Santa Ana Car Accident Lawyer

Determining who is liable for a recent car accident in Santa Clara is not enough to get compensation; you must have enough evidence to prove their liability by a “preponderance of the evidence,” a standard our lawyers can meet.

Negligent drivers, employers of negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers, and even local governments can be defendants in car accident cases. You can sue for a breach of duty of care, such as speeding or driving under the influence. Recover all the damages you need with our lawyers’ help. We can see that your case is filed on time and is supported by strong evidence.

Call the Law Office of John J. Perlstein’s car accident lawyers for your free case evaluation at (213) 252-1070.

Who Is Liable for My Car Accident in Santa Ana?

To get compensation after an accident, you need to know who is liable for the damages you incurred.

Negligent Driver

The most common car accident scenario involves a negligent driver striking a victim and being held solely liable for the victim’s damages. Everyone driving a car has a duty of care to follow speed limits, keep a safe distance, and abide by all other traffic rules. If their breach of duty causes your injuries, that negligent driver is liable in California.

Negligent Driver’s Employer

Accidents involving semi trucks and other commercial vehicles may involve a negligent driver’s employer. Respondeat superior is a legal doctrine that holds employers liable for employees’ conduct while working. A claim against a commercial trucking company may yield more damages than a case only involving the negligent trucker.

Vehicle Manufacturer

Vehicle manufacturers are liable when vehicle defects cause accidents and injuries in Santa Ana. Deficient design, manufacturing, or safety warnings put drivers, passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk. Defects could cause airbags to deploy unexpectedly, brakes to stop working, or loss of steering control, leading to an accident.

Public Entity

California allows plaintiffs to sue public entities for car accidents in specific scenarios. A dangerous condition, like a large pothole, must have created a foreseeable risk of harm, and was caused by the negligent or wrongful act of a public entity employee, or was known to exist by the public entity before the injury, giving it plenty of time to address the dangerous condition before you were injured.

Car Accident Lawsuit FAQs Answered for Santa Ana Drivers

Why Can I Sue for My Car Accident in Santa Ana?

You can sue for a car crash caused by another driver’s breach of duty of care, such as speeding, making unsafe lane changes, driving at night without headlights, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and other acts of negligence.

When Can I Sue for My Car Accident in Santa Ana?

You only have a valid claim for an accident for the following 2 years. After 2 years, the statute of limitations expires, unless one of California’s tolling exceptions applies.

What Physical Evidence Do I Need for My Car Accident Lawsuit?

Preserve physical evidence with photographs. Victims should take ample pictures of property damage from multiple angles. Look for any tire marks or car parts on the pavement, and photograph them too.

What Testimonial Evidence Do I Need for My Car Accident Lawsuit?

Testimony can come from eyewitnesses, including the victim, as well as expert witnesses. These witnesses serve very different purposes. Eyewitnesses recount what they saw firsthand, while expert witnesses apply their expertise and knowledge to a specific aspect of a case.

What Medical Evidence Do I Need for My Car Accident Lawsuit?

Required medical evidence for your car accident lawsuit includes any medical records, tests, surgical reports, physicians’ notes, and X-rays that describe medically necessary treatment after the collision. Build medical records by getting medical care, and do not skip any appointments.

What Economic Damages from an Accident Can I Sue For?

File a claim for all the economic damages from the crash. That includes bills from an emergency room visit, longer hospital stays, tests, surgeries, medications, follow-up appointments, as well as all lost wages, current and future. Any other miscellaneous economic damages are also recoverable.

What Non-Economic Damages from an Accident Can I Sue For?

Car accident victims in California can also sue for all non-economic damages due to negligence. This includes mental suffering, physical pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and more.

Do Most Car Accident Cases Settle?

Most car accident cases settle without trial, allowing some victims to receive fair compensation sooner. Settling does not always happen quickly, however, as each case is unique.

How Long Do Car Accident Settlements Take?

Settlements sometimes take longer than anticipated, so there is no guarantee your case will have a fast resolution if negotiations continue because of a stubborn defendant.

What is a Fair Car Accident Settlement?

A fair car accident settlement covers hospital expenses, missed income, and non-economic damages. Our car accident lawyers will calculate your damages in advance so we know what a fair offer looks like.

What if I Go to Court After My Car Accident in Santa Ana?

If you go to court for an accident, our lawyers will present our case to the jury. You may have to testify if you go to trial. If so, your attorneys will make sure you are prepared. The entire trial may be over within a matter of days once it begins.

How Soon Should I Get a Lawyer After My Car Accident in Santa Ana?

Do not delay in consulting our lawyers after a serious car accident in Santa Ana. Some cases require much of the statute of limitations to build, so it helps to have most of the 2 years to prepare.

Get Our Help with Your Santa Ana Car Accident

Call the car accident lawyers of the Law Office of John J. Perlstein at (213) 252-1070 and get a free case assessment.