Salinas Personal Injury Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Salinas Personal Injury Lawyers Can Protect Your Legal Interests After An Injury
An accident can disrupt your life, causing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial challenges. If you’ve been injured, legal representation can help you understand your legal options and navigate the claims process. Our Salinas personal injury lawyers can assist you in seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and related losses. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case review.
Salinas is a beautiful city in Monterey County, California. It is large, with approximately 163,542 people, per the 2020 Census report. Salinas is located about eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. Residents can take advantage of the city’s location to establish businesses and other industrial ventures near a location that allows them to attend to their governmental needs.
Despite what makes Salinas a wonderful place to live, the Californians who call this city home are exposed to dangers every time they use the road. Drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists face unique challenges as they travel around Salinas. If you’re involved in a traffic accident in Salinas, an attorney can help protect your legal rights.
Our injury lawyers in Salinas can help you pursue compensation after a car crash or any personal injury matter. We have decades of experience guiding clients through the claims process while they regain their health. We are committed to providing you with legal representation rooted in integrity and transparency.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
$22,000,000.00
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
Traffic Accident Statistics In Salinas
Drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists in Salinas may face a variety of challenges when using the roads. In addition to common hazards such as defective products, hazardous property conditions, and animal attacks, traffic accidents remain a significant concern in the city. The following statistics provide insight into traffic-related injuries and fatalities in Salinas:
- The Office of Traffic Safety reported that Salinas ranked 29th out of 58 cities for overall traffic safety.
- Approximately 705 Salinas citizens were killed or suffered an injury in a traffic crash, according to the Office of Traffic Safety.
- Salinas has a high number of traffic accidents that involve alcohol-impaired drivers. Salinas ranks 23rd out of 58 cities, according to a report from the Office of Traffic Safety.
- There were 83 people killed or severely injured in an accident in Salinas caused by an impaired driver.
- Twenty-nine people involved in a bicycle accident in Salinas died or suffered severe injuries, according to the Office of Traffic Safety.
- Fewer motorcycle accidents happen in Salinas than in the surrounding areas. It ranked 40th out of 58 cities studied in overall safety for motorcycle accidents.
If you have been the victim of a car crash in Salinas, you can explore your legal options with our legal team. We help injured people across California pursue compensation for their losses.
Why Do Accidents Happen?
Car crashes and other personal injury cases are often caused by the negligent action or inaction of a person or business. Negligence is a legal claim that has four elements. To pursue a claim, it’s essential to establish each element of negligence:
Duty Of Care
Everyone who uses the roads in Salinas must act with reasonable care. This includes obeying traffic signals, following speed limits, and driving in a way that considers the safety of others. For example, a driver approaching a red light is expected to stop to prevent harm to others.
Breach Of Duty
A breach occurs when someone fails to meet their duty of care. For example, a driver breaches their duty to operate their vehicle safely by speeding, running a red light, or failing to obey traffic signals. Failure to properly maintain a vehicle can also breach a driver’s duty to act reasonably. In some cases, failing to maintain a vehicle, such as ignoring worn brakes, can also be considered a breach if it contributes to an accident.
Causation
There needs to be a clear link between the breach of duty and the injuries suffered. In many cases, this connection is obvious, for instance, when a driver runs a stop sign and causes a collision. However, there are situations where proving causation is more complex. Legal support can help gather evidence and establish this link.
Damages
A valid negligence claim also requires proof of actual harm. This could include physical injuries, financial losses, or emotional distress. If there are no documented injuries or losses related to the incident, it may not be possible to seek compensation even if someone else was at fault. An experienced Salinas personal injury lawyer can help you build your case and establish that the other driver caused your injuries.
Key Evidence That Can Help Support Your Injury Claim
After a serious accident, proving who was at fault can be a challenging process, especially when the facts are disputed or unclear. The outcome of your case may depend on the quality of the evidence you present.
