Santa Ana Car Accident Lawyer

An experienced Santa Ana car accident lawyer from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer will manage the legal complexities of your case, allowing you to concentrate on healing.

Complete this online form or call our law offices at (714) 701-8149 to schedule a free consultation with our car accident law firm.

How Our Santa Ana Car Accident Law Firm Can Maximize Your Claim
How Is Fault Determined in a Motor Vehicle Accident Case?
What Can Be Compensated with a Santa Ana Car Accident Claim?
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim After a Car Accident?
Do I Need a Santa Ana Car Accident Lawyer?
Why You Cannot Afford to Trust the Insurance Companies
How California Car Accident Laws May Affect Your Claim

About Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer

At our law firm, we pride ourselves on having a team of experienced personal injury lawyers who are committed to delivering outstanding legal representation to clients throughout Santa Ana and the surrounding communities in Orange County.

Jeff Fayngor and his award-winning legal team have a proven track record in motor vehicle accident cases—including car accidents, commercial truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death cases, and other accidents involving severe injuries or emotional trauma—which demonstrates our dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Our experienced attorneys understand the significant impact that a Santa Ana car accident or another form of personal injury can have on victims’ well-being, from costly medical bills to emotional distress and lost income. That’s why we work tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation for every client we represent.

Additionally, our experienced car accident lawyers in Santa Ana, CA handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so clients pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation on their behalf.

When entrusting our experienced legal team with your case, know that your case is in capable hands and that we will fight for your rights every step of the legal process.

How Our Santa Ana Car Accident Law Firm Can Help You

An experienced car accident lawyer from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer will guide you through every step of the legal proceedings and help you secure the fair compensation you deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to handling even the most complex auto accident cases with delicacy, precision, and urgency.

Our personal injury attorneys are committed to supporting our clients and delivering top-tier representation, offering the following services:

Free Consultation + No Upfront Legal Fees: Providing a complimentary auto accident case evaluation to explore all legal options + representation on a contingency fee basis
Strategic Case Development: Gathering evidence to strengthen the car accident case and identify all liable parties
Accurate Case Valuation: Thoroughly assessing the motor vehicle accident claim, including economic damages and non-economic damages
Optimal Resources: Coordinating with expert witnesses, like accident reconstructionists and economists, to prove the other party’s fault and document the extent of losses
Skilled Negotiations: Handling all communications with the at-fault driver’s insurance companies to protect clients from their tactics and aggressively negotiating for fair compensation
Exclusive Medical Care: Access to the personal injury law firm’s exclusive network of medical experts, like surgeons, chiropractors, pain management specialists, and more
Award-Winning Legal Representation: Around-the-clock service, keeping clients informed on case progression at every stage

Car accident victims suffering from a serious injury or emotional distress deserve a personal legal advocate to protect their rights and maximize their financial recovery.

Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to supporting injured clients by providing skilled representation and compassionate care throughout their recovery, and are proud to be recognized among the top law firms, not just in Santa Ana, but throughout Orange County.

How Fault Is Determined in a Motor Vehicle Accident

Many Orange County car accidents result from someone else’s negligence, and identifying negligent parties involved will hold them accountable, allowing victims to seek compensation for sustained damages.

Regardless of what may have led to the car crash, it must be proven that the other driver was, in fact, negligent. This may be accomplished if the following four elements of negligence are proven:

The at-fault party owed the injured party a duty of care not to cause harm
The at-fault party violated that duty of care through reckless actions
Those reckless actions either caused or contributed to the accident
The accident resulted in damages, medical expenses or emotional trauma to the injured party

Common Examples of Driver Negligence

California law states that negligent drivers are liable for any damages and/or car accident injuries caused in the event of a crash. Common careless or negligent actions of other drivers that may lead to a crash include:

Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, talking to passengers)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (prescribed or illegal)
Failing to yield the right-of-way
Running a red light or stop sign
Speeding
Swerving in and out of lanes

Our Santa Ana car accident lawyers assist in proving the four elements of negligence, ensuring clients receive the maximum compensation for their car accident injuries and other damages.

Comparative Negligence

California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows those who are partially at fault for a car accident to still recover damages, but financial recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, and the total damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000, representing the remaining 80% of losses.

Who Is at Fault in a Santa Ana Car Accident?

California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that all involved parties who contributed to the motor vehicle accident can be held liable for damages-–including the injured parties filing the car accident claims.

When the injured party shares fault for the accident, they can still recover compensation, but it will be reduced by their percentage of responsibility, as determined by the court. For example, if you were found to be 25% at fault for a car accident due to distracted driving, you would only receive 75% of the final reward.

