car accident lawyers

"Seek the advice of a professional." That's what most every Santa Ana car accident lawyer will tell you if you are ever involved in a car accident in Santa Ana, the most populous city in Orange County, California.

Many Injuries, Many Lost Lives

In 2006, a look at the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) revealed even more sad statistics. A total of 21 people were killed and 1,468 were injured in Santa Ana car crashes. In addition, nine pedestrians lost their lives and 127 were injured in car collisions. Car accidents injured 121 bicyclists. Motorcycle accidents killed five and injured 37. Additionally, DUI car crashes resulted in seven fatalities and 175 injuries. In 2007, 21 car collisions ended in 21 fatalities.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer Before "Going it Alone"

Driving defensively and obeying all traffic laws will usually keep you from getting into a car accident. But what if tragedy strikes and you or someone you care about is involved in an accident? What should you do? How will you pay for all those medical expenses? Your lost hours at work? Car repairs or replacement? Many just hand everything over to their insurance company. Others do what Santa Ana car accident lawyers warn against--they go it alone--trying to put their lives together after an accident, dealing with insurance companies, courts and agents. Far better to first consult an attorney. Initial consultations are usually free and most attorneys are upfront about their fees and the ways in which they can help you. For those concerned about costs, attorney fees are usually paid on a contingency basis. In other words, you pay unless the law firm you retain wins your case.

To Come Out Ahead, Follow the Advice of a Car Accident Lawyer

As most Santa Ana car collision lawyers often advise their clients, insurance companies have a singular goal: they want to limit your compensation to the "bare bones" minimum. This is what guides all the adjusters, investigators, and insurance company attorneys assigned to your case.

If you want just compensation for your losses in an accident, you need to follow very specific rules, regulations and guidelines. That means you have to go through a gauntlet of endless paperwork, court motions and other legal procedures--things better left to an experienced car accident attorney.

While virtually every Santa Ana car crash lawyer looks alike in the phone book, you should carefully evaluate the attorney you choose to represent you. That means learning how they conduct business, their track record, and their standing in the legal community. Before you retain an attorney, ask them to lay out all your options. After you hire them, your car accident attorney should work hard on your behalf, return your phone calls, and be genuinely interested in you and your case.

Since 1978, Bisnar | Chase lawyers have represented over six thousand people in car, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian and other personal injury cases. The law firm has an "AV" rating, the highest level of professional excellence, by Martindale-Hubble. John Bisnar, who is the author of this article, and his partner Brian Chase each have a "10" Avvo rating, the highest possible. John was named a "Community Hero" by the United Way, while Brian was named a "Trial Lawyer of the Year" in 2004 and one of the 2007 Top 100 Trial Lawyers. You should settle for nothing less than the finest legal representation available. For more information on a Santa Ana car accident lawyer, visit the Bisnar | Chase free book website at http://www.BestAttorneyBooks.com or call 1-800-561-4887.

Copyright 2009 Bisnar Chase LLP. All Rights Reserved.

car accident lawyers