Mission Viejo Personal Injury Lawyer
Injured in Mission Viejo? You Have 2 Years to File — Here's What to Do First
If you were injured by someone else’s negligence in Mission Viejo, California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim (Cal. Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). The Law Offices of Faud Haghighi represents accident victims across Orange County in car accident, slip-and-fall, and serious-injury cases — with no fee unless we win.
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What Does a Mission Viejo Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A Mission Viejo personal injury lawyer investigates how your accident happened, proves who was at fault, and pursues compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain — handling the insurance company so you don’t have to. The Law Offices of Faud Haghighi represents people injured by negligence in Mission Viejo and throughout Orange County, in car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and other serious-injury cases.
Accidents can happen without warning, leaving you to deal with injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future. When your health, work, and daily life are affected, trusted legal guidance matters. We take the time to understand how the accident happened, how it has affected your life, and what your recovery will require — both now and long term.
Every case is different, so we build each one around your specific facts rather than a template. You pay no fee unless we win your case (you may still be responsible for case costs), and your consultation is always free.
What Do You Have to Prove in a Mission Viejo Personal Injury Case?
To win a personal injury claim in California, you must prove four things: the other party owed you a duty of care, they breached it, that breach caused your injury, and you suffered real damages. California’s basic duty-of-care rule comes from Civil Code § 1714, which makes everyone responsible for harm caused by their lack of ordinary care.
- Duty of Care: The responsible party had an obligation to act with reasonable caution.
- Breach of Duty: That obligation was violated through careless or unsafe behavior.
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm — physical, financial, or emotional.
Even when fault seems clear, proving these elements requires investigation, documentation, and solid evidence. California also follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault — your award is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Insurers often try to shift extra blame onto you to lower what they pay, which is one reason early legal guidance helps.
How Long Do You Have to File an Injury Claim in Mission Viejo?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If you miss that deadline, the court can permanently bar your claim no matter how strong it is.
Some situations change the timeline. If a government entity is involved — for example, a dangerous condition on public property or a collision with a city vehicle — you must file a formal claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Because deadlines vary and evidence fades quickly, it’s best to speak with an attorney soon after the accident.
What Types of Injury Cases Do We Handle in Mission Viejo?
We handle a wide range of personal injury matters in Mission Viejo, including car accidents, slip-and-fall and premises cases, motorcycle and pedestrian collisions, truck accidents, and wrongful death. Each case is prepared carefully, with attention to liability and the full extent of your losses.
Car Accidents
Auto accidents are a leading cause of injury across California. Whether minor or severe, these crashes can have lasting consequences. Our Mission Viejo car accident lawyer guides clients through the claims process, deals with insurance companies, and works to secure fair compensation.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe. When hazards like wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces are ignored, serious injuries follow. If you were hurt on someone else’s property in Mission Viejo, our Mission Viejo slip-and-fall lawyer can investigate liability and pursue your claim.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face greater exposure on the road and often suffer severe injuries. We understand the challenges involved in these claims and push back when riders are unfairly blamed for a crash that wasn’t their fault.
Truck Accidents
Collisions with commercial trucks tend to cause catastrophic injuries and can involve several responsible parties — the driver, the trucking company, and others. These cases require fast investigation to preserve key evidence such as driver logs and maintenance records.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in traffic. When a driver fails to stay alert or obey traffic laws, the consequences can be severe. These claims often turn on strong evidence to establish both fault and the extent of the injuries.
Workplace and Construction Injuries
Some on-the-job accidents involve a negligent third party — not just the employer. In those cases, an injured worker may be able to pursue compensation beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits.
Wrongful Death
When negligence takes the life of a loved one, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim to recover for their loss. We handle these cases with care and work to hold the responsible party accountable.
What Can You Recover in a Mission Viejo Injury Claim?
You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A personal injury claim is meant to address both the immediate costs and the long-term effects of your injury.
- Medical expenses, including future care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and reduced quality of life
We evaluate the full extent of your damages so the compensation we pursue reflects your actual needs — not just the immediate costs.
Why Hire a Local Mission Viejo Personal Injury Lawyer?
A lawyer who knows Mission Viejo understands where local accidents happen, how nearby courts and insurers handle claims, and how to investigate your case efficiently. That local insight supports a more accurate case evaluation and a stronger claim.
