Personal Injury Lawyer Huntington Beach CA

A catastrophic injury can require expensive medical care and make it impossible to work. Find out if you can seek compensation from those responsible by consulting with a personal injury lawyer Huntington Beach CA.

When an injury caused by someone else’s negligence turns your life upside down in Huntington Beach, the path to recovery is often filled with pain, stress, and financial uncertainty. Filing a personal injury claim is your first step toward justice, but navigating this process alone can be overwhelming.

Unfortunately, the insurance company responsible for providing your compensation is focused on protecting its profits, not your well-being. This is where the dedicated advocates at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys step in. We meticulously build your case and fight the tactics insurers use to undervalue your claim. Our mission is to handle the complex legal burdens, allowing you to focus entirely on healing while we work tirelessly to secure the financial stability you deserve.

Injured in Huntington Beach? Find Out What Your Case is Worth. No Fee Unless We Win.

When you’re injured in an accident, your life is suddenly filled with uncertainty from medical bills, lost income, and the stress of recovery. The at-fault party’s insurance company will likely contact you quickly, aiming to settle your claim for the lowest amount possible. A skilled Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer from Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys acts as your crucial advocate, protecting you from these tactics. We handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus completely on healing.

The value of your personal injury claim depends on many factors. We fight to recover maximum compensation for all your losses, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and significant pain and suffering. Our experienced team meticulously investigates your case and calculates damages to ensure nothing is overlooked when fighting for the justice you deserve.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—no retainers or hidden costs. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Don’t let insurance companies dictate your future. Contact Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let a dedicated personal injury attorney fight for you and your family.

Why Choose Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys for Your Personal Injury Case?

When you are facing the uncertainty of a personal injury, the law firm you choose is your most critical decision. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we combine the proven strength to challenge powerful insurance corporations with a deeply personal commitment to each client.

Our firm is built on decades of experience fighting insurance companies in California. We have an intimate understanding of their tactics and a proven track record of recovering millions for victims of negligence. These results are not just numbers; they represent the lives we have helped rebuild by securing the financial resources our clients need for medical care, lost wages, and future stability.

In a world of impersonal law firms, we offer a different approach. You will have direct attorney access and a legal strategy tailored specifically to your goals. We are dedicated to maximizing your compensation while providing compassionate guidance throughout the entire process, a commitment reflected in our satisfied clients’ testimonials.

What Qualifies as a Personal Injury Case in California?

Many people who are injured due to someone else’s actions believe they automatically have a valid legal case. While their feeling of injustice is completely valid, California law has specific requirements for what constitutes a personal injury case. A successful claim is not just about proving that an injury happened; it’s about proving that the injury was the direct result of another party’s carelessness or wrongful conduct, a legal concept known as “negligence.” Understanding the legal foundation of a personal injury case is the first and most critical step toward securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.

The 4 Key Elements Needed to Prove Negligence

At the heart of every personal injury case is negligence. To win your claim, a Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer must meticulously establish four key elements. If even one of these elements cannot be proven, the case will not succeed.

1. Duty of Care: We must show that the other party owed you a legal duty to act with reasonable care. For example, a driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely, and a property owner has a duty to keep their premises free of hazards.
2. Breach of Duty: Next, we prove they violated that duty through a specific negligent act. This could be a driver running a red light or a store owner failing to clean up a spill in a timely manner.
3. Causation: We must establish a direct link showing their breach of duty—and not some other factor—caused your injuries. Insurance companies often try to dispute this, which is why clear evidence is vital.
4. Damages: Finally, we must prove you suffered actual, compensable losses as a result of the negligence. This includes economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and emotional distress.

Understanding the Difference Between an Insurance Claim and a Lawsuit

It’s also important for clients to understand the distinction between making a claim and filing a lawsuit. These are two distinct stages of the personal injury process.

• An insurance claim is the initial process of seeking compensation directly from the at-fault party’s insurance company. This involves sending a demand letter, providing evidence of negligence and damages, and negotiating with an insurance adjuster. The vast majority of personal injury cases are successfully resolved at this stage through a carefully negotiated settlement.
• A lawsuit is a formal legal action filed in court. This step is typically only taken if the insurance company disputes liability or refuses to offer a fair and reasonable settlement. Filing a lawsuit does not mean your case will automatically go to trial. Instead, it initiates the “discovery” phase, where your attorney can use powerful legal tools like depositions and subpoenas to gather more evidence. The pressure of a pending lawsuit is often the leverage needed to compel the insurance company to come back to the negotiating table with a much better offer. An experienced attorney knows exactly when to escalate from a claim to a lawsuit to maximize your recovery.

