Santa Clarita Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident, hiring an car accident lawyer to represent you could be crucial to getting the compensation you deserve. Victims of car accidents face a complex web of problems, including but not limited to life-threatening injuries and mounting medical bills. It can be difficult to look beyond the immediate challenges of physical recovery and financial issues.
We at The Mason Law Firm know how important it is to have financial support following a car accident, whether it be for medical bills, lost wages, or property repairs. We’ll fight for you to get the compensation you deserve and get your life back on track.
Get A Free Car Accident Consultation!
If you need the services of a car accident lawyer in Santa Clarita Valley or the greater Los Angeles area, please contact us immediately at 661-270-5677.
What Happened And Why?
Car wrecks come in many forms. All too often, they are caused by another driver’s negligence. A careless driver was texting behind the wheel, driving drunk, speeding or just not paying attention. They ran a red light, changed lanes without looking, failed to stop in time – and now you are left with serious injuries.
Each of the following types of auto accidents has a unique characteristic and is treated differently under the law and under the California Vehicle Code section: a hit from behind (rear-end collision), hit from the front (head-on collision) or hit from the side (T-bone or sideswipe accident). You want an attorney who takes care in reviewing the what and the why of your case in order to build a successful case.
What To Do After A Car Accident
After a car accident, the steps you take can significantly impact your case, including:
● Ensure safety: If possible, move to a safe area, check for injuries and call emergency services if anyone is hurt.
● Contact law enforcement: Even if the accident seems minor, file a police report to create an official record of the incident.
● Exchange information: Collect all involved parties’ names, contact details and insurance information.
● Document the incident: Take photos of the vehicles, damages, injuries and the surrounding area. This evidence can support your case later.
● Avoid admitting fault: Be polite, but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility.
● Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, consult a doctor to rule out internal injuries or delayed symptoms.
As much as this seems like a DIY project you can achieve on your own, navigating the complexities of a car accident claim can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with injuries or property damage. This is where our experienced car accident attorney can help. We have the required legal knowledge to guide you through the process of filing an accident claim, negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, pursuing a lawsuit to help ensure you receive the proper compensation.
Types Of Accidents We Handle
We assist clients with a variety of motor vehicle accident cases, including:
● Motorcycle accidents: Riders face unique risks due to limited protection. These cases often involve severe injuries requiring extensive recovery.
● Truck accidents: Commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage due to their size and weight. Determining liability in these cases may often involve navigating complex insurance claims.
● Bus accidents: Injuries in bus accidents may occur as passengers, pedestrians or other drivers. Liability can extend to transit companies.
● Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in accidents. These cases often involve high medical expenses and long-term effects.
● Bicycle accidents: Cyclists sharing the road with cars face significant danger. Many cases involve hit-and-run drivers or failure to yield.
● Rideshare accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers bring unique legal challenges, including determining whether the driver was on duty.
Each accident comes with unique legal challenges, from determining liability to negotiating fair compensation. However, our extensive experience in successfully handling previous cases means we know how to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your situation.
Fault And Liability For A Car Accident
Fault is not always obvious in the aftermath of a car crash. Adrenaline is running high, injuries cloud thoughts and victims may not even know exactly what happened. The person who caused the car accident may not be willing to take the blame or, worse yet, may blame the victim for causing the accident. Investigations may need to go in-depth in order to demonstrate exactly what happened.
We go beyond the police report when necessary, conducting car accident reconstruction studies or bringing in expert witnesses to prove that the other driver was at fault and is liable for the injuries and property damage you suffered.
The Importance Of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Car accidents can be stressful and financially draining, especially when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover damages. In Santa Clarita, where roads are often busy with commuters and local traffic, having uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is crucial. This type of insurance helps protect drivers from financial losses when involved in an accident with someone who either has no insurance or inadequate coverage.
California law requires drivers to carry minimum liability auto insurance, but not all motorists comply. Even those who do may have policy limits that fall short of covering medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages and other damages. Without UM/UIM coverage, accident victims may struggle to recover compensation, leaving them responsible for out-of-pocket expenses.
Santa Clarita’s roadways, including Interstate 5 and State Route 14, see a mix of local and through traffic, increasing the chances of accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. Many drivers opt for only the state minimum coverage, which may not fully compensate an accident victim, especially in cases involving severe injuries.
If you are hit by an uninsured driver or one with insufficient coverage, your UM/UIM policy steps in to cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. This coverage applies not only to drivers but also to passengers and, in some cases, pedestrians. Filing a UM/UIM claim follows a process similar to a standard accident claim, requiring evidence of the other driver’s lack of coverage and proof of damages.
To secure fair compensation under UM/UIM coverage, it is essential to:
● Document the accident thoroughly
● Seek medical attention
● Notify your insurance company promptly
Even though UM/UIM coverage is designed to protect you, insurance companies may still attempt to minimize payouts. They may dispute the severity of your injuries, the necessity of certain medical treatments or the extent of your financial losses. In some cases, insurers may delay processing claims or attempt to offer settlements that do not fully cover your damages.
Working with a lawyer is essential to avoid these pitfalls. We can assist in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance adjusters and help to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Since California follows a fault-based system for auto insurance claims, having a strong representation can make a difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
More Than 25 Years Of Experience In All Kinds Of Car Accidents
Every type of motor vehicle accident comes with unique issues: Truck accident cases involve unique insurance matters and tend to cause extremely serious injuries.
Motorcycle riders also tend to suffer serious injuries when they are hit by a car, simply because they don’t have the protection afforded to people in cars. Bike riders and pedestrians are in a similar position.
We also handle public transit accidents involving the bus or train. These claims involve not only auto accidents but also slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents that occur at transit stations or on the vehicles.
The Right Attorney For Your Case
The Mason Law Firm is managed by attorney Mason Rashtian. Before he represented injured parties, Mason worked for prestigious firms as an insurance defense attorney. This means that the insurance company would hire him (as the attorney) to represent drivers who were at fault for car and vehicle accidents. For almost a decade, he worked closely with drivers, doctors, experts and insurance companies in defending auto accident cases. He knows how defense attorneys and insurance companies think and knows how they work.
That experience as a defense lawyer makes Mr. Rashtian an even more effective plaintiff lawyer. He has litigated thousands of car accident cases since 2006. So, when we represent a client, we use his vast knowledge as an experienced personal injury attorney and his training as a former insurance defense attorney to serve the interests of our clients.
Mason Rashtian is AV Preeminent peer review-rated, the highest rating, through Martindale-Hubbell* and a member of The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers, a professional organization composed of premier litigators around the country who exemplify superior qualifications as plaintiff trial lawyers. What this means to you is that Mr. Rashtian is recognized by his legal peers as a solid choice to represent you in your car accident case.
Get The Mason Law Firm On Your Side With A Free Consultation
If you have been involved in a car accident and wish to speak to a car accident lawyer about your rights, please give us a call at 661-270-5677 or contact us online for a free consultation.
We charge no attorney fees unless there is a recovery in the case: our no-fee guarantee.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.