Ventura Car Accident Lawyer

Auto accidents can be life-altering events, leaving victims dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. In such challenging times, obtaining the guidance of a skilled Ventura car accident attorney is critical to hold the negligent parties accountable and obtain maximum financial compensation.

At Maki Law Firm, our founding member, Kevin M. Maki, and his legal team have been successfully fighting for the rights of accident victims since 2006. With a background in both the insurance industry and personal injury law, Mr. Maki brings a unique skill set that has helped our firm build an excellent record of settlements and verdicts in favor of injured victims and their families in Ventura County.

Car Accidents Are On the Rise in Ventura County

Ventura County, nestled between the stunning Pacific coastline and the Santa Monica Mountains, witnesses a significant amount of traffic throughout the year. Unfortunately, this increased traffic volume contributes to the prevalence of car accidents.

The diverse road network, including highways like the 101 and 118, can become hotspots for accidents. Factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving contribute to the elevated risk of collisions, making it vital for all road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations.

The need for safe practices becomes even more apparent during weekends when there is an increased likelihood of encounters with tourists unfamiliar with local roads, a higher volume of traffic, and drunk drivers. In fact, alcohol-related crashes remain the leading cause of injuries on Ventura roads.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident with negligent California drivers, our seasoned personal injury attorneys can help you maximize your financial recovery through a car accident claim or lawsuit.

Strengthen Your Case by Taking These Immediate Steps After a Car Crash

Check for Injuries

You should immediately check yourself and others for injuries. If there are injuries, call 911. Your well-being and that of others involved should be the top priority.

Get Medical Attention

Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s vital to get the right medical treatment. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and documentation of medical evaluations is vital for obtaining compensation in car accident cases.

Do Not Leave the Scene

Leaving the scene of an accident, especially if there are injuries or personal property damage, is illegal. You should remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. This is important if you want to file a personal injury case.

Gather Information

Exchange information with other parties involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details. Take note of the make and model of the vehicles. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well.

Document the Scene

Use your smartphone or camera to take photos of the accident scene. Capture the position of vehicles, any damage, road conditions, and traffic signals. These pictures can serve as valuable evidence later. Stay calm and avoid admitting fault, even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident.

Cooperate with Law Enforcement

When law enforcement arrives, provide a factual account of the events leading to the accident. You should be cooperative but refrain from speculating or assigning blame. This may impact your auto accident claim.

Consult with a Car Accident Attorney

If you sustained injuries or significant property damage, consult with a car accident attorney. Our Ventura car accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process, assess the viability of a claim, and protect your rights.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents in Ventura County

Vehicular accidents can lead to a range of injuries, varying in severity and overall impact on your well-being.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Broken and fractured bones
• Chest and abdominal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Ligament tears (e.g., ACL or MCL)
• Burns and scarring
• Psychological injuries (e.g., PTSD)

You must get timely medical care and document your injuries. Not only will this help your recovery, but it will also help build a strong personal injury case to help you obtain the compensation you need.

Maki Law Firm Can Protect Your Right to Compensation Following a Car Accident

Car accidents in Ventura County can be devastating. In their aftermath, it’s important to prove the liability of the negligent parties and seek financial damages for your injuries and losses.

California uses a “pure” comparative negligence system. This means that you can pursue damages even if you were predominantly at fault, but the amount you can recover will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Fault in car accidents is determined based on evidence, witness statements, and the assessment of law enforcement.

At Maki Law Firm, our experienced team will work tirelessly to gather evidence, assess the circumstances of the accident, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our lawyers can help auto accident victims hold the at-fault driver responsible, negotiate a settlement with the insurers, and pursue a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

We can help you achieve the rightful compensation for your current medical bills, future medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering. We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases in Ventura County.

Strict Timelines for Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Two-Year Statute of Limitations

California law imposes a strict deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. For car accidents, you have two years from the date of the accident to initiate legal proceedings. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in the loss of your right to obtain compensation.

Importance of Timely Action

Promptly contacting a car accident lawyer is imperative to ensure the preservation of vital evidence. As time passes, memories fade, witnesses become harder to locate, and physical evidence may deteriorate. You should act swiftly to allow your auto accident attorney time to gather and document evidence and strengthen your case.

Preservation of Evidence

Evidence plays an important role in personal injury claims. Whether it’s photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, or medical records, preserving evidence is vital for establishing liability and demonstrating the extent of your injuries. A car accident lawyer can guide you on what evidence to collect and ensure its proper preservation.

Early Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer

Acquiring legal counsel early in the process is advantageous. A car accident lawyer can assess the details of your case, outline the necessary steps to take, and secure all possible evidence to establish liability. This proactive approach helps build a powerful foundation for your case and negotiate a settlement from a position of strength.

Family members of car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim after losing their loved ones to fatal injuries. An experienced car accident attorney can negotiate with the insurance company, prove the liability of the defendants, and achieve maximum financial compensation for you.

Client Testimonials and Case Results: Real Stories of Success at Maki Law Firm

At Maki Law Firm, our commitment to obtaining justice and advocating for our clients is reflected in the positive testimonials and successful case results we have achieved.

“I was a pedestrian struck by a car in a crosswalk. I thought this would be easy to handle without an attorney; I was wrong. Mr. Maki was very patient with me. Before retaining Mr. Maki, the carrier offered me $25,000. Mr. Maki settled the case for over $300,000.” – Lori

Our case results speak to our ability to get significant compensation for our clients:

• Female pedestrian injured in Westlake Village: Recovered $300,000
• Woman rear-ended in car accident: Recovered $1.7 Million
• Young man burned while working on a vehicle: Recovered $500,000

Comprehensive Auto Accident Practice Areas at Maki Law Firm

• Bicycle accidents: We represent cyclists who have been involved in accidents, ensuring they receive fair compensation for injuries caused by negligent drivers.
• Motorcycle accidents: We provide comprehensive legal support for motorcycle accident injuries, recognizing the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road.
• Hit-and-run accidents: Our attorneys pursue legal action on behalf of victims in hit-and-run accidents, holding those who flee the scene without taking responsibility accountable.
• Pedestrian accidents: Whether you were hit by a car on a crosswalk, sidewalk, or other public space, our attorneys can obtain maximum compensation for your pedestrian injuries.
• Texting while driving accidents: Holding distracted drivers accountable for accidents caused by texting or other forms of distracted driving.
• Truck accidents: Our lawyers handle the complexities of commercial truck accidents to obtain maximum compensation for victims impacted by the size and weight of these vehicles.

We Will Fight to Maximize Your Personal Injury Compensation

If you have been involved in an auto accident, the experienced car accident attorneys at the Maki Law Firm can pursue the largest possible damages for your injuries and losses and ensure you are informed, empowered, and supported at every stage.

Whether it’s an injured pedestrian, a victim of a hit-and-run accident, or someone involved in a motorcycle collision, our firm has successfully recovered large settlements and verdicts for our clients. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 805-267-1222 or fill out this online contact form.