Why Need’s Personal Injury Lawyer Huntington Beach CA

Virtually any accident situation could qualify as a personal injury scenario as long as someone other than you was at fault for causing your injuries. Some of the accident types we see on a regular basis include all of the following:

• Slip-and-falls and premises liability
• Traffic accidents involving passenger cars, motorcycles, and commercial trucks
• Defective products
• Pedestrian accidents
• Workplace and construction accidents
• Dog bites

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Huntington Beach

Personal injury law is a broad field that covers any situation where a person is harmed by the negligence or wrongful act of another. While the core legal principles are the same, each type of case presents unique challenges, requires different types of evidence, and demands a specific legal strategy. A successful outcome depends on having an attorney with proven experience in your specific type of claim. Our firm has a deep and diverse background, successfully representing victims across the full spectrum of personal injury law in Huntington Beach.

Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents

Vehicle collisions are the most common cause of personal injury claims. From multi-car pileups on the 405 freeway to motorcycle accidents on the Pacific Coast Highway, we have the experience to handle them all. We investigate every detail, proving negligence caused by distracted driving, speeding, or DUI. Truck accident cases are especially complex, involving federal regulations and corporate liability, while motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries requiring a fight for maximum compensation.

Slip and Fall Accidents (Premises Liability)

Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured, it falls under the category of premises liability. This includes slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors in a supermarket, trip and fall incidents from broken sidewalks or poor lighting in a parking lot, and injuries from negligent security. A successful claim requires proving the property owner knew, or should have known, about the hazard and did nothing to fix it.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

California has a “strict liability” law for dog bites. This means that, in most cases, the dog’s owner is legally responsible for the injuries their animal causes, even if the dog has never shown any signs of aggression before. We help victims recover compensation for medical bills, plastic surgery for scarring, and the emotional trauma that often follows a frightening animal attack.

Medical Malpractice

When a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other healthcare professional provides care that falls below the accepted professional standard and causes a patient harm, it may be medical malpractice. These are highly complex and challenging cases that require in-depth medical knowledge and expert testimony. We handle cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, birth injuries, and medication mistakes.

Defective Products (Product Liability)

Consumers have a right to expect that the products they buy are safe. When a product with a design, manufacturing, or marketing (failure to warn) defect causes an injury, the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer can all be held liable. These cases can involve anything from a faulty airbag in a car to a dangerous children’s toy or a defective medical device.

Workplace Accidents

While most on-the-job injuries are handled through the workers’ compensation system, a personal injury lawsuit may be possible if a negligent third party was involved. For example, if you were injured on a construction site by a faulty piece of equipment, you could file a lawsuit against the equipment manufacturer in addition to your workers’ comp claim.

Wrongful Death

The most devastating outcome of negligence is the loss of a loved one. A wrongful death claim is brought by the surviving family members of someone who was killed in an accident. This action seeks to recover compensation for the family’s losses, including the loss of financial support, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of the deceased’s love, companionship, and guidance.

Common Causes of Injuries in the Huntington Beach Area

Huntington Beach is a vibrant community known for its beautiful coastline, bustling downtown, and active lifestyle. However, this dynamic environment also presents numerous risks, and accidents are an unfortunate reality. Most of these incidents are not random acts of bad luck; they are the direct result of preventable negligence. Understanding the common causes and locations of injuries in our area can help victims realize that they are not alone and that they have legal rights.

Accidents on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Beach Boulevard

The Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard are the primary arteries of Huntington Beach, but their high traffic volume and constant activity make them hotspots for serious accidents. The combination of local commuters, distracted tourists, frequent intersections, and a mix of cars, motorcycles, and cyclists creates a uniquely hazardous environment. We see a high number of devastating collisions on these roads caused by:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting the GPS, or being distracted by the ocean view.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Trying to beat traffic lights or weaving through lanes.
• Illegal U-turns and Left Turns: Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic.
• Drunk Driving (DUI): A persistent problem, especially near the downtown bar and entertainment district.

Injuries at Local Shopping Centers and Businesses

From large shopping centers like Bella Terra to the small businesses downtown, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for customers. This area of law, known as premises liability, holds owners accountable when they fail in this duty. Common causes of injuries at these locations include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: From wet floors without warning signs, spilled products, or leaking freezers.
• Trip and Fall Accidents: Caused by cracked pavement in parking lots, unmarked steps, or cluttered aisles.
• Poor Lighting: In stairwells or parking structures, which can conceal hazards and invite crime.
• Falling Merchandise: From improperly stacked shelves.

