Santa Barbara Car Accident Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Santa Barbara Car Accident Lawyer?

Many people hesitate to reach out to an attorney after a collision, especially if the insurance company seems cooperative. But insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their job is to minimize settlement offers, not to protect your long-term well-being.

You need a Santa Barbara car accident attorney if:

You suffered serious injuries (e.g., broken bones, brain trauma, spinal damage)
The crash involved a hit-and-run or uninsured driver
Your medical bills or lost wages are significant
Liability is being disputed or unclear
An insurance company has denied your claim or offered a lowball settlement
A loved one was killed in the accident
You’re dealing with ongoing pain, disability, or long-term recovery

NordstrandBlack PC can step in immediately to preserve evidence, speak with witnesses, and shield you from unfair tactics. We fight to recover compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost income, and other losses.

Why Choose Us Over Other Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Barbara?

At NordstrandBlack PC, we focus on what matters most: helping people recover financially, emotionally, and physically after an accident.

When you hire us, you’re getting more than just experienced lawyers. You’re getting a law firm with a proven track record in handling complex, high-value car accident claims.

Here’s why so many clients trust us:

Renée Nordstrand-Black is a Recipient of the Deborah Talmage Attorney of the Year Award, honoring her commitment to excellence and client-centered service.
Awarded AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell – The highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards based on a peer review rating process.
Avvo Rated 10.0 “Superb” – A perfect score based on experience, results, and client feedback.
Premium Rated by Lawyer.com – A national recognition for professional quality and integrity.
Extensive Trial Experience – We are not afraid to take a case to court if that’s what it takes to win.
Proven Results – We’ve secured millions in compensation for clients in Santa Barbara and across California.
Comprehensive Case Handling – From investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance, we handle every detail.
Transparent, Straightforward Advice – No legal jargon or empty promises—just honest answers.
Extensive Local Knowledge – We know Santa Barbara’s roads, traffic patterns, accident hot spots, and courts.

Get Proven Legal Assistance After a Car Accident in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Goleta

A car accident can happen in an instant, but its consequences can linger for months, years, or even a lifetime.

Whether you have been rear-ended on State Street or involved in a high-speed crash on Highway 101, the aftermath can be overwhelming: physical injuries, vehicle repairs, insurance disputes, and time away from work.

When someone else’s negligence causes a crash, you should not have to bear the burden alone. We are here to help.

Our legal team has been standing up for Santa Barbara drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians for decades. We focus on serious injuries, catastrophic cases, and getting clients the financial recovery they deserve.

To discuss your Santa Barbara car accident case in a free consultation, call our office at (805) 962-2022.

How Long Do You Have to File a California Car Accident Claim?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim resulting from a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, the limit is three years.

If your claim involves a government entity, such as a city bus or municipal vehicle, you must file an administrative claim within six months of the incident. Failing to adhere to these deadlines can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

How Is Negligence Determined in a Car Accident Case?

Determining negligence is crucial in car accident cases. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that each party involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault. Even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

To establish negligence, the following elements must be proven:

Duty of Care: The defendant owed a legal duty to the plaintiff.
Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through action or inaction.
Causation: The breach directly caused the plaintiff's injuries.
Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages (e.g., medical expenses, lost income).

Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony can be instrumental in establishing these elements.

Car Accident Case Results

$3,000,000 Settlement - Pedestrian/Auto - Parking Lot Accident
$1,200,000 Settlement - Motorcycle/Auto Accident - Fractured Wrist
$1,000,000 Settlement - Auto/Pedestrian
$750,000 Settlement - Auto Accident - Multiple Fractures
$750,000 Settlement - Auto Accident - Injuries Requiring Surgery
$500,000 Settlement - Auto Accident - Motorcycle Accident
$300,000 Binding Arbitration - Auto Accident - Intersection Accident
$300,000 Settlement - Auto Accident - Rear-End Accident

^{∗ Selected cases listed. Every case is different. Past case results are not a guarantee, and similar results may not be obtained in your case. View more case results here.}

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Certain causes of collisions are more frequent than others in Southern California, including:

Impaired drivers: Whether drugs or alcohol are involved, driving with any kind of chemical impairment is not only illegal, but extremely dangerous. Impairments slow a driver’s reaction time, reduce good judgment, and make a collision more likely.
Drowsy drivers: Driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Falling asleep for a moment is all it takes to start a crash, which can have tragic consequences.
Distracted drivers: Distractions take a driver’s attention and eyes off the road. Although mobile phones and passengers can distract a driver, the most common cause of distraction resulting in fatal accidents is simple daydreaming.
Speeding drivers: Excessive speeds make it harder to control a vehicle and can result in single-vehicle collisions if the driver goes faster than is safe in a turn.
Unsafe conditions: Bad weather and poorly maintained roads can lead to accidents as easily as anything else. Drivers need to slow down in severe rain, fog, or other conditions that reduce visibility, and to watch out for potholes or other damaged areas of the road.

While the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, Police Department, or California Highway Patrol may charge a negligent driver with a crime, you still deserve compensation for any injuries you suffered due to their reckless actions. That is why, after an accident, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney at NordstrandBlack PC to discuss your legal options.

