A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Santa Maria car accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may use unfair tactics to avoid liability and settle your claim for as little as possible. You need the help of an experienced Santa Maria car accident attorney to protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation.
At Rodriguez & Associates, our Santa Maria personal injury lawyers have a proven record of helping car accident victims and their families secure the full value of their claims. Let us help you. Call (661) 777-7575 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
The Rodriguez & Associates Advantage
- Experience. We have more than 100 years of combined experience protecting the rights of injury victims.
- Results. We have helped recover over $1 billion for our clients.
- Integrity. We will not take your case unless we believe it has merit and that we can help you secure maximum compensation.
- Accessibility. We will meet with you at no charge to discuss your claim. We will listen to you, answer your questions, and explain your rights. If we take your case, we will handle it on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing until we recover compensation for you.
Most Common Causes of Santa Maria Car Accidents
Car accidents have various causes. Some of the most common causes of Santa Maria car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Dangerous road designs
- Negligently maintained roads
- Vehicle malfunction
Determining the cause of your accident is vital to the success of your claim. At Rodriguez & Associates, we do not take your accident at face value. We carefully investigate to identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties to help you recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Leading Injuries Sustained in Santa Maria Car Accidents
Some car accidents result in minor bumps and bruises. Others can cause catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in Santa Maria car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Broken or crushed bones
- Burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Even if you do not believe your injuries are severe, you should have an immediate medical evaluation. Some life-threatening injuries are not immediately apparent. Being checked out by a doctor after a car accident can help protect your health and your right to recover compensation for your damages.
Liability in Santa Maria Car Accident Claims
Liability depends on the cause of your accident. Some potentially liable parties in a Santa Maria car accident claim include the driver, the driver’s employer (if the driver was on the job at the time of the accident), and the owner of the involved vehicle.
Other potentially liable parties include a vehicle or equipment manufacturer, a negligent repair or maintenance business, and a government entity responsible for designing and maintaining safe roads.
At Rodriguez & Associates, our Santa Maria car accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the facts of your accident to identify all contributing factors and hold all liable parties accountable for your damages.
Damages Recoverable in Santa Maria Car Accident Claims
In a successful Santa Maria car accident claim, you can recover economic damages such as current and future medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and other financial losses and expenses.
You could also recover non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible costs.
In rare cases, you could be awarded punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. However, punitive damages are only available if you can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is guilty of malice, fraud, or oppression.
Determining Fault in California Car Accidents
Fault is determined by examining the evidence. Our car accident injury attorneys have the skills and experience to uncover and gather vital evidence to determine and prove fault. Since most car accident claims are based on negligence, we must prove that:
- The defendant owed you a duty. (All drivers owe a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely to avoid harming others.)
- The defendant breached that duty.
- The defendant’s breach of duty was the cause of your injuries.
- You suffered actual damage due to the defendant’s breach of duty.
The evidence used to determine and prove fault depends on the specific facts of your accident. Some types of evidence we may use include:
- The accident report
- Eyewitness accounts
- Photographs and video footage from the accident scene
- Dashcam video
- Surveillance footage from traffic cameras and nearby businesses or homes
- Skid marks and physical evidence from the accident scene
- Event data recorders from the involved vehicles
- Cell phone records
- Expert witness reports and testimony
Why You Need a Santa Maria Car Accident Injury Lawyer
Insurance companies are in business to make big profits. They do that by paying out as little as possible in claims. Insurance adjusters are trained to deny, delay, and devalue your claim. You need the assistance of an experienced Santa Maria car accident attorney to protect your rights and hold the insurance company accountable for paying the full value of your claim.
Your attorney can handle all communications with the insurance companies, ensure you meet all court deadlines, and work to recover the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Contact Rodriguez & Associates Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. Insurance companies work hard to shift liability and to settle your claim for as little as possible. You need the help of an experienced Santa Maria car accident attorney with a proven record of success to help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Rodriguez & Associates, our car accident injury attorneys have the experience, skills, and resources to protect your rights and help you secure maximum compensation for your damages. Call us today at (661) 777-7575 or complete the short form on our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.