How do I know if I have a personal injury case?

If you were injured because someone else was careless - a driver who ran a red light, a store that left a wet floor unmarked, a dog owner whose pet bit you - you likely have a claim worth evaluating. The best way to find out is a free consultation with an attorney. There is no cost and no obligation.

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

Generally, two years from the date of injury (CCP 335.1). For claims against government entities, the deadline for a written government tort claim is just six months. Do not wait - evidence disappears and witnesses become harder to reach over time.

What if I can't afford a lawyer?

Our firm works on a contingency-fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We are paid only if we recover compensation for you. If we don't win, you owe us nothing.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

California follows pure comparative negligence. You can still recover damages if you were partially at fault - your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Don't assume that being partly responsible means you have no case.

How long does a personal injury case take?

It depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the insurer cooperates. Straightforward cases with clear liability may resolve within a few months of treatment completion. Cases with disputed liability, multiple parties, or serious injuries may take longer. We give every client a realistic timeline early in the process.

What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?

If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy, that coverage may pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. We handle UM/UIM claims and can evaluate what coverage is available to you.

Do I have to go to court?

Most personal injury cases settle before trial. But we prepare every case for trial, because that preparation is what produces fair settlements. We don't take cases we aren't willing to litigate.

California Personal Injury Lawyer

Reviewed by attorney Asher Hoffman | Updated July 31, 2026

If you were injured because someone else was careless, the Law Offices of Asher Hoffman can help you investigate the incident, handle the insurance companies, and pursue compensation. We represent injured people throughout California with offices in Long Beach and Los Angeles.

You will have direct access to your attorney throughout the case. Your consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Start Your Free Case Review

Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Car Accidents

We handle rear-end, intersection, freeway, multi-vehicle, hit-and-run, uninsured-motorist, and other collision claims.

Truck Accidents

Commercial truck cases may involve the driver, motor carrier, broker, shipper, cargo loader, maintenance provider, vehicle owner, and multiple insurance policies.

Motorcycle Accidents

We represent riders injured by unsafe turns, lane changes, distracted drivers, road hazards, and other negligent conduct.

Pedestrian Accidents

We investigate crosswalk, intersection, parking-lot, rideshare, hit-and-run, and other pedestrian-impact claims.

Bicycle Accidents

We handle claims involving unsafe passing, dooring, right-hook and left-turn collisions, commercial vehicles, and dangerous roadway conditions.

Rideshare Accidents

Uber and Lyft claims may involve different insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status and activity in the app.

Premises Liability

We represent people injured by unsafe conditions at stores, apartments, hotels, parking areas, walkways, and other properties.

Wrongful Death

We represent eligible family members after fatal incidents caused by negligence or wrongful conduct.

Catastrophic Injuries

We handle claims involving brain injuries, spinal injuries, paralysis, amputations, burns, complex orthopedic injuries, and other life-changing harm.

Third-Party Workplace Injury Claims

We do not handle workers’ compensation claims. We may represent an injured worker when a negligent person or company other than the worker’s employer or coworker caused the injury. A third-party claim may proceed alongside a workers’ compensation matter and can involve separate damages, liens, and insurance issues.

How We Build a Personal Injury Claim

A strong claim connects evidence of fault with the medical, financial, and personal consequences of the injury. Depending on the case, evidence may include police and incident reports, photographs, video, witness statements, insurance policies, vehicle or business records, medical records, imaging, wage-loss documents, expert analysis, and proof of daily limitations.

We identify responsible parties, preserve time-sensitive evidence, evaluate available insurance, document damages, negotiate with insurers, and prepare the matter for litigation when necessary.

Priority California Service Areas

Why Choose the Law Offices of Asher Hoffman?

Direct attorney access. You can speak with your lawyer about case strategy and progress.
Evidence-focused preparation. We develop the liability and damages proof needed to evaluate and present the claim.
Trial-focused approach. We prepare each case with litigation in mind.
Clear communication. We provide practical answers about the process, risks, and available options.
Contingency fee. There is no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency-fee basis. There is no upfront attorney’s fee, and you do not pay an attorney’s fee unless we obtain a recovery.

Can I recover if I was partly responsible?

California follows pure comparative negligence. Partial fault may reduce compensation without automatically eliminating the claim.

How long do I have to file a claim?

California personal injury lawsuits are generally subject to a two-year deadline, but shorter deadlines and exceptions may apply. Claims involving a public entity may require action within six months.

Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer

Call (877) 792-4529 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Conejo Valley Injury Resources

Conejo Valley Personal Injury Lawyer

Testimonials

I can’t say enough about how grateful I am for the team that helped me after my motorcycle accident. From day one, they treated me with respect and compassion, while also fighting aggressively on my behalf. The process of dealing with insurance companies and medical bills was overwhelming, but they walked me through every step, […]

Ronald S

My boyfriend and I were getting the runaround from an at-fault driver and their insurance after my very first car accident in Los Angeles back in February, so I decided to find a lawyer to help us out with the process. Working with Asher Hoffman made all the difference. He was communicative, patient, and always […]

S L

Asher is absolutely amazing! After my car accident, I was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do, but he made the whole process so much easier. He’s very attentive, caring, and really goes above and beyond for his clients. I always felt supported and confident knowing he was handling my case. He not only got […]

Yvonne Mendoza

I hope you never need a lawyer due to a car accident, but if you do, Asher Hoffman is the best! I had never been in a car accident this serious before and was rattled, stressed, and scared to say the least, suffering injuries and the total loss of my car. From our first meeting […]

Elizabeth Quinn

I am so grateful to have had Asher Hoffman as my accident attorney. From the very beginning, he was professional, compassionate, and dedicated to my case. Asher always took the time to explain every step of the process in a way that was easy to understand, and he made sure I felt supported throughout. His […]

Martin Valdo