Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County Personal Injury Lawyers Offer Dedicated Legal Representation
Were you injured because of someone else’s negligence? You may be able to seek compensation. Personal injury lawyers in Sonoma County can assist you in determining whether you have grounds for a legal claim. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391.
Sonoma County has an estimated population of 487,011. Most of the residents live in the county seat, Santa Rosa, along the Highway 101 corridor. As the county grows in popularity for its wineries, the chances of personal injury cases also increase.
Our lawyers here at Arash Law are dedicated to providing legal assistance to victims of negligence. We use the knowledge we’ve gained from years of representing numerous clients in injury cases. Furthermore, our Sonoma County personal injury attorneys will advocate for your rights to pursue compensation for your claims.
Complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here, and our legal team will assess your case. For more information, you can also take a look at the questions and answers that many victims have asked us before.
Settlement in a slip and fall case versus Jiffy Lube; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Our Sonoma County Personal Injury Lawyers Handle Claims
Different factors come into play in the personal injury claims we handle. Understanding what each case entails helps us create a tailored approach to the problem. Our Sonoma County personal injury lawyers understand the laws governing California. We also help address the challenges that may arise during the negotiation process, such as low settlement offers and claims denials.
We provide personalized and focused legal representation by working closely with our clients. Our lawyers work to build a well-supported case tailored to the specific circumstances of each case.
Arash Law has assisted clients in pursuing a legal claim against negligent parties. We are committed to helping you hold the liable parties accountable for your injuries and losses.
Why Hire Our Sonoma County Personal Injury Attorneys As Your Legal Adviser?
Besides the vast knowledge and experience in personal injury, our lawyers can also help you throughout the legal process. It is critical to have a legal representative after an accident.
Here is how Sonoma County personal injury attorneys assist our clients:
- Extensive Investigations — Generally, it’s crucial to establish negligence when pursuing a personal injury claim. Establishing liability can be done through a thorough investigation. We will take a look at police reports, medical reports, video and photo evidence, CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and testimonies.
- Negotiations — We will handle the negotiations with the insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may contact plaintiffs directly to discuss settlements and may interpret statements in ways that affect a claim. Offers made during these discussions may not often reflect the full extent of the damages. It is important to have support during this process to help address these challenges.
- Legal Procedures — Our personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the local laws and court procedures of Sonoma County. We manage the necessary paperwork and work to help you meet important deadlines.
- Litigation — We handle personal injury claims both through out-of-court resolution and, when necessary, litigation. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to present your case in court and seek an outcome that reflects the circumstances of your situation.
What Is A Personal Injury Claim In Sonoma County?
Personal injury law allows the plaintiff to pursue legal claims against one or more individuals, businesses, or enterprises that they believe are negligent and are responsible for any harm done to the body, reputation, or emotions. Depending on the circumstances, the plaintiff may be able to seek damages resulting from the accident.
Here are the types of claims that can arise under the personal injury law:
- Accidental Injuries — The personal injury law applies if you are injured due to someone else’s negligent actions or failure to meet a professional duty. For example, negligence claims occur when you are injured by a driver while riding your bicycle. Additional examples include car accidents, pedestrian accidents, hit-and-run accidents, and slip-and-fall accidents.
- Strict Liability Claims — It may be possible to make a claim for personal injury if you are harmed as a result of someone else’s actions or inactions, regardless of negligence or wrongdoing. A defective product is an example of this. The law holds the manufacturer strictly liable for any injuries or damages. Thus, they are responsible for your losses regardless of whether they acted maliciously or negligently during the development, manufacturing, or marketing of the product.
- Intentional Torts — The law gives you the right to pursue compensation if someone intentionally injures you. As an example, assault and battery are included in this definition.
Victims can also seek assistance from Sonoma County personal injury lawyers for wrongful death claims.
What Do I Do After An Accident In Sonoma County?
There are certain steps you can take following an accident to help support your potential claim, such as:
- Remain on the scene until the police arrive. Keep yourself safe and use caution. Remove yourself from harm’s way. Then, check if your companions are unharmed. For example, check the passengers in a car accident, especially the children.
- Call 911. Do not assume the others involved have called them. Even if the other party dissuades you from calling authorities, do not hesitate to contact them. Report any accident for a proper police investigation. Record the officers’ names and badge numbers as well.
- Exchange information with all the parties involved. Apart from their names and contact details, record their insurance information. Take a photo of their IDs. Victims have the right to collect this information. If other parties do not cooperate, you can report the matter to the authorities and let them handle it.
- Gather necessary information about the accident. Capture photos and videos of the scene, the surroundings, and any important details. These can be used as evidence when you file a personal injury claim. However, only do this if you are physically safe and able.
- Get medical attention promptly. Whether you feel pain or not, or if you think the injuries are minor, get checked by the first responders. Visit your doctor for further examinations as well.
- Contact personal injury lawyers in Sonoma County. We can assist in building the case and negotiating with the insurance company.
- Lastly, don’t admit fault, even if you think you caused the accident.
Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injuries In Sonoma County
Personal injury claims in California generally have a statute of limitations of two years. It’s essential to file your claim within two years of the date of injury or discovery of illness. However, some specific claims can have different deadlines. These are some of these cases:
- Medical Malpractice — 1 year from the discovery.
- Asbestos Exposure — 1 year from the discovery.
- Wrongful Death — 2 years to file a claim after the person died.
- Wrongful Birth — 6 years to file after the child is born.
Moreover, if you are suing a government entity, you only have 6 months to file a claim. Furthermore, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until they turn 18.
Failing to meet these deadlines could impact your legal options for seeking compensation. Speak with our Sonoma County personal injury attorneys to learn what time limit is applicable to your case.
