You’ve filed your claim, but the process is already moving behind the scenes. While you focus on medical treatment, repairs, and recovering from what happened, the insurance company has already begun reviewing records and assessing factors that may affect the outcome. Understanding how insurance companies investigate and evaluate claims can help you know what to expect after an accident and why certain decisions are made along the way. In This Article What happens right after

On Monday afternoon in Santa Rosa, a man using a wheelchair was killed in a hit-and-run collision while crossing the street, according to police. The crash happened at West College Avenue and Clover Drive in West Santa Rosa. Investigators later determined a lifted white GMC pickup truck had been stopped at a red light while the man was crossing. Authorities said he was still in the crosswalk when the vehicle moved forward and struck him. Police said a man and a woman got out

A crash on Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, has left one family without their loved one. According to the California Highway Patrol, a driver in a Dodge Charger headed southbound into oncoming northbound traffic on May 1st, colliding with six vehicles. Shanell Shari Smith, a 42-year-old mother from Antioch and a passenger in one of the vehicles, was killed in the crash. Several others were hurt, some sustaining serious injuries. Authorities report that th

Motorcycle accidents in California often result in serious injuries, and in many cases, they are preventable. These crashes are often caused by drivers not paying attention, unsafe lane changes, speeding, or road hazards. Responsibility depends on who failed to act reasonably under the circumstances, and more than one party can share fault under California’s comparative negligence system. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident or are trying to understand what caused i

After a car accident in California, drivers are required to exchange key details, including names, contact information, and insurance policy information. It’s completely normal to feel shaken or unsure of what to do next. You may be thinking: “What am I supposed to get from the other driver? What if I forget something important?” Knowing what information to exchange can make a meaningful difference in protecting your rights and your ability to recover financially. Under Calif

When a personal injury case settles, it can feel like everything is finished, but there is still an important step that can affect what someone actually receives. That step is lien resolution, a key part of many personal injury cases that involves addressing medical bills and insurance claims that must be paid from a settlement. Tanya Gomerman recently spoke on this topic as part of a panel at the Napa Sonoma Travel Seminar, hosted by the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAO

If you are ever involved in a car accident of any kind, you should consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney. Many firms, including ours, offer free consultations. In our experience, personal injury attorneys are most helpful to those who are severely injured, who are dealing with an insurance company dispute or lawsuit, and to those who are involved in accidents where fault is disputed. However, speaking with an injury attorney can be helpful even if you’re just lo

A devastating crash on Silverado Trail in Napa County has left three women dead and multiple others injured on March 28, 2026, according to media outlets. Incidents like this raise serious questions about accountability, road safety, and what options exist for those affected. If you’re reading this, you may be trying to understand how something like this happens and what comes next. Here’s what to know. What Happened on Silverado Trail? According to the California Highway Pat

A fatal rollover on Highway 101 near Petaluma has led to the driver facing felony DUI and murder charges, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Santa Rosa area office. CHP reports that the solo-vehicle crash involved a BMW that left the roadway and rolled over, ejecting two passengers. The driver remained inside the vehicle and sustained major injuries. The February 11 incident claimed the life of 61-year-old Teresa Renderos of Novato. A second passenger was taken

Under California dog bite law, a dog’s breed does not determine liability. Dog owners are generally strictly liable for bite injuries, regardless of breed or prior behavior.

A fatal crash on the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge last week is a stark reminder of how quickly distracted driving can turn deadly on busy Bay Area roadways. According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on Tuesday, January 20, and involved a Ford Transit utility van and a Kia sedan. CHP said the driver of the Ford Transit van was traveling at an unknown speed when he became distracted by his cellular phone and looked away from the road. When he returned his atten

If you find yourself involved in a crash, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. Not every accident looks the same, some are minor fender benders, while others involve injuries or serious damage. Thes 10 essential steps are meant to guide you through what to do after any car accident in California. Depending on the situation, some steps may be more important than others, but knowing them ahead of time can help you stay focused, protect your health, an

In California, you generally have two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury claim. However, if a government agency is involved, the deadline can be as short as six months. After an accident, it’s natural to focus on healing, keeping up with medical appointments, and getting back to normal life. But even during recovery, it’s important to be aware of these deadlines. It may seem like you have plenty of time to decide whether to take action or not, but wait

Every time you get behind the wheel in California, your attention is the difference between arriving safely and dealing with serious consequences. One of the most persistent hazards on our roads is distracted driving, and thanks to recent legal changes, the rules around phone use while driving have become much stricter. Even a quick glance can take your attention off the road at the wrong moment. That’s why California’s No-Touch Phone Law matters and why it can play an import

Dog Bites and California Law: What Victims Need to Know

Here Are 5 Things That Can Help Life can change in an instant. A car crash, a fall on a poorly maintained sidewalk, or even a dog bite...

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Learn how small choices on the road can help protect riders, prevent accidents, and save lives in Northern California.

Victim In Fleet Week Parachutist Collision Releases Video Of Incident

Many people know that in California, anyone injured in an accident has two years from the date of the accident to file.

A retired former track coach and history teacher from Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa was killed last Thursday afternoon in an...