Other potential parties who may be found liable for a car accident include:

Negligent Driver: Actions such as speeding, disobeying traffic signals, or improper yielding
Car Manufacturer: Liability arising from defects in vehicle design or component manufacturing (e.g., brakes, steering, tires)
Government Entity: Involvement of government employees or vehicles in an accident, or neglecting road maintenance

To ensure all appropriate parties are held accountable, it’s important to work with experienced attorneys with the resources to thoroughly investigate the crash and obtain evidence to prove fault.

Car Accidents That Commonly Occur in Orange County

Due to driver negligence, road conditions, and other factors, car accidents in Southern California can result in a series of accidents. This may include:

Head-On Collision
Hit and Run Accident
Lyft Accident and Uber Accident
Rear-End Collision
Rental Car Accident
Rollover Accident
Sideswipe
Single Vehicle Accident
T-Bone Accident
Truck Accident

To avoid jeopardizing your personal injury case, consult with a Santa Ana car accident lawyer who can advise on the best course of action and how to deal with the insurance companies.

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident is complex, especially when trying to recover from a serious injury. Legal assistance is especially important when handling an insurance claim after an auto accident to ensure your rights are protected and damages are properly evaluated.

This can help navigate the legal claims process, protect your interests, and increase your chances of recovering fair compensation for injuries and losses.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Depending on the severity of the crash, car accident victims who have suffered injuries can be left in a life-changing state. This is why injured victims may pursue compensation to account for related car accident damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain moves rapidly within the skull, striking its hard inner surfaces. Traumatic brain injuries are a serious consequence of car accidents, often presenting significant challenges for car accident victims seeking compensation due to the need for thorough medical evaluation and evidence gathering.

This can lead to bleeding, swelling, bruising of the brain, and conditions such as skull fractures. TBIs require immediate medical intervention, substantial follow-up care, and diagnostic evaluations. The most severe auto accident cases of traumatic brain injury may demand lifelong care and rehabilitation.

Broken Bones

Car accidents commonly cause arm and leg injuries requiring immediate and extensive medical care, including costly surgery and ongoing rehabilitation. Additionally, bone fractures can lead to infections, resulting in amputation and physical disability.

Consequently, car accident victims may struggle with daily activities and earning an income, which can result in lost wages. Even less severe fractures may still require considerable rehabilitation for recovery.

Facial Injuries

Car accident injuries to the face can range from minor scrapes, cuts, bruises, and dental damage to severe fractures, burns, deep lacerations, and jaw injuries.

Even seemingly minor accidents can result in lacerations from flying debris, glass, or personal items, as the face’s soft tissue is particularly susceptible to serious injury. In more serious car crashes, car accident victims may sustain facial fractures.

The treatment for car accident-related facial injuries can involve cosmetic or reconstructive surgery to restore both function and appearance. Even when treated, permanent scarring or disfigurement can leave car accident victims feeling insecure, which affects their quality of life.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Back and spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are sustained in many auto accidents. Spinal cord injuries from car accidents typically result from blunt force trauma, sudden twisting, or compression of the spinal cord from vertebral fractures or herniated discs, leading to symptoms like paralysis, loss of sensation, or physical pain.

Because spinal cord injuries can result in temporary or permanent paralysis or other devastating injuries, the injured party will sometimes suffer from lost wages due to missing work, or can no longer return to the same line of work.

Psychological Trauma

Emotional distress and physical pain are treated similarly to visible injuries, as they can have just as devastating effects on victims.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, anxiety, and depression can result from a car accident, even if physical injuries were not sustained. These issues can be challenging to treat and may require therapy, medication, and extended recovery.

Overcoming such emotional trauma may require years of mental health treatment. Car accident victims suffering from psychological injuries are entitled to pursue compensation, similar to if a physical injury were sustained.

Wrongful Death

In the devastating aftermath of a fatal car accident, the law provides avenues for surviving family members to seek justice and financial relief through a wrongful death claim. A personal injury lawsuit for a wrongful death should hold the responsible party accountable and alleviate any financial and emotional burdens that arise from such a tragic loss.

Compensation pursued in a wrongful death claim may include the costs associated with funeral and burial arrangements, outstanding medical expenses incurred before the deceased’s passing, lost wages, and the loss of future income that the deceased would have provided.

Families can also recover compensation with a wrongful death claim for the profound emotional distress, loss of companionship, and other intangible damages that impact the family’s well-being and future stability.

What Can Be Compensated in a Santa Ana Car Accident Case?

Car accident damages typically consist of both economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are easily quantifiable and possess a monetary value. Conversely, non-economic damages are subjective, making it challenging to assign a specific value. Car accident victims who suffered injuries and other losses may be compensated for the following:

Current medical bills
Emotional trauma
Future medical treatment
Loss of earning capacity
Loss of companionship or consortium
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Wrongful death

In certain car accident cases, victims might be awarded punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages. These damages are reserved for situations where the at-fault party’s conduct is considered particularly egregious, such as drunk driving or a hit-and-run accident. Punitive damages, unlike compensatory damages, aim to punish the wrongdoer rather than to reimburse the injured party.

