Michael Pines

PRO

Michael Pines

5.0
49 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 36 years

Car accident Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accident, Brain Injury ... +7 more

4660 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 575, San Diego, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Michael

Biography

Free Consultation-No Recovery No Fee-Serving San Diego For Over 20 Years-800-655-6585

Practice Areas

10

Practice Areas

Brain Injury 11%

With over 20 years of experience, Former Insurance Company Attorney Michael Pines and his law firm have been helping people that have been suffered traumatic brain injuries in car accidents, and their families, recover fair compensation for their medical bills, property damage, lost wages and damages. Our team of lawyers is available for a Free Consultation 24/7. There are no attorney fees until we recover money on your behalf.

37 years

11%
Car Accident 11%

With over 20 years of experience, Former Insurance Company Attorney Michael Pines and his law firm have been helping people that have been injured in car accidents, and their families, recover fair compensation for their medical bills, property damage, lost wages and damages. Our team of lawyers is available for a Free Consultation 24/7. There are no attorney fees until we recover money on your behalf.

37 years

11%
Defective and Dangerous Products 11%

11%
Motorcycle Accident 11%

With over 20 years of experience, Former Insurance Company Attorney Michael Pines and his law firm have been helping people that have been injured in motorcycle accidents, and their families, recover fair compensation for their medical bills, damages and lost wages. Our team of lawyers is available for a Free Consultation 24/7. There are no attorney fees until we recover money on your behalf.

37 years

11%
Personal Injury 11%

With over 20 years of experience, Former Insurance Company Attorney Michael Pines and his law firm have been helping people that have sustained personal injuries, and their families, recover fair compensation for their medical bills, property damage, lost wages and damages. Our team of lawyers is available for a Free Consultation 24/7. There are no attorney fees until we recover money on your behalf.

37 years

11%
Spinal Cord Injury 11%

11%
Transportation 11%

11%
Trucking Accident 11%

With over 20 years of experience, Former Insurance Company Attorney Michael Pines and his law firm have been helping people that have been injured in semi truck accidents, and their families, recover fair compensation for their medical bills, property damage, lost wages and damages. Our team of lawyers is available for a Free Consultation 24/7. There are no attorney fees until we recover money on your behalf.

37 years

11%
Wrongful Death 11%

37 years

11%
Other 1%

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 120 minutes

Contingency

25%-40%

Retainer

Sometimes

Awards

Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in California for 36 years

State: California

Acquired: 1989

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC

4660 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 575, San Diego, CA, 92122

seriousaccidents.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Michael online.

Michael Pines's Reviews

5 star

(48)

4 star

(0)

3 star

(0)

2 star

(0)

1 star

(0)

Posted by Conchita | August 13, 2012

They proved they were #1 with me again and again

The Law Offices of Michael Pines gave me first class service! They put me at ease and took care of everything. No law firm would help us saying everything about my accident was way too complicated … except them. I had been in a major complicated intersection auto accident with a 19 year old and wa...s fortunate to find an excellent personal injury law firm. They got me the maximum financial settlement. They responded right away, helped me with all of my medical bills, got me a $128,000 discount from what Kaiser claimed I owed them. If you’re number 1, with me, you have to prove it to me. They did again and again. Conchita Remington, San Diego, California

