Santa Ana Personal Injury & Brain Injury Lawyer — Krolikowski Law Firm

If you or a loved one suffered a serious brain injury, spinal cord injury, or any other catastrophic harm in an Orange County car accident, truck crash, Uber or Lyft rideshare collision, construction site fall, dog attack, slip and fall, or workplace incident — or if you were wrongfully fired or sexually harassed at your California job — you need a trial lawyer who has been doing this work, in this county, for over two decades. Adam J. Krolikowski personally evaluates every case, personally takes the depositions, and personally tries the cases that need to be tried. There are no "case managers" routing you through a chain of intake reps. You talk directly to the lawyer who will fight your case.

The Krolikowski Law Firm has secured significant settlements for Orange County injury victims and employees since 2004. We work on a pure contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We front the case costs (filing fees, expert witnesses, depositions, medical records) and recoup them at the end. We answer the phone. We meet you where you are — in the hospital if you cannot travel, by video call if you prefer, in our Santa Ana office if you would rather come to us. Free consultation, totally confidential, no obligation.

Two Decades of Trial Wins for Orange County Injury Victims

Adam Krolikowski has been a trial lawyer since 2004. He is admitted to practice in every federal district court in California: the Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern Districts. He has tried cases to verdict in front of Orange County Superior Court juries, Los Angeles County juries, and federal juries. He has represented working people, accident victims, harassment survivors, and families who lost loved ones to negligence — never insurance companies, never the corporate defendants on the other side. The firm is plaintiffs-only, by design and by choice.

That experience matters because most personal injury cases never see a courtroom — they settle. And settlements are priced by what insurance companies believe the plaintiff’s lawyer will do if negotiations fail. A volume firm that settles every case cheaply gets cheap settlement offers. A trial-tested firm that has actually beaten insurance companies in front of juries gets serious offers. That is the entire economics of plaintiff-side personal injury work, and it is the single biggest reason to be careful which firm you choose.

Adam also handles California employment cases, which run on a parallel legal system with parallel rules. California is one of the most employee-protective states in the country, but those protections only matter if you have a lawyer who knows how to use them. The Krolikowski Law Firm has won wrongful termination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and wage-and-hour cases in front of juries and at administrative hearings before the Civil Rights Department and the Labor Commissioner.

Our Practice Areas

We focus on the cases where a trial lawyer’s involvement makes the most difference: serious personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and California employment law.

Brain Injury & Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most complex injury cases to prove and to value. The damage is often invisible on a standard MRI. The symptoms (memory loss, mood changes, executive function decline, light sensitivity, sleep disruption) can be misattributed to depression or anxiety. Insurance defense lawyers know this and routinely undervalue brain injury claims. We engage neurology experts, neuropsychologists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and life-care planners to build a complete picture of how the injury affects the rest of a client’s life. Brain injuries from Orange County crashes, falls, sports impacts, and assaults can settle for amounts ranging from six figures into the millions, depending on severity and proof.

Car Accident Lawyer in Santa Ana & Orange County

Orange County has some of California’s most dangerous highways: the 5, the 405, the 22, the 55, and the 91 all see thousands of crashes a year. The most common at-fault behaviors we see are distracted driving (texting, infotainment systems, eating), impaired driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, and rear-end collisions at red lights. We work with accident reconstruction engineers, biomechanical experts, life-care planners, and treating physicians to build a full picture of how the crash happened and what it cost you — economically and physically.

Truck & 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Truck cases are not big car cases. Commercial trucking is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and those federal regulations open additional theories of liability that do not apply to a normal car wreck — driver hours-of-service violations, inadequate driver training, negligent hiring, broker liability, and improper load securement. Trucks often hit harder, do more damage, and cause more catastrophic injuries: spine fractures, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, amputations. We move fast on truck cases because the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already at the scene preserving (and sometimes destroying) evidence. The first 72 hours matter.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists in California have the same rights as any other vehicle on the road, but they face an additional barrier: jury bias. Some jurors come in believing that anyone on a motorcycle was probably riding recklessly, splitting lanes unsafely, or speeding. The truth is that the at-fault driver in a motorcycle crash is almost always the car or truck driver — usually because they failed to see the motorcycle in a left turn, an unprotected intersection, or a lane change. We know how to address jury bias head-on through careful voir dire, expert testimony on motorcycle visibility and braking dynamics, and clear demonstration of the at-fault driver’s failures.

Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare crashes are uniquely complicated because the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage depends on which "phase" of the trip they were in at the moment of the crash. Phase 0 (app off): the driver’s personal auto insurance is primary. Phase 1 (app on, waiting for a ride request): Uber/Lyft provide a contingent liability policy with limited coverage (typically $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident in California). Phase 2 (en route to passenger) and Phase 3 (passenger in the car): the $1 million Uber/Lyft commercial policy applies. We map the phase, pull the trip data, identify all available insurance, and pursue every coverage layer.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian crashes are nearly always severe. A person on foot has no protection from a 4,000-pound vehicle. We see these cases most often at unmarked crosswalks, in parking lots, at right-on-red intersections, at unprotected school crossings, and on residential streets where drivers exceed posted limits. California Vehicle Code section 21950 gives pedestrians the right of way at marked crosswalks and at unmarked crosswalks at intersections, but drivers’ duty to exercise due care extends to all pedestrians, even those crossing mid-block. We have recovered substantial settlements for pedestrians struck in Orange County, including catastrophic-injury cases involving traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.

Construction Accident & Workplace Injury Lawyer

If you were hurt on a construction site, you may have two parallel claims: a workers’ compensation claim against your employer (which is no-fault but limited in what it pays) and a separate third-party negligence claim against another party — the general contractor, a subcontractor, a property owner, a manufacturer of defective equipment. The third-party claim is what makes the difference between a workers’ comp award and a full personal-injury recovery covering pain and suffering, full lost earning capacity, and future medical care. Common construction cases we handle: falls from heights (roofs, scaffolding, ladders), falling object injuries, trench and excavation accidents, electrocutions, crane and forklift incidents, and chemical exposures.

Wrongful Termination & Employment Lawyer

California is an at-will employment state, but at-will is not unlimited. Your employer cannot fire you for reasons that violate public policy, anti-discrimination law (FEHA), anti-retaliation law, or contractual promises. The most common wrongful termination scenarios we handle: firings shortly after a complaint about unsafe working conditions or wage theft; firings during or right after pregnancy or family medical leave; firings after reporting harassment or discrimination; firings after a workers’ compensation claim; firings after testifying in a legal proceeding; constructive discharge (where conditions became so hostile that resignation was the only option).

Damages in California wrongful termination cases can include lost wages (past and future), emotional distress, punitive damages where the employer’s conduct was particularly egregious, and your attorney’s fees. We handle these cases on contingency for employees — you pay nothing unless we recover.

Sexual Harassment & Workplace Discrimination

Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employees are protected from harassment based on race, religion, national origin, ancestry, color, age (40+), disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, and military or veteran status. Quid-pro-quo sexual harassment (where job benefits are tied to sexual conduct) and hostile-work-environment harassment (severe or pervasive unwelcome conduct) are both actionable. Employers are strictly liable for harassment by a supervisor and liable for harassment by coworkers if they knew or should have known and failed to take prompt corrective action.

Notable Settlements

Settlements representative of the cases we handle. Specific amounts depend on facts, injuries, available insurance, and liability strength.

• Trucking company negligence resulting in catastrophic spinal injury
• Wrongful death of a pedestrian struck in an unprotected crosswalk
• Wrongful termination after employee reported wage theft
• Rideshare driver collision causing traumatic brain injury
• Sexual harassment and retaliation against an Orange County employer
• Construction site fall from improperly secured scaffolding
• Soft-tissue and concussion injuries from a rear-end collision
• Dog bite causing permanent nerve damage to the hand

Disclaimer: every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The settlements shown above are representative of the cases we handle but should not be taken as a prediction of what your particular case is worth. The only way to know what your case is worth is to discuss the specific facts with an attorney — which we offer for free at (949) 269-1869.

Why Choose Krolikowski Law Firm Over Other Orange County Firms

You talk to the lawyer, not a case manager

The volume firms — the ones with the freeway billboards, the bus-stop ads, and the TV jingles — run on case manager models. When you call in, you talk to an intake rep. When you have a question about your case, you talk to a paralegal or assistant. The actual lawyer’s name is on the door but their time is spread across thousands of cases. We do it differently. Adam Krolikowski personally meets every client, personally directs the case strategy, and personally takes the key depositions and trial work. Your case is your case. It is not case number 4,217 in a pipeline.

We try cases

Most personal injury firms in California have settled every case for years and have not seen the inside of a courtroom. Insurance defense lawyers know which firms try cases and which do not, and they price their settlement offers accordingly. A "trial lawyer" who never tries cases is just a settlement lawyer with marketing. We try cases when they need to be tried — and that posture alone improves what insurance companies offer on the cases that do not.

