Sacramento Car Accident Attorneys

If you were involved in a car crash in Northern California and want to pursue compensation, hiring a qualified Sacramento car accident attorney can make a significant difference in your case. Not only will it increase your chances of securing maximum compensation, but it will also give you peace of mind as you focus on your recovery.

Let Megeredchian Law take the burden off your shoulders and fight for the justice you deserve!

Call us today at (916) 409-7519 to speak directly with an attorney – no call center, no middlemen. We’re available 24/7 and always pick up the phone for our clients.

Looking for a ‘Sacramento car accident attorney near me’? You can find us at 428 J Street, 4th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 – Walk-ins are also welcome!

Protect Your Rights With a Trusted Sacramento Car Accident Attorney

No one fully understands the consequences of a car accident until it happens. From the start, you’re at risk of suffering a wide range of injuries—ranging from cervical whiplash and shoulder damage caused by seatbelt pressure to more severe, life-altering conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, or even wrongful death.

But that’s just the tip of a much larger and deeper iceberg. In addition to the pain and suffering caused by your injuries, you may also face mounting medical expenses—some of which may be ongoing—lost wages from missed work, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and even funeral and burial expenses in the tragic event of a fatal crash.

Why should you have to shoulder these burdens alone? Why should your family bear the financial consequences of someone else’s negligence? A Sacramento car accident attorney can be your strongest ally during these difficult and overwhelming times. Here’s why:

Why Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is more than enough for anyone. So hiring a Sacramento car accident attorney should bring you a solution; not another problem.

In California, many people hesitate to hire a lawyer because of common myths: they think it’s too expensive, assume their injuries are too minor to justify legal help, or fear the process will be too complicated or end up in court. But the truth is most car accident lawyers in California work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Additionally, most cases settle outside of court, and even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation under California’s comparative negligence laws.

You can find more detailed information in our article, “Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident in 2025?”, where we explore five honest, real-life reasons to hire a car accident injury attorney. In addition, Megeredchian Law provides a wide range of benefits to all our clients, including:

Confidentiality: Every case is handled with strict privacy and discretion—especially important for clients with immigration concerns.
Medical referrals: If you don’t have a physician, we can connect you with a trusted local provider.
Financial support: If you’re facing financial hardship, you may qualify for a cash advance before your case is resolved.
Insurance handling: We take care of all insurance-related tasks, including negotiations, delays, denials, and lowball settlement offers.
24/7 availability: We answer the phone around the clock and keep you informed at every stage of your case.
Compassionate service: At Megeredchian Law, you’re not just a case number—you’re a person going through a difficult time, and we treat you with empathy and respect.
Trial representation: If your case goes to court, we’ll be there to represent you.
Bilingual support: If you or a loved one speaks only Spanish, our bilingual team is ready to assist you in your language.

At Megeredchian Law, we put your interests first—because it’s our duty, and because it’s the most effective way to pursue the best possible outcome. That’s why we’ve achieved results in cases where other firms fell short. If you’re still unsure about hiring a lawyer, call us at (916) 409-7519. Tell us what happened, and we’ll evaluate your accident within minutes.

Hundreds of satisfied clients have already done so and obtained the compensation they were rightfully entitled to:

How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost in Sacramento?

If you choose Megeredchian Law, hiring a Sacramento car accident attorney costs you nothing out of pocket. Our legal fees are paid through a percentage of the settlement or judgment we recover on your behalf. If, for any reason, we don’t obtain compensation for you, you owe nothing.

The percentage covering our services is clearly outlined in the attorney-client agreement you sign at the start of the case. This percentage remains fixed unless an extraordinary development occurs—such as your case going to trial—which may require a modified agreement in compliance with California law.

Here’s something most law firms don’t clearly explain: there’s a difference between legal fees and case expenses. Case expenses go beyond the cost of hiring a car accident attorney in Sacramento and may apply regardless of whether you retain legal representation. Learn more about this—plus other useful information on hiring a car accident attorney—in this original article by Megeredchian Law:

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in California?

