Costa Mesa Injury and Accident Lawyers

Rooted in Costa Mesa. Respected Across California.

If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover financial compensation. At DK Law, we don’t just settle cases; we prepare them for trial from day one. Our in-house litigation team is ready to fight for you in court if necessary. 

From Harbor Boulevard to the Civic Center courthouse, our team knows the streets, the system, and what it takes to win here. At DK Law, we believe that exceptional service starts with being a great neighbor. You deserve a legal team that knows more than just the law; you need someone who knows your community. 

Crash Patterns and Risk Zones in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa is a lively hub in the heart of Orange County, known for its world-class shopping at South Coast Plaza and its performing arts venue, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. With major freeways running through the city and its close proximity to popular beaches and John Wayne Airport, traffic in Costa Mesa can be unpredictable and congested. 

In Costa Mesa, Bristol Street and Newport Boulevard see heavy foot and vehicle traffic daily, making them common hotspots for crashes and injuries. In 2023, there were 721 crashes in Costa Mesa, resulting in 9 fatalities and 976 injuries. Rear-end accidents made up 33% of the total crashes, while broadside collisions made up 34%. 

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

The Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) and Interstate 405 (I-405) are two of the most congested freeways in Southern California. With the constant mix of commuters, tourists, and delivery drivers, it’s little to no surprise that accidents are common. Drivers should be careful of these dangerous roads and intersections:

When to Hire an Accident Lawyer

After an accident, certain signs can indicate it’s time to hire a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly. You may need a personal injury lawyer if:

• The injuries are serious or require ongoing medical care
• Liability is unclear
• The other party is disputing liability
• The insurance company is undervaluing or denying your claim

At DK Law, our accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident and build a strong case to prove the other party’s liability. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In California, the timeframe you have to file a claim, known as the statute of limitations, is typically two years from the date of the accident. 

However, there are exceptions. For example, if the injury was not discovered right away, the “discovery rule” may apply. In this case, the time limit to file a claim could begin on the date you became aware of the injury or when you should have reasonably discovered it.

Missing these deadlines could prevent you from being able to recover compensation. If you’re unsure whether you still have time to file, it’s best to speak with a lawyer right away. 

At DK Law, we will ensure all deadlines are met and that your case is resolved in a timely manner.

From Bruises to Brain Injuries: What We See Most Often

Here are some of the most common injuries people sustain in accidents:

• Broken bones – Fractures and broken bones often require casts, surgery, or long recovery periods.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – A TBI can lead to long-term problems with memory, mood, coordination, and other brain functions.
• Spinal cord injury – Damage to the spine can cause partial or full paralysis. Serious spinal injuries often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
• Whiplash – Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and back and can lead to pain and limited movement.
• Soft tissue injuries – These kinds of injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as sprains, strains, and deep bruising.

Our Costa Mesa accident attorneys have helped clients recover fair compensation for serious injuries and related costs, such as hospital bills, treatment, medication, and physical therapy. At DK Law, we empower you to choose the medical care that best fits your injury and recovery needs.

How Fault Is Determined in Accident Cases

Negligence must be proven to recover compensation in a personal injury case. Successfully proving negligence requires establishing all four of the following elements:

Duty of Care

The other party owed a duty to act with reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm to others.

Breach of Duty of Care

The other party failed to uphold that duty by acting carelessly, recklessly, or unreasonably under the circumstances.

Causation

There must be a clear link between the breach of duty and the personal injury accident, meaning the breach directly caused or contributed to the harm.

Damages

The accident must have resulted in actual losses, including economic damages (like medical bills or lost income) and/or non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering).

If these four elements are clearly demonstrated, the plaintiff may be able to recover financial compensation. An injury lawyer can uncover critical evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Compensation

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue damages, even if you were partially at fault. Under California’s comparative negligence law, each party is held responsible for their share of fault. For example, if your total damages are $120,000 and you’re found to be 10% at fault, you could still recover 90% of that amount, or $108,000.

From Lost Wages to Pain and Suffering – What Your Claim May Cover

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the financial losses caused by the accident that can be calculated using bills, receipts, and invoices. These types of damages cover things like:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Ongoing medical care
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages

These are unquantifiable losses that a victim experiences as a result of a personal injury accident. These damages include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium (romantic relationship or companionship)
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life

The value of a personal injury case varies based on the severity of your injuries and the total damages you’ve suffered. To get a quick estimate of what your case might be worth, call our legal experts at DK Law today. For a more personalized assessment, our legal team offers a free case evaluation to help you understand your rights and next steps.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies want to spend as little time and money as possible on personal injury claims and often pressure victims to accept a quick settlement. The first offer is typically the bare minimum the insurance company will provide to settle the case. It often leaves out important factors like future medical care, lost earning potential, or pain and suffering. 

At DK Law, we don’t settle for the insurance company’s first offer. Our goal is to maximize your compensation and make sure every part of your loss is accounted for. We build every case like it’s going to trial, with in-house litigators ready to take on big insurance when they play hardball.

What To Do Immediately After an Accident

Whether you were injured in a slip and fall, car accident, workplace accident, or another type of accident, the steps you take right afterward can make a huge impact on your claim.

Call 911

If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. Wait for emergency responders and law enforcement to arrive. Be sure to request the police report number to get a copy for your records.

Exchange Information

If another person was involved in the accident, exchange names, contact details, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information and see if they are willing to provide their statements.

Gather Evidence

Use your phone to take photos or videos of the scene, any visible injuries, damage to property, or anything else that helps document what happened.

Don’t Admit Fault

It’s best to avoid apologizing or speculating about the accident. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be seen as an admission of guilt that can be used against you later.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Medical records help strengthen your claim by connecting your injuries to the accident.

Call an Accident Attorney

At DK Law, we offer a free consultation to review your situation, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We’ll deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.

The DK Law Difference

At DK Law, our top priority is ensuring you can recover to a state of well-being physically, mentally, and financially. Our legal team works tirelessly to fulfill each client’s unique needs. This also includes:

• 24/7 client support
• Working on contingency and not charging any upfront fees
• Dedicated case managers who facilitate every step in the claims process
• Free case evaluation to get started

Our proven strategies have amounted to a 99% success rate, while our commitment to our clients has resulted in accolades from the most respected legal organizations in our industry. DK Law has been honored with awards from Martindale-Hubbell, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, The Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Association, and many more.