How the Car Accident Claim Process Works in Orange County

Navigating the injury claim process after an auto accident can be overwhelming, but our experienced car accident attorneys are here to make it as smooth as possible.

The first step is to seek medical attention immediately for your injuries and report the accident to the appropriate authorities. Once your immediate needs are addressed, it’s important to contact a skilled attorney in Santa Ana to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.

Our law firm will thoroughly investigate the accident, collect vital evidence, and handle all communications with insurance companies. We then submit a demand letter listing damages and owed compensation. Negotiations sometimes follow if the other party does not accept full liability.

If negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a satisfactory settlement, our legal team is fully prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court. Throughout the entire process, we are committed to keeping you informed and advocating for your best interests, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years from the date the injury was “discovered.” However, if the injury was discovered through a subsequent medical examination, this period may begin later than the date the accident occurred.

If a government entity is a defendant—for example, if you were hit by a city vehicle or injured due to a road defect—the filing period in a vehicle accident case is reduced to just six months.

Failing to file a personal injury lawsuit within this time can result in losing the right to recover compensation. Other exceptions may exist, which is why it is important to confirm such important dates with an experienced car accident lawyer.

Do I Need a Santa Ana Car Accident Lawyer?

Not all the time, but…

Car crashes can drastically change car accident victims’ lives, leaving them with long-term ailments, expensive medical bills, and lost income. In addition to dealing with difficult insurance companies, the overall insurance claims process will prove to be overwhelming.

Not all car accidents require legal representation. However, it is always best to consult with an Orange County car accident attorney to discuss personal injury case details and confirm if legal counsel is necessary. Some car accident claims may be settled directly through insurance, while others may require aggressive legal action to ensure fair compensation for losses.

How Personal Injury Laws Affect Car Accident Cases in Santa Ana, CA

Personal injury law is designed to protect individuals who have suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. In Santa Ana, motor vehicle accidents are among the most common types of personal injury claims.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, understanding your rights under personal injury law is crucial. An experienced Santa Ana accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring you receive the fair and full settlement you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Our Santa Ana personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims seek compensation and justice, whether dealing with the aftermath of a serious car accident or the tragic loss of a loved one in a wrongful death case.

Why Legal Representation in Orange County Is Essential to Recover Compensation

Hiring a Santa Ana personal injury lawyer for a car accident case is not legally required. However, unrepresented car accident victims often struggle against insurance companies focused on their interests, risking unfair settlements or the claim being compromised.

Experienced attorneys assist clients throughout the car accident claims process by providing legal guidance, negotiating with insurers, and advocating for fair compensation. An experienced Orange County car accident attorney will:

Investigate the cause of the motor vehicle accident
Gather valuable evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and video surveillance
Coordinate with expert witnesses, like accident reconstructionists to prove fault and medical experts to demonstrate the severity of car accident injuries
Calculate all sustained losses, including non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional trauma, so clients are fairly compensated

An auto accident attorney with a proven track record of building strong car accident claims to recover fair compensation is extremely beneficial to car accident victims. Most car accident claims are resolved through settlement rather than going to trial to recover compensation.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Personal Injury Claims

California is an “at-fault” state, meaning that the at-fault driver is financially responsible for the damages they cause. This may include medical bills, property damage, lost income, and other losses.

However, insurance companies prioritize their profits and often try to minimize payouts. To protect your car accident case, be aware of the tactics of the insurance companies. Common strategies applied to devalue the worth of a personal injury lawsuit include the following.

Make Early Settlement Offers

Adjusters often reach out soon after the accident with a settlement offer that may seem like fast cash. These initial offers are usually far lower than the actual value of car accident cases, made before the full extent of your injuries or costs is even known. If this offer is accepted, the victim can no longer pursue compensation.

Discourage Personal Injury Lawyer Involvement

You might be told that hiring a car accident attorney will only delay the process or that you can handle the car accident claim yourself. This is because insurers know that once you have proper legal representation, they won’t be able to pressure you into an unfair deal easily.

Insist on Recorded Statements

An adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement about the accident or your injuries. They are trained to ask questions that could get you to say something that hurts your motor vehicle accident case, for example, downplaying your pain or admitting partial fault.

Legally, you are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without counsel.

Delay the Insurance Claims Process

Insurance companies often delay processing insurance claims, hoping you’ll become desperate enough to accept a lower settlement. They may also stall in paying medical expenses or property damage repairs, adding financial pressure on you.

