Santa Maria Car Accident Attorneys

Santa Maria has a population of around 100,000 residents. In a single year, there are around 500 car accident injuries and fatalities. Among those car accidents, around 70 of them involve alcohol. Unfortunately, many accident victims are left scrambling, not knowing what to do. Our attorneys ensure that car accident victims get the justice they deserve by holding those negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Besides car accidents, Santa Maria also has around 15 motorcycle accidents that occur each year. Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries, especially if the motorcyclist was thrown off their motorcycle at the time of the collision. Not only does a car accident impact the victim involved, but the victim’s family members as well as they try to care for their loved one.

What are the most common causes of car accidents in Santa Maria?

Drunk driving: alcohol-related car accidents are one of the most common types of accidents in Santa Maria.
Distracted driving: when a driver is distracted behind the wheel, not only could they place themselves at risk, but other drivers and pedestrians also on the road.
Speeding: with long stretches of roads, drivers are more likely to speed in Santa Maria.
Fatigued driving: thousands of truck drivers go through Santa Maria in a single day. Several of these truck drivers are fatigued, which could result in negligent driving.
Poor weather conditions: dark and stormy skies could be a dangerous combination for drivers on the road.
Aggressive driving: aggressive driving includes speeding and abrupt breaking, which could lead to rear-end collisions.

Do I Need To Have Car Insurance In Santa Maria?

If you operate a vehicle in Santa Maria, California, you are legally required to purchase car insurance. If you fail to have car insurance, your license could get suspended, and you could face hefty fines.

All drivers must have minimum liability requirements. The minimum liability amount is:

$15,000 for injury or death to one person
$30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
$5,000 for property damage (this includes damage to the vehicle and personal property)

Why Should I Hire An Attorney After An Accident In Santa Maria?

There are several key factors to consider when determining if you should have an attorney. Below are some examples of situations when you might want an attorney on your side to protect you:

You have sustained injuries: if you have suffered injuries from a car accident, having an attorney on your side is one of the best steps you could take to make sure that you get compensated for your medical bills. We recommend getting evaluated by a medical provider after the car accident to see exactly what type of injuries you have suffered.
You have lost a loved one in the accident: sometimes, accidents could lead to severe injuries and death. If you have lost a loved one in an accident, hiring an attorney is essential in making sure you get adequate compensation, including funeral or burial costs.
Several parties are involved: if there are several parties involved in the car accident, then the fault will most likely be disputed amongst all parties. Each party may blame the other for causing the accident. An attorney will be able to step in and investigate the cause of the accident.
The insurance company offers a low settlement amount: if you filed a claim with your insurance company and they have offered a low settlement, hiring an attorney would be very useful in settlement negotiations. Usually, insurance companies may have their own interests before yours and may offer a low settlement amount initially.
Hit-and-run accident: if the accident you were involved in was a hit-and-run accident, an attorney would be able to start an investigation and look into who the at-fault driver may have been.
Uninsured or underinsured drivers: if the at-fault driver involved was not insured or does not have adequate car insurance, then you may have to file a claim with your own insurance. An attorney will help guide you through the process.

If you have been involved in any of the above circumstances after a car accident in Santa Maria, call us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with our car accident attorneys abogados de accidentes at Megeredchian Law.

What Can A Santa Maria Car Accident Attorney Do For Me?

There are several different ways that a car accident lawyer could help you. But it all depends on finding the right lawyer for you. Some different ways an attorney could help you include:

Investigating the accident: an experienced attorney will be able to investigate the cause of the accident. Sometimes, the at-fault party is not so easily discoverable. Instead, it may take months of investigation and work with accident reconstruction experts to determine what the cause of the accident was.
Handle insurance companies: a well-seasoned attorney will be able to communicate and negotiate with insurance companies for you so you do not have to worry about dealing with them alone.
Getting you the compensation you need: sometimes, many accident victims do not realize the compensation that they are eligible for. Some examples of compensation include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after an accident. An attorney will be able to maximize your claim.
Take control of complex circumstances: sometimes, car accidents are not so clear-cut. For example, there may be multiple parties involved, or it may be difficult to locate the hit-and-run driver. An attorney will help you decide what the next best steps are.

How Much Does A Santa Maria Car Accident Attorney Cost?

Each attorney has different ways of getting paid. Some attorneys may want upfront fees paid for. Other attorneys may bill you for each hour they work. Our attorneys are contingency fee attorneys, which means that we do not charge our clients compensation upfront. You only pay if our attorneys when your case. Our attorneys will take a percentage of the compensation we win for you. The contingency fee depends on the work involved with your matter. For more information on contingency fee agreements and attorneys, give us a call today.

How does a car accident lawsuit or claim work?

When you hire an attorney, some steps must be taken throughout the claims or lawsuit process. This includes:

Consultation: a consultation is a one-on-one meeting with your potential attorney to discuss the case
Investigation: your attorney will investigate the circumstances of the accident to determine the cause
Filing a claim: your attorney will file a claim on your behalf against your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company
Negotiations: negotiations begin between your attorney and the insurance company
Filing a lawsuit: if the two parties are not able to negotiate a settlement amount, your attorney could file a lawsuit on your behalf to recover the compensation

An Experienced Santa Maria, California Car Accident Attorney Near You

When looking for an attorney to represent you in a car accident claim, you should go with an attorney who has the experience and reputation necessary to represent you against insurance companies. With several decades of experience, we know exactly how to navigate through the insurance claims process for you. Do not hesitate to contact our attorneys today.

Santa Maria Car Accident Attorneys

Santa Maria Car Accident Attorneys