Law Office of Michael D. Waks

When you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, proving what happened becomes one of the most important parts of your personal injury claim. You may have medical records, photos, and police reports. But sometimes, what really tips the scales in your favor is a clear and credible witness statement. In California, where fault must be established to recover compensation, witness accounts can make a real difference. A statement from someone who saw the accident can … [Read more...]

After an accident, it’s not uncommon to get a call from the at-fault party’s insurance company within days. They may ask for a statement or offer you a settlement right away. At first, this might feel like a relief—especially if you’re dealing with medical bills or missed work. But before you say yes to a fast settlement, it’s important to pause and fully understand what you’re agreeing to. Quick offers from insurance companies are not always in your best interest. In fact, they are often … [Read more...]

After an accident, the physical injuries are only part of the story. Many people also experience emotional distress, anxiety, ongoing discomfort, or loss of enjoyment in their everyday life. In California, the legal system recognizes these effects through something called pain and suffering damages. But unlike medical bills or lost wages, these damages don’t come with a receipt. That makes them more complicated to calculate. If you’ve been injured and are wondering how pain and suffering is … [Read more...]

When someone is hurt in an accident, the first question is often, “Who was at fault?” But what happens if more than one person shares responsibility? In California, the answer lies in a legal concept known as comparative negligence. This system plays a major role in how compensation is calculated after an injury and can impact the amount a victim is ultimately able to recover. Whether you're dealing with a car crash, slip and fall, or another type of personal injury, it’s important to understand … [Read more...]

When someone gets hurt in an accident, one of the first steps in seeking compensation is dealing with an insurance company. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or other personal injury incident, the insurer’s role is to evaluate the claim and decide what it’s worth. This process is often more complicated than it seems. Insurance companies follow a strict set of procedures, and their main goal is to limit payouts. If you’re filing a personal injury claim in California, knowing how … [Read more...]

When someone is injured due to another person’s negligence, one of the most common questions they ask is, “How much is my case worth?” The answer depends on many different factors. In California, personal injury settlements vary widely from one case to another. There is no fixed formula, and the details of your situation will have a significant impact on the outcome. Understanding what goes into determining the value of a personal injury settlement can help you set realistic expectations and … [Read more...]

After a personal injury accident, the hours and days that follow are critical. What you do during this time can significantly impact the outcome of your personal injury claim. One of the most important steps you can take is preserving evidence. Without strong evidence, it becomes much harder to prove fault, assess damages, and secure fair compensation. In California, where personal injury cases often hinge on detailed documentation and factual accuracy, protecting the evidence from the start … [Read more...]