Santa Maria Car Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Experienced Santa Maria Car Accident Attorneys Offer Determined And Relentless Representation
In addition to injuries, most victims of car accidents suffer from heavy financial losses, making it challenging for them to recover and get back to the life they had before. Contact our Santa Maria car accident attorneys if you’re injured in a recent collision. We can help you explore all avenues for compensation. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
With a population of over 100,000, Santa Maria is considered the largest city in Santa Barbara County. Residents prefer using their cars to get to work, run errands, and explore the city’s beautiful sites. In 2021, Santa Maria had an average car ownership rate of 2 cars per household.
Because of the high volume of vehicles in the city, locals and tourists usually encounter heavy traffic in some locations. These include Highways 101, 166, 135, and the Pacific Coast Highway. Due to traffic congestion, these areas are also hotspots for car accidents.
If you are injured or a loved one is killed because of another driver’s negligence, contact the Santa Maria car accident lawyers at Arash Law. We will review the specifics of your car accident case and offer excellent legal guidance on what to do next to obtain financial recovery. Our legal team operates on a contingency fee agreement, which means you won’t owe us any legal fees unless we win your case.
Settlement in a motorcycle versus ride share company accident; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Can Our Santa Maria Car Accident Attorneys Help You?
Our Santa Maria car accident lawyers offer their legal expertise to ensure that you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages. Here’s how we can help you win your claim:
- Provide legal guidance — Our lawyers will provide you with the best legal advice tailored to your situation. We will discuss your options and help you make an informed decision about your future.
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation — Our skilled car accident attorneys have the resources and expertise to conduct thorough investigations. We can gather evidence, including witness statements, police reports, and accident-related pictures, to build a strong case.
- Obtain medical records — We will secure your medical records showing the injuries you sustained in the car accident. These documents will also help us determine your compensable losses.
- Maximize your compensation — Our legal advocates know how to assess the full extent of your injuries and damages. We will work tirelessly to gather all the necessary documents to maximize your settlement amount.
- Negotiate with insurance companies — Most insurers will pressure you to accept lowball offers. They may use dirty strategies to intimidate you, shift the blame onto you, or outright deny your claims. That’s why it’s best to leave negotiations to our seasoned car accident lawyers, who can advocate for your rights against the other parties.
- Represent you in court — If insurance companies refuse to pay you the compensation you deserve, we won’t hesitate to bring your case to court. Our litigation attorneys will do all the paperwork, cross-examine the witnesses, and advocate for your best interests. We will ensure that negligent parties pay for the injuries and damages they cause.
Our car accident attorneys in Santa Maria are always here as your allies. If you need anything regarding your case, our lines are open 24/7.
Benefits Of Hiring Local Santa Maria Car Accident Attorneys
Hiring locally provides several advantages. Local attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge about the specific legal landscape of Santa Maria, including familiarity with local traffic laws and courtroom procedures. This expertise can be invaluable in navigating your case effectively. Additionally, local attorneys can offer more personalized service—they are available to visit the accident scene, engage directly with all parties involved, and provide hands-on support throughout your case.
Selecting the right car accident attorney in Santa Maria involves understanding their fee structure and assessing their experience and approach to handling cases similar to yours. It’s crucial to have an open discussion about all potential fees during your initial consultation to avoid any surprises.
If you’re in need of expert legal assistance following a car collision, contact our Santa Maria car accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391 for a complimentary consultation. We are dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve, with no upfront fees and payment only if we win your case.
How To Find The Best Car Accident Lawyers
The key to finding the top-notch Santa Maria car accident attorneys is to assess their qualities, values, and experiences. You should also consider the following:
- Specialization — Many attorneys practice more than one area of law. However, it’s best to find one with extensive experience and specialization in the laws governing your case. If you sustain injuries in an Uber accident, for example, you need to look for personal injury attorneys specializing in this type of traffic accident.
- Track Record — The success record is an important indication of whether the lawyer is competent and reliable. Lawyers with a high success rate have a proven ability to assess each case thoroughly, identify the strongest arguments, and build a winning case from the ground up.
- Client Testimonials — You can also examine their clients’ testimonials and determine how they handle every case. Online reviews will give you a hint about how they work with victims.
- Compatibility — In general, the initial consultation with attorneys is free of charge. This meeting is the perfect opportunity to get to know the law firm and determine if their lawyers are the best fit for you.
Fortunately, you can find all these qualities in one law firm. Arash Law has extensive knowledge about personal injury claims for car accidents. We have won over $500 Million in settlements and awards for our clients. Reach out to the good car accident lawyers Santa Maria chooses for justice.
Common Types Of Car Collisions In Santa Maria
A lot of things can go wrong during a car collision. Drivers must exercise reasonable care to safeguard themselves, their passengers, and fellow motorists against the following types of car accidents:
Rear-End Collisions
You are driving in Santa Maria when a pedestrian suddenly crosses the street. As a response, you immediately hit the brake and stopped. However, the car behind you did not, and it ended up hitting the back of your vehicle. This accident is called a rear-end collision.
Rear-end crashes often happen when drivers fail to pay attention to the road and brake in time. The tailing driver almost always causes these collisions. However, there are situations where the lead driver might share some blame. For instance, they may brake abruptly for no reason or engage in dangerous maneuvers.
Our Santa Maria car accident attorneys have handled countless cases involving rear-end collisions. We also have years of experience in cases involving reckless driving, speeding, and hit-and-run accidents.
Head-On Collisions
These are among the deadliest types of auto crashes. Head-on collisions usually happen when two vehicles approaching in opposite directions collide with each other. Because of the immense force they produce, they frequently cause serious injuries and even death.
Additionally, head-on collisions occur when a car crashes into a stationary object, such as a tree, pole, or road barrier. These accidents are typically the result of drowsy driving, inclement weather conditions, and speeding.
Side-Impact Collisions
T-bone or side-impact accidents occur when the front of a car crashes into the side of another. These collisions typically result in catastrophic outcomes, particularly for the occupants of the side-stricken car. Unlike the front and rear ends, the sides of vehicles have less structural support and mass to absorb the impact. Our car accident lawyers have frequently observed that the passengers sitting on the side that was hit suffer more severe injuries.
Sideswipe Accidents
These collisions happen when the sides of two vehicles collide with each other while approaching in the same or opposite direction. Sideswipe collisions usually happen when drivers fail to check their blind spots or forget to utilize their signal lights before changing lanes, especially on multilane highways or busy roadways.
Rollover Accidents
A vehicle can tip onto its side or roof, resulting in a rollover accident. There are two main types:
- Tripped Rollovers — These occur when a vehicle hits an object, such as a guardrail, curb, or uneven ground, causing it to trip and roll over.
- Untripped Rollovers — Unlike the first kind, these happen without any external objects tipping the vehicle. These accidents are more likely to occur at high speeds when a driver makes a sharp turn.
Due to the truck’s high center of gravity, rollovers are more common in truck accidents. If a truck falls over on top of a car, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are likely to sustain severe and fatal injuries.
If you recently sustained injuries from any of the collisions discussed, reach out to our car accident lawyers in Santa Maria. We can investigate the cause of the crash, gather evidence, and help you secure a traffic incident report. Our lawyers can also determine who’s at fault and hold the negligent parties liable for your damages.
Usual Causes Of Car Accidents
The following are common causes of car accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Inclement weather conditions
- Drowsy driving
- Mechanical failures
- Poor road conditions
- Inexperienced drivers
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Running red lights
- Driving the wrong way
- Impaired visibility
- Failure to use turn signals
- Defective vehicle parts
- Road safety violations
Even seasoned drivers make mistakes while driving. Drivers should exercise defensive driving and reasonable care at all times to reduce the likelihood of getting involved in accidents. However, even the most careful motorists can still get into crashes due to other people’s negligence.
Our car accident attorneys in Santa Maria will thoroughly examine the crash to determine the cause, which we’ll use to establish negligence. We can then assess which California laws apply to your case and work to secure compensation for your damages.
Most Common California Car Accident Injuries
While you might walk away with just a few scratches or bruises, serious injuries are also a very real possibility after a car accident. Our Santa Maria car accident attorneys have helped victims get paid for the following injuries:
Concussions
Hitting your head in a car accident can cause mild traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions. Victims usually experience mood swings, headaches, trouble with concentration, and other short-term effects. Other symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Mild amnesia
- Nausea
In some cases, the symptoms of concussions might not be visible. They could worsen without treatment, leading to memory issues and personality changes.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A penetrating injury or a forceful jolt to the head can result in moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. If you do not receive immediate and proper treatment for your TBI, you may develop second-impact syndrome. This disorder can be fatal, as it causes swelling in your brain and the displacement of brain tissue.
