Applegate Law Office
Injured in an Accident? We Help You Take Back Control.
We Win Cases—And You Work Directly With the Attorney Who Handles Yours.
At Applegate Law Office, you get clear answers, focused strategy, and real results. From car accidents to dog bite injuries, we help clients throughout Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and the Bay Area recover what they’re owed—with no fee unless we win.
The Legal Ally You Want By Your Side
Meet Attorney Charles Applegate
“I became a lawyer because I like helping people, I like sticking up for people, and I hate bullies.”
Charles Applegate has over 20 years of experience in civil litigation and injury law. He’s been a defense attorney, a former prosecutor, and is focused exclusively on personal injury. He doesn’t only know how to build strong cases—he knows how to break the other side’s apart.
Practice Areas
Explore our Personal Injury services and how we help:
Car Accidents
Injured in a crash? We’ll handle the claim and fight for full compensation—so you can focus on healing.
Dog Bite Injuries
If you’ve been attacked or injured by a dog, we’ll hold the owner accountable and protect your rights.
Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial drivers and trucking companies have rules to follow—and we’ll make sure they’re held to them.
Motorcycle Accidents
Injured in a crash? We’ll handle the claim and fight for full compensation—so you can focus on healing.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents
Legal support for those hurt in crosswalks, bike lanes, and local streets.
Wrongful Death
Compassionate advocacy for families seeking justice after a tragic loss.
Insurance Disputes
We help clients push back on denied claims, low offers, and bad-faith tactics.
Criminal Defense
Smart, strategic defense for DUI and assault charges—protecting your rights and your future.
What Sets Us Apart
Strategic. Relentless. Personal. Proven.
Prosecutor & Civil Litigator Experience
Insight from both sides of the courtroom—used to build better cases.
Direct Attorney Access
You work with Charles, start to finish. No handoffs. No guessing.
No Fee Unless You Win
Contingency-based personal injury cases. We only get paid if you do.
Client-Centered Representation
You’re not just a case file. Your story matters—and we’re here to help you tell it.
Real Clients. Real Results.
★★★★★
Client Testimonials
I'm grateful that I found Charles! I needed a lawyer to resolve a situation that had been a burden to me for quite some time. Charles was diligent and responsive during the process, helping me to understand all my options. He was respectful, and honest about all the possible outcomes. Charles followed through with everything he said and worked hard to get me the best outcome. I definitely recommend his services and am deeply appreciative for his good work!
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If you need a lawyer, Mr. Applegate should honestly be your first choice.
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I can’t recommend Charles Applegate enough. I was always treated with respect and as a priority. The focus was always on what was best for me in the long term and not simply on a final number. I was always happy with our interactions and even more so with our final result. I highly recommend calling his law office if you are looking for legal representation.
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I had the good fortune to have hired Charles Applegate for a personal injury lawsuit. This type of thing can be very nerve-wracking and stressful and, certainly, nothing that I had experience in at all. From our first meeting and throughout this process, Charles walked me through what needed to happen and what I needed to do. He was incredibly responsive and returned my calls or emails almost immediately. All that I had to do was complete an assortment of documents, provide my own documentation to support my claim, and attend a deposition. Charles took care of everything else. He was very respectful of my feelings and my injury; he never made me feel like my lawsuit was frivolous. We agreed upon a settlement amount that ranged from acceptable to awesome. He negotiated an amount that exceeded the awesome amount! I negotiate for a living, and I’ve got to hand it to Charles. He fought for me and pushed the opposing lawyers to come back with a hefty settlement. I wouldn’t want to sit on the other side of the table from Charles. He was relentless. I cannot recommend him highly enough. I hope I never need his services again, but if I do, Charles is the only lawyer I would call.
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Mr. Applegate is a professional straight answer kind of attorney, he helped me with my case and piece of mind very quickly and efficiently. I highly recommend his services!
