Ventura 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 Ventura Accident Lawyers Offer Legal Counsel That Puts Your Concerns First
Preventable accidents lead to thousands of emergency room visits in Ventura County every year. If you or a loved one got injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Our Ventura accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills and unexpected losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391, and we will explain your rights.
Ventura frequently sees accidents caused by negligent individuals. The influx of tourists, along with the daily commute of residents, creates heavy foot and vehicle traffic throughout the city. All these increase the risk of getting injured in preventable incidents, such as slip-and-fall and motor vehicle accidents.
If you were injured and you believe the at-fault party’s negligence may have caused it, you may have a valid claim. You can schedule a free initial consultation with one of our accident attorneys in Ventura.
Gomez v. PG Transportation (settled on 8/11/2023) – settlement involving a man who was struck by a car resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury as well as other orthopedic injuries.– TINA ESHGHIEH
How Can Our Ventura Accident Lawyers Help You?
Our experienced Ventura accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your losses. With the knowledge and understanding of personal injury law, our team is here to help you pursue compensation for your medical bills and unexpected losses. We understand that recovering from an accident can be stressful, so we work diligently to handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on getting better.
Filing a personal injury claim can be a challenging process. It involves gathering and preserving the available evidence, such as:
- Medical records
- CCTV recordings
- Photos and videos of the accident
- Hospital bills
- Physical evidence
We can also assist you in obtaining a copy of the police report, coordinating with eyewitnesses, and, if necessary, filing legal court documents and attending court hearings. Our Ventura personal injury attorneys can walk you through the intricacies of your case, keeping you informed throughout the process.
Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. They investigate your case closely and may raise questions about liability. Insurers also offer you a settlement based on their findings. Our lawyers can negotiate on your behalf, advocating for your rights throughout the claims process. We aim to help you seek fair compensation for your losses.
Types Of Accident Cases Our Attorneys Handle
Our Ventura accident attorneys can assist victims of:
Car Accidents
In 2021, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported 364 fatalities and serious injuries from vehicle accidents in Ventura County. The number may seem low to others, but with a population of just 109,000, it is indeed alarming. Everyone in Ventura, whether locals, tourists, or just passing by, must take extra caution while on the road.
With years of helping car accident victims, we have identified the common reasons for a car crash in California:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Fatigued Driving
- Road Hazards
- Tailgating
- Running Red Lights
What Are California’s Car Insurance Laws?
California car insurance law requires all drivers to carry auto insurance with minimum liability coverage. According to the California Insurance Code §11580.1b, the minimum liability insurance requirements should be:
- $30,000 per bodily injury per person
- $60,000 per bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 per property damage per accident
However, accidents may require more than the minimum coverage mentioned above. Therefore, every driver is encouraged to consider boosting or adding extra coverage to their insurance. If you have questions about how your auto insurance policy may apply to your case, our car accident lawyers in Ventura can answer them for you.
Types Of Acceptable Insurance
The DMV may allow drivers to fulfill their financial responsibility by carrying the following types of insurance:
- Cash Deposit — To pay liabilities in the event of an accident, the driver must have at least $75,000 in their bank savings account. In order to keep the necessary amount intact, the driver must also grant the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) access to their account.
- Surety Bond — Just like the cash deposit option, the surety bond costs $75,000. This option assures the driver’s payment for any bodily injury and property damage in case of an accident. The main difference between insurance and a safety bond is that insurance will pay for losses in a claim, while a surety bond will require you to keep your obligations.
- Certificate of Self-Insurance from DMV — Commonly, this option is available for individuals who own at least 25 vehicles. Financial documents are needed to prove that an individual is capable of settling any bodily and property damage in the event of vehicular accidents.
Truck Accidents
Ventura is located along U.S. Route 101, which makes truck accidents a common occurrence. Thousands of large vehicles, such as big rig trucks, delivery trucks, and semi-trucks, pass through this major highway every day.
We have handled car crashes and pedestrian accidents involving trucks. One of these is a client who fell off a moving truck, sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other serious injuries that prolonged his recovery.
Types of truck accidents that we handle:
- Head-On Collisions
- Rear-End Collisions
- Jackknife Accidents
- T-Bone Accidents
- Sideswipe Accidents
- Rollover Accidents
- Wide Turn Accidents
If you are unsure what to do after a truck accident, speak with our Ventura attorneys, and they will guide you on what to do next.
