Salinas Car Accident Lawyers
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Our Salinas Car Accident Lawyers Offer Dedicated Legal Representation
Car crashes in Salinas, California, can happen without warning, so drivers should exercise caution when driving in the city and surrounding areas. Our Salinas car accident lawyers can assist you in filing a claim or lawsuit to pursue compensation if a car crash leaves you injured or takes the life of a loved one. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Salinas, the county seat and most populous city in Monterey County, is known for its vibrant agriculture industry. The city sits at the mouth of Salinas Valley, one of the Golden State’s most productive agricultural regions. With major highways cutting through the city, including U.S. Route 101, State Route 68, and 183, car accidents can happen, resulting in injuries.
If you suffer injuries due to the negligent conduct of another person, you may have the right to seek financial compensation under California law. While you can handle the claims process on your own, there might be complexities that require legal and procedural knowledge. Our car accident lawyers at Arash Law not only provide guidance but can also manage the claim process on your behalf and work to pursue accountability for your injuries. We can help you seek just compensation for your damages.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why Hire Our Salinas Car Accident Lawyers
After a car accident, navigating the legal process and dealing with insurance companies can be complex and time-consuming. California personal injury law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation for damages, but doing so often involves understanding legal procedures, filing deadlines, and evidentiary requirements. A personal injury attorney can provide guidance through each step of this process.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash, our Salinas car accident lawyers can assist with the following:
- Evaluate your legal options based on the facts of your accident and applicable laws.
- Gather and organize evidence, including police reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements, to support your claim.
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf to avoid potential misstatements or misunderstandings.
- Review settlement offers to help you understand whether they adequately reflect your damages and future needs.
- Prepare and file legal documents, including court filings, demand letters, and other required paperwork within applicable deadlines.
- Negotiate with opposing parties to reach a resolution, when possible, without the need for litigation.
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation.
- Keep you informed throughout the process, providing updates and explaining next steps as your case progresses.
Types Of Car Accident Cases Our Attorneys Handle
Below are the types of crashes our car accident lawyers in Salinas frequently handle:
- Ejection Accidents — In a car crash, the occupant could be thrown out of the window, windshield, or any opening. Such crashes happen when occupants aren’t properly wearing seatbelts. Ejection accidents are dangerous because there’s no protection when the person lands on the ground.
- Rollover Accidents — Some models, like SUVs, are more likely to flip or roll over due to their “top-heavy” design and high center of gravity. Rollover crashes typically occur when a car is speeding and then makes an abrupt correction to avoid a road obstacle, causing it to trip.
- Rear-End Collisions — These crashes typically occur when one driver follows another too closely or fails to adjust speed based on road, traffic, or weather conditions. Under California Vehicle Code § 21703, drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance. Injuries in rear-end collisions can range from mild to severe, particularly in high-speed impacts.
- Sideswipe Accidents — One car can “swipe” or hit the side of another, whether on a surface street or a major freeway. While some sideswipe crashes result in minimal damage, others can lead to loss of control, secondary collisions, and significant injuries. Driver inattention, distraction, or impairment is often a contributing factor.
- Frontal Collisions — Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. These are among the most dangerous types of crashes, often involving high speeds and resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Causes may include wrong-way driving, fatigue, or impaired driving.
Different types of car accidents often involve unique legal issues, and determining fault is not always straightforward. Our auto accident lawyers understand how to navigate these complexities and pursue compensation based on the facts of each case.
The Most Dangerous Intersections In Salinas, California
The following intersections are the most dangerous in Salinas, California. These intersections are more dangerous during the early and late afternoon hours when traffic becomes congested:
- East Laurel Drive & Natividad Road
- Boronda Road & Natividad Road
- Boronda Road & McKinnon Street
- East Alisal Street & Sanborn Road
- West Alisal Street & Salinas Street
- Garner Avenue & Sanborn Road
- North Main Street & Boronda Road
- North Main Street & Laurel Drive
- Constitution Boulevard & Laurel Drive
- North Main Street & Iris Drive
If you have suffered injuries at one of these intersections due to negligent conduct by another person, consider reaching out to our car accident attorneys in Salinas. They can evaluate your case and provide guidance on the proper course of action to take to protect your legal rights.
Typical Causes Of Car Accidents In Salinas
Automobile accidents happen for numerous reasons, but negligence is typically a contributing factor to the majority of collisions. The driver who operated the vehicle in a negligent manner is generally held liable for causing the crash. Various types of negligent driving behaviors lead to such traffic incidents in the Golden State.
Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous causes of accidents, which can include texting behind the wheel, eating, listening to the radio at a high volume, or talking with passengers. Reckless driving is another major risk factor. This may involve excessive speeding, unsafe passing, weaving between lanes, or making illegal or abrupt turns.
The following are other common causes of car accidents in Salinas:
- Failing to adhere to traffic signs.
- Following other automobiles too closely.
- Faulty components and/or poor vehicle maintenance.
- Inclement weather conditions.
- Poor road condition.
If you were injured in an accident caused by any of these or other negligent driving behaviors, our Salinas car accident attorneys can help you understand your legal options. We assist clients by investigating the cause of the crash and identifying liable parties. We can also gather supporting evidence, consult with an accident reconstructionist, and manage insurance communications.
Injuries Usually Sustained In Car Accidents In Salinas
Accident victims who suffer serious bodily injury may not realize how much their lives will change after the accident. The following are some of the common injuries that our Salinas car accident lawyers can help victims seek compensation for:
- Severe lacerations.
- Temporary or permanent disability.
- Fractured bones, including wrist and orbital fractures.
- Back injuries.
- Whiplash and neck injuries.
- First to third-degree burns.
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Many car accident victims experience serious injuries that can have long-term physical, emotional, and financial effects. Injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may lead to memory problems, anxiety, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. Spinal cord injuries may result in limited mobility or, in severe cases, partial or permanent paralysis.
Recovery often requires extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. During this time, individuals may be unable to work for weeks or months. In some cases, they may be unable to return to their previous employment. The emotional toll of such injuries, including depression, anxiety, and a sense of isolation, can further complicate the recovery process.
Our Salinas car accident lawyers can assist you in documenting the full extent of your injuries and losses, both current and future. We work to gather medical records, estimate the potential value of your claim, and advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Lien-Based Medical Treatment After A Car Accident
After a car accident, some injured individuals may not have immediate access to health insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket for medical care. In these situations, certain medical providers may agree to offer treatment on a lien basis.
A medical lien is an agreement in which a healthcare provider agrees to delay payment for treatment until the conclusion of your personal injury case. Instead of paying up front, the provider is paid from the proceeds of any settlement or court award. This arrangement can allow accident victims to receive necessary care, such as physical therapy, diagnostics, or surgery, without facing immediate financial burden.
Our car accident lawyers work with clients to:
- Help identify medical providers who offer treatment on a lien basis.
- Review lien documents and explain their implications.
- Coordinate the collection of medical records and billing information.
- Engage in lien negotiations, when appropriate, to potentially reduce the amount owed.
While this type of arrangement can make medical care more accessible after an accident, it is important to understand that any outstanding medical liens are typically deducted from the final recovery. Our Salinas car accident attorneys can assist throughout this process as part of managing the legal and financial aspects of a personal injury claim.
What Compensation Can You Pursue After A Car Accident In Salinas?
California’s personal injury and car accident laws hold at-fault drivers financially responsible for the victim’s damages. Our car accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for the following economic and non-economic damages:
Medical Bills
Being injured in a car crash can result in substantial medical expenses. Since many injuries are long-term, you may face ongoing costs. Our Salinas car accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for past, present, and future medical bills.
Lost Wages
The injuries you sustained can cause you to miss work and even prevent you from working for some time. Medical appointments may also require taking time off. Lost wages can be included in a personal injury claim.
Loss Of Earning Capacity
Unfortunately, some personal injury cases involve victims who can no longer work or perform their previous jobs due to the accident. The compensation we assist you in pursuing also accounts for how injuries affect your future earning ability.
Non-Economic Damages
California personal injury law also compensates victims for intangible damages that are hard to calculate, such as mental distress, loss of enjoyment in life, and pain and suffering. Our lawyers may work with mental health professionals and financial consultants to help understand and estimate the psychological impact of your injuries.
Property Damage
Car accidents can totally or severely damage the vehicles involved. Other valuable properties might also need to be repaired or replaced. We can help you seek compensation for property damage to cover these losses following your accident.
Wrongful Death
Fatal car accidents claim thousands of lives in California each year. If you lost a loved one in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our Salinas car accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for various costs, including burial and funeral expenses, pre-death medical bills, lost income of the deceased, loss of companionship and love, and loss of household contributions.
