If you’ve been injured in an accident in Newport Beach, you may benefit from working with a personal injury lawyer who understands how insurance companies operate. DJA Injury Attorneys serves Newport Beach and the surrounding Orange County area. We help accident victims pursue compensation for their losses. We work on a contingency fee basis – you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. You may be responsible for case costs regardless of outcome.
Our founder, Jeff Schwalbach, spent years on the defense side representing insurance companies before transitioning to plaintiff representation. That background can be helpful when negotiating with insurers who attempt to minimize claims.
Why Choose DJA Injury Attorneys for Your Newport Beach Personal Injury Case
When you hire DJA Injury Attorneys, you get direct access to Jeff Schwalbach, our founder and principal attorney. He does not typically hand cases off to junior lawyers or paralegals. Jeff brings 10 years of personal injury litigation experience to his practice. Super Lawyers recognized him as a Rising Star from 2019 to 2021 and again from 2023 to 2025.
Jeff’s background as a former insurance defense attorney provides perspective on how insurers evaluate claims. He is familiar with common tactics used to reduce claim value and approaches used to respond to them. His track record includes results such as a $1.36 million slip and fall settlement where liability was initially denied, $1 million in a minor impact rear-end accident where the initial offer was $55,000, and $750,000 in a rideshare accident where the initial offer was $3,000. (Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)
We’re available 24/7 because accidents don’t always happen during business hours. When you call DJA Injury Attorneys, you can reach a real person who can answer your questions. We offer free consultations with no obligation. We do not charge upfront attorney fees. You only pay attorney fees if we recover compensation for you.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Newport Beach
DJA Injury Attorneys handles a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Newport Beach and Orange County. Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, a slip and fall, medical negligence, or another incident, we have experience handling these types of matters.
Our practice areas include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
- Dog bites
- Product liability
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
How DJA Injury Attorneys Helps Newport Beach Accident Victims
After an injury, insurance companies often attempt to limit what they pay on claims. Our role is to help clients pursue fair compensation based on the facts of their case. We begin by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records. When appropriate, we consult with outside professionals. This preparation can strengthen a claim and signal readiness to proceed to litigation if necessary.
Many accident victims accept early settlement offers due to financial pressure. Insurance companies may factor this into their strategy. We evaluate settlement offers and negotiate on behalf of our clients. If a reasonable resolution is not offered, we may prepare the case for trial. In one case, an insurer offered $55,000 for a minor impact rear-end accident; after further litigation preparation, the matter resolved for $1 million, representing the available policy limits. (Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)
Newport Beach Personal Injury Compensation You May Recover
California law allows injury victims to recover several types of damages. Medical expenses may include past bills, future treatment, surgery, therapy, and medication. You may also recover lost wages if your injury prevented you from working, as well as loss of earning capacity if your ability to earn income is affected.
Pain and suffering damages may compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. These damages vary depending on the circumstances of each case. In California, standalone emotional distress claims are subject to specific legal requirements and typically depend on the facts, including the presence of physical injury or other qualifying conditions. In one case, we secured $1.35 million for a college student who experienced significant emotional harm following a car accident, despite relatively low medical expenses. (Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)
You may also recover property damage if your vehicle or other property was damaged. In certain cases involving egregious conduct, such as fraud or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be available to penalize the defendant and deter similar behavior. Under California Civil Code § 3294, punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence of malice, fraud, or oppression.
California follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Under California Civil Code § 1431.2, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of comparative negligence. For example, if you are found 30 percent responsible, your recovery may be reduced by that amount.
Why Insurance Companies Undervalue Newport Beach Injury Claims
Insurance companies are businesses that aim to limit payouts. They may dispute the severity of injuries, question the necessity of medical treatment, or argue that a claimant is partially at fault. They may also challenge claims for pain and suffering or future damages.
In some cases, insurers may undervalue long-term impacts, such as ongoing treatment needs or reduced earning capacity. These disputes can affect the value of a claim. Understanding how personal injury compensation is calculated can help you evaluate whether an offer is fair.
Jeff Schwalbach’s prior experience on the defense side provides familiarity with how insurers assess claims and the types of arguments they may raise. This perspective can inform negotiation strategy. Our case results demonstrate our ability to recover substantial settlements even when insurers initially deny liability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newport Beach Personal Injury Claims
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Newport Beach?
DJA Injury Attorneys works on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees up front. Attorney fees are collected only if compensation is recovered. Case costs may still apply depending on the circumstances. If there is no recovery, you do not owe attorney fees. Learn more about what percentage personal injury lawyers take from a settlement.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Newport Beach?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, though exceptions may apply, such as the discovery rule or tolling for minors. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing a claim. Speaking with a lawyer early can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Do I have a personal injury case?
A valid personal injury claim typically requires proof of four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. The defendant must have owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused injury resulting in damages. If you’re unsure whether you have a case, we offer consultations to evaluate your situation.
How long does a personal injury case take?
The timeline varies. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take longer, particularly if liability is disputed or injuries are severe. Cases that go to trial generally take more time. We aim to resolve cases efficiently while allowing time for proper evaluation and negotiation.
What if I were partially at fault for my Newport Beach accident?
Under California’s comparative negligence law, you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation may be reduced based on your share of responsibility. Insurance companies may attempt to assign a higher percentage of fault, which can be disputed through investigation and evidence.
Should I settle my case or go to trial?
This depends on factors such as liability, damages, insurance limits, and the strength of the evidence. Settlement can offer a faster resolution, while a trial may result in a different outcome depending on the case. We provide guidance so you can make an informed decision. Read about what happens during a personal injury lawsuit trial to understand the trial process.
DISCLAIMER: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique, and results depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Contact DJA Injury Attorneys for Your Free Newport Beach Personal Injury Consultation
If you’ve been injured in Newport Beach, contact DJA Injury Attorneys at (949) 229-7228 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your situation. There is no obligation, and you will not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our testimonials from past clients demonstrate our commitment to achieving results.