Motorcycle Accidents
As per OTS and the Ventura City Government, California leads all states in terms of motorcycle ownership; the Golden State registered nearly 900,000 motorcycle units as of 2021.
In connection with the almost a million registered motorcycles in California, the OTS also logged 565 fatalities in 2021, or a 3% increase from 2020. Motorcyclist deaths from not wearing a helmet also increased in 2021, despite the constant reminder to wear head protection all the time.
As motorbikes become increasingly popular not only in Ventura but also throughout California, motorcycle accidents are also on the rise. The common causes of these incidents include:
- Speeding
- Overtaking
- Lane Splitting
- Lane Switching
- Inclement Weather
- Road Hazards
- Inexperience
- Motorcycle Defects
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, you may be able to file a claim for compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Uber Accidents
Thousands of commuters use Uber every day, so the risk of being injured in an accident related to this ridesharing service is also relatively high.
Just like any other car crash, Uber drivers are also prone to accidents caused by:
- Speeding
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Fatigued Driving
- Disregarding Traffic Signs
- Road Hazards
Uber drivers spend more time looking at their mobile phones to check trip bookings, GPS, maps, and chat with their passengers. These actions make distracted driving a common cause of accidents among Uber drivers.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a Ventura Uber accident, reaching out to our lawyers promptly is recommended. We may be able to help you pursue compensation from both the driver and Uber.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicycles are one of the most effective and efficient means of transportation. Many Ventura residents commute from home to work and vice versa on a bicycle because it saves gas money, is eco-friendly, and has health benefits, too.
Despite the many benefits, cyclists face a higher risk of serious injury in bicycle accidents due to minimal protection compared to those in vehicles.
Some of the most common injuries bicyclists sustain after an accident are:
- TBIs
- Broken Bones
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Dental Fractures
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Scrapes And Abrasions
Construction Accidents
Many businesses and homes are being built in Ventura each year, so construction is a thriving industry in the city. However, it poses a great risk to workers, pedestrians, and motorists, as construction accidents can happen on-site at any time.
Despite the required safety gear, construction workers are still susceptible to accidents. Compared with a vehicle accident, the injury sustained on a construction site is typically more severe due to the involvement of heavy machinery.
If you or someone you know is working for a construction company, beware of these common construction accidents:
- Electrocution
- Slip-and-Falls
- Falling Objects
- Fires and Explosions
- Chemical Exposures
- Burns
- Crane Accidents
- Machinery Accidents
- Building Collapse
No matter what kind of construction accident you get into, Arash Law can review your specific circumstances and assess whether you have a personal injury case separate from a workers’ comp claim. If you do, our accident lawyers in Ventura can help you proceed with your construction injury claims. We can conduct a thorough investigation into your case and help you identify the parties who may be at fault.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are typically susceptible to injuries while on the streets, as they may have less protection than those in vehicles. Regardless of the pedestrians’ obedience to the rules, there are circumstances in which they are put in danger due to someone’s negligence.
Aside from crosswalk incidents, here are some other common accidents that pedestrians get into:
- Hit-and-run
- Slip-and-falls
- Vehicle backing up
- Pedestrian-cyclist collisions
Your situation may differ from the cases listed above. Regardless, our Ventura accident attorneys can guide you in filing your claim and help you navigate your case with experienced guidance.
Common Injuries Sustained In Accidents
In the cases our accident lawyers have handled in Ventura, soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries we see. Other injuries we see are:
Head And Brain Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries affect 1.7 million Americans each year. TBIs happen when the head absorbs a hard blow and the brain moves partially. Brain injuries can have lasting consequences not just for the physical health of the victim but also for their psychological well-being.
Back And Spine Injuries
A sudden and forceful impact could strain the back tissues or the backbone, resulting in spinal cord injuries. Muscle spasms and pain are some of the symptoms of these injuries that affect the daily lives of 282,000 people in the United States, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force or penetration trauma can result in internal organ damage. These injuries may result from severe motor vehicle accidents or falling from high places. These can lead to complications and even death if left untreated.