Two practice areas, done well

We are a personal injury firm and a California employment firm. We are not also doing immigration, family law, criminal defense, business disputes, real estate, or estate planning. Focus produces depth. Depth produces results. Firms that handle "everything" usually do nothing as well as a focused firm.

No fee unless we win

We work on a pure contingency-fee basis. If we do not recover compensation for you, you pay nothing — not for our time, not for the case costs we advanced. This is the standard structure for plaintiff-side personal injury and employment work, and it aligns our incentives directly with yours. We do not get paid unless you get paid.

Meet Adam J. Krolikowski

Adam J. Krolikowski is the founding attorney of the Krolikowski Law Firm. He has been a California trial lawyer since 2004. He has represented individuals, families, and employees in serious personal injury, wrongful death, and California employment cases for over two decades — never an insurance company, never a corporate defendant. He is admitted to practice in every federal district court in California: the Northern District, Eastern District, Central District, and Southern District.

Adam is a member of the State Bar of California, Consumer Attorneys of California, and the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association. He lives and practices in Orange County.

Our Process — From First Call to Final Check

Step 1 — Free intake call (15 to 30 minutes)

You call (949) 269-1869 or fill out the consultation form. Adam (or a senior associate, depending on schedule) returns the call the same day or the next business day. We listen to what happened, ask follow-up questions, and tell you honestly whether we believe you have a viable case. If you do, we explain how the contingency fee works and answer any questions. There is no pressure to sign on the spot.

Step 2 — Engagement and investigation

If you decide to hire us, we send you a written engagement agreement. Once signed, we open an investigation file: pull the police report, request your medical records, identify witnesses, locate insurance coverage, and preserve evidence. For motor vehicle crashes we often visit the scene, photograph and measure, and engage an accident reconstructionist if needed.

Step 3 — Medical treatment and documentation

If you do not have a doctor, we can refer you to providers who treat injury victims on a lien (paid at the end of the case from the settlement). It is critical to follow through with your medical treatment — gaps in treatment are the single biggest reason insurance companies devalue cases.

Step 4 — Demand and negotiation

Once you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), we put together a comprehensive demand package: all medical records, billing, lost wage documentation, expert reports if applicable, and our legal theory of the case. We send it to the insurance company with a settlement demand. Most cases settle in this phase.

Step 5 — Litigation (if necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we file suit in California Superior Court (or federal court when appropriate). Litigation involves written discovery, depositions, expert designations, and motion practice. Most cases settle during litigation — typically at or after a deposition, or at a court-ordered mediation. We prepare each case as if it will be tried, because that is what produces the best settlements.

Step 6 — Trial and resolution

If your case needs to go to trial, you will be prepared — what to wear, what to expect, what to say. Adam personally argues your case to the jury. After resolution (whether by settlement or verdict), we pay the medical lien holders, deduct our fee and case costs, and write you the final check, with a clear written accounting of every dollar.

What Does It Cost to Hire Us? No Fee Unless We Win

• $0 retainer. No money out of pocket to start.
• Case costs advanced. We front the filing fees, expert witness fees, deposition costs, medical record fees, court reporter fees, and travel costs.
• Standard contingency. Typically 33 percent of the gross settlement if we resolve before filing suit; 40 percent if we have to file suit. Specific percentages are spelled out in the written engagement agreement before you sign.
• If we lose, you owe nothing. Not our fee. Not the case costs.

Orange County Areas We Serve

The Krolikowski Law Firm represents injury victims and employees throughout Orange County and Southern California. While our office is in Santa Ana, we meet clients across the entire region. Common cities and neighborhoods we serve:

Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File?

California’s statutes of limitations are not negotiable. Miss the deadline and your case is dead. The most common deadlines for cases we handle:

• Personal injury (negligence) — Two years from the date of injury. California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.
• Wrongful death — Two years from the date of death.
• Property damage — Three years from the date of damage.
• Medical malpractice — Three years from the date of injury OR one year from the date the injury was discovered, whichever is earlier.
• Claims against a government entity — You must file an administrative claim within six months of the incident.
• Workers’ compensation — Generally one year from the date of injury.
• FEHA employment claims — Generally three years to file an administrative complaint with the California Civil Rights Department.
• Wage-and-hour claims — Three years for most claims, four years if the violation is also a violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law.