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I set up a consultation last week with Charles to discuss some avenues and options in a matter I'm dealing with. Charles always answered right away each time I've called and offered valuable information which has allowed me to expedite the processes I need to pursue. Very personable and professional; I'd recommend Charles to anyone who is seeking legal counsel.
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Charles Applegate. He’s a Great Man that cares about making a change. His compassion, intelligence and integrity are on point. If you have the integrity to make a change in yourself then you found the right person. Even if you don’t, he can handle your business. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHARLES APPLEGATE. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Charles provided excellent service to my family and I when we needed a lawyer for an auto accident injury. He and his staff were professional, kind, patient, and timely throughout the process, from beginning to end. We had a positive outcome and experience with him, even while dealing with a not so positive injury. I would absolutely recommend Charles and his staff.
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I am very pleased with the results of working with Mr. Applegate. He is very flexible, straightforward, AND affordable! I highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal assistance.
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Charles is very professional, stayed in contact during my case, and diligent. He's also very personable and easy to talk to. He was able to get my case dismissed! I would highly recommend him to anyone that is in need of an attorney to fight for them.
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Lawyer jokes do not apply to this man. Mr Applegate is a kind and attentive man who listened to me, got to know me and showed me compassion and understanding. not just a good attorney, but a good person.
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I have used Mr Applegate's services on several occasions for civil matters and advice on the legality of other people's actions. As an engineer I don't just accept what I am told, initially I cross checked his information with other sources. What I found is that he is a very thorough, informed and pragmatic lawyer. He not only knows the law he also has the experience to know where a case is likely to end up. His advice was not always what I wanted to hear, but was actually the best advice. It wasn't the most lucrative way for him, but it was the best for me. When I have had questions about his advice he has had the knowledge to fill in the gaps in my understanding. When I did manage to find something he didn't immediately know he was able to provide answers very quickly. When I researched his history I found that he was a prosecutor before he started his own practice, so I expect this gives him an unusually thorough understanding of the judiciary. I carry his card at all times; it is good to know that, if I ever needed help from the criminal law side of his business, I can rely on him.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Should I Do After a Serious Injury in Santa Rosa or Sonoma County?
Whether you were injured in a car crash, dog attack, slip-and-fall, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, taking the right steps early on can protect your health and strengthen your legal case.
1. Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if you feel okay, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. A medical exam also creates a record of your injuries—which is vital for your claim.
2. Document Everything You Can
Take photos of the scene, your injuries, any vehicles or property damage, and environmental conditions. Collect witness contact info and incident reports if available.
3. Report the Incident
Call 911 for emergencies. For other cases, report the injury to the property owner, business, or appropriate authority.
4. Don’t Admit Fault or Speculate
Even casual statements like “I’m fine” or “It was probably my fault” can hurt your case. Stay factual and don’t give detailed statements without legal guidance.
5. Talk to a Local Injury Lawyer Before the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Call Applegate Law Office first for advice that protects your rights—and your recovery.
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How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
There’s no upfront cost to hire Applegate Law Office. We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. The consultation is completely free, and you’ll owe nothing out of pocket while we fight for your compensation.
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Can I still file a claim if I was partly at fault?
Start by contacting a personal injury attorney. We’ll evaluate your case, gather evidence, and file all necessary paperwork on your behalf. From negotiations to court filings, we handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
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How do I file a personal injury claim in California?
Absolutely. Bundling your property insurance with auto, umbrella, or even life insurance can simplify your coverage—and often lower your overall cost.
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What types of cases do you take?
Yes. When you hire Applegate Law Office, your case won’t be passed off to a paralegal or case manager. Charles Applegate personally handles every case, providing direct, experienced legal representation from start to finish.
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Will I work directly with Charles Applegate?
Yes. You won’t be passed off to staff. When you hire Applegate Law Office, you work directly with Charles—start to finish.
We’re Ready to Help.
Don’t Face Insurance Companies Alone.
Applegate Law Office
700 College Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Award-Winning Legal Representation. Local Dedication. No-Nonsense Results.