Construction Site Accidents

With ongoing development and renovation throughout Huntington Beach, construction sites are a common feature. These sites are inherently dangerous, not just for workers but also for pedestrians and drivers passing by. Negligence at these sites can lead to serious injuries from:

• Falling Debris or Equipment: Striking pedestrians on sidewalks or cars on the road.
• Unsecured Sites: Allowing hazards to spill onto public walkways.
• Construction Vehicle Accidents: When large trucks enter or exit a site without proper flaggers or warnings.

Dog Bites in Local Parks and Neighborhoods

Huntington Beach is a famously dog-friendly city, from the Dog Beach to its many local parks. Unfortunately, this also means that dog bites are a serious risk. Under California’s “strict liability” law, a dog owner is typically responsible for injuries their animal causes, even if the dog has never been aggressive before. These incidents frequently occur when owners violate local leash laws or when dogs escape from unsecured yards, leading to bites that can cause severe physical and emotional trauma.

Proving Negligence for a Catastrophic Injury

Your personal injury lawyer Huntington Beach CA must prove that someone else was responsible for your accident in order for you to receive compensation. You can be partially at fault as long as someone else was more at fault than you. To prove this, we will need to review any and all available evidence:

• Accident reports
• Pictures or videos
• Witness testimony
• Accident-related medical records

Dealing with Insurance During a Personal Injury Claim

When you file an accident claim, the other party’s insurance company might contact you and ask questions or try to get you to make a statement. Avoid communicating with these entities as much as possible. They are not on your side and will use your words out of context against you if they think it will help them blame you for your injuries.

Instead, let our office handle the communications and negotiations on your behalf. We can keep the insurance company honest, allowing you to focus on your recovery without having to worry about inadvertently giving the other side an unfair advantage.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?

When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, the impact goes far beyond the initial physical pain. A serious injury can create a devastating financial ripple effect, leaving you with overwhelming medical debt and the inability to work. The primary purpose of a personal injury claim is to recover financial compensation—known as “damages”—to cover every single loss you have suffered. In California, these damages are divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic. Understanding both is crucial to fighting for the full and fair value of your claim.

Economic Damages (Medical Bills, Lost Wages, Future Costs)

Economic damages are the tangible, calculable financial losses that result from your injury. They are the foundation of your claim because they represent the direct costs you have incurred and will continue to incur. An experienced Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer will meticulously document these losses to ensure nothing is overlooked. This category includes:

• Medical Bills: This covers all past, present, and future medical treatment. It includes everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, hospital stays, and the ongoing need for physical therapy and medication. We also account for specialized needs such as mobility and medical equipment, the cost of in-home caregivers if you require daily assistance, and even the transportation expenses for your recurring medical appointments. Critically, this includes the projected cost of any future care you may need. 
• Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: We fight to recover all lost wages, income, and earning potential resulting from your injuries. This includes straightforward reimbursement for the income you lost while unable to work, including salary, bonuses, and overtime. If your injuries are permanent and prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same level of income, you are entitled to compensation for this future loss. We work with financial experts to calculate the long-term impact on your career earnings. 
• Property and Lifestyle Modification Costs: Furthermore, if your injury requires significant life changes, we will pursue compensation for the cost to retrofit your home or vehicle to accommodate your new needs, such as adding a wheelchair ramp or hand controls. 

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering, Emotional Distress)

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for the profound human cost of your injury—the intangible losses that don’t have a simple price tag. While no amount of money can erase your suffering, this compensation provides a measure of justice and acknowledges the true impact the accident has had on your life. This category includes:

• Pain and Suffering: This compensation is for the physical pain and suffering you have endured from the moment of the accident and may continue to endure for years to come. 
• Emotional Distress: This is compensation for the psychological impact of the trauma, which can include anxiety, depression, fear, insomnia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: A serious injury can lead to a significant loss of enjoyment of life, compensating you for your inability to participate in the hobbies and activities that once brought you joy. For a Huntington Beach resident, this could mean being unable to surf, ride a bike on the boardwalk, or simply enjoy a pain-free life with your family. 

Insurance companies often try to downplay or dismiss these non-economic damages. A skilled attorney is crucial to effectively telling your story and fighting for the compensation that recognizes your full human loss.

We Handle the Insurance Companies So You Can Focus on Healing

After a serious injury, your primary focus should be on your physical and emotional recovery. However, a battle with the at-fault party’s insurance company begins immediately. Insurers are businesses focused on protecting their profits, and their adjusters use calculated tactics to minimize your payout. We step in as your shield and advocate, managing every aspect of the insurance claim process so you can dedicate your energy to healing.

