How much does it cost to hire Alton for a car accidents case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Alton walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Alton offer a free consultation?

Alton charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alton's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Alton's current terms during booking.

How long do car accidents cases in California typically take?

Simple car accidents matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Alton gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Alton take my case if I'm outside Costa Mesa?

Alton is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Alton will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Alton?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Alton will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Alton accepting new car accidents clients right now?

Alton's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Alton Joseph Smith III, Car Accidents Attorney in Costa Mesa, California

Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Car Accidents, Insurance, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatAlton J Smith A Professional Corporation

Costa Mesa, CA

Practicing car accidents in Costa Mesa since 1978.

48+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Car Accidents Insurance Litigation Medical Malpractice Personal Injury Product Liability

Are you Alton Joseph Smith III?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Alton Joseph Smith III is a member based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Insurance, and Litigation. Alton has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Alton J Smith A Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Costa Mesa, CA
Experience: over 48 years
Known for: Car Accidents · Insurance · Litigation

Handles Car Accidents, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Costa Mesa, CA.
Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Alton Joseph Smith III

Alton concentrates on car accidents, insurance, litigation, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Alton handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Car Accidents cases in Costa Mesa, California

Alton takes car accidents matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alton agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Costa Mesa, California

Alton takes insurance matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alton agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Costa Mesa, California

Alton takes litigation matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alton agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Costa Mesa, California

Alton takes medical malpractice matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alton agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Costa Mesa, California

Alton takes personal injury matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alton agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Alton Joseph Smith III — Over 48 years of California car accidents experience

Alton Joseph Smith III is a lawyer practicing car accidents, civil practice, trial practice and 5 other areas of law. Alton received a degree from Western State University, CA, and has been licensed for 48 years. Alton practices at Alton J. Smith A Professional Corporation in Costa Mesa, CA.

Alton's approach to car accidents cases

Who Alton represents

Alton reviews new inquiries case-by-case for car accidents, insurance, and litigation matters in Costa Mesa and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Alton Joseph Smith III's legal education and bar admissions

Thomas Jefferson School of Law
J.D. · 1978
Western State University, CA University of the Pacific
B.A. · 1972

Jurisdictions

Alton's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE
California
1978 · ACTIVE

Alton studied at J.D. in Thomas Jefferson School of Law and B.A. in Western State University, CA University of the Pacific.

Law school and academic background

Alton completed J.D. in Thomas Jefferson School of Law and B.A. in Western State University, CA University of the Pacific. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Alton runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Alton Joseph Smith III

Alton has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Alton's professional memberships and bar associations

Orange County and American Bar Associations State Bar of California California Trial Lawyers Association Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
Board Member, 1988-1990) The Association of Trial Lawyers of America American Board of Trial Advocates (Executive Board Member · membership

Locations

Alton Joseph Smith III's office in Costa Mesa

Alton's primary office is at 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 700, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626-7187. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Alton J Smith A Professional Corporation

695 Town Center Drive, Suite 700

Costa Mesa, CA 92626-7187

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Alton Joseph Smith III — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Alton. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing car accidents attorneys in Costa Mesa.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Alton Joseph Smith III claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Alton Joseph Smith III — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new car accidents attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Alton usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Alton charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alton's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Alton will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a car accidents attorney in Costa Mesa, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many car accidents matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Alton

Alton discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in car accidents practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every car accidents matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Alton confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Alton's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many car accidents practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Alton Joseph Smith III

How much does it cost to hire Alton for a car accidents case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Alton walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Alton offer a free consultation?
Alton charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alton's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Alton's current terms during booking.
How long do car accidents cases in California typically take?
Simple car accidents matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Alton gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Alton take my case if I'm outside Costa Mesa?
Alton is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Alton will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Alton?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Alton will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Alton accepting new car accidents clients right now?
Alton's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Car Accidents attorneys serving Costa Mesa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Alton handles car accidents matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified car accidents attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Alton's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these car accidents attorneys in Costa Mesa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.