Types Of Cases We Handle
Personal injury claims come in many forms. The team at Arash Law has developed a detailed approach to presenting the facts of each case. You can seek legal assistance from our Sonoma County personal injury lawyers with the following cases:
- Car Accidents — Our car accident lawyers handle cases involving single- or multiple-vehicle collisions caused by a variety of factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or DUIs.
- Pedestrian Accidents — Pedestrian accidents may include cases of hit-and-run or getting hit by a car while crossing or walking on the sidewalk.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents — Slip and fall accidents can occur in shopping centers, restaurants, or grocery stores and may result in severe injuries.
- Work Accidents — Workplace accidents in any industry can cause severe injuries and loss of earnings.
- Product Liability — Defective products can cause intense injuries to unknowing consumers, potentially resulting in product liability claims.
- Truck Accidents — The impact of truck accidents is often serious and fatal. It can create complex cases due to several factors, including the liable parties.
- Uber Accidents — Uber accident cases can be challenging, as issues such as disputes over liability and the employment status of its drivers often arise.
- Motorcycle Accidents — Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence in California and throughout the United States.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — Traumatic brain injuries can cause long-term issues, including neurological or psychological issues.
- Bicycle Accidents — Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries, especially when they collide with vehicles and motorcycles in bicycle accidents.
Four Key Elements Of A Negligence Claim
Personal injury claims are typically based on the theory of negligence. A person is considered negligent if they do not act with the same degree of care that a reasonable person would have exercised in the same situation.
To establish negligence, the plaintiff must demonstrate the four elements of a negligence claim with the help of personal injury lawyers in Sonoma County. These are:
- Duty of Care — The defendant has a legal obligation to help keep others safe on the road. For example, a driver has the duty to pay attention to the road and focus on driving.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant breached a duty owed to you if they failed to act reasonably prudent.
- Causation — The plaintiff must also demonstrate that the defendant’s action has caused them harm. Your injuries must be a direct cause of the accident and not an unrelated act.
- Damages — Due to the resulting injuries from the accident, the plaintiff has suffered losses. These include both economic and non-economic losses, which can be compensable.
2019: $27M confidential settlement in a case involving multiple plaintiffs.– BRIAN BEECHER
What Damages Are Available In A Personal Injury Case?
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to pursue both economic and non-economic damages resulting from the accident. This is to help you “be whole” again and return to your status before the accident happened.
The economic damages are tangible and easy to calculate. You can show this through receipts, bills, and invoices. These may include the following:
- Medical bills, including the future medical treatments, medications, and rehabilitation you will require until you treat your injuries.
- Lost earnings, including lost wages, because you are unable to work due to your injuries. It may also include your potential to earn an income because of your disability.
- Damaged or destroyed property, including the money you spent on repair or replacement.
- Other expenses incurred as a result of the accident include live-in care, medical equipment, utilities, transportation, travel costs, etc.
Meanwhile, non-economic damages refer to intangible losses. These are hard to calculate and may include the following:
- Pain And Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Mental Health Issues (including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression).
- Diminished Quality of Life
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Loss of Consortium
- Inconvenience
- Disfigurement
There are also punitive damages, which the court awards in rare cases at its discretion. This is considered punishment for extremely harmful actions.
Your Sonoma County personal injury lawyers can help calculate and quantify your total losses. We can assess the potential value of your case and help you make informed decisions about settlement offers.
FAQs About Personal Injury Cases In Sonoma County
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth In Sonoma County?
Unfortunately, it is hard to say without a proper evaluation. Everyone’s case is different and will have a different worth. Each one is uniquely based on your losses and other factors of the case. However, you can schedule a free initial consultation with personal injury attorneys in Sonoma County to have a general idea of how much you may be able to pursue, depending on the situation.
What Do I Do If An Insurance Adjuster Calls Me?
It can be beneficial to wait until you have legal representation before speaking with an insurance agent. The defendant’s insurance company will review the details of your claim and may present a settlement offer for your consideration. The amount offered may not often cover the total costs associated with your case, so it is essential to assess whether the offer addresses your needs carefully.
If you decline a settlement offer, you may be asked to discuss the accident further. Statements made during these conversations can be considered in the claims process. Our personal injury lawyers in Sonoma County can help you manage the negotiation process and communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf. We will work to address these challenges and help you make informed decisions about your case.
How Do I Know If I Have A Case?
Personal injury cases are typically based on negligence. Some questions to consider include:
- What caused your accident?
- Was it someone else’s fault?
- Could you demonstrate whose fault it was?
If your answer points to another person as the negligent party, a potential claim may exist. To further assess your situation, you can consult a personal injury attorney in Sonoma County for more information. You can check how our onboarding process works here.
Do I Need To Pay Anything Upfront?
Many victims do not pursue legal assistance because there is a presumption that lawyers are expensive. However, our firm works on a contingency fee basis. In other words, clients won’t be charged for the services of our attorney unless compensation is obtained through a settlement or verdict. If there’s no compensation, you won’t owe us attorneys’ fees. Still, certain case-related expenses may apply, regardless of the outcome.
Our Sonoma County personal injury lawyers will discuss these fees and costs during your consultation and clearly outline them in a written agreement.
Contact Our Sonoma County Personal Injury Lawyers
Medical treatments, therapy, and pain management may be necessary for a long time following a serious injury. Legal support can help you navigate the process, allowing you to focus on getting better.
Here at Arash Law, our team of Sonoma County personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Our team will advocate for you and help you pursue compensation for the injuries and losses you have incurred after the accident. Our lawyers will handle the legal aspects as you focus on your health.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. We also offer our legal services to the neighboring cities and towns of Anchor Bay, Lower Lake, Middletown, Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, Napa County, Fairfield, Vacaville, Brooks, Esparto, Vallejo, Novato, San Rafael, Concord, Pittsburg, and Woodland.