Why You Shouldn’t Give a Recorded Statement Without a Lawyer

One of the first traps is the adjuster’s request for a recorded statement. They are trained professionals who use leading questions designed to get you to admit partial fault or downplay the severity of your injuries. Anything you say can be twisted and used against you. We eliminate this risk by handling all communication with the insurer, protecting your rights from the very start.

Countering Lowball Settlement Offers from Adjusters

Insurance companies often make a quick, lowball settlement offer. This is a strategy designed to close your case for the lowest possible amount, often before the true, long-term costs of your injuries are known. We meticulously calculate the true value of your claim, including all economic and non-economic damages. We reject these inadequate offers and negotiate for the full and fair compensation you rightfully deserve.

Protecting You From Bad Faith Insurance Tactics

Sometimes an insurer’s conduct crosses the line into illegal behavior, known as “bad faith.” This includes unreasonable delays, misrepresenting facts, or refusing to settle a valid claim where liability is clear. We recognize these illegal tactics immediately and are prepared to hold them accountable. If necessary, we can file a separate bad-faith lawsuit to secure additional damages and protect your rights.

The Personal Injury Claim Process: What to Expect

Navigating a personal injury claim after an accident can be overwhelming. Understanding the key stages empowers you and reduces stress. Our legal team is here to manage the entire process, allowing you to focus on your recovery. While every case is unique, most follow this structured path to a final resolution.

Step 1: Your Free Initial Consultation

Your journey starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. This is your chance to discuss the details of your accident and injuries with an experienced attorney. We will provide a straightforward assessment of your case. If you decide to hire us, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay legal fees if we win your case.

Step 2: Investigation and Case Building

Once we represent you, our team immediately begins building a strong case by gathering crucial evidence. This includes collecting police reports and medical records, interviewing witnesses, and documenting the accident scene. We handle all communications with insurance companies to protect you from their tactics. Your only job is to focus on your medical treatment and healing.

Step 3: Negotiation and Settlement

After you complete your primary medical treatment, we calculate the full value of your claim, including all economic and non-economic damages. We then send a comprehensive demand package to the at-fault party’s insurer to begin negotiations. We will skillfully counter their initial low offers and fight for a fair settlement that covers all your losses. The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved at this stage.

Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit. This step initiates the formal discovery process and often pressures the insurer to negotiate in good faith. While our goal is always a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys will not hesitate to take your case before a judge and jury to secure the justice you deserve.

Important California Laws That Can Affect Your Case

Navigating a personal injury claim requires more than just proving you were hurt; it requires a deep understanding of specific California laws that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Two of the most critical legal doctrines are comparative negligence and the statute of limitations. Failing to understand how these apply to your situation can jeopardize your ability to recover fair compensation. An experienced attorney’s guidance is essential to navigate these complexities.

What if I Was Partially at Fault? (California’s Comparative Negligence Rule)

Many accident victims worry that they cannot file a claim if they were even slightly at fault. Fortunately, California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, your total compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for a car accident and your total damages are $100,000, your award will be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000.

It is crucial to understand that insurance adjusters will try to exploit this rule. They will often attempt to shift as much blame as possible onto you to reduce their payout. A skilled Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer will fight back against these unfair tactics, using evidence to ensure fault is assigned fairly and your compensation is protected.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? (The Statute of Limitations)

The statute of limitations is a strict, legally mandated deadline for filing a lawsuit. In California, for most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file your claim in court. This is a hard deadline. If you miss it, you will almost certainly lose your right to ever recover compensation, no matter how strong your case is.

There are also critical exceptions. For instance, if your claim is against a government entity (like a city bus or a public agency), you have a much shorter deadline—typically only six months—to file a special administrative claim. Because evidence can disappear and memories can fade, it is vital not to wait. Contacting an attorney immediately is the best way to ensure all deadlines are met and your legal rights are preserved.

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Schedule Your Free Consultation with Our Huntington Beach Personal Injury Lawyers Today

We understand you have questions and concerns about your future. You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. Contact Kohan & Bablove today to schedule a free, completely confidential consultation. During this no-obligation meeting, we will listen to your story, review the facts of your case, and provide clear, straightforward legal advice about your options. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is absolutely no financial risk to you—you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Take the first step toward justice and recovery. You can schedule a free, no-obligation legal consultation with a Newport Beach car accident lawyer at Kohan & Bablove, Injury Attorneys by calling us at 949.506.4511 or filling out the contact form at the bottom of this page.

Address: 20371 Irvine Ave, Suite 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Phone: 949.506.4511