Punitive Damages
Victims of accidents caused by intentional or reckless drivers may be eligible for punitive damages. These damages are not intended to compensate the victim but rather to punish the at-fault party and deter others from similar behaviors. Punitive damages are rarely awarded by the court.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
What To Do After A Car Accident
Car accidents can be scary. The steps you take following an incident can help protect your health and legal rights. Here are some actions to consider:- Prioritize Safety — If possible, move to a safe location, but do not leave the scene. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 or contact law enforcement officers.
- Follow Medical Advice — Seek medical care at the scene, even if you feel fine. If you must go to the hospital, inform an officer that you’d like an ambulance. Failing to follow your doctor’s treatment plan may worsen your injuries and negatively affect your claim for damages. The insurance company may argue that your injuries are not that serious.
- Keep Proper Documentation — Gather all relevant documentation, from medical bills to police and doctor reports. These documents will help show the extent of your injuries and losses.
- Gather Evidence — If you can, gather and preserve evidence to support your claim. Take pictures of the accident site, your automobile, and your injuries. Also, try to obtain names and contact information from other parties involved, as well as any witnesses present.
- Inform Your Insurance — Report the accident to your insurance provider within a reasonable timeframe, as delays could affect your coverage. However, be cautious in your communications. Avoid providing a recorded statement or signing any documents without legal advice, as this could impact your claim.
- Consider Seeking Legal Counsel — A car accident lawyer in Salinas can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. They can gather evidence, handle the claims process on your behalf, and advocate for a fair settlement of your losses. If needed, they can represent you in court.
Filing Car Accident Claims Or Lawsuits In Salinas, California
If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by another driver, filing an insurance claim is a key step in pursuing compensation for damages. Below are the general steps involved in the claims process:- Notify the Insurance Companies
- A claim is typically filed with both your own insurance provider and the insurer of the at-fault driver.
- California law generally prohibits your insurer from raising your premiums if you were not at fault. However, a premium could still rise for other reasons at renewal, and the at-fault determination may be subject to investigation by your insurance company.
- Submit Documentation
You or your car accident attorney will provide the insurance company with relevant documentation, which may include:
- The police report.
- Medical records and bills.
- Photos of vehicle damage and injuries.
- Witness statements.
- Liability Review
- The insurance company will investigate the claim to determine fault and the extent of damages.
- They may request additional information or statements from involved parties.
- Settlement Negotiation
- Once the insurer reviews the claim, they may offer a settlement.
- Your attorney can assess the offer and negotiate if it does not adequately cover your losses.
- Resolution
- If a fair settlement is reached, the case may be resolved without the need for court involvement.
- Litigation (if no settlement is reached)
- If your claim is denied or the settlement offer is not fair, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
- The case may proceed through pre-trial stages (such as discovery and depositions) and, if necessary, to trial.
FAQs About Car Accidents In Salinas, CA
Is There A Time Limit To File A Car Accident Claim?
In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims. This essentially means you can bring a case for your damages within two years of the date of the accident to pursue compensation.
However, there are exemptions. For instance, the statute of limitations is reduced to six months for claims involving government agencies. For minors, the statute of limitations is typically tolled until the minor turns 18, meaning the two-year period usually begins on their 18th birthday. In cases involving delayed discovery, the statute may begin when the injury was, or reasonably should have been, discovered.
You may lose the right to seek compensation if you missed the deadline. Our Salinas attorneys for car accident cases can help explain the applicable deadline or exception for your case, gather evidence before they can be lost or tampered with, and assist in filing paperwork within the required timeframe. Prompt legal action is essential in protecting your rights.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Good Car Accident Lawyer?
Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Our firm also operates on a similar agreement, meaning clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. Please note that certain case-related expenses may still apply. Our car accident lawyers will discuss our payment terms during an initial consultation and answer questions you may have.
What Is The Value Of My Car Accident Case?
The value of a car accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost income, property damage, and the impact on your daily life. Liability is also a key factor. If fault is disputed or shared, it can affect the amount of compensation.
To accurately assess the value of your case, a car accident lawyer in Salinas can help gather documentation, calculate damages, and evaluate how the law applies to your situation.
Speak With Our Salinas Car Accident Lawyers
Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has helped injured victims seek financial compensation for their injuries and related losses. We have years of experience helping clients with personal injury cases throughout California, including truck accidents, Uber crashes, and hit-and-run incidents.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to learn how we can help you with your case and schedule a free initial consultation.
Our experienced Salinas car accident lawyers also serve nearby areas, including Boronda, Springtown, Spreckels, Old Hilltown, Bolsa Knolls, Cooper, Prunedale, Castroville, Neponset, Marina, Seaside, Gabilan Acres, Blanco, Natividad, and Nashua.
