Accident Lawyers in Santa Ana, CA – Se Habla Español
Accident Lawyers in Santa Ana, CA – Se Habla Español
A crash on the 5, the 55, or a busy street like Bristol Street or First Street can change your life in seconds: pain, doctor visits, missed work, and calls from insurance companies that want to close your claim fast. At The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., we serve you in English or Spanish and explain, step by step, what options you have after an accident in Santa Ana or anywhere in Orange County.
Our Orange County office is at 1100 Town and Country Rd., Suite 500, in Orange, close to Santa Ana and the interchange of the 5, 22, and 57 (the “Orange Crush”). Your first consultation is free, with no obligation.
Accidents we handle in Santa Ana and Orange County
Truck and commercial vehicle accidents
Wrongful death of a loved one
Slip-and-fall injuries in stores, parking lots, and private property
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Uber, Lyft, and passenger injuries
Uninsured and hit-and-run drivers
Free Consultation
What to do after an accident in Santa Ana
What you do in the first few days can help protect your health and your claim. These are general steps; every case is different.
1. Get medical care, even if you feel fine.
Some injuries, like neck and back injuries, show up days later.
2. Call the police.
On city streets, the Santa Ana Police Department usually responds; on freeways, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), whose Santa Ana Area office is at 2031 E. Santa Clara Ave. Ask for the report number.
3. Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, traffic signs, and your injuries.
Write down witness names and phone numbers.
4. Exchange information with the other driver.
Get the name, license, plate number, and insurance company.
5. Do not sign anything or give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before talking to a lawyer.
6. If anyone was hurt or damage is over $1,000, California law requires reporting the crash to the DMV on form SR-1 within 10 days.
7. Keep receipts, medical bills, and proof of the work days you missed.
Important deadlines in California
In general, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1). If a public entity is involved, the deadline is much shorter: you usually must file a formal claim within six months (Government Code section 911.2).
This matters in Orange County, where a crash can involve the City of Santa Ana, the County of Orange, Caltrans, or an OCTA bus. If you wait too long, you can lose your right to recover. That is why we recommend talking to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Free Consultation
How is fault decided?
California follows comparative fault. Even if you were partly at fault, you can still make a claim; your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Insurance companies sometimes exaggerate the injured person’s share of fault to pay less. We review the police report, photos, witnesses, and, when available, nearby camera footage.
What damages can you claim?
Depending on the facts of your case, an injury claim can include:
- Current and future medical expenses (ambulance, hospital, therapy, medication)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Damage to your vehicle and other property
- Pain, suffering, and the impact on your daily life
We cannot promise you an outcome or an amount. What we do is review your case carefully, explain your options clearly, and keep you informed in your language.
Your immigration status and your claim
Many people are afraid to make a claim because they are undocumented. In California, the law (Evidence Code section 351.2) generally does not allow a person’s immigration status to be used in a personal injury case. If you have concerns, raise them in your consultation; your information is confidential.
Common injuries after a crash
After a crash, it is common to suffer neck and back injuries (such as whiplash), head injuries, fractures, cuts, and shoulder or knee injuries. Some are not noticeable on the same day. That is why it matters to see a doctor, follow your treatment, and keep your appointments: insurance companies look closely at any gap in treatment and can use it to argue your injuries were not serious.
Evidence worth keeping
- The police report number and the name of the responding agency
- Photos and video of the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries
- Witness names and phone numbers
- Medical bills, prescriptions, and doctors' notes
- Letters or emails from any insurance company
- Proof of your pay and the days you could not work
If the crash happened near businesses or traffic signals with cameras, the footage may be erased within days. The sooner you call, the sooner we can ask that the evidence be preserved.
How we work with you
- Free initial consultation, in English or Spanish
- Review of your police report, medical records, and insurance policy
- Communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovering
- If we take your case, we explain in writing how fees and costs work before you sign
We also serve clients in Orange, Garden Grove, Anaheim, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Westminster, and other Orange County cities.
Talk to an accident lawyer in Santa Ana today
If you or a family member was hurt in an accident in Santa Ana, call us at 1-855-855-4155 or fill out our free online case evaluation. We listen, review your case, and explain your options at no cost.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a claim after an accident in Santa Ana?
Generally, two years from the accident for a personal injury lawsuit in California. If the claim is against a public entity, such as a city, the county, or Caltrans, you usually must file a formal claim within six months. Talk to a lawyer early so you do not miss a deadline.
How much does the consultation cost?
The initial consultation is free. If we work together, we explain in writing how fees and costs are charged before you sign.
Can I make a claim if I am undocumented?
Generally, yes. Your immigration status does not prevent you from recovering for your injuries in California, and the law generally does not allow your status to be used in a personal injury case. Discuss any concerns with your lawyer confidentially.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
You can give basic information, but we recommend not giving a recorded statement or signing documents before speaking with a lawyer. What you say can be used to reduce your claim.
What if the other driver had no insurance or fled the scene?
You may have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy. We review your policy and the facts to explain your options.
What if I was partly at fault?
California uses comparative fault: you can still recover even if you were partly at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Free initial consultation · Se habla español · Call 1-844-800-5517 · Free case evaluation
The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., 1100 Town and Country Rd., Suite 500, Orange, CA 92868 · 1-844-800-5517
Leer en español: abogados de accidentes en Santa Ana
Attorney Advertising. Attorney responsible for this content: Shawn F. Matian (CA #244148), The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90010. This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Accidents: Windsor Troy Law, LLP.
CALIFORNIA
¿Tuviste un choque o te lastimaste en el trabajo y no tienes papeles?
