions and concerns, sensitive and thorough personel who completed in home intake & follow up process, being connected immediately to quality Physicians who addressed my injuries and recovery process, clear contract-read throughly to ensure its something you can commit to). Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience and I had a sense of peace knowing Arash Firm was walking with me throughout the whole process. Thank you Arash Firm for all your hard work and help. I am so grateful and appreciative for you all! 🙏 With Gratitude, Monica Parra
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Insurance companies have no obligation to protect your legal rights. In fact, they will often call as soon as possible after an accident and try to get you to make a recorded statement. You have no obligation to do so. In fact, you should say nothing to the insurance company until you have hired a bike accident lawyer. Here are some important steps to follow in order to protect your legal rights after any type of motor vehicle collision:

  1. Hire an experienced bicycle accident lawyer

    Once the insurance company is notified that you have hired an attorney, they are no longer allowed to contact you directly about the case. All communications must go through your attorney’s office, which protects you from saying anything that could hurt your injury claim. It also protects you from attempts to pressure you to accept a fast – but low – settlement offer. Any settlement discussions must go through your attorney in order to protect your right to be fairly compensated for your injuries.

  2. Do not speak to anyone about your accident until your claim is settled

    Insurance company employees are not the only ones who can hurt your legal rights. In fact, until your case is settled, it is best to discuss it as little as possible with anyone. Your immediate family will know about your injuries. However, if you discuss what happened, how you feel, or who was at fault, this information could make it back to the insurance company. Adjusters are notorious for twisting your words and finding any possible excuse to get out of paying.

  3. Do not post anything on your social media accounts about the accident

    So much of our communication now occurs online. In addition to not discussing the case with anyone in person, it is critically important that you not post anything about it online. Social media accounts are a wealth of information. We post statements, pictures, and sometimes even our locations. Insurance company investigators know how to find any information you post online.

    Even something as innocent as a gym selfie can be twisted by a claims adjuster. They might assert that if you are healthy enough to work out, then your injuries cannot possibly be that bad. The best policy is to post as little information as possible on any social media channel until your claim is resolved. When you are out, you should also let your friends know that you do not want them to post information about you, either.

  4. Follow through with all recommended medical care and rehabilitation

    Another common insurance company tactic is to blame you for your own injuries. If they cannot get out of admitting liability for the accident, the claims adjuster will try to value the claim as low as possible. One way to do this is to try to assign you blame for a portion of your injuries. The insurance company pays for their client’s portion of fault, so if they can assign you blame, they get out of paying.

    The insurance adjuster will look carefully at all medical treatment you received for injuries. If they do not say it was too much, they might say it was too little. You can make your own injuries worse by failing to follow your doctor’s recommendations. The best way to avoid this is to simply follow through on all recommended treatments. Doing so protects your health by giving you the best chances at recovery, and it protects your legal rights, as well.

  5. Document the ways your injuries are affecting your life

    You are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to prove exactly how much pain you experienced. Injury lawyers like to illustrate your pain to a jury by using specific examples. If, for example, you were unable to sleep because you were in so much pain, you might also have been unproductive at work. A lack of sleep can also affect your personal relationships with friends and family members.

    Jurors understand these examples. They, too, have experienced the consequences of a lack of sleep. So how should you document these losses? First, be sure to get photos of any physical injuries you have. Bruising, cuts, swelling, and other damage should all be documented. You can also keep a record of how your injuries affect you on a given day. You can make notes about how often you were in pain, how bad the pain was, and how it affected your day. These details make a compelling case for jurors.

Experienced, Aggressive Orange County Bike Accident Lawyers for All Injury Cases

You could spend hours looking online for a “bike accident lawyer near me,” but you have already found the best injury law firm in California. Arash Khorsandi and his experienced bike accident lawyers at Arash Law have decades of experience. We serve clients in Newport BeachIrvine, Santa Ana, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, and throughout Orange County.

We have collected over 500 Million dollars for clients across the state. We fight hard for accident victims in settlement negotiations and at trial, and we will fight hard for you, too. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule your free consultation.