How to File a Claim After a Car Accident

If you’ve chosen to work with a Northern California car accident attorney—or plan to—there’s a clear process for pursuing compensation after a crash. Here’s how a typical claim unfolds when handled by legal counsel:

Step 1: Inform Your Insurance Provider

Even if your car accident attorney in Sacramento is managing all interactions with the other driver’s insurer, it’s still essential to notify your own auto insurance company about the collision. Most California policies require prompt notification after any accident, regardless of who was at fault. Your lawyer can help report the incident in a way that protects your rights and avoids self-incriminating statements.

Notifying your insurer also preserves your access to benefits like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) and Medical Payments (MedPay) if your policy includes them—both of which can offer support even when the other party is uninsured.

Step 2: Let Your Lawyer Communicate With the Other Insurance Company

Once you’re represented, it’s important to avoid direct conversations with the at-fault driver’s insurer. Insurance adjusters may try to use your words against you to reduce your payout. Your attorney will handle all communication, submit evidence, and present your claim in a way that shields you from these tactics while maximizing your chances for fair compensation.

Step 3: Complete Medical Treatment and Reach Maximum Recovery

Before settlement talks begin, your attorney will likely recommend that you follow your treatment plan until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point at which your condition has stabilized. Settling before this stage could leave out long-term medical needs, future care costs, or wage losses. Your lawyer may also consult medical experts to forecast future expenses and include those in the value of your claim.

Step 4: Strengthen the Case Through Thorough Investigation

Your lawyer’s job is to prove liability, damages, and a direct link between the crash and your injuries. To do this, they may gather:

Police and crash reports
Photos and video from the scene
Surveillance or dashcam footage
Medical documentation
Expert testimony (e.g., from doctors or accident reconstructionists)
Witness statements
Employment and wage records to show lost income

Since California uses a pure comparative fault system, your compensation may be reduced if you’re partially responsible for the crash. A skilled Sacramento car accident attorney will work to minimize your share of fault and reinforce your claim with credible evidence.

Step 5: Submit a Demand for Compensation

Once your lawyer has evaluated all damages—both financial and emotional—they’ll prepare a formal demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance provider. This letter outlines the facts of the crash, the legal basis for liability, and a breakdown of your damages, including:

Medical costs
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Future expenses

The demand letter includes a deadline for response and serves as the starting point for negotiations.

Step 6: Negotiate Toward a Fair Settlement

After reviewing the demand, the insurance company may accept, counter, or deny the claim. Your attorney will lead all negotiations, pushing back against lowball offers and evaluating whether a proposed settlement is fair. If the insurer delays unreasonably, makes unfair offers, or denies a valid claim without cause, this could amount to bad faith under California law—potentially opening them up to further legal consequences.

Step 7: Take Legal Action if Needed

If settlement talks break down, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. While the legal process can take longer, many cases still resolve before trial. If your case does go before a judge or jury, your lawyer will present your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Have more questions about what your accident claim might be worth? Explore the full breakdown in this article from Megeredchian Law:

How Much to Expect From a Car Accident Settlement in California

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Car Accident?

In Sacramento and throughout California, you generally have two years from the date of your car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to most motor vehicle accidents involving private parties. However, if your accident involved a government entity—such as a city bus or a postal vehicle—you must file a government claim within six months of the incident.

Here’s another situation where a car accident injury attorney becomes a valuable ally. An experienced attorney can assess your case from the very beginning and determine whether you’re still within the legal time limits to file a claim or if too much time has passed.

If you’re still eligible to file and choose to retain their services, they can track all critical deadlines and help you avoid delays or procedural errors that could jeopardize your case.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Settlement Check from a Car Accident?

In California, once a car accident settlement is finalized, you can typically expect to receive your check within 4 to 8 weeks, though this timeline can vary based on several legal and administrative factors.

The process begins after both parties agree on a settlement amount. You’ll first need to sign a release of claims—a legal document stating that you won’t pursue any further compensation related to the accident. Once this release is signed, the at-fault party’s insurance company usually issues a check within 14 to 30 days. However, if the settlement involves a minor or a legally incompetent adult, court approval is required, which can add several weeks or even months to the process.