Dispute Liability or Minimize Injuries

Insurers often try to argue that their driver wasn’t entirely at fault, or that your negligence contributed to the crash, to reduce their payout. They may also question the severity of your injuries, suggesting that you’re exaggerating or that the injuries were pre-existing and not caused by the accident.

These tactics are designed to save the insurance company money at your expense. This is why working with a dedicated personal injury law firm is pivotal.

California Car Accident Laws May Affect Your Claim

California has specific rules and regulations that affect car accident claims, but many car accident victims are unaware of these traffic laws, which significantly impact their personal injury cases. Here are some of the main traffic laws in Santa Ana, CA that can affect a car accident case.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

California law mandates minimum liability insurance for all drivers to possess at least $15,000 for damage to property, $30,000 for injury/death to one person, and $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person.

However, many drivers in Santa Ana, CA lack insurance, potentially making it more difficult to recover damages after a car crash.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Auto insurers offer policyholders Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can be applied in motor vehicle accidents with an at-fault driver who is uninsured. This coverage provides compensation up to their policy limits if you are injured by a driver who lacks insurance or whose insurance limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of damages.

Accident Reporting Requirements

It is required to report motor vehicle accidents to the DMV within 10 days using form SR-1 if they result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.

Additionally, crashes involving injury or death must be reported to local Santa Ana law enforcement or the CHP.

Frequently Asked Questions After a Car Accident in Santa Ana, CA

How do I pick a car accident attorney near me in Orange County?

Santa Ana car accident lawyers possess an in-depth understanding of local laws, common car accident scenes, and suitable medical professionals for client referrals. The familiarity that skilled attorneys possess extends to the Central Justice Center in Orange County, significantly impacting case outcomes. This knowledge provides a distinct advantage in anticipating potential challenges or unforeseen situations during negotiations or trial if a personal injury lawsuit is filed.

Do I really need a lawyer if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Legal representation is not always necessary. However, even when fault is seemingly apparent, insurance companies of the at-fault driver often seek to minimize claim values, shift liability to the claimant, or simply deny the accident claim. A skilled Santa Ana car accident attorney counters insurance company tactics, helping injured victims secure the compensation they deserve.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident attorney in Santa Ana, and what if I can’t afford upfront fees?

Our law firm, like most reputable Orange County car accident attorneys, operates on a contingency fee basis. This means clients are not required to pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, our legal services are compensated with a smaller percentage of the final settlement or judgment. This arrangement guarantees high-quality legal representation for all, regardless of financial circumstances.

How long will my car accident case take to resolve, and will I have to go to court?

Car accident cases can settle relatively quickly, concluding within a few months, whereas more complex cases, particularly those involving serious injuries or contested liability, may extend beyond a year. While the majority of cases are resolved through out-of-court negotiations, a lawsuit may be initiated and proceed to trial if a fair settlement is not presented by the insurance company. This will prolong the timeline but can also optimize compensation.

What can I do to help my case while recovering from my injuries?

While you focus on your recovery, there are a few important things you can do to strengthen your case:

Continue all medical treatment: Follow the doctor’s treatment plan. Insurance companies can use gaps in treatment to argue that your injuries aren’t severe.
Keep detailed records: Retain all medical bills, receipts for accident-related expenses (medications, transportation to appointments, etc.), and records of lost wages.
Avoid discussing the car crash: This includes the other party’s insurance company, family, or on social media. Anything shared can hurt the car accident claim.
Do not sign anything from the insurance company: Any documents from the insurance, like a medical release, settlement claim, or other documentation, should be reviewed by a car accident attorney first.

How an Orange County Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

A skilled legal team manages all interactions with insurance providers to aggressively pursue maximum compensation. They are also prepared to litigate the car accident case before a judge and jury if the insurance company fails to provide a fair settlement.

With an established auto accident law firm handling the legal details and complex negotiations, injured clients stand a better chance of recovering maximum damages while simultaneously focusing on recovering from the traumatic event.

Contact the Top-Rated Southern California Car Accident Lawyers

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer serves the Orange County community with professionalism, integrity, and dedication. We have a track record of recovering millions for our clients.

Contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible to improve your chances of building a strong car accident case. After an accident, Jeff’s got you. Call or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Other Practice Areas Our California Personal Injury Law Firm Handles

Our award-winning Orange County car accident law firm also specializes in the following practice areas:

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Orange County Car Accident Law Firm

Experienced legal representation from a Santa Ana accident lawyer offers valuable insights into available options. Contact our personal injury law firm today to schedule a free consultation.

Address: 1418 N. Main St Suite 200-A Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone Number: (714) 701-8149

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations

Our car accident attorneys are ready to discuss your auto accident case and help you seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. Schedule a free consultation with one of our offices in Southern California or Northern California today.