If another law firm turned down your injury case, or you have been told it is “too small,” that is not the end of the road. People reach out after a crash in Orange County or Riverside County because the other driver’s policy is small, their injuries seemed minor at first, fault is disputed, or they are simply not sure they have a case.

Tafreshi Law Group will still review it. If you were hurt in a crash in this stretch of rain, you can also start with our guides to car accidents in the rain in Orange County and rain crashes in the Inland Empire. Lea esta página en español. We look at every case that comes in, including claims other firms have declined. A review is not a promise that we will represent you, and it is not a promise about the outcome. It is a chance to have someone look at the facts under California law and tell you what we see.

If you are comparing fee agreements, a lower percentage is not the whole story. Before you sign, ask how case costs are deducted and what you take home. See Lower Fee, Higher Costs? What to Ask Before You Sign.

If any of the situations below sound familiar, text us at (949) 776-8964 or call (949) 989-2511. Our office staff speaks Spanish and Farsi. If you prefer to read in Spanish, see our página de abogado de accidentes de auto.

We’ll take a look.Free consultation · Our office staff speaks Spanish and Farsi
Call (949) 989-2511Text (949) 776-8964

Check Any That Apply

These are common reasons people hesitate to call, or reasons they have already been turned away. Checking one or more does not mean you automatically have a claim. It does mean we are willing to take a look.

If you checked one or more, text (949) 776-8964 or call (949) 989-2511. We review every case.

Why These Cases Can Still Matter

A declined case, a small policy, or a modest-looking injury does not automatically mean there is nothing to review. California law still applies, and a few rules come up often in these situations.

The other driver may have only minimum insurance California’s minimum auto liability coverage is now 30/60/15: $30,000 for injury to one person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Those limits can be used up quickly once medical bills and lost wages are added. That does not always mean there is nothing left to look at. Your own auto policy may include underinsured motorist coverage, often listed as “UM/UIM” on your declarations page. Under California Insurance Code section 11580.2, that coverage can help when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are lower than your own UM/UIM limits. It is not in every policy automatically, so it is worth checking. If you were hurt in a crash, see our Orange County car accident and Riverside car accident pages for local next steps, and our guide to underinsured motorist claims in California.
You may still have a claim if fault is disputed California follows pure comparative fault. In Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804, the California Supreme Court held that you can seek damages even if you were partly at fault. Any recovery would be reduced by your share of the fault. A dispute about who caused the crash is a reason to have the facts reviewed, not a reason to assume you have no claim.
Medical bills and lost wages can add up Some injuries, including neck or back pain, soft-tissue injuries, and concussions, show up or worsen in the days after a crash. Follow-up care, time off work, and medical bills can still be significant even when an injury first seemed minor. “Minor” is not a legal category that bars a claim. We can review your records and the insurance picture with you. Early offers are sometimes made before that picture is clear. Reviewing an offer is not a promise that more compensation is available.
Deadlines still apply, even on a smaller claim In California, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of injury, under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. If a public entity may be involved — for example a city, county, or public transit agency — you generally must present a government claim within six months under Government Code section 911.2. Missing a deadline can end a claim, so it is better to have someone look sooner rather than later.

What a Review Means — and What It Does Not

We review every case. We do not promise to take every case.

When you text or call, we will take a look at what happened, who may be responsible, and what coverage may apply. Helpful items include a crash report, photos, insurance information, medical records or bills, and any letters or offers you have received. You do not need a complete file for us to take a first look.

A review is free. It does not create an attorney-client relationship, and it is not a decision that we will represent you or that you will recover compensation. Those questions depend on the facts and on California law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if another lawyer already turned down my case?

A decision by another firm is not a legal ruling on your claim. Firms have different practices, and some focus on cases of a certain size. If your case was declined, we will still review it. A review is not a promise that we will represent you.

Is my case too small if the other driver only has California minimum insurance?

Not necessarily. California’s current minimum is 30/60/15. Those limits can be low compared with medical bills and lost wages, but your own policy may include underinsured motorist coverage under Insurance Code section 11580.2. We can review both the other driver’s coverage and your own.

Can I still have a claim if I was partly at fault?

California law allows you to seek damages even if you were partly at fault. Under the comparative fault rule recognized in Li v. Yellow Cab Co., any recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault. Being partly at fault does not automatically bar a claim. Whether a recovery is available depends on the facts.

How long do I have to bring a personal injury claim in California?

The general deadline to file a lawsuit is two years from the date of injury, under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. Claims against a public entity generally require a government claim within six months, under Government Code section 911.2. There are limited exceptions, so it is better not to wait.

What does it cost to have you review my case?

A consultation with us is free. You can text (949) 776-8964 or call (949) 989-2511. Reviewing your case does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not mean we will represent you.

Not sure if you have a case? We’ll take a look.

Text or call Tafreshi Law Group. Ask for Suzannah Tafreshi or our intake team. Our office staff speaks Spanish and Farsi.

Call (949) 989-2511Text (949) 776-8964
  • Fountain Valley office: 18837 Brookhurst St, Ste 207, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
  • Lake Forest office: 22600 Lambert St, Ste 1501, Lake Forest, CA 92630
  • Riverside office: 4121 Brockton Ave, Ste 101, Riverside, CA 92501 · (951) 583-1900

This article is general information about California law, not legal advice. Reading it, contacting us, or having us review your case does not create an attorney-client relationship. A review is not a promise that we will represent you or that you will recover compensation.