SALINAS PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY – CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
MICHAEL REHM – (831) 420-8082
A dedicated community of farmers helped Salinas survive the Great Depression and earn a reputation as the “Salad Bowl of the World.” By promoting local businesses rather than chain stores, the city's Oldtown district is a tribute to the city's history.
While Salinas continues to grow, it has not been besieged with the traffic congestion that plagues other California communities. On the other hand, a city that depends on residents strolling to farmers' markets and Oldtown shopping has done too little to protect its pedestrians.
Salinas Pedestrian Accidents
In the most recent year analyzed by the California Office of Traffic Safety, 76 pedestrians were killed or injured in Salinas traffic accidents. The OTS ranked Salinas 16th of 58 comparable California cities for pedestrian accidents after adjusting for population and miles driven.
Even more disturbing is that 23 of the 76 pedestrian victims were younger than age 15. Salinas had the worst ranking of 58 comparable cities for pedestrian accidents involving children.
Salinas Car Accidents
With 705 people killed or injured in traffic accidents during the most recent year analyzed by OTS, Salinas ranked 29th out of 58 comparable California cities. Of those, 83 victims were injured or killed by alcohol-impaired drivers. Salinas ranked 23rd out of 58 in its rate of drunk driving injuries and deaths. However, it ranked fifth in injuries and deaths caused by impaired drivers who were too young to consume alcohol legally.
The good news is that OTS ranked Salinas as better than any other comparable city in the category of motorcycle accidents. The ranking for bicycle accident injuries or deaths — 40th out of 58 cities — is favorable, although that ranking is small consolation to the 29 bicycle accident victims who suffered injuries or death because of negligent drivers.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and passengers are all entitled to pursue compensation when they are injured by a negligent driver. They may be entitled to extra compensation if the negligent driver was intoxicated. Salinas Car Accident Attorney Michael Rehm can help victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Salinas Lawsuits
When a victim in a Salinas traffic accident cannot make a prompt insurance settlement, it may be necessary to file a civil suit. Lawsuits for personal injuries in Salinas are filed in the Monterey County Superior Court.
While there is a courthouse in Salinas, civil lawsuits are usually heard in the Monterey Courthouse at 1200 Aguajito Road in Monterey. About half of the six judges assigned to the Monterey Courthouse preside over civil lawsuits.
In the most recent year for which statistics are available, only 206 motor vehicle accident lawsuits were filed in Monterey County. In that same year, 182 motor vehicle accident lawsuits were resolved.
Cases move with average speed in Monterey County. More than three-quarters of all lawsuits are resolved within one year after they are filed. More than 90% have been resolved within two years.
Most Monterey County cases are resolved by settlement. In the most recent year for which statistics are available, only four cases went to trial, and only one of those was decided by a jury.
Summary:
For more information on the value of your case, if you have a case worth pursuing for a settlement or in court, call Salinas Auto Accident Attorney Michael Rehm at (831) 420-8082 for a free, confidential consultation.
SALINAS CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY – WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER
FREE CONSULTATIONS – (831) 420-8082
Salinas Accident Resources:
Salinas Police Department - Records Division