After the check is issued, it’s typically sent to your attorney’s office and deposited into a client trust account. Your car accident attorney in Sacramento must then deduct any agreed-upon legal fees, case expenses, and outstanding liens—such as unpaid medical bills, Medi-Cal or Medicare reimbursements, or health insurance claims under ERISA plans. Negotiating and resolving these liens can take an additional 2 to 4 weeks, or longer if dealing with government agencies.

In total, while most clients receive their net settlement within one to two months, more complex cases involving high-value claims, multiple lienholders, or court approval may take up to 90 days or more.

How Hard is it to Win a Car Accident Claim?

Winning a car accident claim in California can be challenging, but it’s certainly achievable with the right approach and hiring a skilled car accident injury attorney. The outcome depends heavily on proving the other party’s liability, the severity of your injuries and the quality of documentation you provide.

Serious injuries backed by medical records, treatment history, and proof of financial losses usually result in stronger claims. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, so having a well-documented claim and being cautious about what you say or post—especially on social media—can protect your case. Delays in seeking treatment or gaps in documentation can weaken your claim and reduce your potential settlement.

Do’s and Don’ts After a Car Accident in Sacramento

Dos

Don'ts

Call 911 Immediately
Report the accident to local authorities, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Sacramento police or California Highway Patrol (CHP) may respond depending on where the accident occurred.

Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some symptoms may appear hours or days later.

Document the Scene
Take photos of the vehicles, any injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and license plates. This evidence can be crucial for insurance and legal claims.

Exchange Information
Get the other driver’s name, address, driver’s license number, insurance policy details, and contact information. Also collect contact details from any witnesses.

Hire a Car Accident Injury Attorney
Speak with a Northern California car accident attorney to protect your rights and evaluate your options for compensation. Accurately share all details of the crash with them and let them notify your insurer about the accident.

Don’t Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident — even a minor one — is illegal and can result in hit-and-run charges.

Don’t Admit Fault
Avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault.” Stick to the facts when speaking to the police or the other driver.

Don’t Delay Medical Treatment
Waiting too long to seek care can hurt your health and weaken your injury claim.

Don’t Discuss the Accident on Social Media
Anything you post publicly can be used against you during a legal or insurance investigation.

Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies may offer low settlements. Always consult with an attorney before signing anything.

I Was Partially at Fault in a Car Accident: Can I Claim Compensation?

Yes, you can still recover compensation in California even if you were partially at fault for the accident. The state follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault — but you’re never barred from recovery, even if you’re 99% responsible.

For example, if your total damages are $15,000 and you’re found 30% at fault, you would still receive $10,500.

It’s also important to understand how liability works when more than one party is responsible. In California, economic damages (like medical bills or lost wages) fall under joint and several liability, meaning any defendant can be held responsible for the entire amount — regardless of their individual share of the blame. However, non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) are divided strictly based on each party’s percentage of fault.

A judge or jury ultimately determines each party’s level of responsibility based on the evidence. So even if you think you were partially at fault, it’s worth pursuing your claim — recovering something is better than nothing.

Can an Undocumented Person File a Car Accident Claim?

Undocumented immigrants in California have the right to seek compensation if they’re injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Despite common fears, being undocumented does not prevent you from filing a personal injury claim or receiving medical treatment.

California law — including the TRUST Act — limits local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, meaning you generally won’t be reported to ICE unless you’re convicted of a serious crime.

Your immigration status does not determine who was at fault in an accident either. Fault is based on facts like reckless driving, speeding, or ignoring traffic signals — not a person’s legal status. California Evidence Code §351.2 also ensures that immigration status cannot be used against you in court, protecting your right to recover damages in a lawsuit.

Additionally, all medical records are protected under HIPAA, and receiving treatment will not affect your immigration standing or be considered a factor under the public charge rule – so don’t be afraid of going to a doctor or asking for medical help if you suffer a car crash.

Sacramento Car Accident Statistics 2024-2025

As of mid-2024, Sacramento recorded 32 car accident fatalities, a figure consistent with the rising trend in local motor vehicle deaths in recent years. The region’s fatality rate is approximately 1.8 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), which is higher than California’s statewide average of 1.4. This indicates a comparatively elevated risk of deadly car crashes in Sacramento.

In total, Sacramento experiences hundreds of car accidents annually, many of which involve speeding, impaired driving, or unsafe lane changes. While exact collision totals for 2025 are still being finalized, the volume remains consistent with prior years.