Posted by Denise | January 10, 2011

Michael Pines' law firm is the best choice for personal injury cases

Before I met Michael Pines and Aaron Salomon, I was a legal novice. I was in an auto accident that was not my fault, but figured I didn't need or want to deal with a lawyer because I had pretty good insurance that covered much of my medical costs and the cost of a new car. But, friends convinced ...me I should pursue legal action. Reluctantly, I began to research lawyers via friends and online. After reading many, many reviews of San Diego lawyers on sites like this one and others, I walked into his firm knowing that this man and his firm have an awesome reputation for getting great results for clients who have suffered personal injuries as a result of car accidents. I immediately felt in good hands with his associate, Aaron Salomon, who is smart, compassionate and capable. One of my first questions to him was "why do I need a lawyer for this? It's obvious the other guy was at fault, the police report confirms it. Won't they just pay me back what they owe me in medical fees?" Aaron quickly convinced me how wrong I was and quite frankly educated me on the way the legal and insurance world really worked. I knew in a matter of minutes I had made the right choice by choosing the law offices of Michael Pines. And I knew that Michael has a personal hand in every case so was appreciate of his extra set of eyes and ideas about the best way to handle my case. My case is now settled, thanks to this fantastic firm. The settlement was so far above and beyond what I expected, I am thrilled to say the least. The firm did the work and I basically sat back and trusted them to do what they've got such a great reputation for doing -- getting results. My advice to you: go with lawyers you feel you can trust. Go with lawyers who truly know the system. Go with lawyers who go above and beyond to make sure you get everything you're entitled to. Go with lawyers who return calls and emails quickly and courteously. And most of all -- just read the reviews. It's reviews from actual clients, like me, who will tell you if a lawyer did right by them or fell short. Michael Pines and Aaron Salomon are rock stars in the personal injury/auto accident legal world. I would wholeheartedly recommend them!!

Posted by JoAnna | February 4, 2010

My late husband and my attorney

I hired Michael Pines to represent me in for the wrongful death of my husband due to a car accident. I felt this review must be written. It involved my late husband who was in his late 80’s at the time of the van and car accident. He died about 5 weeks after the car accident. I felt this review mu...st be written to thank Michael and his excellent staff for exceeding all of my expectations. My family and I had spent a lot of time looking for an attorney and the Lord answered all of our prayers. I was very fortunate to hire Michael right after this terrible accident as my family and I had no idea what to do. My husband who passed away was my life’s love. We were married for over 40 years and had the best relationship possible. Then, it was tragically taken away. Every single question and phone call was immediately answered and all of my questions were answered. They also told me things that maybe I didn’t want to hear but needed to know. Some of my family members were very rude to Mike and I was surprised at how well he handled things. He never held a grudge or took things personally. Instead, he pointed out the good in our family and kept moving on. Michael zoomed through my case and my the impossible possible such as getting all of the medical records, which filled boxes, in just days, and then sending them off to the insurance company. The insurance company first tried to pay me around $200,000 for the death of my husband by arguing some legal medical bill technicality (and then I’d have to send back most of the money for medical and other bills, leaving me with almost nothing) as well as stating that because my husband was in his late 80s, the case was worth very little. Michael turned things around and fought for my rights. As I lived on a fixed income, money was very important as I had to have roommates and did not want to lose my trailer. Medicare was trying to get the settlement money as well and he was very successful in that regard. The final result at a mediation where Michael and his other attorneys were spectacular. They really stood up for my rights when the insurance company was nasty and could care less. The result was over seven figures and the money I got, which was a lot, enabled me to pay off my trailer, pay off bills, pay for the burial expenses and try to start a new life alone. I miss my husband terribly and Michael and his entire staff were lovely to deal with. . I know Michael worked into late into the night as he would take and return my phone calls late in the evening as well as on weekends. Many things had to be done at the last minute and Michael paid lots of attention to every possible detail. I also know that few attorneys have the skill and experience of Michael Pines. I could feel and see it in action. He stood up to an uncaring insurance company that was trying to rip me off. He’s the best attorney I know and didn’t think an attorney cared this much about his clients. Michael went out of his way to get the estate properly settled with another attorney. He did not have to do a thing. He went above and beyond the call of duty. Mrs. JoAnn W.

Posted by Hector | February 4, 2010

For Great Results Use Michael Pines

I was in a serious car accident with a drunk driver off of Gilman Drive in San Diego. My car was flipped upside down after I was hit. I hired this law firm after calling and interviewing four different law firms. They were extremely professional and nice. I didn’t know what was going on and to ma...ke things worse, didn’t have health insurance. I had a very complicated medical problem which had to be dealt with. I had to see many doctors and have mris. It turned out I had a torn meniscus on my left shoulder. Because I work as a tree trimmer, this concerned me a lot as this affected my ability to work. They had great doctors and I did not have to pay any money up front to see them. I was especially happy with my chiropractor (note, I saw 2 orthopedic surgeons as well). His name was Andrew Tutino, who’s out in El Cajon. He was great, professional, friendly, and the best. My attorneys kept me well-informed and did a great job for me. God forbid if a friend or I was in another accident, I would re-use them again. I feel if they did well for me, they can do well for someone else as well! I got an excellent financial result. Hector Rodriguez

Posted by Kody | February 1, 2010

Excellent San Diego Attorney

I was injured in a serious rear-end automobile accident about one year ago. I had never been in an accident and did not know what to do. My car was totaled and I started receiving letters from the other person’s insurance company asking lots of questions. I called the Law Offices of Michael Pines an...d the personal injury attorneys answered all of my questions right away. They were easy to talk to and helped me understand the claim process. During the case, the Law Office of Michael Pines kept in touch with me and returned my phone calls. In the end, the attorney’s worked hard to make sure I received the best recovery by getting me a good settlement and reducing the medical bills with my health insurance company. I was very happy with the final outcome and the services I received. I would definitely recommend the Law Offices of Michael Pines if you are injured in an accident

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Michael Pines's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Michael A. Kaplan headshot
Michael Kaplan

Unknown lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Joseph Daneshrad headshot
Joseph Daneshrad

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I was the opposing counsel. He has the highest degree of professionalism and integrity."

Mark Carleton Blane headshot
Mark Blane

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Pines has done a terrific job getting relevant information out to injured folks in San Diego since 1992. Just check out his website, legal resource center, his numerous blogs and articles - also his many answered legal questions and publications right here on Avvo.com. I highly endorse this gentleman's integrity and legal work without hesitation!"

Jonathan Craig Reed headshot
Jonathan Reed

Car accident lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Great job educating the public about auto safety."

Amanda Fay Benedict headshot
Amanda Benedict

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Michael Pines is a dedicated lawyer. He is focused on getting the best possible results for his clients. His years of working on behalf of the insurance companies gives him impressive tools to advocate on behalf of his injured clients. I you or a family member is injured in an automobile accident, I highly recommend you hire Michael Pines to represent your interests."

Janine A Sarti headshot
Janine Sarti

Personal injury lawyer | Nov 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I am writing this recommendation for Michael Pines, who has worked with PPH as opposing counsel for many years. The work he does for his clients requires the talent of an attorney with keen analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex legal issues to his clients. His ability to relate to people of all levels of understanding, his knowledge of the law, and awareness of legal issues is unparalleled. His work ethic, his legal abilities are nothing short of outstanding. He consistently exceeds my every expectation in delivering quality work that enhances the business and professional relationships of all he comes in contact with. He is trustworthy, discrete, and above board in all his actions. He has earned the confidence of me and my legal team. He has a communicative, people-directed, and participatory style that has brought credit to him, and to the legal profession. He has my highest recommendation for any legal issue for which he is retained."

Philip David Peatman headshot
Philip Peatman

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have vigorously represented major hospitals' and insurers' interests for 28 years in California and have known Michael Pines since he became an attorney. Mr. Pines is a challenging and energetic foe who takes the time to know the law and use it to his clients' benefit. His assertive presentation of the facts and law has forced me on repeated occasions to try to perfect my adversarial position since anything less is fatal. He is one of the few attorneys that made me check the fairness and the constitutionality of my client's position. I am always pleased but no longer surprised by his attention to details and his ability to find the one true path--a path that you can either get on with him or get out of the way. I highly recommend Michael Pines and the fine associates and staff that make his energetic team. His high ethical standards are clearly mirrored by everyone in his office and his calm and confident demeanor shows the practice of law in its best light."

Steven Alan Tencati headshot
Steven Tencati

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have known Michael Pines since at least 1992. We have had several cases over the years opposing one another on personal injury matters. I have been impressed with Michael's professionalism and dedication to his client's cause. He has consistently demonstrated an ethical. yet aggressive. manner of obtaining the very best results for his clients. His sense of fair play and his ability to analyze the legal and moral issues and to effectively communicate them, has led to many settlements quite favorable to his clients. I believe Michael truly cares about his client's situation and does his very best to achieve a just and fair result. Michael has an engaging personalty, is obviously brilliant in his approach to the law and is always a pleasure to work with in the many cases we have faced each other. With Michael it is not just bombastic hyperbola from an opposing lawyer but thoughtful, reasoned and logical arguments with an overall sense of fair play and justice. Highly recommended."

