518 Ocean St., Ste. B

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 426-3140

No Fee Until We Win

We're the Force You Need for the Compensation You Seek

Santa Cruz Wrongful Death Attorney

Your Local Attorneys Serving Santa Cruz County and Beyond for Over 40 Years

$1.51M

Auto vs. auto

Auto vs. auto jury verdict

Taxi cab runs red light

$1.2M

Truck runs red light

Automobile vs. garbage truck

Garbage truck runs red light

$2.0M

Severe burn injury

Commercial establishment unsafe fire pit

$300K

Dog bite injury

Off-leash dog causes serious injuries to woman in fall

What Is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is simply a term in the legal world to designate a case that involves a fatality. The negligent party who caused a death is responsible for paying the damages to the decedent’s estate. The estate may consist of spouses, children and siblings.

This topic is very difficult to discuss as no amount of money can replace a loved one. Nevertheless, a value needs to be placed on the decedent’s life. This value is based on many different factors including: age, sex, the number of dependents relying on the deceased for financial support, and most importantly the loss of the care, comfort and societal relationship that was taken away from the deceased survivors.

Santa Cruz Lawyers, Brad & Tyson Wiles, Have the Experience You Need for Your Wrongful Death Case

If you should have the misfortune of losing a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful act of another, and have a right to bring a wrongful death claim, Brad and Tyson are available to discuss any aspects of your claim whenever you are ready to do so. Here at Wiles & Wiles, we are extremely experienced in dealing with all of the nuances and delicate legal issues associated with wrongful death claims.

Located in Santa Cruz, CA, the attorneys at Wiles & Wiles together have spent over 31 years fighting for the rights of wrongful death victims. In cases involving serious injury and death, we serve the entire state of California

FAQs

Some of the common questions we get asked about cases

What does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney attorney?

Personal injury attorneys take cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing until you get paid. And if we lose your case, you owe nothing.

Will my case go to trial?

The vast majority of cases here in Santa Cruz County never go to trial. Most resolve by settlement before the trial date arrives. A case is most likely to go to trial when the facts are in dispute or when there’s a contested legal issue.

The more carefully you build your case, the more likely it is that you and the other party can agree on the strength of your evidence and reach an appropriate settlement.

How long will it take to settle my case?

That depends. All cases are different. The shortest cases we’ve settled in Santa Cruz resolved in only a few weeks and without any formal litigation. Others required filing a lawsuit and may take years to settle. Most of our cases here in Santa Cruz fall somewhere in the middle. The more complicated your case, the longer you can expect it to take. You have some control over the length of your case because it’s up to you to accept or reject settlement offers.

Where can i find a copy of the accident report?

Collision reports in California are available through the California Highway Patrol website. You would have to complete a form and drop it off in person or mail it with the required fees.

Is there a deadline for filing a claim?

Yes. Every state has “statutes of limitations” that set a time limit on filing a injury claim. In California, you have two years to file a lawsuit against a private individual or company, and only six months to file a claim against a government-owned vehicle or employee.

Do I need a personal injury attorney attorney or can I settle on my own?

You may be far better off with a attorney, especially in serious cases. For one, insurance companies may offer higher compensation if you are represented by an attorney. That’s because they know that an attorney understands the true value of the case, and they don’t want to risk the time and expense of a lawsuit by making an offer that is too low. Additionally, often the fact that you are represented by an attorney will trigger laws that allow you to reduce your medical bills significantly. Some medical providers may even be barred from seeking reimbursement from you. We addressed this further in our “Do You Need an Attorney?” article.

The insurance company wants to interview me and make a recording. What should I do?

First, make sure you speak to a Santa Cruz attorney first before you agree to even speak to the insurance adjuster. It would be ideal if you could avoid making a recorded statement at all, but you may be required to under the Rules of Civil Procedure. If that is the case, be prepared and well-informed. The insurance adjustor will be looking for information to weaken the claimant’s case. Be truthful, but do not give any answers that you do not have clear recollection of and that you may not be able to recall later. Make sure you are 100% confident in all your answers. If there is a question you cannot answer, do not answer it. Avoid specificities concerning time, place, distance, speed, etc.

How much is my personal injury attorney case worth?

The value of your claim includes your monetary damages like costs for medical treatment, lost wages, paying for help you need around the home or transportation to medical visits, physical therapy, and other related general expenses. Keep in mind that in some cases, these expenses can continue for a lifetime and this must be accounted for.

You total these losses and then multiply by 1-1.5 for moderate injuries and up to 5 for severe cases to cover pain and suffering.

What if I'm partially to blame?

California follows what is called a pure comparative negligence rule. That means the maximum amount of compensation you can receive is proportionately reduced by the percentage of fault you share. For example, if the crash caused $40,000 in losses, but a jury determines you were 25% to blame, you would only be entitled to a maximum of $30,000.

Been injured in an accident? Don't delay.

Call (831) 426-3140

Get Free Case Consultation

What They're Saying About Us in Yelp

I was seriously injured in an accident on Hwy 17. More valuable that the settlement was being able to sleep at night knowing these two were helping me and looking out for my best interest.

I was getting bullied by the insurance people. This father and son team not only made sure I wasn't bullied any more, but they also got me the PT I needed and more. My case was certainly not a money maker for these guys, but they still gave me their best.

Brad and Tyson are amazing. They were able to make us feel comfortable and feel like we truly picked the right people for the job.”

After they presented my case, I was awarded the maximum amount that was allowed. I can now move forward, leaving the accident behind me. I am grateful that my friend recommended them, and I highly recommend them to you!

All these five-star reviews for Brad and Tyson are spot on. Knowledgeable, easy to get hold of, friendly, pleasant, highly experienced, I could go on and on. They do what they say they are going to do.

All I can say is WOW! Respectful, caring, helpful, intelligent, If I could give them 10 stars I would. I highly recommend them!

Find Out What Your Case Is Worth

WE WILL COME TO YOU

Unable to travel? Brad or Tyson will come to your home or hospital at your convenience and request.

CONTACT US ANYTIME

We are available to discuss your case anytime. Give us a call at (831) 426-3140. Email us here.

FREE CONSULTATION

Meeting and/or discussing your case with us is completely free.

(831) 426-3140

(831) 426-3140

518 Ocean St., Ste. B

(831) 426-3140

We're the Force You Need for the Compensation You Seek

Santa Cruz Wrongful Death Attorney

Your Local Attorneys Serving Santa Cruz County and Beyond for Over 40 Years

$1.51M

Auto vs. auto jury verdict

$1.2M

Automobile vs. garbage truck

$2.0M

Severe burn injury

$300K

Dog bite injury

What Is Wrongful Death?

Santa Cruz Lawyers, Brad & Tyson Wiles, Have the Experience You Need for Your Wrongful Death Case

FAQs

Other Helpful Articles

Been injured in an accident? Don't delay.

Call (831) 426-3140

What They're Saying About Us in Yelp

Find Out What Your Case Is Worth

WE WILL COME TO YOU

CONTACT US ANYTIME

FREE CONSULTATION

We serve Santa Cruz, Monterey & Santa Clara Counties