Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

FREE EVALUATION (916) 777-7777

Dedicated Car Accident Attorney in Sacramento, CA

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer in Sacramento can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be, especially when facing medical bills, insurance claims, and property damage.

Our team of dedicated car accident attorneys in Sacramento is committed to guiding you through this challenging time, ensuring your rights are protected at every step. With years of experience handling many car accident cases, Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys provides personalized attention to each client, fighting for fair settlements and maximum compensation. We know how to navigate the complexities of car accident law in Sacramento and are ready to put our skills to work for you.

Our car accident lawyers charge no upfront costs and your initial case review is also free of charge. We have recovered more than $250,000,000 in compensation and our award winning founder – Clay Arnold – has received numerous industry accolades and is a member of the Sacramento County Bar Association and the State Bar of California.

Visit our testimonials page to learn more about how we’ve helped others, and call us today at (916) 777-7777 to discuss your case with an expert attorney.

"*" indicates required fields

Address*
SMS*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Am I Eligible For Compensation After a Sacramento Auto Accident?

While there can be many different circumstances that cause an accident, when filing for a compensation claim you will need to meet two primary criteria to help validate your claim:

  • The accident was caused (completely or in part) by the negligence of the other party
  • The accident was the cause of your injuries

The attorneys at the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys have many years of experience and can help to review the specifics of your accident in great detail. Our goal is to build a strong argument for your damages claim and to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for you.

What Should You Do When You Get in a Car Accident?

Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience, but knowing what to do immediately afterward can make a significant difference in protecting your health and legal rights. Follow these steps to ensure you’re prepared:

  • Check for injuries: First, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). If anyone is hurt, call 911 for medical assistance right away. Prioritize safety above all else.
  • Move to safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid causing additional accidents. If the car is not drivable, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside until help arrives.
  • Call the police: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s essential to file a police report. The report will be necessary for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
  • Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Also, take down their vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number.
  • Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, any visible damage, and your injuries. This evidence can be invaluable when filing an insurance claim or consulting a car accident lawyer in Sacramento.
  • Avoid admitting fault: Be mindful of your words when talking to the other driver or police. Admitting fault can complicate your ability to seek compensation, even if you’re not entirely to blame.
  • Seek medical attention: Some injuries may not manifest immediately, even if you don’t feel injured. It’s crucial to get checked by a doctor.
  • Contact a car accident lawyer: Navigating insurance claims and negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging. A car accident lawyer in Sacramento can help you avoid common mistakes and protect your rights.

Avoid mistakes like delaying medical treatment or failing to report the accident to your insurance company. Contact Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys today for expert legal advice if you’ve been in a car accident and need help.

Do You Have To Call The Police After a Minor Accident in California?

In California, you are legally required to call the police if the car accident results in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. For minor accidents where no one is hurt and the damage is minimal, you may not need to report it to the authorities. However, it’s often a good idea to call the police even for minor accidents.

A police report can be beneficial when filing an insurance claim, as it provides an official accident record. The police report may include essential details about the crash, such as who was at fault and the extent of the damage. This can help prevent disputes with the other driver or the insurance company.

If you’re unsure whether to call the police after an accident, consulting with a Sacramento car accident lawyer can help ensure you take the proper steps to protect yourself and your claim.

What Happens If I’m at Fault in a Car Accident in California?

If you’re at fault in a car accident in California, there are several legal steps you should take. First, you must report the accident to your insurance company, as California is a fault-based state. 

This means the at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers damages for the other party involved. Depending on the coverage limits of your policy, your insurance may pay for property damage, medical bills, and other losses through liability coverage.

However, even if you’re at fault, you still have legal rights. Working with a car accident lawyer in Sacramento, California, is essential to understand your options and protect yourself from excessive claims. Your lawyer can also help negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you aren’t held responsible for more than you should be.

Contacting a Sacramento car accident attorney promptly can help you navigate the legal process, avoid unnecessary penalties, and ensure you know all your legal options.

"*" indicates required fields

Address*
SMS*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance Company?

You should report a car accident to your insurance company in California immediately. Most insurance companies require policyholders to report the accident within 24 to 72 hours. While California law doesn’t specify an exact time frame, your insurance policy likely includes strict guidelines, and failing to comply can result in denied claims.

Missing this reporting window may lead to complications with your insurance claim, including delays or even a complete denial of coverage. If you’re involved in an accident in Sacramento, contacting your insurer is crucial to protect your right to compensation. Whether in a minor fender bender or a severe crash, acting quickly can help ensure you receive the coverage you’re entitled to.

Consider speaking with a Sacramento car accident lawyer for more guidance on navigating insurance claims after an accident.

How Should I Handle Questions From The Insurance Company After a Car Crash?

