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Car Accident Attorneys Serving All of Sonoma County
What to Do After a Car Accident
After a California car accident in Santa Rosa, stay at the scene to avoid hit-and-run charges. Check for injuries and call the police to report the accident, requesting an ambulance if needed. If injured, remain in a safe location until medical professionals arrive.
Avoid admitting fault, as this can weaken your compensation claim, even if you were partially responsible. The other driver may bear greater fault. Collect details from everyone involved: the other driver’s insurance information, license plate, vehicle make/color, and contact details. Gather witness names and contact information, and photograph property damage and both vehicles. Request the police report.
Visit a medical professional immediately, even if you feel uninjured, as conditions like whiplash or slipped discs may not be apparent. Prompt medical attention bolsters your personal injury claim. Keep detailed records of medical visits and adhere to your treatment plan, as deviations could harm your case.
Once recovering, contact North Bay Legal. We’ve helped numerous Sonoma County residents file claims against distracted drivers, negligent manufacturers, and roadway workers. Act promptly—California’s statute of limitations limits your filing window.
Negligence and Car Accidents
Negligence, such as distracted driving or poor vehicle maintenance, is the leading cause of car accidents. These preventable errors cause thousands of injuries and deaths yearly. In 2023, distracted driving led to over 3,000 fatalities and 400,000 injuries, per NHTSA data. Despite California’s texting-while-driving ban, violations persist, increasing risks.
Common causes of car accidents include:
- Using a cell phone for calls, texts, emails, or social media
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Drowsy driving or falling asleep
- Reckless driving
- Wrong-way driving
- Speeding or ignoring traffic signals
- Tailgating
- Poor weather conditions
- Vehicle design defects
Victims of negligence can file claims against the responsible party. Our attorneys use police reports, phone records, and witness interviews to prove distraction. North Bay Legal’s expertise in accident reconstruction and investigation builds robust negligence cases.
Common Types of Car Accidents
Rear-end collisions are common on California roads, often causing whiplash and property damage. The trailing driver is typically at fault for not keeping a safe distance. Proving fault is straightforward with our legal support.
Broadside (T-bone) collisions occur at intersections when a driver runs a red light or fails to stop, causing severe head injuries or fractures. These high-impact crashes require detailed investigation to establish liability.
Head-on collisions, often due to wrong-way driving or lane crossing, are the deadliest. The combined speed of both vehicles amplifies damage, making fault determination critical. North Bay Legal reconstructs crash scenes to hold the responsible party accountable.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents involve three collisions:
- Vehicle collision: The vehicle stops upon impact, crushing inward and absorbing energy.
- Human collision: Passengers hit seatbelts, dashboards, or windshields, causing broken bones or contusions.
- Internal collision: Organs collide with bones or the skull, leading to traumatic brain injuries or organ damage.
Common injuries include whiplash, back pain, paralysis, broken bones, concussions, and bruised organs. All victims can seek compensation. Our attorneys ensure injuries are fully documented to maximize your claim.
Car Accident Client Testimonials
See what our clients say about their experience with North Bay Legal.
Mike and co. were excellent!
I was involved in a car accident that resulted in some medical issues. Many different parties, several different insurance companies, and various medical offices made this a very confusing ordeal. Mike and his team were a lifesaver. Throughout the whole process, Mike managed to explain everything in...
Matt Vogler
Their service was great.
These attorneys helped my sister and I after a car accident. Their service was great and it was very professional.
Joe Delgado
Michael was incredibly helpful.
Got injured in a car accident recently and wasn’t sure if I had any sort of case. I reached out to North Bay Legal to see if I was able to receive compensation, and I was! Michael was incredibly helpful and made me feel more relaxed about the legal process.
Lisa Eason
Amazing, caring, and honest person.
A random search led me to Mike Li and I’m so glad it did. So if you’re looking for an amazing, caring, and honest person to handle your case you can stop here. He handled my family’s case through an emotional time and he was kind and patient with any questions we had.
Miss MC
View more success stories on our Testimonials Page.
Contact Our Santa Rosa Car Accident Lawyers Today!
California’s pure comparative fault rule allows compensation even if you’re partially at fault, but your award is reduced by your fault percentage. If over 50% at fault, you may receive nothing. Our attorneys excel at proving the other party’s greater fault, as shown by our client settlements.
Truck and motorcycle accidents involve unique regulations. Truck drivers must follow federal hours-of-service rules, while California allows motorcycle lane splitting. North Bay Legal specializes in these complex cases, ensuring compliance with local laws.
Whether the other driver was texting, intoxicated, or inattentive, we prove negligence to secure your compensation. One moment of carelessness can cause life-altering injuries. Call us at (707) 636-3287 or request your free consultation with North Bay Legal’s trusted Santa Rosa car accident lawyers.
