How can we help?
- Who is McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP?
- Why personal injury cases are common in Santa Ana
- What types of personal injury cases do you handle?
- What should I do after an accident in Santa Ana?
- Who can be held liable for my injuries?
- How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
- Do you have a personal injury lawyer near me in Santa Ana?
Who is McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP? Trusted advocates for injury victims in Santa Ana
With a long history of helping people throughout Santa Ana and across Orange County, McNicholas & McNicholas is known for fighting for those hurt by other people's negligence. We have been representing injured individuals and families for over 30 years. Some things that set McNicholas & McNicholas apart:
- Recovered billions of dollars on behalf of clients, making a real difference in the lives of injured people and their families.
- Led by partners John, Patrick, and Matthew, each of whom holds a fellowship in the American College of Trial Lawyers, an exclusive group made up of less than one percent of lawyers per state.
- All three are also Fellows of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, which accepts just 500 active trial lawyers from around the world.
McNicholas & McNicholas brings a rare combination of trial experience, professional recognition, and client-focused advocacy. People in the Santa Ana community looking for thoughtful help during difficult times can turn to McNicholas & McNicholas with confidence. Reach out to schedule your free consultation.
Why personal injury cases are common in Santa Ana
Santa Ana sees a high number of personal injury cases every year. Many factors tied to the area’s daily life and busy environment contribute to this, including:
High population density and traffic
Santa Ana is one of the most populated cities in Orange County. That means more people on the streets, crowded neighborhoods, and congested weekday traffic. With so many walkers and drivers sharing the roads, accidents happen more often.
Major roads and highways
Interstate 5 and State Route 55 move thousands of vehicles each day. Crashes along these major routes are common. Local streets can pose just as much risk, especially when drivers hurry or ignore stop signs.
Tourism and local attractions
Landmarks like the Santa Ana Zoo, the Bowers Museum, and the iconic Santa Ana Water Tower draw many families and visitors. The added foot traffic near these spots sometimes leads to slip-and-falls, parking lot accidents, or pedestrian collisions.
All of these factors increase the risks of someone getting hurt through no fault of their own, and they help explain why personal injury cases remain common here.
What types of personal injury cases do you handle?
Our team works with a wide variety of personal injury situations that reflect Santa Ana’s daily life. Some of the most common types we see include:
Car accidents
Many local streets and major highways, such as I-5 and SR-55, see serious car collisions frequently. We have represented numerous clients from those hit in crosswalks to drivers struck in intersections.
Pedestrian injuries
Santa Ana’s busy school zones, community events, and tourist spots mean heavy foot traffic throughout the year. When local residents or visitors are hit by vehicles or slip on unmarked hazards, we fight to hold the right party responsible.
Workplace injuries
With many residents working in manufacturing, retail, and large service centers, workplace incidents occur more often than most realize. We help injured workers understand whether they may have a third-party injury claim, an employment retaliation claim, or another legal option beyond workers’ compensation.
Premises liability
Slip and fall injuries at shopping centers, rental properties, or parks near the Santa Ana Zoo or Bowers Museum can lead to more serious injuries than you might expect. Our firm investigates what property owners missed or ignored, holding them accountable for dangerous conditions.
Truck accidents
Commercial trucks travel through Santa Ana daily, from delivery vans to 18-wheelers on the highways. When a large truck crashes, the injuries can be life-changing, and legal cases become complex, with multiple parties often involved.
Motorcycle accidents
Motorcyclists share crowded streets and highways but often go unseen by distracted drivers. We work closely with riders or their loved ones after a serious motorcycle crash, piecing together how it occurred.
Product liability
Some injuries happen because of defective consumer products, like car parts, bicycles/scooters, appliances, and tools used at home or on the job. We examine how the dangerous product got into your hands and which company ignored safety rules or warnings.
Wrongful death
Nothing can make up for losing a family member because of someone else’s negligence. We guide families during these devastating periods to help cover expenses and pursue accountability through wrongful death claims, all with respect for their grief.
These claims cover just some of what we handle for clients who live and work in the area. No matter what type of injury you are facing, our team is here to help. Do not hesitate to reach out if you do not see your type of case on the list above.
What should I do after an accident in Santa Ana?
Knowing what to do right after an accident in Santa Ana is helpful for your recovery and any future claims. Here is what you should consider doing:
Get medical help, even if your injuries seem minor
Doctors in Santa Ana know how to spot injuries that might not be obvious at first. Visit an emergency room or outpatient clinic. Some symptoms do not present right away or may not be visible to you immediately. You could end up assuming an injury is minor only to find out once the adrenaline wears off that it is worse than you thought. It helps to get everything on record from day one.
Speak cautiously at the scene
Stay calm and limit what you say at the scene of the accident, especially when talking to anyone else who was involved in the accident or police officers if they arrive on the scene. Be truthful, but do not speculate about who was at fault.
Gather evidence if you can
For instance, this may include images of the damage and cars involved in an automobile accident, or the state of the property that caused you to slip and fall. Also, obtain the names and contact information of the witnesses.
Let the police or the proper authority know
For a car crash in Santa Ana, call local police and ask for their traffic division. With store slip and falls or work injuries, immediately notify a manager or supervisor and fill out any required incident forms.
Listen to your doctor and keep all appointment records
Your health is the most important thing. Do not skip follow-up appointments or ignore what your doctor says. This is important for your recovery and any potential case you file in the future.
In the days after an accident, do not assume you will remember everything going forward. Always write as much down as possible and document your injuries and treatment.
Who can be held liable for my injuries?
The party responsible for your injuries depends on where and how your accident happened. Different claims can involve different people or businesses, and every situation is unique. However, some common parties that might be held liable include:
Drivers
If you were hurt in an automobile accident, the driver who caused the crash is usually the first person to be held liable. Their employer could potentially be legally responsible if the driver was working when the crash happened.
Subcontractors
When someone gets hurt at work, other companies and subcontractors who were working there at the same time may be responsible if their actions led to the injury.
Product manufacturers and sellers
In the case of a defective product injury, the manufacturer or seller may be held responsible for the injury and your damages.
Property owners and managers
If someone slips and falls or is hurt because the property is hazardous, the owner, manager, or occasionally even the tenant may be responsible if they did not repair problems they knew or should have known about.
Government agencies
Sometimes a city, county, or other public agency can be at fault for injuries that happen. If you were hurt because of hazardous road conditions, broken sidewalks, or poor maintenance in public spaces like parks, the local government or agency in charge may end up being legally responsible. If this is the case, you generally have to file a government claim within just 6 months of the accident.
Figuring out who is responsible for your injuries can be more complicated than it seems at first glance. A lawyer can help you investigate and hold the right person accountable.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
Most personal injury cases in California have to be filed within two years from the date of the accident. In some cases, this deadline could be longer or shorter, depending on the specifics of the case. You should always reach out to a lawyer right after the accident to determine what the deadline is and make sure you do not miss your chance to recover compensation for your injuries.
Best Lawyers
Super Lawyers
ABTA
ACTL
Best Law Firms