Sacramento also reports approximately 340 truck-related car accidents per year, with around 12% resulting in fatalities. These crashes frequently occur in the early morning hours, often involving fatigued commercial drivers or failure to yield.

Most Dangerous Streets and Intersections in Sacramento:

Arena Blvd and Truxel Rd: Consistently ranked as the most dangerous intersection in Sacramento. High volume of injury crashes.
Truxel Rd and Gateway Park Blvd: Located near the top of recent collision rankings with dozens of reported injury crashes.
Mack Rd and Valley Hi Dr: Known for frequent crashes involving both vehicles and pedestrians in a densely populated area.
I St and 5th St: Downtown intersection with a high rate of serious collisions, especially during commute hours.
Fruitridge Rd and Stockton Blvd: Heavy traffic flow and poor visibility make this one of the most accident-prone spots in the city.
La Mancha Way and Mack Rd: Recurring site of injury crashes; a known danger zone for drivers and pedestrians alike.
El Camino Ave and Northgate Blvd: One of the busiest intersections in north Sacramento, with a steady record of collisions.
Fruitridge Rd and Franklin Blvd: Located in a high-crash corridor with ongoing reports of side-impact and rear-end collisions.
Franklin Blvd and Broadway: Regularly flagged in crash data due to poor lane discipline and heavy turning traffic.
Highway 99 and US-50 Interchange: Major highways merge with fast-moving traffic and frequent collisions, especially during peak hours.
Power Inn Rd and Folsom Blvd: Two major thoroughfares intersecting in a high-risk area for crashes and aggressive driving.
State Route 99 and 12th Avenue: Frequently listed in crash reports; busy on-ramp and exit areas contribute to accidents.

Most Common Car Accidents in Sacramento

Rear-end collisions

The most common category—accounting for about 29% of all crashes nationally and over 9% of crashes at Sacramento intersections in 2023. Usually caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or failure to brake in time.

Side-impact (T-bone/angle) crashes

Roughly 28–29% of all U.S. crashes. These are especially dangerous in intersections. Often occur when drivers run red lights or fail to yield.

Single-vehicle crashes (run-off-road, fixed-object collisions, rollovers)

Make up about 16% of U.S. crashes. In California, these are common statewide. Typically involve speeding, loss of control, or poor road conditions.

Head-on collisions

Though rare (~2% of crashes), they account for 10–20% of fatalities. Often tied to wrong-way maneuvers or cross-centerline errors.

Resources for Car Accident Victims in Sacramento

Towing & Roadside Assistance

AJ’s Towing
3534 51st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 317-4060
Central Valley Towing
8240 14th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 457-4000
Capitol City Towing
5741 Florin Perkins Rd, Sacramento, CA 95828
(916) 383-3711
John’s Towing
8540 Elder Creek Rd Ste D, Sacramento, CA 95828
(916) 908-3309

Hospitals & Emergency Rooms

UC Davis Medical Center
4301 X St, Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 734-2011
Mercy General Hospital
4001 J St, Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 453-4545
Methodist Hospital of Sacramento
7500 Hospital Dr, Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 423-3000
Mercy San Juan Medical Center
6501 Coyle Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 537-5000

Local Police + DMV Offices & Resources

Sacramento Police Department
5770 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822
For emergencies call 911. Non-emergency info available on their site.
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
4510 Orange Grove Ave, Sacramento, CA 95841
For emergencies call 911.
California DMV – Sacramento Office
5301 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819
(800) 777-0133
DMV Collision Reporting Portal

Useful Apps for Car Accidents

CrashCheck (iOS) – Document accident scenes step-by-step
Urgent.ly (iOS/Android) – On-demand roadside assistance
AAA Mobile – Roadside support, accident tools (also on iOS)
First Aid by American Red Cross – First aid guidance post-accident (also on iOS)

Find a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney You Can Trust

If you’re looking for an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney near me, Megeredchian Law is your best option. We have the knowledge, the resources, and the determination to fight for full compensation on your behalf. Call (916) 409-7519 to speak directly with an attorney. Let us evaluate your accident and determine how we can best help you.

Sacramento Car Accident Attorneys