Mission Viejo is a planned community with residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and active roadways where accidents happen in many settings — traffic collisions, shopping areas, parking lots, and workplaces. Areas near Lake Mission Viejo and The Shops at Mission Viejo see steady daily activity, and key routes like Crown Valley Parkway, Marguerite Parkway, and nearby Interstate 5 keep traffic heavy throughout the city. Spots like the Kaleidoscope Center and surrounding retail zones add to consistent traffic flow.
Familiarity with these local conditions helps in evaluating how an accident occurred and how insurers and courts in the region typically handle similar claims.
What Should You Do After an Accident in Mission Viejo?
After an accident in Mission Viejo, get medical care right away, report the incident, document the scene, avoid recorded statements to insurers, and talk to a personal injury attorney before accepting any offer. The steps you take early can protect both your health and your claim.
- Seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries aren’t immediately visible — some symptoms appear days later.
- Report the incident to the appropriate authority, such as law enforcement or property management.
- Document the scene with photos, notes, and the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Don’t speak with insurers on the record before you understand your rights.
- Consult a personal injury attorney before making important decisions or accepting a settlement.
Acting early helps preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
How Does the Law Offices of Faud Haghighi Handle Your Case?
We manage every stage of your case — investigation, evidence, insurance communication, negotiation, and trial if needed — while keeping you informed throughout. Legal matters can feel overwhelming during recovery, and our goal is to make the process as clear and manageable as possible.
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Collecting and organizing evidence
- Managing communication with insurance companies
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Preparing for litigation when necessary
You’ll always know where your case stands and what comes next.
Serving Mission Viejo and Surrounding Orange County Communities
Along with Mission Viejo, we represent injured clients across Orange County, including Irvine, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, and Anaheim. For specific case types, see our Mission Viejo car accident lawyer and Mission Viejo slip-and-fall lawyer pages.
Speak With a Mission Viejo Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure what to do next, a conversation with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. We offer a free consultation to review your situation, answer your questions, and point you toward the right path forward — with no obligation.
Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by Faud Haghighi, Esq.
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Meet Your Attorney
Faud Haghighi, Esq.
Founder & Trial Attorney
Faud Haghighi has practiced California personal injury law since 2012, the year he founded the firm. A graduate of Whittier Law School (J.D.) and admitted to the California State Bar in 2012, he focuses on contested-liability and serious-injury cases and represents injured clients throughout Mission Viejo and Orange County.
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Client Reviews
Law Offices of Faud Haghighi
“They handled my case with professionalism and compassion. I felt supported every step of the way.”
“Outstanding communication and results. Highly recommend their services!”
Frequently Asked Questions – Mission Viejo Personal Injury Lawyer
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If a government entity is involved — such as a city vehicle or a hazard on public property — you must file a formal claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2.
You’re not required to hire one, but insurers are motivated to settle for as little as possible. A lawyer investigates fault, documents your full losses, handles the insurance company, and can take the case to trial if needed. Many people recover more even after attorney fees. The consultation is free, so there’s no risk in asking.
There is no fixed figure — your claim’s value depends on your medical costs, lost income, the severity and permanence of your injury, and pain and suffering. Stronger evidence of fault and clearly documented losses generally support a higher recovery. We evaluate the full short- and long-term impact before estimating what your case may be worth.
You can still recover compensation. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your award is reduced by your percentage of fault rather than eliminated. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your damages. Insurers often overstate your share to pay less.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront cost and no fee unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery. You may still be responsible for certain case costs, which we explain clearly during your free consultation.
Look at verifiable facts rather than slogans: years in practice, bar admission, trial experience, the types of cases the lawyer handles, and independent reviews. Attorney Faud Haghighi has practiced California personal injury law since 2012 and focuses on contested-liability and serious-injury cases. A free consultation lets you assess fit before committing.
Speak With a Mission Viejo Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in Mission Viejo, you don’t need to face the legal journey alone. Securing proper guidance early on can significantly impact your recovery and the outcome of your case. At the Law Offices of Faud Haghighi, we make it a priority to understand your unique situation, clearly walk you through your options, and support you as you move forward with confidence. There are no upfront fees, and your consultation remains completely confidential.