Santa Ynez Car Accident Lawyer

Written by: Chad M. Prentice

Negligent actions by drivers, such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and failing to yield the right of way, are leading causes of car accidents in Santa Ynez. These reckless driving behaviors put innocent lives at risk and can lead to devastating injuries. At Maho | Prentice, LLP, our personal injury lawyers provide dedicated legal help for car accidents in Santa Ynez. 

With nearly seven decades of combined legal experience and litigating in more than 85 jury trials, Santa Ynez personal injury attorneys Tyrone Maho and Chad Prentice will fight for your highest compensation. Our boutique law firm consistently delivers big-firm results by providing personalized, hands-on legal representation for every client. When you choose Maho | Prentice, LLP, you choose a personal injury law team that will aggressively pursue your case while treating you with the respect and compassion you deserve.

California Car Accident Laws

California has laws and regulations governing car accidents that dictate how claims are handled, who is liable, and what compensation victims can pursue. Our best car accident lawyer in Santa Ynez will use the full force of law to hold the negligent parties liable and fight for maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Fault System

California operates under a fault-based insurance system where the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident is liable for the damages caused. Under California Vehicle Code § 17150, the injured party can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or pursue a personal injury lawsuit for damages. 

Comparative Negligence

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that if the injured party is partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault. Under California Civil Code § 1714, even if you are 99% at fault for your accident and injuries, you can still recover the remaining 1% of damages from the at-fault driver.

Statute of Limitations

In California, there is a statute of limitations that dictates the time frame within which a person can file a lawsuit after a car accident. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the accident and injury to file a lawsuit for personal injury.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

California law requires that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. According to California Vehicle Code § 16056, the minimum coverage is:

• $15,000 for injury or death to one person
• $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $5,000 for damage to property

Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum coverage amounts are set to increase as follows: 

• $30,000 for injury or death to one person
• $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $15,000 for damage to property

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

California Vehicle Code § 11580.2 mandates that insurance companies offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) to policyholders. This coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has little or no insurance.

Get Our Proven Santa Ynez Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side 

If you have been injured in a car accident, your case’s value depends on how it is handled. If your claim is treated like an insurance dispute, it can quickly lose its worth, and you may receive far less than you are entitled to. At Maho | Prentice, LLP, our Santa Ynez personal injury attorney understands that the key to maximizing your car accident claim lies in treating it like a trial case from day one. 

Insurance companies and corporations want to avoid the expense and risk of going to trial against a well-prepared opponent. Our car accident attorney in Santa Ynez has the trial capabilities and a formidable courtroom reputation to leverage that fear to your advantage.

Aggressive Trial Preparation from Day One

From the moment we take on your car accident case, we treat it as if it is headed for trial. Our Santa Ynez auto accident lawyer will collect evidence, prepare witnesses, and build a strong case to present in court. This early preparation signals to insurance companies that we are serious about winning. By making it clear that we are ready and willing to go to trial, we put pressure on insurers to settle your case fairly and quickly, rather than risk a larger payout through a jury verdict.

90% Litigation Success Rate

At Maho | Prentice, LLP, our results speak for themselves. With a 90% litigation success rate, our Santa Ynez personal injury lawyer team has consistently delivered favorable outcomes for our clients in court. Insurance companies are well aware of our success rate, and they understand that they are up against seasoned trial attorneys. This allows us to negotiate from a position of strength, often leading to larger settlement offers without the need for a trial. Our reputation as successful litigators can force insurers to offer fair compensation upfront.

Experience in 85+ Jury Trials

Our attorneys, Tyrone Maho and Chad Prentice, have fought in more than 85 jury trials, providing them with an extensive wealth of experience in personal injury law. This courtroom experience equips us with the skills and tools to anticipate the tactics of insurance companies and corporate defense teams. We know how to present robust evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue persuasively before a jury. This deep understanding of trial dynamics ensures that we are always prepared to obtain the best possible compensation for your personal injuries.

Insurance Companies Recognize Our Trial Capabilities

Insurance companies are not only aware of our legal skills, but also know that we will not settle for less than what you deserve for your severe injuries. They recognize our ability to take cases to trial and win. We leverage this reputation to secure better offers for our clients in personal injury cases and wrongful death cases. Insurers are motivated to avoid the high costs and risks associated with auto accidents trials and we use this to your advantage by fighting for the largest possible settlement from the start. 

To schedule your free consultation with our Santa Ynez car crash lawyer at Maho | Prentice, LLP, call us 24/7 at 805-774-1410 or contact us online.