Santa Clarita Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Attorney in Santa Clarita, CA

Car accidents can be terrible and costly. They can lead to life-changing injuries and high costs for vehicle repairs and medical care. The high traffic of Los Angeles County increases your risk of a car accident, especially in the highly populated Santa Clarita. When this happens, contacting a Santa Clarita car accident lawyer can help you mitigate costs and pursue compensation.

Why You Should Hire Gdolian Law, P.C.

At Gdolian Law, P.C., we offer personal, direct attorney involvement in your case. Uriel R. Gdolian, Esq, personally handles every case we take. Where big firms won’t spend the time, Uriel will. Our services extend throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County, including Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Santa Clarita.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Santa Clarita

What you do after a car accident in California is vital for any insurance claim or civil claim you may want to pursue later. The following actions should be taken, if possible:

• It is vital to call 911 as soon as a car accident occurs. With about six deaths in car crashes per 100,000 people in Santa Clarita in a five-year period, a quick response from emergency services can be the difference between life and death. Prioritize your health and safety before anything else.
• Do not leave the scene of the accident until emergency services arrive. Doing otherwise is illegal in California. Cooperate with emergency personnel and answer all of their questions. Speaking with the police can help you obtain a police report of the incident. Police reports are excellent resources in navigating insurance claims.
• Another key legal document in California is the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) form. This form must be filed if a car accident causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Santa Clarita residents can file this form at the Newhall DMV, located at 24427 Newhall Avenue in Newhall, California.
• Once you can, speak with the driver of the other vehicle and exchange information. You’ll need the driver’s name, address, insurance information, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration, alongside information on their vehicle itself (make, model, year, color, VIN, license plate).
• Take photos or videos of the scene, documenting the condition of all cars involved and the road itself. Take photos of any injuries you’ve sustained and write down your version of events. This documentation can provide proof to insurance adjusters of the incident. It’s also worthwhile to take statements from police officers and witnesses to get further perspectives on the accident.

Photos and videos are an important reason why cooperating with police is key following a car crash. Some crashes are severe enough that you are immediately transported to the hospital and do not have time to take photos. Other times, you may be filing a wrongful death claim for a deceased loved one. Police reports should include photos you can use in your case.

All of these steps can help you in key ways. First, staying calm and working with emergency services helps you, your passengers, and those in other vehicles receive medical treatment and stay safe. Second, collecting evidence of the crash helps Santa Clarita car accident attorneys like Uriel advocate for your case to insurance agencies and the courts.

Reaching out to an experienced car accident attorney is the last major step in responding to a car accident. A dedicated lawyer can not only investigate your case, but also further build it on your work. Their understanding of car accident laws in California assists them in navigating the financial and legal consequences of a crash.

Contacting Your Insurance Adjuster

Regardless of fault, it is important to contact your insurer after a car accident as soon as possible. Failing to do so could violate your policy. When speaking to an insurance adjuster or anyone else regarding the accident, make sure to watch what you say and avoid the following:

• Admitting fault. Admitting fault in a car accident may push your insurance adjuster to deny your claim. Do not apologize for the accident or admit any blame for what occurred.
• Downplaying your injuries. Car accident injury is a major element of insurance claims. While you may feel alright in the immediate aftermath, injuries can appear hours or days later. Do not admit to a lack of injury, especially when initially contacting your insurance agency.
• Oversharing. Answer any questions posed to you simply and honestly. Do not give more information than is needed. Extra details can be twisted against you to lower or deny your claim.

Car insurance policies can be dense. While each policy is different, all Californians are required to meet the state’s minimum insurance liability requirements. These requirements include $30k for one person’s injuries/death, $60k for two or more people’s injuries/death, and $15k for property damage. These payments do not apply to the policy owner, but rather to others affected by the policy owner in a crash.

Contact a car accident lawyer who can be your advocate during the insurance claim process. Their knowledge of your specific case allows them to highlight important factors to help you receive higher compensation.

Uriel R. Gdolian, Esq, personally works to resolve auto insurance disputes and help your claim go through. Uriel’s skillset extends beyond just auto insurance, however. Gdolian Law, P.C. can also represent you in a personal injury case.

Filing a Car Accident Claim in Santa Clarita, California

If you believe another party in your car accident is at fault, you may wish to file a civil claim against them. A personal injury claim can help you cover the costs of your injuries and property damage. The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 765 injuries and fatalities from car crashes in Santa Clarita in 2023 alone. Personal injury claims allow many of these victims to pursue compensation.

To file a personal injury claim in Santa Clarita, you must fill out a Summons (form SUM-100), a Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010), and the appropriate complaint form. Your complaint must be paired with at least one cause of action (your legal reason for taking action). Car accidents require the cause of action form related to motor vehicles. You can file these forms at the Santa Clarita Courthouse, located at 23747 West Valencia Blvd.

The statute of limitations to pursue a personal injury case in California is two years. If you do not file a claim within two years of your car accident, you lose the right to compensation. If the case involves property damage, however, the statute of limitations is three years.

Even when you’ve successfully negotiated with insurance companies, a personal injury or property damage case can feel daunting. Hire a local car accident attorney to take some of the stress and uncertainty off your shoulders. Personal injury firms like Gdolian Law, P.C. are well-trained in pursuing full compensation in court.

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FAQs

How Do Attorney Fees Work?

Attorney fees differ from case to case. There is no standard fee for any attorney. Some major factors in determining attorney fees include the type of case and the attorney’s individual experience. It is always better to talk to an attorney like Uriel R. Gdolian, Esq, and ask them about their fees directly.

Is It Worth Taking Legal Action After a Car Accident?

In certain cases, it can be worth it to take legal action after a car accident. It’s important to consider the severity of the crash. When your injuries and property damage are severe, there is a chance that your insurance may not cover all the costs. Filing a civil claim against the other party in a car accident can help you pay for medical care and damages you otherwise may not be able to afford.

If You Don’t Win, Do I Owe You a Fee?

Gdolian Law, P.C., bases its fees on a contingency basis. When we take your case, we charge no fees unless we get results. Once you receive compensation, we take a percentage of it as payment for services rendered. You do not have to pay any fees if we lose your case.

Will I Owe You Money Out of Pocket?

At Gdolian Law, P.C., you will not owe us money out of pocket for a case. When you contact us, we start with a free consultation. This means you can gauge our services without spending a cent. If you decide to hire us, you do not pay any fees until and unless we are successful in your case.

Will My Insurance Rates Go Up After an Accident?

Your insurance rates may go up after a car accident in Santa Clarita. Some accidents may be covered by your insurance’s accident forgiveness program, allowing your rates to stay the same. Your rates may also change based on whether or not you were at fault for the accident. Not-at-fault accidents are less likely to result in significant rate changes.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Santa Clarita Today

If you’re looking to hire a car accident lawyer for an accident in the Santa Clarita area, Gdolian Law, P.C. is the firm for you. Our personal, attorney-led case management style helps us better advocate for our clients and pursue full compensation. Contact our law firm to get your case reviewed by Uriel and see how he can support you today.