Santa Ana Personal Injury Lawyer
Injured in Santa Ana? You Have 2 Years to File — Here's What to Do First
If you were injured by someone else’s negligence in Santa Ana, 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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Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by Faud Haghighi, Esq.
What Does a Santa Ana Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana and throughout Orange County, in car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and other serious-injury cases.
An accident can turn your life upside down in an instant — affecting your health, your income, and your peace of mind. When you’re dealing with injuries, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future, the right legal support 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 Santa Ana 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 a legal obligation to act with reasonable care.
- Breach of Duty: That obligation was violated through careless, negligent, or reckless conduct.
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses — 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 Santa Ana?
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 Santa Ana?
We handle a wide range of personal injury matters in Santa Ana, 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
Car accidents are a common cause of injury in California. Whether the collision was minor or severe, the impact can be long-lasting. We handle insurance claims, negotiate settlements, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe. When hazards like wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven walkways are ignored, serious injuries follow. If you were hurt on someone else’s property in Santa Ana, our Santa Ana slip-and-fall lawyer can investigate liability and pursue your claim.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face greater risks on the road and often suffer severe injuries. We understand the unique challenges of 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 attentive or obey traffic laws, the results can be serious. 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 Santa Ana Injury Claim?
You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages and reduced 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 ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and diminished quality of life
We evaluate the full impact of your injury so the compensation we pursue reflects your actual needs — not just the short-term bills that are easiest to total up. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Why Hire a Local Santa Ana Personal Injury Lawyer?
A lawyer who knows Santa Ana understands where local accidents happen, how nearby courts and insurers handle claims, and how to investigate your case efficiently. That’s especially relevant here: Santa Ana is the seat of Orange County and home to the Orange County Superior Court, where many local personal injury cases are filed and tried.
Santa Ana is a densely populated city with residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and heavily traveled roads where accidents happen in many settings — traffic collisions, retail areas, parking facilities, and workplaces. Busy locations such as Downtown Santa Ana, the Civic Center, and MainPlace Mall see constant daily activity, and major routes like Bristol Street, 17th Street, and nearby Interstate 5 keep traffic heavy across the city.
Familiarity with these local conditions allows for a more accurate case evaluation and insight into how courts and insurers in the region typically handle similar claims.
What Should You Do After an Accident in Santa Ana?
After an accident in Santa Ana, 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 right away, even if your injuries seem minor — some symptoms appear days later.
- Report the incident to the appropriate authority, such as police or property management.
- Document the scene with photos and the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies 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 how the accident happened
- Collecting and organizing evidence
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Preparing for litigation when necessary
You’ll always know where your case stands and what comes next.
Serving Santa Ana and Surrounding Orange County Communities
Along with Santa Ana, we represent injured clients across Orange County, including Irvine, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Mission Viejo, Anaheim, and nearby communities. For slip-and-fall injuries specifically, see our Santa Ana slip-and-fall lawyer page.
Speak With a Santa Ana 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 case, answer your questions, and point you toward the right path forward — with no obligation.
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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 Santa Ana 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 – Santa Ana 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.
Santa Ana is the seat of Orange County and home to the Orange County Superior Court, where many local personal injury lawsuits are filed and tried. Most claims settle before trial through negotiation with the insurer, but if a fair settlement isn’t reached, your case can proceed in the Santa Ana courts.
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.
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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.
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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.
Get in Touch with a Santa Ana Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in Santa Ana, you don’t have to manage the legal process by yourself. Early access to the right guidance can make a meaningful difference in both your recovery and 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.