Best Car Accident Attorneys in Santa Ana
Compare Top Car Accident Attorneys
| LAWYER NAME | CA BAR ASSOCIATION STATUS | YEAR ADMITTED TO CA BAR | LAW SCHOOL ATTENDED | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John C. Adams, III | Active | 1979 | Loyola Law School Los Angeles | |
| Jimmy Cabral | Active | 2013 | Western State College of Law | |
| Steven F. Carlson | Active | 1994 | Western State College of Law | |
| Robert B. Gibson | Active | 1992 | University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law | |
| Brian J. McCormack | Active | 1993 | Western State College of Law | |
| Phillip B. Nghiem | Active | 2013 | Western State College of Law | |
| Chris Purcell | Active | 1989 | Santa Barbara College of Law | |
| Sarah C. Serpa | Active | 1998 | Loyola Law School Los Angeles | |
| Brandon J. Simon | Active | 2013 | Thomas Jefferson School of Law | |
| Edward Susolik | Active | 1990 | University of Southern California Gould School of Law |
Other California Car Accident Lawyers
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in California
Knowing the state-specific laws and time restrictions for filing a lawsuit can be crucial for your car accident case in Santa Ana. Here are some examples of California-specific laws and regulations:
California Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations determines the timeframe for filing a lawsuit. According to California law, car accident victims usually have two years from their accident and injury to file a claim. Once the time has run out, victims generally cannot file a lawsuit anymore. However, there are some exceptions when the statute may be paused (tolled), such as:
- The injury was not discovered right away
- The defendant is a minor
- The defendant is out-of-state or incarcerated
Since cases where the statute of limitations is tolled can be complex, consider speaking to a car accident lawyer in Santa Ana to clarify your options and determine the best timing for your lawsuit.
Claims Against the Government
Individuals with personal injury claims against a government agency must observe special rules and deadlines in California. For example, before you are allowed to file in court, you must first file an administrative claim with the relevant agency within six months of your accident or injury.
California Laws for Car Drivers
Like other states, California has its own regulations when it comes to car insurance coverage and traffic laws. Here are some examples of California laws for car drivers:
- Minimum insurance coverage. California drivers must have minimums of $15,000 for injury or death to one person, $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $5,000 for property damage.
- Cell phone use while driving. In California, it is illegal to use a hand-held device while driving. However, the use of a hands-free phone or device is allowed, except for drivers under the age of 18, who are prohibited from using a cell phone for any reason.
- Car seat laws. Children must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until they weigh 40 or more pounds or are 40 inches or taller. All children must be secured in an appropriate car seat in the rear seat of the vehicle until they are eight years old or 4’9” tall.
Identifying Fault for a Car Crash
In California, determining fault in car accidents follows the pure comparative negligence principle. When an accident occurs, the responsibility for the crash and resulting damages is assigned based on the degree of fault of each involved party, regardless of their proportion of fault.
Why Is Determining Fault Necessary?
Identifying fault is necessary to ensure innocent injured individuals receive appropriate compensation and those responsible are held accountable. Typically, the at-fault party’s insurance covers the other party’s losses.
How is fault determined?
Fault in California car accidents is established by analyzing the accident and evidence, including:
- Eyewitness accounts
- Police reports
- Photos and videos of the crash
- Expert witness testimony
What Is Pure Comparative Negligence?
Pure comparative negligence provides that even those partially responsible for a crash can recover damages for their injuries and financial losses. However, the compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
A car accident lawyer in Santa Ana can be your advocate and defend your best interests in settlement negotiations and in court.
- Offer legal guidance. An experienced car accident attorney knows the California traffic laws and regulations pertaining to your case. They can walk you through your options, navigate the legal process on your behalf and ensure to protect your rights effectively.
- Gather evidence to prove your case. Car accident lawyers can gather crucial evidence to support your claim, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements and expert witness opinions.
