Santa Barbara Auto Accident Attorneys
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Our Santa Barbara Auto Accident Attorneys Are Here To Help After An Accident
If you were injured in an auto accident, you may need to navigate a number of medical and legal processes. For assistance with the latter, you can speak with our Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys from Arash Law. We can discuss your eligibility for pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver.
Santa Barbara is nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It has something for nearly everyone. The city has been referred to as the heart of the American Riviera due to its climate and popularity as a tourist destination. It is the second-largest city in Santa Barbara County, with a population of around 90,000. It is also among the most beautiful cities in California. Even as a tourist destination with picturesque views, there are still potential safety concerns here. Auto accidents are a leading cause of death in California, and Santa Barbara is no exception.
Auto accidents can occur on the city’s roads. Many of them could be tied to someone’s reckless or negligent behavior. Dangerous intersections in Santa Barbara include:
- Las Posadas Road and U.S. 101
- Cliff Drive and Law Gaviotas
- State Street and Mission Street
These intersections are particularly prone to auto accidents. They could potentially result in severe injuries. Others have led to motorists and others dying. You cannot always prevent an accident, even if you are a cautious driver. Highway 154, often known as “blood alley,” is more likely to see severe accidents. There are an average of 2.5 accidents daily on this highway alone. For 2017, the California Highway Patrol recorded over 200,000 crashes on California roadways, resulting in 277,160 injury victims and 3,582 deaths.
Some auto accidents are minor fender benders, and others are severe. Many injuries can result from these collisions, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. Regardless of their severity, they may result in medical bills, lost income, and other related costs or losses. Sometimes, a pre-existing medical condition can be aggravated by the auto collision. That might lead to therapy, prescriptions, and eventually surgery. In the worst cases, an accident can lead to wrongful death.
If you have evidence that your injuries or the loss of your loved one may have been caused by another’s negligence, you may be wondering what to do next. A personal injury law firm with experience in handling auto accident claims can help explain your rights and available legal options. Arash Law has knowledgeable Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys on staff. We use decades of combined experience to help injured clients pursue compensation.
Contact Arash Law for assistance if you are injured in an auto accident in Santa Barbara. We offer free initial consultations for your convenience. We can help you understand your case and explore your legal options after an auto accident. Our goal is to help clients seek compensation so they can focus on improving their well-being after a crash.
Our Santa Barbara auto accident lawyers represent clients on a contingency basis. This means that they do not pay out-of-pocket fees for legal representation. Our attorneys only receive payment from them if they’re awarded compensation. However, they may still be responsible for other case-related costs. You can ask us for more details about this arrangement during your free initial consultation.
Our client was parked on the side of the road and was struck by the defendant driver traveling at a high rate of speed– ARASH KHORSANDI
Auto Accident Claims In Santa Barbara
If settlement negotiations prove unproductive, accident victims may be wondering whether and how they could continue seeking damages with the help of Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys. Most accident claims settle before a lawsuit is filed. However, if it is necessary to file a lawsuit in Santa Barbara, it will likely go to the Superior Court for Santa Barbara County. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is located at 1100 Anacapa Street. It is also known as one of the most beautiful structures in Santa Barbara.
How Our Auto Accident Lawyers Help Victims Seek Compensation
Arash Law has decades of trial experience, representing clients throughout California. Our skilled Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys have handled different types of motor vehicle accident cases for personal injury clients, such as:
Our team of auto accident lawyers in Santa Barbara researches, prepares, and argues each case to help clients pursue compensation. Potential damages we may seek for auto accident clients include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Rehabilitative care
- Loss of limbs (amputations)
- Reduced earning capacity
- Wrongful death
- Disfigurement
- Property damage
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
These losses do not apply to every case, and there may be others not listed here that might apply to your case. Our Santa Barbara auto accidents law firm can work with medical experts to establish the extent of your injuries. We could also consult with financial experts to estimate your potential future economic losses.
When Is Someone Else At Fault For An Auto Accident?
A significant number of traffic accidents involve drivers using cell phones to text. General negligence is among the leading causes of auto accidents across the board. Negligent actions often include:
- Following too closely.
- Speeding.
- Driving under the influence.
- Knowingly using faulty equipment, like worn brakes or tires.
- Breaking the law, such as by passing on the right or running a red light.
- Other distractions like eating, talking to passengers, or putting on makeup.
While driver negligence is common, auto companies might contribute to an auto accident. Poor infrastructure can also lead to collisions. Some common third-party failures include:
- Poorly-designed roads or ramps
- Faulty airbags
- Seatbelt malfunctions
- Poorly maintained bridges
Government agencies or other parties may be held responsible for their inaction in these cases.
Sometimes, auto accidents are caused by intentional actions. Suppose a jealous ex intentionally hits your car, or a suspected hit-and-run driver is evading police. These are intentional situations that could cause injuries. In cases like this, one of our experienced Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys can help you establish the responsible party’s liability by investigating the cause of the accident and collecting evidence.
Types Of Auto Accidents In Santa Barbara
Various types of auto accidents happen throughout Santa Barbara, California. These accidents could occur on highways and city streets. They all require a thorough investigation to determine who may be at fault. Arash Law has experience representing clients in several types of auto accidents in Santa Barbara, such as:
- Head-on Collisions — Head-on collisions are one of the deadliest types of auto accidents and involve vehicles hitting each other head-on. They could be deadly because of the extreme force of both vehicles, and may take place when one vehicle crosses into the opposite lane.
- T-Bone Accidents — These accidents are very complex crashes. They often happen when one driver violates traffic rules. Common violations include running a red light or making an illegal turn.
- Rear-end Collisions — Rear-end collisions can be fender benders or cause severe injuries. Usually, the fault falls onto the rear driver if they follow too closely. Sometimes the lead driver is at fault if they brake abruptly or cut off the rear driver.
- Roll Crashes — These situations may cause severe trauma due to the multiple impacts that might be involved. It is usually driver negligence to blame, but sometimes it can be poor road conditions or vehicle design. These cases may require extensive investigations and legal resources.
- Chain-Reaction Accidents — There is a wide range of causes of pileups. It can be challenging for police, insurance companies, and accident reconstructionists to determine fault. Chain reaction cases might thus require experience and legal resources.
Our auto accident team can conduct an independent investigation into the cause and type of accident involved in a claim. Once we do, we could help establish the liability of those who may be responsible and file an insurance claim to pursue compensation for an injured client.
Why Do Car Accidents Happen In Santa Barbara County?
Aside from the types of car accidents that lead to fault, there are also causes to consider. Auto accidents in Santa Barbara County have the same causes as those nationwide. The most common causes of Santa Barbara auto accidents include:
- Speeding — When someone is driving over the posted speed limit, they are more likely to get into an accident than drivers who obey the speed limit. When an emergency is up ahead, they cannot react in time. Their reaction time gets lower the faster they go. Additionally, the faster a vehicle is going, the more time the driver needs to stop. Considering all these facts, it is very likely that the chances of an accident are higher the faster a person is going.
- Distracted Driving — Santa Barbara motorists must always pay attention to the road. Distractions take their eyes off the road, leading to lower reaction times and potential collisions. Distraction comes in many forms. Some common distractions are texting and driving, fidgeting with the dashboard, personal grooming, speaking to passengers, and much more. There are three types of distractions: cognitive, manual, and visual. Each distraction has different challenges. Some distractions can fall into multiple categories.
- Driving Under the Influence — When someone is intoxicated, their judgment, behavior, and reaction times are impaired. These symptoms increase the chance that an auto accident can occur. They cannot react in time to other cars, people, or objects in their path.
- Reckless and Aggressive Driving — Someone who ignores traffic signals, aggressively changes lanes, tailgates, and more is considered either an aggressive or reckless driver. Generally, these drivers display little concern for other motorists’ safety. Their actions also make them more likely to be involved in a road rage incident.
- Inclement Weather — Rain and other inclement weather can impact visibility. It also makes the road slippery and hazardous. Drivers cannot control the weather, but they can control their driving habits. They must adjust their speed and take extra caution when inclement weather occurs. If the weather causes the driver to lose control, they could be liable if they do not take any precautions, like adjusting their driving for conditions.
The list above is not complete, as many things can contribute to an auto accident. Our Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys can investigate the cause of your accident and help with your next legal steps.
Car Accident Injuries
Auto accident injuries will vary. Car accidents are a leading cause of injury or death in the United States. Different factors will determine the type and severity of the injury. Some factors that can impact your injuries are speed, the weight of the vehicles, the reaction of the drivers, and much more. While injuries can vary, some common ones are:- Broken bones
- Spinal cord trauma
- Traumatic brain injury
- Loss of limb or amputation
- Scars
- Disfigurement
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal organ damage
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What To Do After A Santa Barbara Auto Accident
It can be a confusing time after an auto crash in Santa Barbara. Understanding your rights could help you learn whether you can seek compensation for your losses. You can get information about your claim through a free initial consultation with our dedicated Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys.
Some steps you can take after an auto accident in California can help you prioritize your safety and potentially protect your right to pursue compensation. These steps could include:
- Call 911 — Immediately after a collision, you will need first responders at the scene. If you can call them yourself, you should. Sometimes, a bystander or witness will be the one to contact them if you are incapacitated. Paramedics can provide immediate medical care and direct victims with more serious injuries to hospitals. The police will secure the scene and conduct a preliminary investigation. The police report can be helpful for filing an insurance claim. It could also be used as evidence during negotiation and litigation actions.
- Take Pictures — While awaiting first responders, use this time to take photos of the accident scene. Only do so if you are safe and physically able to. Pictures of vehicle damage, the surrounding areas, and traffic signs are crucial to accident claims. The images can help accident reconstruction experts determine the cause of the collision and the at-fault party. Another reason to take pictures while awaiting the police is that they might begin cleaning up the scene once they arrive.
- Be Careful About What You Say — You might accidentally say the wrong thing. Refrain from speaking to the other driver or police regarding the cause or negligent party in the incident. While an apology seems harmless and polite, it can be seen as an admission of fault. If recorded, these statements could negatively impact your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention — The paramedics will examine you when they arrive. They will suggest you go to the hospital, depending on the extent of your injuries. Even if you feel fine at the scene, the adrenaline or shock can cover your pain. Some symptoms will manifest hours or days after the collision. Get a check-up within 72 hours, even if you believe you did not suffer harm.
- Speak with a Santa Barbara Auto Accident Attorney — Filing an insurance claim is one of the most complex parts of the auto accident process. Scheduling a consultation with our dedicated Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys can help you decide if handling the claim alone or with representation is the better option.
If you decide to represent yourself, you must contact the insurance company, file a claim, find medical care, and handle the entire process. However, you can always seek legal assistance with these matters. Contacting Arash Law can help you learn whether you can file a claim. If you can, our Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys can help you file it and negotiate a settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Evidence Might Contribute To My Case?
Evidence is essential to your case, and the more you have in your favor, the better supported your case might be. You can present evidence to the insurance company during settlement negotiations or to a judge or jury if your case goes to trial. Evidence can include:
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Surveillance videos
- Accident reconstructionist experts
- Accident photos
- Other photo and video evidence
- Driver statements
- Medical records
- Statements from medical professionals
We can independently investigate your accident to gather relevant evidence for your case. We can also review the evidence the opposing counsel collects when preparing your case. By examining their evidence, we can prepare to address any disputes that may arise during the claims process. Consider seeking legal help from Arash Law after an auto accident in Santa Barbara.
Do I Need To Get A Santa Barbara Auto Accident Lawyer?
Though not mandatory, you may benefit from hiring an attorney. If you have reason to believe your accident and injuries were caused by another’s negligence, a Santa Barbara auto accident lawyer can help. When an auto accident is not your fault, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your losses from the at-fault driver.
Seeking compensation can help you take care of the expenses you suffer after an injury in an auto accident. You might also have repair bills, lost income, and much more to consider after a collision. Enlisting the help of our Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys can be beneficial for your case.
If you decide to bring a valid claim to Arash Law, we can begin an investigation into your case. We can start by gathering evidence and information to establish fault. We can obtain evidence such as police reports, witness testimony, surveillance footage, and more. Additionally, we can calculate your expenses from the auto accident. Some costs include medical expenses, vehicle replacement, lost income, and more. Lastly, we can help you file your insurance claim.
After we send the insurance company a letter of representation and file your claim, we can begin negotiations with the insurers regarding your claim. You may be wondering how much compensation you may be entitled to pursue. Your case’s potential worth will likely depend on your expenses and future losses.
When an agreement cannot be reached through settlement negotiations, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Other legal processes will then be required for your Santa Barbara auto accident claim. Some of those processes include filing a lawsuit, discovery, taking depositions, filing motions, mediation, and preparing for trial. During any of these steps, your case could still potentially be resolved through mediation. When mediation doesn’t work, a trial is the next step.
Trials are rare in auto accident cases because they are lengthy, expensive, and time-consuming. Another downside is that trials are unpredictable, and neither lawyer can say what will happen. Our Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys from Arash Law will represent you through the process.
If you’re wondering whether you can seek compensation after a collision, you can schedule a free initial consultation with our lawyers. We also work on a contingency fee for auto accident cases. Our clients will not pay anything out-of-pocket for our services. Instead, we will only get paid if their case resolves with compensation. However, we may still charge them for other case-related costs that fall outside this agreement. You can ask us for more details about these potential fees during your consultation.
How Long Should You Wait To Call A Lawyer After An Accident?
Contact a personal injury lawyer promptly after an auto accident. Some ways that waiting might hurt your eligibility for pursuing compensation include the possibility of mishandling communications with the insurance adjuster or accepting a lower settlement offer without knowing the full extent of your damages. Evidence preservation is also impacted when you wait too long to speak to our Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys.
