Set against the scenic backdrop of Orange County’s rolling hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, California, is a city known for its excellent schools, safe streets, and strong sense of community.
With its beautiful parks, recreational opportunities, and easy access to major business centers like Irvine and Anaheim, it’s no surprise that over 46,000 people choose to call this city home.
One of Rancho Santa Margarita’s crown jewels is Lake Santa Margarita, a stunning man-made lake surrounded by a scenic walking path, perfect for morning jogs or sunset strolls. The nearby Rancho Santa Margarita Lake Club offers exclusive access to swimming, boating, and community events, making it a hub for outdoor recreation.
For adventure seekers, the city is adjacent to O’Neill Regional Park, where hiking and biking trails wind through lush canyons and oak woodlands, providing an escape into nature just minutes from home.
However, despite Rancho Santa Margarita’s reputation as a safe and thriving community, unexpected events can disrupt daily life anywhere. A routine drive down Santa Margarita Parkway can take a devastating turn due to a reckless driver, or a simple trip to the Town Center can result in a serious slip-and-fall injury.
When you or a loved one is harmed because of someone else’s negligence, working through the aftermath can feel overwhelming. That’s where our personal injury attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, can step in to help.
For over 40 years, the Law Offices of Steven Zwick has been a trusted advocate for clients across California. Our firm’s commitment to excellence has led to millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, a testament to our relentless pursuit of justice.
Recognized as a “Superb” attorney and a "Top Personal Injury Lawyer," we take pride in our dedication to exceptional legal representation. While you concentrate on healing, our firm works diligently to safeguard your rights. Contact us today to arrange a free initial consultation and discuss your case.
For Experienced Legal Guidance

Rancho Santa Margarita Personal Injury Resources
What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Car Accident Claim in California?
Settlement vs. Trial in Personal Injury Cases: Which Is Right for You?
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Whiplash After a Car Accident?
Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita, California?
Life can change in an instant, and if you've been injured due to someone else's negligence in Rancho Santa Margarita, you may face medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Working through the legal system alone can often feel overwhelming, but that's where an attorney can help.
A personal injury attorney can serve as your advocate to fight for your compensation on your behalf while you focus on healing. From dealing with insurance companies to gathering crucial evidence, a skilled lawyer can make a considerable difference in protecting your rights. Some of the ways an attorney can help include:
Peace of mind during a difficult time: Recovering from an injury is stressful enough without dealing with legal battles. Hiring a personal injury attorney gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on healing while they handle the legal complexities of your case.
Protecting you from costly mistakes: After an accident, small mistakes such as admitting fault, missing deadlines, or accepting a low settlement can hurt your case. A personal injury attorney can guide you on what to say and do to avoid jeopardizing your claim. Attorney Steven Zwick can make sure that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, protecting your right to compensation.
Proving liability and gathering evidence: Establishing fault is critical in personal injury cases. A lawyer will gather evidence such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case on your behalf.
Maximizing compensation for your injuries: Insurance companies often try to settle claims for as little as possible. A personal injury lawyer knows how to calculate the full value of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and will fight for your compensation.
Handling insurance companies on your behalf: Insurance adjusters may pressure you into accepting a low settlement or use tactics to minimize your claim. An experienced attorney can negotiate aggressively with insurers and handle all communications to protect your best interests.
If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, a personal injury attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, can help you fight for maximum compensation while protecting your legal rights.
Personal Injury FAQ
To help you work through the challenges of personal injury cases, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about your rights, legal options, and what to expect after an injury caused by someone else’s negligence.
How long do I have to report an accident to my insurance?
Most insurance companies require you to report an accident as soon as possible, sometimes within 24 to 72 hours. However, reporting an accident doesn’t mean you have to accept a settlement right away.
It’s best to speak with a personal injury attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, first to make sure you don’t accept a low offer or unintentionally admit fault.
What if I was injured as a passenger in a car accident?
If you were a passenger in a car accident, you have the right to file a claim for compensation. You may be able to seek damages from:
The at-fault driver’s insurance (whether it was the driver of the car you were in or another vehicle)
Your own auto insurance policy, if you have Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance
A personal injury attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, can help you work through your options and determine the best course of action.
What’s the difference between a personal injury claim and a lawsuit?
A personal injury claim is filed with the at-fault party’s insurance company to seek compensation without going to court. A lawsuit is filed in civil court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations
Most personal injury cases are settled before a lawsuit is necessary, but if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney may recommend taking your case to court.
How can I strengthen my personal injury case?
To build a strong case, you will need to follow certain steps. The primary steps you should take include:
Seek medical treatment immediately and follow all doctor’s recommendations.
Gather evidence, including accident photos, witness statements, and medical records.
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
Keep records of all expenses, including medical bills and lost wages.
Limit social media activity to prevent insurers from using posts against you.
A skilled personal injury attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, can guide you through the process and help you determine any other steps you might need to consider.
Recent Case Results
Suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, we have years of experience representing injury victims and fighting for their rights.
Our firm has successfully handled a wide range of personal injury cases, making sure that negligent parties are held accountable. Some of our recent case results include:
Yes v. Swiden: While riding his motorcycle, Mr. Hayes was struck by a vehicle and suffered traumatic injuries. Due to the driver’s negligence, he was awarded a $1.5 million settlement.
Nevitt v. Test: The plaintiff was hit by a public transit bus after its braking system failed, resulting in severe back injuries and cognitive impairments. The case concluded with a $2 million award.
Shade v. The City of Fullerton: A young boy sustained traumatic brain injuries after being hit by a vehicle while crossing the street. The City of Fullerton was found liable for failing to address hazardous road conditions, leading to a $5 million settlement award.
Every case is unique, and we are here to help you understand your legal options. If you’ve been injured due to negligence, visit our Case Results page to learn more about our work, or contact us to schedule a consultation.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita Today
If you're in need of an experienced personal injury attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, reach out to Attorney Steven Zwick. To visit our office, take CA-241 Toll Road and exit at Santa Margarita Pkwy. Head east, turn right onto Avenida Empresa, then turn left onto Avenida De Las Banderas. Our office is located in Suite 200. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve residents of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda.