Santa Clarita Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Santa Clarita Accident Lawyers Offer Clear Legal Guidance After An Accident
Have you been injured in Santa Clarita? Our Santa Clarita accident lawyers can help you explore your legal options. We aim to help you seek just compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391.
Santa Clarita is well-known for its tourist attractions, including Six Flags Magic Mountain, wineries and breweries, as well as regional and national parks that offer hiking opportunities. However, slipping and tripping hazards at these locations are common, causing slip-and-fall incidents. Additionally, going from one tourist spot to another, either via car, bus, or RV, makes locals and visitors prone to motor vehicle accidents. These are just some of the dangers Santa Clarita residents and tourists face daily.
If you are injured because of someone’s negligence, you may be wondering whether your claim may qualify for compensation. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Santa Clarita accident attorneys. Describe your situation, and we will provide detailed advice on the steps you can take.
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
How Can Our Santa Clarita Accident Lawyers Help Handle Your Case?
Our Santa Clarita accident attorneys have aided numerous victims, and our dedicated legal professionals will support you from the outset. We will answer every inquiry from the at-fault party’s insurance company and legal team to keep you from disclosing any sensitive information that could weaken your case or, worse, place you at fault.
Accident victims may choose to handle their claims independently. However, seeking fair compensation can be a challenging and complex task. Failing to understand their rights or the true value of their claim may result in a less favorable outcome.
We can handle correspondence with insurance firms on your behalf. Insurers may review the details of your case and your statement closely to challenge the extent of their responsibility. They may also offer an initial settlement that seems enticing, but this may fail to account for your non-monetary losses as well as your ongoing and anticipated expenses.
Our Santa Clarita accident lawyers can help you review offers and assess whether they are fair. We can represent your interests at the negotiation table, steering the discussions toward fair compensation.
Why Should You Hire Our Santa Clarita Attorneys?
As a client-centric law firm, we prioritize your health and overall well-being. Our accident attorneys in Santa Clarita can help you assert your rights throughout the claims process. We can also advocate for your rights to seek just compensation by:
- Gathering the evidence available, such as police reports, medical assessments, CCTV footage, incident photos, medical bills, professional opinions, and physical evidence.
- Coordinating with eyewitnesses.
- Filing your insurance claim.
- Filing legal court documents, if needed.
- Representing you in court hearings, if necessary.
Additionally, our Santa Clarita accident lawyers will work with you on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t owe attorneys’ fees unless compensation through a settlement or verdict is obtained. While case expenses still apply regardless of the outcome, our fee structure allows you access to legal representation without worrying about your current financial standing. During your onboarding process, we will also discuss the percentage we will take, so both sides are in agreement.
What Types Of Cases Do Our Accident Attorneys Handle?
Helping accident victims is our calling. With decades of cumulative experience, our accident attorneys in Santa Clarita can help clients handle and manage various types of accident cases, such as:
Car Accidents
The OTS recorded 691 car accident casualties in Santa Clarita in 2021. Common causes of these incidents include driving under the influence (DUI), distracted driving, overspeeding, and fatigued driving. However, other factors, such as poorly maintained roads, a lack of proper lighting and signage, and weather conditions, can also increase the risk of crashing.
Car accidents like multiple vehicle pile-ups, head-on, and rear-end collisions are widely reported, not just in Santa Clarita but all around California. In some cases, there could be multiple liable parties, which can complicate matters. Having a car accident lawyer in Santa Clarita may help you gain clarity on what steps to take during the insurance claims process.
Big Truck Accidents
Major highways and state routes pass through Los Angeles County. These roads include Interstate 5 and California State Route 14, which pass through Santa Clarita. With that, motorists should anticipate cruising alongside semi-trucks or large trucks on the road. Truckers frequently have big blind spots and unsafe heavy loads, making them prone to tire blowouts, rollovers, jackknife incidents, and rear-end collisions.
Smaller cars should be driven with caution around these massive vehicles to avoid accidents. Since truck drivers have limited visibility, it is advised to maintain a “safe zone” or provide at least a 20-foot distance in front of a truck and 30 feet behind it.
Motorcycle Accidents
The OTS data shows that Santa Clarita had 22 motorcycle incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities in 2021, where the common causes of accidents are overspeeding at a corner, unintentional brake lockups, slippery roads, DUI, group riding, careless door opening of cars, and rear-end collisions.
As motorcycles are more prone to accidents compared to other vehicles, authorities urge riders to consider stricter safety measures. These include wearing DOT-approved helmets and reflective vests, proper usage of hand signals, and riding closer to the middle of the road for better visibility.
If you know someone who was injured in a motorcycle accident in Santa Clarita, our attorneys can assist them in pursuing compensation from the negligent party.
Pedestrian Accidents
Being unprotected when outside, pedestrians are encouraged to keep safe at all times. Although jaywalking has been decriminalized in Santa Clarita and the rest of California, our accident lawyers encourage pedestrians to only cross in designated areas. Additionally, we recommend stopping at crosswalks, avoiding using cell phones while walking, and staying on the sidewalks.
Similarly, motorists are constantly reminded to promote pedestrian safety by reducing speed when entering crosswalks, not overtaking while approaching crosswalks, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, and adhering to designated speed limits in areas such as schools, churches, and residential neighborhoods. These areas typically have a speed limit of 25 miles per hour.
If you believe a motorist violated your pedestrian rights, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Santa Clarita can help.
Uber Accidents
There are thousands of commuters who use Uber for convenience. Unfortunately, ride-sharing vehicles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contribute to vehicle crashes, causing pedestrian and motorist injuries.
Aside from Uber accidents, such as head-on collisions and sideswipes, passengers are also recommended to stay vigilant during the trip. Sadly, apart from crashes, there were also cases of physical and sexual abuse in California, as reported by Uber.
If you are injured while riding in an Uber, or if your car is hit by one, report it through the app. Then, consider contacting one of our Uber accident lawyers in Santa Clarita; we can assist you in negotiating with Uber and help you file a personal injury claim.
Other Accident Cases We Handle
Our Santa Clarita law firm can also help with the following accident cases:
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Product liability cases (for example, accidents from defective products)
- Bicycle accidents
- Hit-and-run cases
- Bus accidents
- Dog bites
- Workplace accidents
Can’t see your accident listed above? You may find it in our comprehensive list of accidents and injury cases that we handle.
Can Santa Clarita Accident Lawyers Answer Who Is Liable For My Accident?
Yes, your lawyer will inform you that the person whose negligence was proven to cause harm or loss to another is deemed responsible for your accident. However, California is a comparative negligence state, which means that authorities consider both parties when determining their percentage of liability in an accident.
To illustrate comparative negligence, imagine this scenario. A motorcyclist rear-ended a car while leaving parallel parking. The car driver sued the motorcycle owner for property damage and a mild neck injury. As the court studied the evidence, the driver appeared careless and did not check his side mirror. In the verdict, the judge found the car driver 40% negligent.
Comparative negligence also dictates the amount of liability between both parties. Take the case above. Suppose the car driver gets $100,000. He will only receive $60,000 because he is 40% responsible for the accident.
In any event, the claimant may be partially liable for an incident. Not unless he is able to establish and clearly prove the at-fault party’s negligence. With years of experience handling personal injury cases, our Santa Clarita accident attorneys can analyze your case and advocate for your rights in court.
What Is Negligence?
Negligence is when a person fails to act with the care that a reasonable person would in the same situation, resulting in harm, injury, or loss of life. It also has four key components:
- Duty of Care — A person must exercise reasonable care to avoid harming others.
- Breach of Duty — Failure to meet duty of care.
- Causation — When a person’s failure to keep everyone safe causes injury, damage to property, or loss of life. Causation is also divided into two parts:
- Factual — Determines if the person’s actions directly resulted in anyone’s injury, damage to property, or loss of life.
- Legal — Assesses the fairness of holding the person legally responsible for anyone’s injury, damage to property, or loss of life.
- Damages — In order to seek damages, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual harm because someone else failed to fulfill their duty of care. Actual harm may include physical injuries, psychological traumas, and financial difficulties. For damages to have a bearing, they must be accompanied by evidence.
If you find negligence confusing, our Santa Clarita accident lawyers may offer clarity. We will explain this further in the context of your case.
Compensation For Accident-Related Injuries
If you sustain an injury in Santa Clarita, you may have a viable case and can pursue compensation for the following:
Economic Damages
These may account for your monetary losses from the date of the incident, including the following:
- Hospital bills
- Laboratory tests
- Therapy bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage repairs
Non-Economic Damages
These are non-financial losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health issues
- Body disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of life
Punitive Damages
These are typically non-financial sanctions imposed by the court on the at-fault parties to punish them for gross negligence and deter others from committing the same behavior in the future.
Here is an example of punitive damages: A woman walking her dog came across a family picnicking in the park. The dog snapped its leash and lunged at the family, scratching and biting the children. In addition to the compensation claim, the judge may prohibit the lady defendant from owning a dog in order to prevent similar accidents in the future.
With years of experience helping clients with personal injury and various accident cases, our lawyers in Santa Clarita could promptly assess your potential compensation and provide guidance on the settlement process.
Statute Of Limitations For Filing Accident Claims In California
The California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, also known as the statute of limitations, states that all personal injury victims only have two years to file a compensation claim. Your Santa Clarita accident lawyer can explain the intricacies of the statute during your consultation. In general, the following are exceptions to the rule:
- A Minor Victim — The parents of the minor victim have the option to push the claim while their child is not yet of legal age. In case they do not pursue the case, the two-year deadline will be on pause and will resume once the victim turns 18.
- Late Injury Manifestation — Some injuries may only be discovered months or years after an accident. In this instance, you can file a claim a couple of years after the date of your medical diagnosis.
- Injury Occurred on a Government Premise — If your injury happened due to the negligence of a government entity, you will only have six months to file a claim to avoid technical forfeiture.
For some, two years may be sufficient to file a claim or lawsuit. However, it may not be enough, especially if you are recovering from a serious injury. Working with a law firm may be beneficial, as their lawyers can help you prepare a claim and manage deadlines that may apply to your specific circumstances.
Furthermore, filing the actual case is only one of many facets of a compensation claim. There’s also evidence collection, which can consume a significant amount of your time. These factors can be overwhelming, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries.
Consult our Santa Clara accident attorneys for legal guidance. We can help you avoid costly mistakes, such as making recorded statements that may hurt your insurance claims. Additionally, we can connect you with physicians who can help you with your treatment.
Does v. California Farm (confidential) –settlement for a group of farmworkers who were killed when the car they were transported in to work flipped over in Merced County.– BENNY KHORSANDI
FAQs About Santa Clarita Accident Claims
How Do I Know If I Am Eligible To File A Personal Injury Claim?
You may file a personal injury claim if you have suffered an injury due to negligence by a person or establishment. In addition, you can call our hotline at (888) 488-1391 to verify whether your claim may qualify for compensation. One of our on-duty accident lawyers in Santa Clarita can review your case to assess whether it may be eligible for compensation and explain your potential next steps in pursuing a claim.
However, filing a claim can be more complicated than it appears, particularly when dealing with the other party’s insurance carriers. The at-fault party’s insurance representatives may review your case closely and raise defenses that challenge the extent of their responsibility. Working with our accident attorneys in Santa Clarita from the outset may be helpful in protecting your rights throughout the claims process. We can handle communications with the at-fault party and their insurer on your behalf. This may help you avoid disclosing any critical information that could hurt your claim.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Car Accident Claim?
There is no set time for a fair settlement to be agreed upon between your Santa Clarita accident lawyer and the other party. The time it takes to resolve a case may vary, and a settlement offer can’t be guaranteed.
If a settlement is possible, all documentation for the at-fault party’s insurance company will be provided to your attorney. They will then check the papers for problematic terms that should not be in the agreement. If everything is fine, your lawyer will ask you to sign the document so the other party’s insurer can process and release the check.
But the claim can also take some time for these reasons:
- If your case lacks supporting evidence, your claim may be denied.
- A fair counteroffer is off the table.
- A fair settlement can’t be reached through negotiations.
Under these circumstances, your accident lawyer will be compelled to escalate the case to a Santa Clarita court.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?
According to the statute of limitations, you only have two years to file a claim, unless your case falls into one of the exemptions. Our Santa Clarita accident lawyers can review the details of your case and advise you on which deadline may apply.
Arash Law can also handle the submission of your documents to all relevant offices, manage deadlines, and assist you in avoiding technical disqualification.
What Will I Have To Do To Pursue A Personal Injury Claim?
Establishing and proving the at-fault party’s negligence is a central element to pursuing a claim or case. However, there are a few things that make it more complicated than it appears. Gathering all the evidence is one thing; attending court proceedings is another. Additionally, the other party’s insurer may raise defenses that may be challenging to overcome.
Given these hindrances, you may want to seek assistance from our accident attorneys in Santa Clarita. We can handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your well-being. A quick call to us may be helpful in pursuing your claim.
I Am Having Problems Obtaining A Police Report. Can You Help?
Our accident lawyers in Santa Clarita can handle the process of obtaining the incident report on your behalf. A police incident report can be helpful in establishing the events that led to the accident. It is available a few hours after the accident occurs.
Knowing the police station is critical for collecting the report, so ask the officers on the scene where they will file it. However, we completely understand if you missed this step in the aftermath of the accident.
Consult Our Accident Lawyers In Santa Clarita
Sustaining an injury and suffering emotional stress from an accident can be overwhelming and may require immediate attention. Additionally, preparing and filing a compensation claim may be helpful in caring for your overall well-being.
Having said that, you may benefit from hiring a legal team to help you take care of all of the complex and time-consuming procedures for you, allowing you to focus on your healing.
Our experienced Santa Clarita lawyers are just a phone call away if you need a legal professional to review your case. We can guide you through your options for pursuing compensation. Our attorneys will listen to your situation and offer legal advice tailored to your case. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Aside from clients in Santa Clarita, our accident attorneys also cater to victims in the following neighborhoods: Castaic, Hesley Canyon, Val Verde, Del Valle, Castaic Junction, Stevenson Ranch, Pico, Sylmar, Kagel Canyon, Lang, Indian Spring, Agua Dulce, and Sleepy Valley.