These deadlines have exceptions, tolling provisions, and special rules for minors and incapacitated persons. Do not rely on this summary as legal advice for your specific situation. Call (949) 269-1869 for a free consultation on what deadlines apply to your case.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Orange County

1. Get medical attention — even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries (concussion, internal bleeding, soft-tissue damage, whiplash) do not show symptoms for 24 to 72 hours.
2. Call the police and get a report. California Vehicle Code section 20008 requires reporting any accident involving injury or property damage exceeding $1,000.
3. Take photos. Vehicle damage from multiple angles. The scene including skid marks and road conditions. Your visible injuries. The other driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate.
4. Get witness names and phone numbers. Witnesses leave the scene quickly. Their testimony is often decisive when the other driver later changes their story to the insurance adjuster.
5. Exchange information with the other driver, but say very little. Do not apologize. Do not speculate about fault.
6. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Politely decline until you have spoken to a lawyer.
7. Notify your own insurance company. Most policies require prompt notice.
8. Call us at (949) 269-1869. The earlier we are involved, the better we can preserve evidence, identify all insurance coverage, and protect the value of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Santa Ana?

Nothing up front. The Krolikowski Law Firm works on contingency for every personal injury case. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Our fee is typically 33% if the case settles before filing suit and 40% after litigation begins. We cover case costs (filing fees, expert witnesses, depositions) and recover them from the settlement at the end. You receive a clear written engagement agreement before we start.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?

For most negligence-based personal injury claims, California gives you two years from the date of injury (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1). Exceptions: claims against government defendants require an administrative claim within 6 months; medical malpractice is typically 1 year from discovery (capped at 3 years from occurrence); workers’ compensation is 1 year. Missing these deadlines almost always ends the case.

What is my Orange County personal injury case worth?

Value depends on severity of injuries, total medical bills, lost income, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, and strength of liability evidence. Minor soft-tissue car accidents may settle in the $15,000 to $50,000 range; cases with surgery and lasting impairment can settle for $250,000 to $1,500,000; wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases can exceed $2,000,000. Call (949) 269-1869 for a free estimate based on your specific facts.

What types of cases does the Krolikowski Law Firm handle?

Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents; brain and spinal cord injuries; construction and workplace injuries; dog bites; slip and fall; wrongful death; wrongful termination; sexual harassment; workplace discrimination; medical malpractice (selective); breast implant illness and product liability.

Where is the Krolikowski Law Firm located, and do I have to come to your office?

Our office is at 930 W 17th Street, Suite D, Santa Ana, California 92706, serving all of Orange County. We are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Pacific. Most clients never visit our office; we handle consultations by phone or video, send documents electronically, and will travel to meet you if you cannot travel due to your injuries.

How is Adam Krolikowski different from the big TV advertising law firms?

Adam personally meets every client at intake, personally evaluates strategy, and personally handles depositions and trial work. Volume firms route clients through intake reps and junior associates with limited trial experience. Adam is admitted to every federal court in California and has been trying cases in Orange County for over two decades.

What should I do immediately after an accident in Santa Ana?

1) Get medical attention even if you feel fine. 2) Call police and get a report number. 3) Photograph vehicles, the scene, your injuries, and insurance cards. 4) Get witness names and phone numbers. 5) Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before consulting a lawyer. 6) Call (949) 269-1869 for a free consultation.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases (roughly 90 to 95 percent) settle before trial. However, the cases that command the highest settlements are typically those where the insurance company believes the plaintiff’s lawyer is willing and able to try the case.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. California uses pure comparative negligence (Civil Code section 1714). Even if you were 90 percent at fault, you can still recover 10 percent of your damages. The other side’s insurer will almost always try to assign you some fault to reduce what they owe.

How do I know if I have a wrongful termination or sexual harassment case in California?

You may have a case if: you were fired or demoted shortly after reporting illegal conduct (retaliation); you were fired or pressured to resign based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity; you experienced repeated unwelcome sexual conduct at work and your employer did not stop it; or you were not paid earned wages, overtime, breaks, or final paycheck. Call (949) 269-1869 for a free confidential consultation.

Get a Free Case Review Today

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in Orange County, or if you have been wronged at your California workplace, you deserve real representation by a trial-tested lawyer. The consultation is free. There is no obligation. We do not get paid unless we recover compensation for you.

Call (949) 269-1869 for serious injury intakes.
Office: 930 W 17th Street, Suite D, Santa Ana, CA 92706
Email: [email protected]

Krolikowski Law Firm · 930 W 17th Street, Suite D, Santa Ana, CA 92706 · Serving all of Orange County · Personal injury and California employment law on contingency · Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.