Personal Injury FAQ

Nothing upfront. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you. If we do not win, you owe us nothing for our legal work.

This arrangement means there is zero financial risk in calling us. You can speak with Chris Masjedi directly, have your case evaluated, and if we take it, we go to work for you immediately with no out-of-pocket cost.

Over 28 years and thousands of cases handled throughout California, Masjedi & Associates has maintained a 98% success rate. We define success as winning at trial or reaching a settlement that fairly compensates the client for their injuries, losses, and suffering.

We achieve this by being selective about the cases we accept and by preparing every case as if it will go to trial, which typically produces better settlement results as well.

No. We come to you. If you are hospitalized, recovering at home, or simply cannot travel, Chris Masjedi and his team will meet you wherever you are, throughout all of California. Your recovery is your priority. Getting legal representation should not require you to leave your hospital bed or couch.

All of California. While we are headquartered in Beverly Hills, we represent clients from San Diego to San Francisco, from the Inland Empire to Sacramento, and everywhere in between. We handle cases in every California county.

California's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident (California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1). However, there are important exceptions:

• Claims against government entities (city buses, public roads, etc.) require a government claim filed within six months
• If you did not discover your injury right away, the clock may start from when you discovered it
• Minors generally have until age 20 (two years after turning 18)
• Wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years of the date of death

Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage is overwritten. Call us as soon as possible after an accident.

You may still recover compensation. California follows the rule of pure comparative negligence (Civil Code Section 1714). This means that even if you were 50% or more at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages, your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury determines you were 30% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would recover $70,000. Insurance companies exploit comparative negligence by exaggerating your share of fault to minimize payouts. Having an experienced attorney fight this tactic on your behalf is critical.

A police report is very helpful but is not always required to pursue a claim. What matters most is evidence: photos of the scene, witness information, medical records, and documentation of your injuries and losses. If there was no police report, call us, we know how to build a strong case from other available evidence.

If you have not yet reported the accident to police and it recently occurred, it may still be worth doing so. Call us first and we will advise you on the best approach for your specific situation.

Every case is different. Some cases settle within a few months; others take one to three years if litigation is required. Key factors include:

• The severity of your injuries (we wait until you reach maximum medical improvement before settling)
• Whether liability is disputed
• The insurance company's willingness to negotiate fairly
• Whether a lawsuit must be filed

We never rush a case just to close it quickly. A fast settlement often means an inadequate one. We take the time needed to maximize your recovery.

No. Do not give a recorded statement or discuss the details of your accident or injuries with any insurance company, including your own, before consulting with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can minimize or eliminate your claim. Anything you say will be used against you.

When you hire Masjedi & Associates, we handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf from that point forward. You are protected from the moment you call us.

In a California personal injury case, you may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses, past and future treatment costs
• Lost wages, income lost while recovering
• Loss of earning capacity, if your injuries affect your ability to earn in the future
• Pain and suffering, physical pain and emotional distress
• Property damage, repair or replacement of your vehicle or other property
• Loss of consortium, impact on your relationship with your spouse
• Punitive damages, in cases of extreme misconduct or recklessness

The steps you take in the hours and days after an accident can significantly affect your claim:

• Call 911 and get a police report
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine
• Photograph everything: vehicle damage, the scene, road conditions, your injuries
• Get contact information from all witnesses
• Do not admit fault or apologize to anyone
• Do not post about the accident on social media
• Do not sign anything from an insurance company
• Call Masjedi & Associates at (800) 800-6512

Rideshare accident insurance coverage depends on the driver's status at the time of the accident. California law requires:

• App OFF: driver's personal insurance applies
• App ON, waiting for a ride request: Uber/Lyft's contingent liability coverage applies ($50,000/$100,000)
• En route to pickup or during a trip: Uber/Lyft's $1 million policy applies

These cases are complex. Call us immediately and we will identify which coverage applies and how to maximize your recovery.

Yes, absolutely. As a passenger, you are almost never at fault for an accident. You have the right to make a claim against any at-fault driver's insurance, against the vehicle you were riding in, and potentially multiple policies depending on the situation. Being a passenger is often the strongest position in a personal injury case.

A wrongful death claim in California (CCP Section 377.60) allows certain surviving family members, spouse, children, or other dependents, to pursue compensation for their losses including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and love
• The deceased's pre-death pain and suffering (survival action)

We handle wrongful death cases with the utmost care and compassion. Your family should focus on grieving, we handle the legal fight. Call us at (800) 800-6512.