Aaron Bernard Salomon headshot
Aaron Salomon

Personal injury lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Michael Pines is an honest and aggressive personal injury attorney who fights for his clients’ rights. I have had the honor and privilege to work with Michael for almost four years now. In addition to being my legal mentor, Mike is also a person I go to for advise on some of life’s most important decisions. As a personal injury attorney, he is deeply committed to helping his clients in any way possible, and I have personally witnessed Mike “pour” over cases for weeks and/or months just to make sure that justice was achieved for our clients. I have always been impressed with how he extends the same courtesy to clients as he does to his family and friends. Michael’s grasp of the intricacies of personal injury law -- as well as trial strategy -- is nothing short of remarkable. As a friend and colleague, I consider Michael to be the type of person that you can count on whenever you need him."

Daniel Roman Tamez headshot
Daniel Tamez

Personal injury lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is a brilliant, knowledgeable and diligent attorney, who cares deeply about his clients. He is actively involved in the practice of law and loves what he does. When I first met Mike in 2001, I went to work for him. I left at the beginning of 2006 to form my own firm and Mike was extremely supportive. He took my success personally! Mike knows personal injury inside and out and is great at predicting what the opposition will do. He has the uncanny ability to think as his clients do and put himself in their shoes, and he works his tail off to get them the best result possible. I have seen Mike work all night on many cases, most with little financial reward on behalf of clients. One time, while Mike was on vacation with his family, he wrote a complicated brief which was due over Christmas (we communicated by phone and email). Bottom line, Mike will do what it takes for his clients and colleagues. He is my mentor, and he is the best source for legal advice that I have."

Sheldon Allan Ostroff headshot
Sheldon Ostroff

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the privilege and pleasure of working side-by-side with attorney Michael Pines in several important legal matters during the past five years. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Pines to anyone seeking an attorney who is selflessly commitment to their client's success."

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Robert Sidell

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2005

President's Award, Consumer Attorneys of California

N/A

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1992 - Present

Founder, Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC

1900 - Present

President, Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC

1990 - 1992

Counsel for Major Insurance Companies, Lumbermans Mutual Casualty Company

1989 - 1990

Litigation Attorney, Law Firm of DiCaro & D'Antony

1988 - 1989

Litigation Unit, Rigg & Dean Law Firm

1987 - 1988

Corporate Insurance Defense, Murtaugh, Miller, Meyer & Nelson

1986 - 1987

Tort's Litigation Unit, California State Attorney General's Office

Associations

1992 - Present

Consumer Attorneys of San Diego

Member

1992 - Present

Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles

Member

1992 - Present

Consumer Attorneys of California

Member

1989 - Present

American Association for Justice

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Armstrong v. Breslin, et al.

$147,606.36 Verdict/Judgment for Plaintiff

Tahbaz, et al. v. Aguirre

Family Rec'd Policy Limits

Valencia, et al. v. Robles, et al.

$750,000 Insurance Policy Limits

Doe Family v. Ford Motor Company

Family members received $1,200,000

See More Legal Cases

Education

1987

University of California, San Francisco, Hastings College of the Law

Juris Doctor

1984

University of California - Irvine

Undergraduate

1984

University of California

BA

Speaking Engagements

1991

Bench-Bar Coalition of the United States

Laying a Foundation for the Introduction of Evidence at Trial

1991

Bench-Bar Coalition of the United States

Effective Introduction of Demonstrative Evidence at Trial

1991

American Inns of Court Foundation

Cross-Examination of a Defense Medical Malpractice Expert

1990

Legal Demonstration

Deposition of a Medical Doctor (Direct Examination)

Publications

1990

Firm Proprietary Documentation Discovery of Plaintiff (extensive compilation from Discovery, Deposition to Trial)

Languages

Farsi

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution