Contact our Santa Barbara auto accident lawyers today at (805) 292-7074 to schedule a complimentary case review. You will not owe us any legal fees unless we win your case!
Personal Injury Attorney in Oxnard, Ventura & Santa Barbara
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More Than 50 Years of Combined Experience Dedicated to Helping Injured Victims
A serious collision can leave you facing painful injuries, rising medical expenses, and uncertainty about when or if you can return to work. Insurance companies often move quickly to minimize payouts, creating additional pressure at a time when you should be focused on your health. Navigating this process alone can put your recovery and financial future at risk.
At Crane Flores Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, our experienced car accident lawyers combine proven legal experience with deep knowledge of Santa Barbara’s roads, from busy State Street corridors to the winding canyon routes where crashes frequently occur. The firm understands how insurers handle local claims and counters these tactics with thorough investigation, strong advocacy, and personalized support. Clients receive help coordinating medical care, managing case expenses, and preparing a strong claim for the full compensation they deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation and discover how our personal injury attorneys can help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact Crane Flores Injury & Car Accident Lawyers today at (805) 292-7074to discuss your car accident case with a knowledgeable member of our team. We offer free consultations.
When a car accident turns your life upside down, you need experienced legal advocates who understand what you’re going through. Our Santa Barbara car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured victims recover the compensation they deserve while they focus on healing.
We handle every aspect of your case from start to finish. You won’t have to worry about dealing with aggressive insurance companies, gathering evidence, or navigating complex legal procedures.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
You pay nothing unless we win your case. This contingency fee arrangement means we’re fully invested in achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Insurance companies are not on your side, despite what their commercials suggest. Their primary goal is protecting their bottom line by paying out as little as possible on claims.
Adjusters use sophisticated tactics to reduce claim values. They might pressure you to give recorded statements, request access to your medical records, or offer quick settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
California’s legal system adds another layer of complexity. The state follows comparative negligence rules, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident.
Time is also working against you. California’s statute of limitations gives you only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can jeopardize your right to compensation entirely.
Our investigation process begins immediately after you hire us. We work quickly to preserve evidence and build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Evidence collection forms the foundation of every successful claim. We obtain police reports, interview witnesses, photograph damage, and review any available surveillance footage. When necessary, we hire accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate exactly how the crash occurred.
Medical documentation requires careful attention to detail. We work with your healthcare providers to compile comprehensive records of your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. Our team also consults with medical experts to project your future care needs and associated costs.
Insurance negotiations demand experience and skill. We handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting you from their pressure tactics. Our attorneys know how to counter lowball offers and present compelling evidence that supports fair compensation.
Litigation readiness gives us negotiating power. While most cases settle out of court, we prepare every claim as if it will go to trial. This preparation demonstrates to insurance companies that we’re serious about fighting for full compensation.
California law allows accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages in personal injury claims. Economic damages have clear monetary values, while non-economic damages compensate for personal suffering.
Economic damages typically include medical expenses, both past and future. This covers emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any ongoing care you’ll need. Lost wages represent another significant component, including time missed from work and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to perform your job.
Property damage compensation covers vehicle repairs or replacement, rental car costs, and personal items damaged in the crash. These expenses can add up quickly, especially if your vehicle is totaled.
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of your injuries. Pain and suffering compensation reflects the physical discomfort you’ve experienced and will continue to experience. Emotional distress damages account for anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the accident.
Damage Type | Examples | Calculation Method |
Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, surgery, therapy | Actual costs plus projected future care |
Lost Wages | Missed work, reduced capacity | Income records and expert testimony |
Property Damage | Vehicle repair, personal items | Repair estimates and replacement costs |
Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma | Multiple of economic damages |
Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries warrant significantly higher compensation due to their life-altering nature.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system that affects how much compensation you can recover. This rule allows you to collect damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident.
Your total compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you were 20% responsible for the crash, you can still recover 80% of your total damages. This system differs from other states, which bar recovery when a plaintiff is more than 50% at fault.
Insurance companies exploit this rule by trying to assign excessive blame to accident victims. They might argue you were speeding, distracted, or failed to take evasive action. Our attorneys fight these unfair characterizations by presenting evidence that accurately reflects what happened.
Multiple parties can share liability in complex accidents. We investigate all potential sources of compensation, including other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance.
Your actions immediately following a crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Following the right steps protects both your health and legal rights.
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine initially. Adrenaline can mask injury symptoms, and some conditions like whiplash or concussions don’t appear immediately. Getting prompt medical care creates documentation that links your injuries to the accident.
Call law enforcement to report the crash and request an official police report. Santa Barbara Police or the California Highway Patrol will document the scene and may issue citations that help establish fault.
Document everything you can safely observe. Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from other drivers and witnesses. Keep all receipts related to the accident, including medical bills and rental car costs.
Avoid common mistakes that can hurt your case. Never admit fault or apologize, even if you’re just being polite. Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation. Avoid discussing the accident on social media, as insurance companies monitor these platforms.
Local representation offers distinct advantages over large, out-of-state firms that advertise heavily but provide impersonal service. We know Santa Barbara’s unique traffic patterns, dangerous intersections, and local court procedures.
Our attorneys have established relationships with local medical providers, expert witnesses, and court personnel. This network helps us build stronger cases and navigate the legal system more efficiently.
