Personal Injury Attorney in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and the Bay Area
Injured by Someone Else’s Negligence? We’ll Help You Get the Justice—and Compensation—You Deserve.
When a serious injury upends your life, you need more than sympathy. You need an advocate who will fight for your future. At Applegate Law Office, we represent individuals and families across Santa Rosa and Sonoma County who’ve been harmed due to negligence. Whether you were injured in a car crash, bitten by a dog, or hurt due to unsafe conditions, we’ll help you pursue full compensation—and we won’t back down.
With over 20 years of experience as a Santa Rosa personal injury lawyer, attorney Charles Applegate is known for clear legal strategy, creative problem-solving, and aggressive representation in high-stakes cases.
Call for a Free Consultation –
(707) 775-9459‑0163
No fee unless we win. No pressure. Just direct legal support from a personal injury attorney who delivers results.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim arises when someone is hurt because of another person or business’s negligence. These claims seek compensation for both short- and long-term consequences—medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and more. Whether your case involves a car accident, slip and fall, or wrongful death, we know how to prove liability and calculate the true value of your losses.
Types of
Personal Injury Cases We Handle
We represent clients in a wide range of injury and accident claims across Northern California, including:
Car Accidents
Legal support for crash victims navigating California’s at-fault system.
Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Holding trucking companies accountable for serious collisions.
Motorcycle Accidents
Fighting bias against riders and proving driver negligence.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents
Representing those hit in crosswalks, intersections, or bike lanes.
Dog Bite Injuries
Pursuing compensation under California’s strict liability dog bite law.
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability
Handling injuries caused by unsafe walkways, buildings, or businesses.
Wrongful Death
Supporting families through the loss of a loved one due to negligence.
Insurance Disputes
Handling denied or delayed personal injury claims with strategic force.
What Can You Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
Your claim may entitle you to damages including:
Medical Expenses & RehabilitSation
Emergency care, surgeries, medications, therapy, and future treatment.
Lost Wages & Diminished Earning Capacity
Compensation for missed work and long-term financial losses due to disability.
Pain & Suffering
Recovery for physical pain, mental distress, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property Damage
Reimbursement for destroyed vehicles, damaged belongings, or necessary home modifications.
What to Do After a Serious Injury in California
Protect your claim by taking the right steps:
01
Get Medical Attention
Even minor injuries can evolve—document care early.
02
Preserve Evidence
Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions.
03
Get a Report
File a police report or incident report with the property owner or relevant authority.
04
Avoid Talking to Insurance
Don’t make statements or sign anything before consulting a lawyer.
05
Call a Santa Rosa Personal Injury Lawyer
The sooner you contact us, the more we can do to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury—but some claims have shorter deadlines. Don’t wait. Call your trusted personal injury lawyer in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and The Bay Area.
What if I was partially at fault?
California follows a comparative fault rule—you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility.
Do I have to pay anything upfront?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay if we win.
Will I work directly with Charles Applegate?
Yes. From start to finish, you’ll deal directly with your attorney—not a case manager.
Should I accept an insurance settlement?
Not without speaking to a lawyer. Insurers often offer less than your case is worth. We’ll review it—and fight for more if needed.
Let’s Talk It Through
When you're recovering from a serious injury, you shouldn't have to navigate the legal system alone. We're here to guide you, advocate for you, and fight for the financial recovery you deserve. Serving clients throughout Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and all of Sonoma County.
Call
(707) 775-9459
for a free consultation