- Stand up to the insurance company. Insurers may deny, delay or minimize your claim, hoping to get away with paying as little as possible or even nothing at all. An attorney can level the playing field and protect you from an insurer’s manipulative tactics, negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Value your car accident claim. An attorney will calculate your past, present and future damages relating to the crash. They can protect you from accepting a lowball settlement offer from an insurer if your case is worth much more.
- Represent you at trial. A car accident attorney can present your case to a judge and jury, cross-examine witnesses and powerfully argue your case. With a skilled lawyer in your corner, you can maximize your chances of a favorable verdict.
Featured Attorney
Robin Saghian
- Personal Injury Law
- Employment Law
- Catastrophic Injuries & Wrongful Death
- Car Accidents
- Rideshare Accidents (Uber, Lyft, and HopSkipDrive)
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Train Accidents (AmTrak)
- Bus Accidents
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents (Amazon, UPS, and FedEx)
- Electric Bike & Scooter Accidents (Lime and Bird)
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
How to Find the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Santa Ana, CA
Before starting your search, clarify what you’re looking for in a car accident lawyer. One of the main requirements should be that the attorney has successfully handled cases like yours. For example, if you have a car accident claim, you would not want to hire a lawyer who has only handled slip and fall cases. Here are some other points to consider when looking for the best car accident lawyer in Santa Ana:
- Trial experience. Most car accident claims are resolved out of court. That said, you’ll want to ensure that your attorney has the expertise and stamina to go all the way if an insurance company is dragging its heels.
- Contingency fee. Choose an attorney who works on contingency rather than charging hourly fees or retainers. With contingency, you only have to pay attorney’s fees when you win your case,
- Reputation. Your attorney should be well-respected in the legal community and have many positive reviews from past clients.
- Resources. Ensure that the lawyer or law firm you hire has the resources to fight your case all the way, even if it turns out lengthy and complex.
Methodology
To come up with the Best Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Ana in 2023, Forbes Advisor considered many factors. Forbes Advisor’s mathematical analysis considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses and certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education and employment background
- Scholarly lectures and writings
- Awards and honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. This information should not be considered comprehensive, however. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds, but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I seek medical advice for minor car accident injuries?
Crash scenes can be chaotic and stressful. Our bodies often mask injuries and pain immediately after an accident, leading us to believe that we don’t require medical attention. Here’s why you should consider getting a check-up after an accident, even if you feel fine:
- Hidden injuries and delayed symptoms. Some common car accident injuries, such as traumatic brain injury and whiplash, may not show signs for days. A doctor can diagnose such conditions early, ensuring you get timely treatment.
- Insurance claim requirements. Whether you’re filing a claim with your insurer or the at-fault party’s insurance company, you need medical documentation to prove your injuries and obtain a payout.
- Lawsuit documentation. Comprehensive medical records documenting your accident injuries and medical treatments are essential for seeking compensation with a lawsuit.
How do I pay my medical bills after a car accident in California?
Facing mounting medical bills after a car accident can be stressful. Receiving a settlement check could be months away. While your medical bills are primarily your responsibility, you have various options available, including:
• Your health insurance
• Medical payments coverage (Med Pay)
• Medicare or Medicaid
• Deferring payments to medical providers (medical liens)
If someone else is at fault for your accident and injuries, consulting with a car accident lawyer in Santa Ana can help you discover options for paying your medical bills while awaiting the outcome of your insurance claim or lawsuit.
How much does a Santa Ana car accident lawyer cost?
Most California car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay out-of-pocket lawyer’s fees. Your lawyer only gets paid if and when they win your case and recover compensation. They typically receive a percentage of the final recovery, which can be around one-third but varies from one law firm to another.
Bear in mind that a lawsuit entails additional costs, such as court filing fees, deposition expenses, expert witness fees and more. While some attorneys tie such expenses into their fees, others may ask clients to pay them upfront. To avoid confusion and surprises, clarify all potential costs with your attorney.
