When you’re injured in Irvine because someone else was careless, you shouldn’t have to handle the legal system alone. DJA Injury Attorneys represents injury victims throughout Irvine and Orange County. We work to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under California law. Our founder spent years understanding how insurance companies work from the inside. We know many of their tactics and how to respond to them. We handle your case on a contingency fee basis—no upfront attorney’s fees, and attorney’s fees are only owed if we obtain a recovery in your case.
Why Choose DJA Injury Attorneys for Your Irvine Injury Claim
When you’ve been hurt in an accident, you may benefit from an attorney who understands both sides of the personal injury process. Jeff Schwalbach, founder of DJA Injury Attorneys, spent years working in insurance defense before switching to represent injury victims. This background helps us understand how insurance companies evaluate claims and what strategies they use to minimize payouts.
Jeff was recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019-2024), an honor given to fewer than 2.5% of attorneys in California. He holds a J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law and brings about 10 years of personal injury litigation experience to every case. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees upfront and no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you, though you may be responsible for certain case costs. We’re available during business hours, and you work directly with the attorney handling your case. Our clients have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts in past cases where insurance companies initially offered substantially less.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Irvine
DJA Injury Attorneys handles a wide range of personal injury cases affecting Irvine residents. Car accidents remain our most common cases. These include rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, and incidents involving distracted driving or impaired drivers. We also represent clients injured in truck accidents, where commercial vehicle liability and federal trucking regulations may apply.
Motorcycle accidents require knowledge of California’s lane splitting laws under Vehicle Code 21658.1 and CHP safety guidelines. Pedestrian accidents, whether in crosswalks or parking lots, often require strong advocacy against drivers and, in some situations, property owners. We handle slip and fall cases on both private and commercial property under Civil Code 1714. Additionally, we handle dog bite claims under California’s strict liability law (Civil Code 3342) and wrongful death claims when accidents prove fatal.
How DJA Injury Attorneys Approaches Your Irvine Personal Injury Case
Your case begins with a free consultation where we listen to what happened and evaluate your claim. We conduct a thorough investigation. This includes gathering police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any available video evidence. When necessary, we retain medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to support your case.
We then enter negotiations with the insurance company. We bring evidence and expert opinions to the table. Many of our cases resolve during this phase because insurers recognize the strength of the evidence we have assembled. When settlement negotiations stall, we prepare for trial. We take depositions, conduct discovery, and present a clear case for a jury. Our goal is always to pursue fair compensation for your losses, whether through settlement or verdict.
Understanding Compensation in Irvine Personal Injury Cases
California law allows injury victims to seek several types of damages. Medical expenses, both past treatment and reasonably anticipated future care, often form the foundation of most claims. If your injuries prevented you from working, you can pursue lost wages and, when supported by the evidence, lost earning capacity. Pain and suffering damages may compensate you for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your injuries.
Property damage covers vehicle repairs or replacement. Under California’s pure comparative negligence rules, as discussed in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975), you can still recover even if you were partially at fault for the accident, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often undervalue these damages, particularly pain and suffering and future medical needs. Having experienced legal representation can help you understand how the law applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irvine Personal Injury Claims
How much does it cost to hire DJA Injury Attorneys?
Nothing upfront for attorney’s fees. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. When we resolve your case successfully, our attorney’s fee typically comes from the settlement or verdict amount, not out of your pocket at the time of payment. You may be responsible for case costs regardless of the outcome.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California?
Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California per Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also two years from the date of death. Important exceptions include: government claims (6 months under Government Code 945.6), medical malpractice (3 years or 1 year from discovery under CCP 340.5), and cases involving minors (statute often tolls until age 18, subject to exceptions). Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to sue. It’s important to contact an attorney promptly to understand which deadlines apply in your situation.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence rules under Li v. Yellow Cab Co. You can recover even if you were partially responsible. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000. This makes it important to have an attorney who can present the facts and argue for a fair allocation of fault.
Contact DJA Injury Attorneys for Your Free Irvine Personal Injury Consultation
If you’ve been injured in Irvine, consider reaching out for legal help as soon as you can. Contact DJA Injury Attorneys at (949) 229-7228 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available during business hours to discuss your case and explain your options. There are no upfront attorney’s fees, no hidden attorney’s fees—we receive an attorney’s fee only if we obtain compensation for you, but you may still be responsible for certain case costs. Let us put our experience and background to work on your behalf.
