Car Accident Lawyer in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and the Bay Area

Santa Rosa Car Accident Lawyer – Get the Compensation You Deserve

A serious car accident can turn your life upside down—medically, financially, and emotionally. And in California’s at-fault insurance system, companies are quick to protect their own interests—not yours. At Applegate Law Office in Santa Rosa, we don’t let insurers push our clients around. 


We fight to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. With over 20 years of courtroom and negotiation experience, attorney Charles Applegate brings a rare combination of trial strategy, tenacity, and client-focused advocacy to every crash case we handle. No cost. No pressure. Just experienced legal help — starting today.



Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

We represent clients across Santa Rosa and Sonoma County in a wide range of motor vehicle accident claims. Some common car accident cases we handle include:

Rear-End Collisions

Often caused by distracted or tailgating drivers, these crashes can lead to serious neck, back, or spine injuries.

Side-Impact (T-Bone) Crashes

Dangerous intersection collisions that frequently result in broken bones, internal injuries, and lasting trauma.

Head-On Collisions

Among the most severe crashes, head-on impacts often cause catastrophic injuries and require complex claims and expert analysis.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Texting, eating, using a GPS—any form of distraction behind the wheel can result in a preventable and harmful crash.

DUI-Related Crashes

Accidents caused by drunk or impaired drivers often involve high speeds and devastating force, leading to severe injuries.

Speeding & Reckless Driving Accidents

High-speed crashes reduce reaction time and increase injury severity, making recovery more complex.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Accidents

Crashes involving rideshare drivers add insurance complexities — we navigate claims against large rideshare companies and their insurers on your behalf.

Highway & Rural Road Crashes

Collisions on highways or country roads often involve high speeds, limited visibility, or difficult rescue access.

Poor Road Condition or Low Visibility Crashes

Potholes, debris, fog, and other hazards can lead to loss of control and multi-vehicle accidents.

How We Handle Your Car Accident Case

Every case starts with a clear plan—and ends with relentless execution. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

01

Free Case Evaluation

We’ll listen to your story, assess the facts, and give you a straightforward opinion on your options.

02

Evidence Gathering

Our team collects police reports, witness statements, photographs, dashcam footage, medical records, and more to build a strong case.

03

Negotiation & Insurance Pushback

We take on the insurance company – handling all communication, paperwork, and strategy. By countering lowball settlement offers and pushing back against blame-shifting tactics, we protect your claim’s value.

04

Settlement or Trial

If a fair settlement isn’t possible through negotiation, we’re ready to take your case to court. Charles Applegate is a trial-tested attorney who will fight for the full compensation you deserve, before a judge and jury if necessary.

What should I do after a car accident in Santa Rosa?

01

Prioritize Safety

Call 911 if anyone is injured and seek medical help immediately. Your health and safety come first.

02

Document the Scene

Exchange information with the other driver (license, insurance, contact info) and take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and scene if possible.

03

Do Not Admit Fault

Even saying “I’m sorry” can be misused against you later. Avoid admitting any fault or making detailed statements about the crash to others on scene.

04

Contact a Santa Rosa Car Accident Lawyer:

Before speaking with any insurance adjusters, get legal advice. An experienced local attorney can guide you on protecting your rights and dealing with insurance companies.

Why Hire Applegate Law Office?

Direct access to your attorney: You will work one-on-one with Charles Applegate — not get passed off to support staff.


Over 20 years of experience: We bring decades of litigation and negotiation experience to Santa Rosa personal injury cases of all kinds.


No fee unless we win: Our representation is contingency-based, so you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we secure compensation for you.


Proven local track record: We have a proven track record of results throughout Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, earning the trust of clients in our community.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to pay upfront to hire you?

    No. We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. All initial consultations are free, and you owe nothing out-of-pocket while we pursue your claim.

  • Is the consultation really free?

    Yes. You’ll get honest, strategic advice with no strings attached. We’ll review what happened, answer your questions, and outline next steps at no cost. This is a chance for you to understand your legal options before making any decisions.

  • Will I be working directly with Charles Applegate?

    Absolutely. When you hire Applegate Law Office, you get direct access to your attorney. Charles Applegate will handle your case personally from start to finish. You won’t be passed off to a junior associate or case manager – you’ll have an experienced lawyer by your side at every step.

  • How long do I have to file an injury claim in California?

    In California, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accidentnolo.com. This means you typically have up to 24 months to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. If you miss that deadline, you could lose your right to pursue damages in court. (Note: Some situations have shorter time limits. For example, if your claim is against a government agency, you may need to file a special claim notice within 6 months of the accidentnolo.com. It’s crucial to consult a lawyer promptly to avoid missing any deadlines.)

  • What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

    Even if you share some blame for the crash, you can still recover damages. California follows a “pure comparative fault” rule, meaning your compensation is simply reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to younolo.com. For instance, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. This makes it critical not to admit fault and to let your attorney gather evidence to prove the other party’s negligence. We will work to minimize any share of blame placed on you.

LET’S TALK IT THROUGH

Our Santa Rosa Car Accident Legal Services

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you don’t need to face the insurance company alone. We handle every step of your case with strategy and persistence—so you can focus on healing. From rear-end collisions to complex liability claims, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call for a Free Consultation