Every case is unique, which is why our legal team at Arash Law develops strategies tailored to your specific situation. We can help you build your case by leveraging key resources, including:
Accident Reconstruction Data
Accident reconstruction involves analyzing physical evidence, vehicle damage, and road conditions to recreate how the crash occurred. Accident reconstruction experts utilize engineering principles and technology to analyze factors such as speed, angles of impact, and visibility at the time of the collision. This type of analysis can help clarify liability, especially in complex or disputed cases.
Police Report
The police report documents the officer’s initial observations and statements from involved parties and witnesses. It may also include a preliminary assessment of fault, which can influence insurance determinations. While not definitive, this report is often used as a key reference in both settlement negotiations and litigation. If it incorrectly attributes blame, your Salinas personal injury lawyer can gather additional evidence to challenge or correct it.
Photos And Physical Evidence
Clear photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, road markings, and debris can provide visual context that supports your account of what happened. Physical evidence, such as damaged property, torn clothing, or skid marks, can also help show how the accident unfolded. Medical records, repair invoices, and receipts establish the financial impact of your injuries and losses.
Witness Testimony
Statements from people who saw the accident can provide critical third-party perspectives. Eyewitnesses may confirm details such as the status of traffic lights, vehicle speed, or unsafe behavior. In some cases, testimony from family members, friends, or coworkers can help demonstrate how your injuries have affected your daily life, mental health, or ability to work.
Your Statement
What you say after an accident, especially to the other party’s insurance company, can significantly impact your case. A recorded statement may be used to limit or deny your claim. Before speaking on the record, it’s important to understand your rights and legal risks. Your attorney can communicate on your behalf to protect your interests and prevent your words from being taken out of context.
Pursuing compensation after a car accident can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and meeting legal deadlines. Without legal support, it may be harder to navigate these steps or respond effectively to disputes over fault or damages. Our personal injury lawyers offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation.
Types Of Compensation For Salinas Injury Cases
You might wonder what types of compensation are available in a car accident. Typically, accident victims can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek financial compensation for their losses and injuries.
The types and amounts of compensation vary depending on the specifics of your case, but here are the most common categories:
Lost Wages
If your injuries kept you from working, you may be able to seek compensation for lost income. This includes wages you missed while recovering, as well as reduced earning capacity if you’re no longer able to perform the same work. Documentation such as pay stubs and medical records can help support your claim.
Medical Damages
Medical costs are often one of the most significant parts of an injury claim. This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. It can protect your health and help document the connection between the accident and your injuries.
Pain And Suffering
The term “pain and suffering damage” refers to the effects of a car accident on your physical and mental health. While not tied to specific bills or receipts, pain and suffering reflect the real impact of the accident on your daily life and well-being. Testimony from you, your doctor, and those close to you can help demonstrate this impact.
Loss Of Enjoyment Of Life
These damages are also intangible. An accident victim may be awarded damages for loss of enjoyment of life if they suffer from depression or do not enjoy the same things that they did before the accident. For example, if you can no longer play sports, travel, or participate in social events as before, your attorney can use this to support your claim.
Emotional Distress
Accidents can leave lasting emotional effects, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health impacts can be just as serious as physical injuries. Compensation for emotional distress is meant to acknowledge and address this harm.
Loss Of Consortium Or Loss Of Personal Relationships
The impact of car accidents stretches beyond yourself. You can change after a car accident, which may leave your friends and family feeling like they lost their loved ones. Loss of consortium claims exist to compensate a spouse for losing their spouse’s companionship after getting hurt in an accident. Loss of consortium includes loss of time with your spouse, the inability to participate in activities you enjoyed as a couple before the accident, loss of ability to care for the children, loss of ability to have sexual relations, etc.
Helping You Navigate The Insurance Claims Process
The insurance claims process after an accident can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re still recovering from your injuries. Understanding the steps involved can make the experience a bit more manageable.