I was in a very serious car accident back in 2021—hit from behind, not at fault, and my car totaled. I was introduced to Renée, asked NordstrandBlack to represent me, and they have been advocating for me for the past 17 months. They got me the full settlement. I never imagined I would need a lawyer, but when I did, the NordstrandBlack team was the best choice for me.
- K.L.

What Are Common Injuries in Car Crashes?

Since founding our firm, NordstrandBlack PC has seen the real-world impact of negligent driving, including cases where pedestrians were struck while crossing the street. In one instance, we were able to secure compensation from a government vehicle driver who injured a disabled man in a crosswalk.

If you have been injured in a Santa Barbara motor vehicle accident, get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. Do not "wait and see" with regard to your injuries, or hope that you are not that injured -- this could be a dangerous mistake. Many accident victims feel a rush of adrenaline after a crash that makes it hard for them to recognize their own injuries. You may have a serious brain injury or spinal cord damage that could prove fatal if you do not see a doctor immediately.

In our experience, accident victims throughout California, including Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Goleta, often suffer from:

Traumatic brain injuries: Injuries to the brain can alter the rest of a victim’s life. TBIs can result in changes in personality, learning disabilities, memory loss, sensory loss, and other lifelong consequences. Even if you think you only have a concussion, you should speak to a doctor immediately and follow all instructions.
Spinal cord injuries: The spinal column can become compressed or fractured during a collision with a large vehicle, resulting in a severe disability. Even with treatment, victims of spinal cord injuries often suffer from intense pain, have difficulty moving, or develop partial or complete paralysis.
Traumatic amputation: Collisions can create jagged shards of metal and glass, which can slice through exposed limbs during the impact. Loss of fingers, hands, and legs will cause major difficulties throughout the rest of a victim’s life.
Seatbelt-related injuries: Although seatbelts save lives, the violent forces in a collision can cause a seatbelt to dig into a person’s stomach and chest, causing damage to abdominal organs or fractures to the victim’s ribs. When these safety features are not designed or worn properly, a person can slip under a seatbelt or “submarine.” This often results in the belt pulling on the neck and shoulder, causing serious trauma.
Soft tissue damage: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments are easily damaged in a serious car crash, especially to the neck and shoulder. Whiplash is one of the most common soft-tissue injuries car accident victims suffer from. Damage to soft tissue can take weeks or months to heal, often requiring surgery and physical therapy to completely mend in severe cases.
Facial injuries: Injuries to the face are often caused by flying debris or airbags, but anyone not wearing a seatbelt is at high risk of injury due to striking the seat, dashboard, or windshield in front of them. These injuries can require extensive surgery to reconstruct the face and interfere with daily activities like eating or even breathing.
Broken bones: Despite advances in modern vehicles’ safety features, vehicle occupants and pedestrians can suffer severe broken bones in a collision. Even a minor fracture may make it difficult for you to work, take care of your children, and perform daily tasks.
Burns: Collisions can cause a vehicle fire or explosion that severely injures a vehicle’s occupants.

While injuries to the spine or brain can be catastrophic, nothing is more tragic than a life cut short. Death can occur immediately at the scene of the vehicle accident or later due to complications from injuries. When a child is fatally injured in a car accident, it is heartbreaking for the parents, friends, and family of that young person.

When someone is killed in a vehicle collision in California, family members may file a lawsuit against the person who caused the accident. The parents of a deceased child, the spouse of a deceased loved one, or the child of a deceased parent may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. While this is not the first thing a grieving family wants to think about, a wrongful death suit can also provide you with the money to deal with the financial impact of your loved one’s passing.

What Damages Can You Get for a Car Accident Claim?

If you were injured by a negligent driver in Santa Barbara, you are well within your rights to file a car accident claim against their insurance company to recover compensation. Compensation can include the full costs of your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses you have suffered due to the other driver’s actions.

At NordstrandBlack PC, we have represented numerous clients who were unfairly treated by an insurance company after a collision. We understand just how stressful and draining the claims process can be, which is why we are strong advocates for accident victims.

If you work with our legal team, we can utilize all of our experience to demand proper compensation for your injuries.

When we take on a new client, we thoroughly review all available insurance policies, including the other driver’s and your own. In addition to filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance company, we may also file an underinsured motorist claim against your own to help you recover.

NordstrandBlack PC will investigate the cause of your accident to ensure that all liable parties are held accountable. In addition to investigating the accident, we will calculate the full costs of your losses, which may include:

Medical expenses, including past and future treatment
Lost wages if you had to take time away from work to rest and heal
Lost earning capacity if you were forced to reduce your work hours or change occupations
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium if you lost a loved one in a collision

We Serve All of California, Including the Following Cities

Take Action to Protect Your Rights After a Crash in Santa Barbara

Before agreeing to a settlement with an insurance company or at-fault driver, it is important to understand your legal rights and to know the full extent of your injuries. Car accident victims are entitled to recover damages for almost all costs associated with the crash, but you will need a knowledgeable law firm to get that compensation for you.

NordstrandBlack PC has the knowledge and resources to properly represent you in an auto accident claim. We will also calculate the total lifetime costs of your injuries and use our experience to negotiate with the insurance companies. Learn more about your legal rights and options as an accident victim by scheduling a free consultation with one of our Santa Barbara personal injury lawyers. To do that, simply call our law office directly at (805) 962-2022 or contact us online.

There are no legal fees to pay unless we win.