Best Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Maria, CA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Santa Maria, California?

  Call 805-928-3781 for a non-emergency dispatch from the Santa Maria police department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Santa Maria, California?

  Copies of car accident reports can be obtained from the Records Bureau of the Santa Maria Police by calling 805-928-3781 ext. 2590 or by sending an email to pdrecords@cityofsantamaria.org. You can also visit the police station at 1111 W. Betteravia Road (near South Blosser Road).

• In what situations do insurance companies dispute car accident claims in Santa Maria?

  Insurance companies may possibly dispute your car accident claims in Santa Maria if you were partly to blame for the accident, did not attend all doctor's appointments, or take prescribed medications. They may also dispute if you went back to work early against the doctor's orders or posted something about your case on social media.

• How much does it cost to sue the other driver in a Santa Maria car accident?

  It is a regular practice for personal injury law firms to take 33%–40% of the settlement amount that their clients receive. Most firms operate on a contingency basis, which means that if you hire a lawyer after a car accident in Santa Maria, you don't pay anything—including court costs—unless cases are won or settled.

• What happens if a person is not wearing a seatbelt and gets involved in a car accident in Santa Maria?

  If you were not wearing a seatbelt during an accident in Santa Maria, you can still seek compensation even though you violated the state's law. However, your total settlement amount may be reduced under the state's pure comparative negligence rule. So if you were found to be 20% at fault for not wearing a seatbelt, then you can only receive 80% of the total settlement.

• What are some dangerous highways in the Santa Maria area?

  There are many accidents on the one-mile stretch of Highway 101, which spans north of Thompson Road/Highway 101/Highway 166 interchange to the south of the Santa Maria River bridge. Highways 1 and 135 are also other roadways in Santa Maria where many accidents occur, including fatal collisions caused by alcohol impairment.

• Who should be liable for accidents in Santa Maria that are caused by popped tires?

  There are complex cases where accidents due to popped tires do not involve driver negligence. In cases like these, tire manufacturers, government entities, and repair shops could be held liable. An investigation can be done to check if manufacturing defects, poor road maintenance, and improper vehicle maintenance indirectly caused the car accident in Santa Maria.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.