Speaking with an attorney before giving a statement to the insurance company can be beneficial. They can help you respond appropriately and avoid common pitfalls that unrepresented accident victims often face.
Our Salinas personal injury lawyers can assist you in addressing challenges that may arise during the claims process. Some common issues that claimants may encounter include the following:
- Misinterpretation of Recorded Statements — Before giving a recorded statement, consider consulting an attorney first. Statements given too soon or without context may be interpreted unfavorably. A lawyer can help you understand what questions to expect, guide you on how to respond appropriately, and, when necessary, speak on your behalf to avoid misstatements that adversely affect your claim.
- Disputing Liability — The responsible party may assert that you contributed to or caused your own injuries. The attorneys at our firm can thoroughly investigate your claim and the facts of your case to present an argument against such assertions.
- Private Investigation Into Your Condition — An investigation may be launched to verify whether you suffered actual harm. These investigations aim to look for any sign that you can perform physical activities despite your injuries.
- Checking Your Social Media Posts — Refrain from posting about the accident on social media. Pictures, posts, or comments related to the accident may affect how your claim is evaluated.
- Inadequate Settlement Offers — You may receive a quick settlement following an accident. Before accepting, you may want to consult an attorney to evaluate whether the offer fairly represents your losses and future needs.
Car Accident
$6,000,000.00
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
What Else Should I Know About Personal Injury Lawsuits In Salinas?
In addition to the above information, there are a few important things to keep in mind if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim. Our attorneys at Arash Law are here to provide legal representation for you if you have suffered an injury in an accident in Salinas.
Common Facts About Personal Injuries In California
Generally, The Statute Of Limitations For A Car Accident Case In California Is Two Years
A statute of limitations is a deadline set by law that requires an injured person to settle their claim or file a lawsuit within a period set by law. The court may dismiss any case filed after the statute of limitations. If you think that you have a car accident claim in Salinas, prompt action may be beneficial. Our injury firm can help you file your lawsuit within applicable deadlines.
Personal Injury Claims Start With Negotiations With The Insurance Company
If your claim can be satisfactorily settled with the insurance company, there may be no need to file a lawsuit. Settlement helps save an injured person’s time and resources. However, that does not mean you should settle without evaluating the potential compensation available in your claim. Our attorneys will help you assess whether a settlement offer from the insurance company reflects your losses. If it does not, we are ready to present your case in a trial court.
There Are Many Types Of Personal Injury Cases Other Than Car Accidents
Injuries can happen in a variety of ways, not just on the road. For example, workplace accidents are common in Monterey County, where many industries carry higher risks. Other types of personal injury claims include:
- Wrongful Death
- Slip-And-Fall Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Bike Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Scooter Accidents
- Auto Accidents
- Rideshare Vehicle Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Pedestrian Injuries
- Dog Bites and Other Animal Attacks
- Airplane, Helicopter, and Other Aircraft Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Big Rig Accidents
- Severe Burn Injuries
- Motorcycle Accident Crashes
- Train Accidents
Even If You Were Partially At Fault For A Car Accident, You Might Still Be Able To Seek Compensation For Your Injuries
In California, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries even if you were partially at fault for the accident. The state follows a “comparative fault” system, which means your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you, but it won’t be completely denied as long as the other party shares some responsibility. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, help determine fault percentages, and work to pursue appropriate compensation for damages.
You May Have Different Options To Pursue Compensation
If you successfully establish fault in your accident claim, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may be required to pay for your damages. However, if the other driver lacks insurance or does not have enough coverage to fully compensate your injuries and losses, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance policy. This coverage is designed to protect you when the responsible party cannot pay, helping you recover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages up to your policy limits.
Consulting a personal injury attorney can help you understand your insurance options and navigate the claims process.
Speak With A Personal Injury Lawyer In Salinas
Arash Law has a team of experienced Salinas personal injury lawyers who can help you seek just compensation for your losses. Our legal team is committed to helping you protect your legal rights. If you suffered an injury after an accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
