Santa Clarita Personal Injury Lawyer

Injured in Santa Clarita, Valencia or anywhere in the Santa Clarita Valley? From big rig crashes on the I-5 to motorcycle accidents on canyon roads, we represent seriously injured people and families.

On this page: High-risk roads · Cases we handle · Courts · After a crash · Fees · FAQ

Smith Trial Group represents injured people and families throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, including Valencia, Newhall, Saugus, Canyon Country, Stevenson Ranch, Castaic and Agua Dulce. The valley sits at the junction of two of Southern California’s most important freeways, with heavy commuter and truck traffic heading to and from Los Angeles, the Antelope Valley and the Central Valley. Steep grades, fast canyon roads and a growing population make serious crashes a constant risk.

High-Risk Roads in the Santa Clarita Valley

• I-5 (Golden State Freeway), one of the main truck routes in California, including the Newhall Pass, the climb toward Castaic and the Grapevine, and the long downgrades where trucks can lose their brakes. See truck accidents.
• The I-5 / SR-14 interchange in the Newhall Pass, where merging truck and commuter traffic creates frequent collisions.
• SR-14 (Antelope Valley Freeway) through Canyon Country toward Palmdale and Lancaster.
• SR-126 toward Ventura County, and canyon roads such as Bouquet Canyon, San Francisquito Canyon, Sand Canyon and Sierra Highway, where curves, speed and wildlife cause serious crashes, especially for motorcyclists. See motorcycle accidents.
• Busy local corridors such as Soledad Canyon Road, Magic Mountain Parkway and McBean Parkway.

Cases We Handle

• Truck and big rig crashes on the 5 and 14.
• Car, motorcycle and rideshare accidents.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents, including on the valley’s paseos and trail crossings.
• Construction accidents at the valley’s many residential and commercial projects. See construction accidents.
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injuries, including brain and spinal cord injuries.
• Employment cases for Santa Clarita workers, including wrongful termination, discrimination and retaliation.

Courts and Public Entities

Injury lawsuits arising in the Santa Clarita Valley are filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Claims involving the City of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, Caltrans or a transit agency generally require a government claim within six months, which is especially important for crashes caused by dangerous road design or maintenance on canyon roads and freeways. See suing a government agency.

After a Crash

1. Get medical care and call CHP or the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station so a report is made.
2. Photograph the scene, the vehicles, any truck’s DOT number, and your injuries.
3. Get names and contact information of witnesses.
4. Do not give recorded statements to the other side’s insurer before speaking with a lawyer.

No Fee Unless We Win

We handle injury cases on contingency, so you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation. Consultations are free and confidential, by phone or by video. See also Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a crash in Santa Clarita?

Generally two years from the date of injury. If a public entity such as Caltrans, Los Angeles County or the City of Santa Clarita may be responsible, a government claim generally must be filed within six months.

Who is responsible for a truck crash on the I-5 Grapevine or Newhall Pass?

The driver and the trucking company are usually responsible, and the owner of the truck or trailer, the company that loaded it, or a maintenance provider may also share responsibility.

Can a dangerous canyon road be the basis for a claim?

Yes, in some cases. A public entity can be responsible for a dangerous condition of public property, such as a poorly designed curve, missing guardrail or inadequate signage, subject to special rules and defenses.

Do you handle employment cases in Santa Clarita?

Yes. We represent employees in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wage cases throughout Southern California.

Do I need to meet in person?

No. Consultations are available by phone or by video.

How much does it cost?

Nothing up front. Injury cases are handled on contingency.