We maintain reasonable caseloads to ensure every client receives personal attention. You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys, not paralegals or case managers. We return phone calls promptly and keep you informed about important developments in your case.
Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for Santa Barbara area residents injured in car accidents. This success comes from thorough preparation, aggressive advocacy, and a genuine commitment to our clients’ wellbeing.
Santa Barbara’s unique geography and traffic patterns create specific accident risks that we encounter regularly in our practice.
Highway accidents frequently occur on US-101, particularly during heavy traffic periods. These crashes often involve multiple vehicles and result in serious injuries due to high speeds, with truck accidents being particularly devastating. Distracted driving and following too closely are common causes.
Downtown collisions happen frequently on State Street and surrounding areas. Pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles share congested spaces, creating opportunities for accidents. Tourist traffic, rideshare drivers, and unfamiliar drivers add to the complexity.
Beach area crashes occur along Cabrillo Boulevard and near popular destinations. Parking challenges, pedestrian activity, and tourist distractions contribute to these accidents. Many involve visitors unfamiliar with local traffic patterns.
Canyon road accidents present unique challenges due to narrow, winding roads with limited visibility. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in these areas. Speed and failure to navigate curves safely are frequent factors.
Intersection accidents happen throughout the city, often involving drivers running red lights or failing to yield right-of-way. These T-bone collisions frequently cause severe injuries.
Insurance adjusters contact accident victims quickly, often within hours of a crash. While they may sound helpful and concerned, remember they work for their company’s financial interests, not yours.
Common adjuster tactics include requesting recorded statements before you’ve had time to understand your injuries fully. They might ask leading questions designed to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. Some adjusters offer quick settlements that seem generous but fall far short of your actual damages.
We handle all insurance communications once you hire us. This protection prevents you from inadvertently saying something that could harm your case. Our attorneys know how to present your claim professionally while avoiding the pitfalls that trip up unrepresented victims.
Never sign any documents or accept settlement offers without legal review. Insurance companies often include language that releases them from future liability, even if your injuries prove more serious than initially apparent.
Unfortunately, many California drivers operate vehicles without adequate insurance coverage. When these drivers cause accidents, victims face additional challenges in recovering compensation.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver’s policy limits are insufficient to cover your damages. These coverages are part of your own auto insurance policy.
We help you navigate the claims process with your own insurance company, which can be just as challenging as dealing with the other driver’s insurer. Your insurance company still wants to minimize payouts, even though you’ve been paying premiums.
Hit-and-run accidents present special challenges, but uninsured motorist coverage often applies in these situations. We conduct thorough investigations to try identifying fleeing drivers while simultaneously pursuing your UM claim.
Getting proper medical care after an accident shouldn’t be delayed due to financial concerns. We work with healthcare providers who accept medical liens, allowing you to receive treatment while your case is pending.
Medical liens are agreements where doctors provide treatment in exchange for payment from your eventual settlement or verdict. This arrangement ensures you get the care you need without upfront costs or insurance hassles.
We maintain relationships with specialists who understand accident-related injuries. These providers create detailed records that support your compensation claim while focusing on your recovery.
Don’t let insurance companies dictate your medical care. They might try to limit treatment or push you toward their preferred providers. You have the right to choose your doctors and receive appropriate care for your injuries.
Most car accident cases follow a predictable timeline, though complex cases may take longer to resolve. Understanding this process helps you know what to expect.
Initial investigation typically takes several weeks as we gather evidence, review records, and consult with experts. We also ensure you’re receiving appropriate medical care during this period.
Demand and negotiation phases can last several months. We prepare a comprehensive demand package presenting your case and damages, then negotiate with insurance companies to reach fair settlements.
Litigation becomes necessary if settlement negotiations fail. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean your case will go to trial, but it demonstrates our commitment to fighting for full compensation. Most cases still settle during litigation.
Resolution comes through either settlement agreement or trial verdict. We’ll recommend accepting settlements that fairly compensate you for all your damages and losses.
Even minor accidents can result in hidden injuries that don’t appear immediately, and insurance companies often undervalue these claims. Consulting with an attorney ensures you understand your rights and don’t settle for less than your case is worth.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also advance all case costs, so you have no out-of-pocket expenses.
You can still recover compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. We’ll also investigate whether the other driver has assets that could satisfy a judgment.
California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines.
California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
First offers are typically much lower than your claim’s true value. Insurance companies hope you’ll accept quickly before understanding your full damages. Always consult an attorney before accepting any settlement.
Case values depend on many factors including injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and impact on your life. We evaluate each case individually to determine fair compensation amounts.
Delayed onset injuries are common in car accidents. Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear and contact an attorney to protect your rights.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Our experienced Santa Barbara car accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation, and you’ll gain valuable insight into your rights and the strength of your potential claim.
Contact us to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard, and surrounding communities.
Contact our Santa Barbara auto accident lawyers today at (805) 292-7074 to schedule a complimentary case review. You will not owe us any legal fees unless we win your case!
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Awards & Affiliations
Santa Barbara Office
15 W Carrillo St.
#310 Santa Barbara,
CA 93101
Ventura Office
701 E Santa Clara St.
#21 Ventura,
CA 93001
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