Joshua B. Adelpour, Esq.I spent nearly a decade on the insurance company’s side. Now I work only for people who got hurt, anywhere in California.
Calling for a parent or family member? That’s fine. Tell us what happened.
“What meant the most to me was that he personally took the time to communicate with me, listen to me, and make sure I felt heard.”
A. M., Google review
Every case is different. Testimonials do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
These are the most common. If yours isn’t listed, call and ask.
About one in five California drivers had no insurance in 2023. Finding every policy that can pay you, including your own uninsured driver coverage, is a big part of my job.
Insurance Research Council, 2023 (20.4%), via the Insurance Information Institute
Slips, trips and other injuries caused by unsafe conditions at a store, an apartment, a home or a public place. Security video can be recorded over quickly, so it helps to act in the first week.
Injuries that change how you work and live, where the full cost often shows up months later: brain and spine injuries, paralysis, burns, losing a limb, long-term nerve pain.
If you lost a family member in an accident or because of unsafe property, your family may have its own claim. Most of these cases must be filed in court within two years of the death. If the claim is against a California government agency, a written claim to that agency is generally due within six months.
Hit while walking or in a crosswalk? If your claim is against a city or other California government agency (for example over a dangerous street, a broken signal or a city bus), a written claim to that agency is generally due within six months. When the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough, see how a policy limits demand works.
Near Los Angeles? See my local pages: Woodland Hills car accident lawyer, Woodland Hills motorcycle accident lawyer, Woodland Hills truck accident lawyer, Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer, Glendale personal injury lawyer and Los Angeles car accident lawyer. Or see all the areas I serve.
Real Google reviews, word for word. Initials only, to protect their privacy.
“He’s not gonna sugarcoat it for you. He’s gonna give you the straight truth. And that’s worth everything.”
L. R., Google review
“When my wife got in a car accident, Josh and the entire team of Not My Fault Law Group treated us with respect and patience. We felt supported the whole time.”
N. C.“He was very kind and saw to it that he always kept me updated on the status of my case. He never kept me guessing.”
J. G.“After a couple of attorneys turned me down, I was losing hope. Joshua not only took on my case but also made sure I didn’t have to worry anymore.”
R. D.“When it came to dealing with the insurance company he was aggressive and whole heartedly fought for my case.”
N. Z.“Every time, I’ve asked him questions regarding my case he always responds quickly.”
S. G.“He was also able to get us more money than was originally offered and helped us feel that justice was served for what happened to us.”
N. L.Every case is different. Testimonials do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
Did the insurance company already call you? Talk to me first.
Being right is not the same as being paid. Right after an accident, the other driver’s insurance company opens a file on your claim. Here is what usually happens, and what you can do at each step.
What the insurance company does
A delay between the accident and your first doctor visit is a common reason they give for paying less.
What you can do
See a doctor the same day, even if you feel fine. Take photos of the whole scene, not just the damage. Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw it.
What the insurance company does
They often call within two days and ask to record what you say. That usually happens before a doctor has fully checked your injuries, while you might still say you feel okay.
What you can do
You don’t have to give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement. You have no contract with them. You can politely say no and call me first. Your own insurance company is different: your policy usually requires you to tell them about the accident.
What the insurance company does
If you stop going to the doctor for a while, expect them to say you had already healed.
What you can do
Keep going to your doctor and keep your records. If you were one of the drivers, you may also need to send the DMV a report (form SR-1) within 10 days. It’s required if anyone was hurt or killed, or if anyone’s property damage was over $1,000, no matter who was at fault.
What the insurance company does
An early offer of a few thousand dollars can feel like a relief. But once you sign, your claim is over, even if you later learn you are hurt worse than you thought.
What you can do
Before you sign anything, call me. I’ll tell you honestly what I think your case is worth. It’s free to ask.
This is a short version of my free guide, What to Do After a Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault in California. For the police and DMV reports, see the full 10-day checklist.
For nearly a decade I worked on the insurance company’s side, so I know their playbook and how they handle claims. That’s why I opened NMF Law Group. People who get hurt should have an attorney who knows that side and is there for them at every step.
I’m the lawyer on your case from start to finish. You get straight answers: we respond to every message the same business day, and texts to (213) 800-0706 reach our whole staff. From my Los Angeles office I take injury cases anywhere in California. Our staff speaks Spanish.
Joshua B. Adelpour
State Bar of California No. 318226 · More about Joshua Adelpour
Something else on your mind? Call or text (213) 800-0706. The consultation is free.
What does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. My fee is a percentage of the money you get from your case, written in an agreement you read before you sign. You pay no fee or costs unless we win.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
Most injury cases in California must be filed in court within two years of the injury, and some deadlines are shorter. If your claim is against a California government agency, such as a city or county, you generally must send that agency a written claim within six months. It helps to talk to a lawyer early.
Will my insurance go up if the accident wasn’t my fault?
Not because of that accident. California law says your car insurance company can’t raise your premium for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Your insurer can count an accident against your rate or your good driver discount only if it decides, after looking into it, that you were at least 51 percent at fault, and it has to tell you that decision in writing. If your premium goes up anyway, ask for that written decision. You have 30 days from that notice to ask for a second look, and you can complain to the California Department of Insurance. Your rates can still change for other reasons, like a general rate increase. My free guide explains more.
What if I was partly at fault?
You can still recover money. In California, the amount you get goes down by your share of the fault. Being partly at fault doesn’t end your claim.
What is my case worth?
It depends on your injuries, your treatment, the income you lost, and how the accident happened. Be careful with any early offer. Tell me what happened and I’ll give you a realistic range for free.
What should I do after an accident?
Get medical care the same day. Take photos of the scene and your injuries. Get the police report number. Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Talk to a lawyer before you accept any offer.
