El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers
Frequently Asked Questions
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Huntington Beach CA 92648
Fees & Payment
How much do you charge?
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only charge attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.
If we win your case, our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award, usually between 33% and 45%, depending on the complexity of your case and whether it goes to trial.
We also advance the costs of handling your case, such as filing fees, expert witnesses, and court expenses. These are typically reimbursed from your settlement, but you won’t pay anything out of pocket while your case is ongoing.
Everyone deserves quality legal help, no matter their financial situation. Our contingency fee structure gives you access to strong legal representation without the stress of upfront costs.
Do I have to pay for the medical treatment that is billed on a lien?
Yes—but not right away. When treatment is provided on a medical lien, payment isn’t required until your case is resolved. Instead, the doctor agrees to wait until your case settles to be paid.
Once your case is resolved, your medical bills are typically paid out of your settlement. This allows you to get the care you need now, without the stress of immediate out-of-pocket costs.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we’ll help ensure everything is handled fairly and that your medical providers are paid once your case is finished.
Who do I send my medical bills to?
You don’t have to stress about medical bills—we’ll guide you and ensure everything is handled properly.
If you were hurt in an accident, your medical bills are typically paid from your settlement at the end of your case. If you’re getting treatment on a medical lien, your doctors will wait to be paid until your case settles, so you don’t have to pay anything upfront.
In some situations, you can use your health insurance or MedPay coverage (if you have it). We can help you determine the best option based on your case and ensure the right parties get paid once your case is resolved.
I don't have health insurance, how can I get medical treatment?
Not having health insurance does not mean you have to go without care. Many doctors understand how stressful it is to be injured and unable to pay upfront. That’s why some are willing to treat patients on a medical lien.
A medical lien means the doctor agrees to wait for payment until your case settles. You get the treatment you need now, and your medical bills will be covered using money from your settlement.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we can help connect you with trusted doctors who work on lien, so you can focus on healing while we handle your case.
Fault & Legal Rights
The police said I was at fault, can I still make a claim?
Yes, you may still be able to make a claim even if the police said you were at fault. Police reports are important, but they do not determine the outcome of your case. The fault is ultimately determined by insurance companies, the courts, or a jury, not just by what’s written in the report.
Sometimes, officers make mistakes or don’t have all the facts when they write their reports. New evidence—like traffic camera footage, witness statements, or expert opinions—can tell a different story.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we look at all the facts. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to receive compensation. In California, the law allows you to recover money if someone else shares the blame. Your payment may be reduced based on your share of the fault, but you may still file a claim.
If you’re unsure where you stand, let’s talk. Your consultation is free, and we’ll help you understand your options with no pressure.
What if the other driver doesn’t have car insurance?
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, don’t worry—you may still have options.
If your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company. And the good news is that your rates won’t increase just by using this coverage.
Even if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, that doesn’t mean the case is over. The other driver may have been working at the time of the crash, which could open the door to additional sources of compensation. In addition, if the driver was on the job for a company like DoorDash, Amazon, Uber, or Lyft, that company may be legally responsible for the accident.
There are often more options than you think. A creative and aggressive attorney can help uncover every possible path to recovery. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we’ll dig deep to ensure you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s mistake.
Does a bicyclist have the same legal rights as a pedestrian?
Bicyclists may be afforded pedestrian-like rights in specific scenarios:
- Walking a bicycle through a crosswalk.
- Using shared-use paths or trails.
- Riding on sidewalks where local ordinances permit.
Impact on Accident Liability
Legal status significantly influences fault in personal injury claims:
- Full liability may rest on drivers who strike cyclists in bike lanes.
- Cyclists ignoring traffic signals or riding against traffic may be assigned partial fault.
Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, injured cyclists can recover damages even if partially responsible, though compensation is reduced by their share of fault.
California law generally treats bicyclists like drivers rather than pedestrians. However, actions like walking a bike through a crosswalk can grant them pedestrian protections. In any California accident, liability depends heavily on the specific location and whether the cyclist was riding or walking at the time of the collision.
What is Personal Injury Protection?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is insurance that covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. It’s commonly used in “no-fault” states where drivers rely on their own insurance for immediate medical coverage, reducing the need to prove fault.
However, PIP isn’t a replacement for liability insurance—it doesn’t cover vehicle damage, injuries to other drivers, or legal fees if you’re sued. California doesn’t require PIP, but some drivers add it for extra protection in case of injuries.
What Does it Take to Be a Good Personal Injury Attorney?
Being a successful personal injury attorney takes a certain skill set.
Top-tier personal injury attorneys offer more than legal knowledge. They combine strong negotiation skills, trial experience, attention to detail, and a commitment to helping injured clients recover physically and financially after an accident.
Strong Knowledge of Personal Injury Law
A good personal injury attorney understands the laws affecting accident victims and knows how to apply them effectively. This knowledge helps identify potential issues early and develop strategies that protect a client’s rights. Law firms that focus primarily on personal injury cases often provide more effective representation than general practice firms.
Strong Negotiation Skills
Because most personal injury cases settle before trial, negotiation is one of the most important skills an attorney can possess. Insurance companies often attempt to reduce payouts by disputing liability, questioning injuries, delaying claims, or making low settlement offers. An experienced attorney knows how to counter these tactics and pursue fair compensation.