Broken Bones
Fractures range from a hairline crack to crushed bones. The more severe cases may require surgery, long-term treatment, and rehabilitation.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms and believe they are related to your accident, contact us. Our accident attorneys can also connect you with experienced medical professionals in Ventura who can thoroughly assess your condition and identify further potential injuries.
We also encourage our clients to seek medical attention promptly so doctors may evaluate their injuries and identify any other health-related problems that may cause complications later on.
Who May Be Liable In An Accident?
Generally, the responsible party is the one who caused harm to an individual. They could be motor vehicle drivers, business owners, landowners, landlords, or maintenance personnel. In some cases, manufacturers or retailers can also be held liable if their defective product harms an individual. This is under the product liability law, which generally does not require proof of negligence.
There could also be multiple liable parties in a case. Usually, this is where California’s pure comparative negligence law comes in.
What Is Pure Comparative Negligence, And How Can It Affect My Case?
California is known as a pure comparative negligence state, which means that police, insurers, and trial courts consider all parties involved when determining their percentage of liability in an incident. Additionally, plaintiffs can claim damages for the 1% they are not at fault, even if they are 99% responsible for an accident.
Imagine the following scenario: a man crosses the street and is struck by a car. The accident resulted in broken hips for the victim, and so the pedestrian sued the driver for reckless driving. Further investigation revealed that the traffic lights were green, favoring every vehicle in that direction at that time. There was also no pedestrian crossing warning signage. Based on the gathered facts, the jury may conclude that the victim bears 30% responsibility for the incident.
Comparative negligence also influences the overall amount a victim can pursue. Consider the example scenario above. Assume the victim’s compensation claim is $100,000. He may only receive $70,000 after deducting $30,000, which represents his 30% liability in the accident.
Comparative negligence can be confusing, but our Arash Law can offer some clarity. You can connect with our attorneys to discuss your accident, and from there, we will discuss comparative negligence further, along with your potential compensation.
Compensation You May Pursue After An Accident
If you were injured in an accident in Ventura, you may be able to seek compensation for various losses, including the following:
Economic Damages
These are intended to compensate for your expenses from the date of the accident. Your economic damages can account for the following:
- Hospital bills
- Laboratory test
- Therapy bills
- Future healthcare costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage repairs
- Lost capacity to earn
- Inability to provide for your loved ones
Non-Economic Damages
These damages account for your non-monetary losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health issues
- Body disfigurement
- Body dismemberment
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Wrongful death damages
Punitive Damages
These are non-monetary penalties given by the judge to the at-fault parties to prevent them from committing the same mistakes in the future. Punitive damages are also designed to set an example and discourage others from performing similar offenses. However, these are rarely granted by the court and are typically awarded in cases of extreme negligence or malicious acts.
With decades of handling various accident cases, our lawyers in Ventura can assess your case and give you an estimate of how much your claim is worth.
What To Do After An Accident In Ventura
Our attorneys have developed a list of tips on what to do following an accident in Ventura. Here are things you can do that may help protect your rights and keep you safe:
- Call 911 — Be as calm as possible and clearly describe your injuries. State where you are and what happened accurately. Then, wait for paramedics and the local police to arrive.
- Get Immediate Medical Attention — Sometimes, adrenaline can mask pain. So, even if you feel fine, get checked by the paramedics. Follow their advice.
- Cooperate With the Police — The local Ventura police will be dispatched to the scene. Give them all the facts of the case, but refrain from making statements that may be misconstrued as an admission of fault.
- Document the Scenario — Take photos of your injuries, property damages, and the accident scene if you can move.
- Look for Eyewitnesses — Their statements will serve as evidence and will support your statement. Ask for their contact information and permission to testify.
- Get the Other Party’s Information — Ask for their names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details.
- Seek Further Medical Care — Consult a doctor. A thorough medical assessment may reveal other injuries that may have been caused by the incident.
- Contact a Lawyer — Our accident attorneys in Ventura can help you avoid sharing any sensitive information with the other party that may harm your claim.
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
Dangerous Roads In Ventura County
Unfortunately, some of the highways in Ventura County see their fair share of accidents. Here are some of the roads in Ventura where accidents may happen:
- Highway 101 — The route, which is 800 miles long, is notoriously known for its tight and narrow turns, which frequently lead to accidents involving big rig trucks turning over, causing massive traffic jams and other vehicular accidents, particularly in inclement weather.
- Deer Creek Road — This route, located within Deer Creek Canyon Park, has steep, twisted, narrow, and sharp turns that make it challenging for even experienced drivers to navigate. Heavy vehicle drivers should take extra precautions due to the narrow roadways on the highway, making them more vulnerable to accidents than SUVs and cars.
- State Route 126 — Known as “Bloody Alley,” the 7-mile stretch of 126 from Hallock Drive in Santa Paula to E Street in Fillmore is infamously deadly. Many of the crashes involved speeding drivers and slow-moving agricultural vehicles, which are frequent in the area.
If you have been injured in an accident on these highways, contact our Ventura accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 so they can advise you on what to do.
What Is The Time Limit For Filing An Accident Claim?
You only have two years to file an accident claim based on California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, also known as the statute of limitations.
However, there are a few exemptions to this rule:
- If the Victim Is a Minor — If the minor’s parents or guardians choose not to pursue the claim, the statute of limitations will be paused. It may resume when the victim reaches the legal age of 18.
- Discovery Rule — Not all injuries are noticeable at the accident scene. If symptoms appear after the two-year deadline, the victim will have another two years after being diagnosed with the injury.
- The Accident Involves a Government Entity — An individual only has six months to file a claim if they were injured due to the actions or inactions of a government entity.
Two years may not be enough to file a claim on your own, especially if you are recuperating from your injury. Evidence gathering alone will take months, as will the court proceedings. They are not only time-consuming but also mentally and physically draining due to the involvement of various offices and individuals.
Hiring our accident lawyers in Ventura will help submit all the documents ahead of time and will give you time to focus on your well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should You Consider When Hiring An Accident Lawyer?
Here are some things that you should consider when hiring an accident attorney:
- Years of experience handling accident cases
- Number of successful cases handled
- Number of satisfied clients
- Number of years in service
- Settlements recovered
- Awards won in the industry
How Much Do Experienced Ventura Car Accident Attorneys Cost?
Our accident lawyers in Ventura work on a contingency fee agreement, which means we won’t charge attorneys’ fees unless we obtain compensation on your behalf. However, certain case expenses may still apply regardless of the outcome. Our payment comes as a percentage of the compensation, which we can discuss during your onboarding process. One of our attorneys can discuss our pay structure and other potential costs during your free initial consultation.
As a client-focused law firm, we aim to help you seek legal representation without paying upfront lawyers’ fees. You can schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to explore your legal options.
How Much To Expect From A Car Accident Settlement In California?
Every case is unique, and so is its value. Minor cases can range between thousands and tens of thousands. On the other hand, claims where the victims have sustained more damages and losses can range between tens of thousands and even millions.
The settlement award will depend on several factors. Here are the common ones that affect the case and its outcome:
- Age of the victim
- Severity of injury
- Short-term and long-term effects of injury
- Type of accident
- Damage to property
- Insurance coverage
Our lawyers in Ventura can help you understand the factors that may affect your case value based on your specific situation.
Can I Sue After An Accident In California?
You may be able to file a case if you were injured in an accident in California caused by someone’s negligence. However, there is a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Based on the statute of limitations, you generally have only two years to do so in order to avoid technical forfeiture.
Consult our accident attorneys in Ventura, who can assist you with all the paperwork. If necessary, we will also represent you in court. Our attorneys can help you review the merits of your case.
Speak With Our Ventura Accident Attorneys
Nursing an injury while medical bills continue to pile up is both physically and psychologically demanding. Working with our lawyers may help you delegate the legal procedures while you focus on your well-being. Our team can use our knowledge of personal injury law to advocate for your rights.
Our attorneys can also handle negotiations on your behalf. We can meet the insurers at the negotiation table and steer the discussions towards fair compensation. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we may advise you to take your case to court.
Our Ventura accident attorneys will work diligently to pursue appropriate compensation on your behalf. If you would prefer to discuss your case in a language other than English, our staff can arrange for translation services at your request.
Aside from our Ventura office, we also have accident lawyers who can help victims in neighboring locations, such as Casitas Springs, Faria Beach, Dulah, Saticoy, El Rio, Riverpark, Rio Lindo, Oxnard, and Channel Islands.