That said, getting help from a personal injury lawyer early on can potentially support your accident claim.
Why Work With Arash Law’s Santa Barbara Auto Accident Attorneys?
Victims injured in auto accidents can consider working with us if they’re looking for assistance with the claims process. When you ask the Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys from Arash Law to work on a valid claim, we will work to provide comprehensive support throughout the process. For example, we can connect you with medical professionals if your injuries require treatment while pursuing compensation. Here are some other ways we can help.
- Experienced Trial Attorneys — Our law firm has experience in litigation in various personal injury categories. We represent clients throughout Santa Barbara County. Some of the cases we have litigated involve bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, auto accidents, dog bites, and much more.
- No-Win, No-Fee Policy — We provide dedicated legal representation on a contingency fee basis. Clients don’t owe us attorneys’ fees unless they’re able to collect compensation. However, they might still be responsible for other case-related costs. You can schedule a free initial consultation with our auto accident lawyers to discuss our payment structure and understand any potential costs we may charge.
- Personalized Approach — Our auto accident attorneys in Santa Barbara offer personalized case management that considers an injured client’s unique situation. We customize our strategy to align with their specific goals and needs after their crash. We are committed to providing this client-focused approach throughout the claims process.
What If I Had Some Fault For My Accident?
You can still pursue compensation even if you were partially responsible for the auto accident. California is a pure comparative negligence state. Therefore, a person can seek compensation for an auto accident even if they share responsibility. However, the amount they can pursue will be reduced by the percentage of fault they are deemed to have.
Suppose you were deemed 20 percent responsible. You may still be eligible to seek 80 percent of your damages. These cases are more complex, but you might still have legal options. So even if you share fault, you can contact our Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys to learn how you could pursue compensation with pure comparative negligence in mind.
How Arash Law Can Help You After An Accident
Our Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys can help you handle a valid claim for compensation after an auto accident. The team at Arash Law has decades of experience helping injured clients across California, including those in Santa Barbara County. Our lawyers work to leverage their experience, knowledge, and skills to advocate for their rights by:
- Getting the Right Evidence — A lot of evidence can be crucial to your case. You never know what will sway a jury, judge, or insurance company in one direction over the other. Our Santa Barbara auto accident lawyers can gather witness statements, pictures, videos, vehicle damage estimates, medical records, and more, which could be used to build your case.
- Representing You in Negotiations with the Insurance Company — Our Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys are also skilled in negotiations and can discuss potential settlements with insurance companies on your behalf. If settlement negotiations prove unproductive, we may prepare to take your case to court if it’s a viable option for your claim.
Why Contact Arash Law After Your Auto Accident?
Contacting Arash Law early on after your accident could help you discuss your case while the crash is still fresh in your mind and when relevant evidence is more likely to be available. When you meet with us, bring copies of the following:
- All of your documents and evidence.
- Outline of the events.
- Medical records thus far.
- Insurance information.
- Your questions and concerns.
Bring anything else you think is relevant, regardless of whether it is on this list. What you present to an auto accident attorney in Santa Barbara could help them better review your case.
If you have a valid claim, we could also begin preparing your case earlier. This could be helpful because you will have a limited period to file your accident claim in California. Though some exceptions may apply, the state generally gives injured parties two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Our law firm, which focuses on personal injury matters, is familiar with the deadlines the statute of limitations may impose on your case. We could thus assist you with filing your claim within the applicable legal timeframe.
How Pain And Suffering Are Determined In Santa Barbara Auto Accidents
These damages are referred to as “general damages“. If you suffer an injury, you can include pain and suffering in your claim if you can prove that your injury caused these intangible losses. Many personal injury accidents have an element of pain and suffering. They are non-economic damages and will depend on several factors. There are other non-economic damages that could be considered in your claim. Contact a Santa Barbara personal injury law firm to discuss your case. We may be able to help you calculate these losses.
Call Our Experienced Auto Accident Attorneys In Santa Barbara
When you need an auto accident attorney in Santa Barbara, contact Arash Law for skilled legal representation. Our firm’s attorneys have decades of combined experience in personal injury law and can guide you through the process. We assist injured clients in Santa Barbara who are looking to pursue compensation for their losses. Our auto accident lawyers can help by managing communications with involved parties, guiding clients through the claims process, and helping them understand their options. We can also handle negotiations with the insurance company on their behalf and take their case to court if necessary.
Arash Law extends its services to injured victims across California and those in the nearby areas of Santa Barbara. After an auto accident, contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case review.