Trial Experience
Insurance companies tend to take claims more seriously when they know an attorney is prepared to go to court. Trial-ready attorneys can effectively present evidence, question witnesses, and build persuasive arguments. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our courtroom experience often helps secure stronger settlement offers before trial becomes necessary.
Attention to Detail
Personal injury claims depend on evidence. Missing medical records, witness statements, or critical deadlines can weaken a case. Successful attorneys carefully review medical documentation, accident reports, surveillance footage, and insurance policies to build the strongest claim possible.
Client Focus and Determination
A good personal injury attorney understands that clients need more than legal representation. They listen, provide guidance throughout the recovery process, and put the client’s interests first. They must also be persistent when dealing with disputed liability, complex evidence, multiple parties, or difficult insurance companies.
Proven Results
While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, an attorney’s experience, trial history, settlements, verdicts, and client reviews can provide valuable insight into their ability to successfully advocate for injured clients.
Case Process & Timeline
How long will my case take?
Each case is unique, so the timeline may not be the same for every case. Some cases settle in just a few months, while others, especially more complex ones, can take years.
The timeline depends on a few things, like:
- How serious your injuries are
- How long your medical treatment takes
- Whether the insurance company is willing to offer a fair settlement
- If your case needs to go to court
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we move quickly to build a strong case, and we’ll keep you informed at every step. We’re committed to getting you maximum compensation as efficiently as possible, without rushing a result.
Can I Receive Unemployment If I Can’t Work After an Accident?
Yes, in some cases, you may be able to receive unemployment benefits if you’re unable to work due to an accident.
However, qualifying for unemployment after an accident depends on several factors, including:
- Whether you’re physically able to work in any capacity
- Actively seeking work, and
- The regulations in your state.
In California, for example, you must be “able and available” for work to collect unemployment.
If your injury prevents you from performing your previous job but you could handle a less strenuous one, you might still qualify.
However, if your injury prevents you from working at all, unemployment benefits may not be an option.
If your injuries are severe enough to prevent any work, you may be eligible for state disability benefits instead of unemployment.
California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) can provide temporary financial support until you recover. For long-term incapacity, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be available.
Consult with our experienced personal injury attorneys to clarify your options.
We can evaluate your situation and help you pursue the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Our offices are open 24/7 to answer any questions regarding your accident.
Accidents & What to Do
I Just Got Into a Car Accident. I’m Still Sitting in My Car. What Do I Need to Do?
Stay calm and take the right steps to protect both your safety and your legal rights.
1. Check for Injuries
First, assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even seemingly minor injuries should be evaluated by medical professionals.
2. Get to Safety
If your vehicle is drivable and it is safe to move, pull out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicle cannot be moved, remain in a safe location and avoid standing near moving traffic.
3. Call the Police
Request law enforcement assistance, especially if there are injuries, significant vehicle damage, or disagreements about how the crash occurred. A police report can be valuable evidence later.
4. Exchange Information
Collect the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, insurance details, and license plate number. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing, as those statements can be used against you later.
5. Document Everything
Take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. If witnesses are present, get their names and contact information.
6. Seek Medical Attention
Adrenaline can hide symptoms after a crash. Even if you feel okay, seek medical care as soon as possible. Prompt treatment protects both your health and any future injury claim.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company and an Attorney
Report the accident to your insurer. If you were injured, consider speaking with an experienced car accident attorney before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer.
The actions you take in the first few minutes after a crash can have a major impact on your recovery and your claim.
How Soon Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours after the accident, especially for serious incidents, due to the high probability of injury. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine whether you might need a lawyer for your accident claim.
I Was in a Multiple-Car Pileup. Who Will Pay for My Injuries and Damages?
Multi-car accidents can be complicated because more than one driver may be responsible for the crash. In California, the driver or drivers who caused the accident are generally responsible for paying for injuries and damages.
Because multiple insurance companies are often involved, speaking with an experienced California car accident attorney can help protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
I Was Hit by a Self-driving Car. How Will This Affect My Car Accident Lawsuit?
Autonomous vehicles are becoming more and more popular… READ MORE
What Happens if Someone Else is Driving My Car and Gets Into an Accident?
If someone else is driving your car and gets in an accident in California, the most important thing to know is that your car insurance is attached to your vehicle and can provide coverage in the crash. READ MORE
Can I get a rental car?
Yes, in many cases you can. If rental coverage is part of your insurance, you should be able to get a rental car right away.
If you don’t have rental coverage, you may still have options. If the other driver’s insurance has accepted responsibility, they may cover a rental car for you. Some auto body shops or collision centers also offer rental cars while your vehicle is being repaired.
There are several ways to get a rental, and we’re here to help you explore your options. Consult with our attorneys so we can guide you based on the details of your case.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of accident cases. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you deserve justice and maximum compensation. Call us today at (213) 985-1120 or contact us online for a free consultation. We handle personal injury claims throughout California.
Call our firm now for a free, initial consultation at or you can fill out our free case evaluation form below and we’ll be in touch with you.
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