If you’re caring for a loved one who has suffered a brain injury due to a recent traffic crash, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Contact our good Santa Maria car accident lawyers, and we will help you recover the expenses related to their care.
Neck And Back Injuries
The force of a collision can harm the neck and spine. The quick back-and-forth movement of the neck can damage and strain the sensitive tissues in the area, resulting in whiplash. Symptoms may not appear immediately after the incident but develop hours or days later. This injury can also cause nerve damage.
Additionally, a collision can damage the muscles and tissues in the back. It can cause a spinal cord injury, which interrupts sensory signals and muscle movement controls.
Both the neck and back are considered delicate areas, so even the smallest injury can cause a lifelong condition. If left untreated, injuries in these areas may result in complete paralysis, lumbar radiculopathy, and other chronic problems. That’s why it’s crucial to get a medical assessment right after a car accident.
Our car accident attorneys can assist if you need help connecting with medical specialists to treat your injuries. We can recommend reputable doctors specializing in neck and back injuries to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Broken Bones
Fractures from car accidents can range from hairline cracks to complex breaks. Broken bones may require immobilization and rest to heal, but some severe cases might need surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Commonly broken bones include the arms, legs, sternum, ribs, and pelvis. In severe cases, the affected limb could require a medical amputation.
Facial fractures, particularly in the nose area, are quite common and often require extensive medical intervention, including facial reconstruction surgeries. In addition to the physical pain and medical expenses, these injuries can result in scarring and deformation, impacting one’s self-esteem and social activities.
If you are suffering from any of these injuries, call our car accident lawyers in Santa Maria. We can connect you with skilled doctors in California who will assess the extent and nature of your injuries. We will also assist you in obtaining compensation for your medical expenses.
Why Is Getting Medical Attention After An Accident Important?
Sometimes, injured individuals decide not to consult both a car accident attorney and a doctor. Their main reasoning is that they feel fine and their injuries are not serious enough to require treatment and monetary reparation. However, failing to see a doctor after a crash can put your life at risk and compromise the outcome of your case in the following ways:
- Your injuries may worsen — People may not feel much pain right after a car accident, but an injury may get worse days, weeks, or even months later. In some instances, injuries might escalate from mild to serious cases, which are often more difficult to treat and require more time and care. Therefore, it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident so you can determine the extent of your injuries.
- You won’t have medical records — A large component of your settlement depends on your medical treatment and hospital bills, which you should document from the start. Without medical records, you might miss out on presenting strong proof of your injuries and the extent of other losses you suffered.
- You’ll miss your deadlines — Insurance companies usually have deadlines for claims. Victims who did not discover their injuries right away might not be able to file for compensation in time, leaving them responsible for covering their injuries.
Your doctor is the best person to assess the severity of your injuries and recommend the appropriate treatment. If they diagnose an injury and start you on a treatment plan, stick to it. Complete any prescribed medication, get tests, consult specialists, and carry out any suggested at-home rehabilitation program. If you’re worried about the bills, talk to our car accident lawyers. We’ll discuss your options for compensation.
Who Is Liable In A Car Accident?
Traffic crashes usually occur due to a driver’s negligence. All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise the utmost care to avoid causing accidents and harming other road users. Unfortunately, some drivers are reckless. They speed, ignore road signs, and run red lights.
When these drivers violate traffic laws, they breach their duty and pose a risk to other motorists. We can hold them responsible for the resulting damages.
However, drivers aren’t always to blame. Our car accident attorneys in Santa Maria have also helped victims hold the following parties liable:
- Car owners
- Employers
- Car Manufacturers
- Government agencies
- Third-party motorists
Determining liability in a traffic collision can be a rigorous process. Nonetheless, our Santa Maria attorneys for car accident cases are skilled at determining the responsible parties. We carry out comprehensive investigations, gather compelling evidence, and present it in court to establish the negligence and liability of the individuals and parties at fault.
Damages You Can Recover In Car Accident Claims
Our car accident lawyers help clients recover two types of compensation for their claims: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the financial losses you have incurred due to the accident and will incur in the future. Here are some examples:
- Medical bills
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Funeral or burial expenses for a loved one’s wrongful death
On the other hand, non-economic damages are intangible losses. They are much harder to quantify because they’re different for every individual. They include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
Our lawyers, who handle car accidents in Santa Maria, can help you understand your case, estimate your damages, and prove the extent of your injuries. We will examine every aspect of your case and devise legal strategies to maximize your claims.
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
What To Do After A Car Accident
Our Santa Maria car accident attorneys advise you to follow these steps in order to protect your rights and ensure you have everything you need for an injury claim:
- Stay calm and check for injuries — Call 911 for immediate medical attention. If possible, move to a safe location, but do not leave the scene.
- Contact the police and wait for them to arrive — Relay what happened in detail, but stick to the facts. A police report will keep track of everything you say.
- Take pictures and videos of the accident scene — Include the road conditions, injuries, vehicles, and skid marks.
- Exchange information with the involved parties — Be sure to get their names, contact information, and insurance details.
- Never admit fault or apologize for the accident — The shock and adrenaline can make you want to apologize. However, it’s crucial to remember that admitting fault or apologizing can be misconstrued as accepting blame. Insurance companies and other parties involved may use your words against you to minimize your payout or even deny your claim entirely.
- Go to the nearest hospital and consult with a doctor — Even if you think you’re fine, you still need to undergo a medical assessment to determine any possible injuries that might arise in the future.
- Contact experienced car accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 — Working with our attorneys, who specialize in car accidents in Santa Maria, can be a major advantage in fighting for your rights to compensation. We are always ready to answer your questions and advise you on your next steps.
Car Accident Statistics
Car accidents are a significant contributor to fatalities and severe injuries in California and the United States in general. In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that around 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. This represents a slight decrease of approximately 0.3 percent compared to 42,939 fatalities in 2021.
Additionally, data shows that the number of road accidents per one million people in the United States will continuously increase until 2029. Following a twelfth consecutive year of growth, the number of accidents is anticipated to peak at around 7,832 cases in 2029.
FAQs About Car Accidents
Can I Sue After A Car Accident In Santa Maria?
Yes, you can sue after a car accident in Santa Maria if you have suffered injuries or significant damages due to another driver’s negligence. It’s important to consider your legal options promptly, as California law allows you to initiate a lawsuit two years from the date of the accident. For personalized guidance and to ensure your rights are fully protected, consider contacting experienced car accident attorneys near you.
In Santa Maria, pursuing a lawsuit after a car accident is viable when another party’s negligence has led to significant harm or financial loss. By filing a lawsuit, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our Santa Maria car accident lawyers are well-versed in local traffic laws and court procedures, ensuring they can effectively represent your interests.
Engaging with local Santa Maria personal injury attorneys like ours at Arash Law, who are deeply familiar with the city’s legal environment, can be particularly advantageous. We bring a comprehensive understanding of local nuances in traffic legislation and judicial processes that might influence the outcome of your car accident case.
If you’re considering legal action after a car accident in Santa Maria, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case with a qualified car accident lawyer who is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Can I Handle A Car Accident Claim Myself?
Car accidents usually leave victims questioning, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” While handling your claim by yourself is possible, there’s no substitute for skilled car accident lawyers in Santa Maria.
Even if you think you can handle everything, you will still benefit from having legal representation. If you are injured in a car accident, your priority should be your fast recovery. You need to have someone to handle your claim so you can focus on healing your injuries and trauma.
Here are some indications that you need personal injury lawyers:
- The insurance company denies that its insured driver is liable for the crash.
- You are being lowballed for your injuries.
- The negligent parties are not taking your claim seriously.
- You are experiencing harassment from the other parties.
- You’re not comfortable when negotiating with the insurers.
- The insurance company is delaying your claim or making the process more complicated.
- You don’t know California’s laws very well.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our team can advise on whether it’s time to go to court. You’ll absolutely need the best Santa Maria car accident attorneys to advocate for your rights.
Should I Accept The Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?
As a rule of thumb, you should not accept any settlement offer without consulting your car accident lawyers first. An initial offer from the at-fault parties and their insurance companies might appear attractive, especially if facing financial difficulties. However, it may not cover all of your accident-related expenses. Remember that insurers tend to give lowball settlements when no lawyers are involved.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Car Accident In Santa Maria, California?
While hiring a lawyer isn’t legally required after a car accident in Santa Maria, it is strongly recommended in many situations. Here’s why considering legal representation can be crucial:
Understanding Local Laws — Santa Maria, like the rest of California, has specific traffic regulations that can impact your case. An experienced lawyer familiar with Santa Maria’s legal environment can navigate these laws effectively, ensuring your rights are fully protected.
Dealing With Insurance Companies — Post-accident interactions with insurance companies can be challenging. Our Santa Maria personal injury attorneys are adept at negotiating with insurers to secure a settlement that fully covers your damages, medical costs, and lost wages.
Determining Liability In Complex Scenarios — California’s comparative fault rules can complicate liability issues. Our attorneys can help establish the other party’s liability, advocating on your behalf to maximize your claim while minimizing your own liability.
Support For Serious Injuries — Significant injuries require expert legal handling to ensure that all relevant costs are covered. We manage the collection of critical evidence, engage necessary expert witnesses, and vigorously represent your interests, whether in settlement negotiations or at trial. We also have connections with top doctors in California, and we’re more than happy to connect you with them to ensure that you receive the best medical care.
No Financial Risk — At Arash Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis for car accident cases in Santa Maria, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This approach ensures our goals align with yours, which is maximizing your compensation.
Local Representation And Personalized Service — Our Santa Maria car accident attorneys provide personalized service, including on-site visits and direct dealings with all parties involved. Our deep understanding of local community norms and legal intricacies makes us particularly effective in handling your case.
Free Consultation — We offer a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and outline your options. This initial consultation provides clarity and direction without any financial commitment.
Having a skilled car accident attorney by your side can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391. We’re here to help you navigate the aftermath of your accident, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do If I’m Partly To Blame For A Car Accident?
If you believe you’re partially at fault for an accident, you must speak with our experienced car accident lawyers in Santa Maria. It’s possible that, after taking a close look at the situation, you may not actually bear any liability at all. However, if it turns out that you are partly responsible, you may still be entitled to seek compensation. California’s pure comparative negligence laws allow victims to file a claim, even if they’re 99% at fault.
These laws are designed to fairly distribute the financial burden based on the level of fault among all parties involved. If the plaintiff bears a portion of the liability, they will receive a reduced amount. For example, if they’re found to be 10% at fault, they will only be entitled to 90% of their damages.
How Long Do I Have To File A Car Accident Claim?
California’s statute of limitations allows victims like you to file their claim within two years of the car accident. If you miss this deadline, you might lose your right to seek compensation. Reach out to our car accident attorneys to ensure the timely filing of your claim.
How Much Do Santa Maria Car Accident Attorneys Charge?
In Santa Maria, as in the rest of California, most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they do not charge any fees upfront. Instead, their payment is contingent upon winning your case, where they typically receive a percentage of the settlement or court award, ranging from 25% to 40%. This structure ensures that your attorney’s goals align with yours—to secure the best possible financial outcome for you without any initial financial burden.
Here’s what you should know about this fee structure:
No Upfront Costs — Our attorneys in Santa Maria do not require any initial payment. Their fees are contingent upon securing a successful outcome in your case. This arrangement ensures that legal services are accessible, regardless of your current financial situation.
Percentage Of The Settlement — If they successfully win the case or secure a settlement, our attorneys typically take a percentage of the recovered amount as their fee. The rate depends on several factors:
- Complexity Of The Case — More complex cases that require detailed investigations, expert testimony, and prolonged court times may demand a higher fee percentage.
- Outcome Of The Case — The stage at which your case is resolved can also affect the fee. A quick settlement might result in a lower percentage, whereas more extended litigation could increase it.
- Experience Of The Attorney — Your attorney’s expertise and track record in handling similar cases in Santa Maria can also influence the fee. More experienced lawyers may charge a higher percentage due to their proven success rates.
Contact The Car Accident Attorneys Santa Maria Counts On The Most
Filing for a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially if you are still recovering from the trauma and injuries you sustained in a car accident. However, you don’t have to experience this alone, as you can rely on the best car accident lawyers. Arash Law, led by the esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is committed to achieving the most favorable resolution for your case. We will work tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact our Santa Maria car accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391. We also offer legal services in nearby areas, such as Santa Barbara, Orcutt, Sunrise Hills, Westgate Ranch, Carriage District, Tanglewood, River Oaks, Bradley Square, College Estates, Lompoc, Atascadero, Morro Bay, Grover Beach, Goleta, and Los Alamos.