In most serious injury cases, the insurance company of the at-fault motorist will send out an appraiser to assess the damages and determine a value for those damages.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember that these investigators are NOT your friends. As highly skilled workers in their field, they are trained to obtain information from crash victims when they are most vulnerable.

Thankfully, the attorneys at our firm are already aware of the tricks and tactics that these people will employ and can warn you in advance along with providing ways for you to handle their questions. Quite often, we will simply ask that all questions be deferred to our team, so that we can deal with them directly.

WE FIGHT FOR YOUR MAXIMUM INJURY COMPENSATION


What Are The Most Common Causes of Vehicle Collisions in Sacramento?

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States sustains 6 million motor vehicle collisions annually. Those 6 million traffic crashes impact an enormous number of motorists across the country, more specifically, 3 million drivers suffered some type of injury and 2 million suffered permanent damage. Clearly, the state of motor vehicle travel throughout the nation needs serious improvement.

Despite many newer vehicles being equipped with the latest accident-avoidance and braking technology, simply due to the large volume of vehicles on our roads today, there can be many factors that contribute to a serious automotive crash.

In fact, the collision records that have been kept by our government and automotive research agencies for many years reveal that there are some common causes that seem to be recurrent year after year – despite the best attempts of automakers to limit the chances of a collision occurring.

Some of these include (but are not limited to):

It must be noted that driver error is not ALWAYS a contributing factor to a crash, and in those situations, an injury victim has other options and alternative ways to seek compensation for their injuries.

What Are The Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Sacramento?

In many instances, factors like speeding, bad weather, vehicle malfunction and simple driver error can be the cause of a serious crash.

Keeping this in mind, the point of impact of the crash can greatly determine the nature and extend of any injuries that may be sustained by the occupants in the vehicles involved.

An example of this would be a rear-end accident, where the driver and/or passengers of the vehicle that has been hit are often pushed forward very rapidly, thus creating a whiplash-effect on their neck and spine.

Some common types of crashes include (but are not limited to):

While aggressive driving and impatient driver error has also been known to contribute to many of these collisions, it’s always best to be as alert as possible when driving on our roads, and to drive defensively at all times.

What Injuries That Can Be Sustained In a Car Accident?

While the type of auto accident can often determine the severity of the injuries that a driver might receive, in most non-fatal collisions, there is a familiar list of damages that can be inflicted upon a motorist.

In many instances, these injuries may not necessarily be life-threatening however, they can often cause lingering pain that requires treatment long after the accident has taken place.

Unfortunately for some victims, the recovery of these injuries can last from months to years and the related medical expenses and treatment costs can simply be too much for them to bear.

Some of these injuries include:

At Arnold Law, we understand that such injuries can be devastating to victims and their families medical costs, outpatient care, mental scarring and other types of trauma usually require expensive medical treatment that many families simply cannot afford.

If you cannot make it to our office to discuss your case, we can also arrange for one of our staff to come to you.

Why Choose Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys As Your Car Accident Attorney?

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have built a strong reputation for successfully representing Sacramento residents in car accident cases. With decades of experience and a proven track record of winning substantial settlements for our clients, we are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. 

Our high success rate is a testament to our commitment to delivering results, and we pride ourselves on offering personalized, compassionate legal services tailored to each client’s needs.

Navigating insurance claims and legal issues after a car accident can be complex and overwhelming. Attempting to handle these matters alone may lead to reduced compensation or a denied claim. That’s why having an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney from our firm by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Why Hire Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys?

  • Client-Centered Approach: At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we put our clients first. We understand how challenging life after a car accident can be, so we take the time to listen to your concerns, keep you informed, and provide individualized attention to every case.
  • Proven Results: Our attorneys have successfully negotiated significant settlements and won cases in court. Whether through settlement or litigation, we fight aggressively to maximize compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
  • Expert Negotiation Skills: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, but we are skilled negotiators who know how to push back when insurers try to minimize or deny claims. Our firm’s experience with complex insurance claims ensures we pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

By choosing Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, you’re choosing a dedicated team that works tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve after a car accident. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you achieve justice.

 

"*" indicates required fields

Address*
SMS*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in California?

Based on the California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, in the state of California there is a two year statute of limitations for auto accident claims.

This means that injury victims have up to two years from the date of their accident to file a damages lawsuit.

In California, there is a two year statute of limitations for auto accident claims.

Shortly after your accident you may like to consider hiring a lawyer to help explain your legal options and to begin the process for filing a claim. There are a number of reason for this:

  1. It establishes a record for the incident.
  2. In the event that the insurance company does not offer a fair and just settlement amount, your attorney can use the filing as leverage in the negotiations – knowing that they can take the case to court in an effort to obtain more compensation for your injuries &/or property damages.
  3. Some insurance companies also have specific time frames that an insurance claim must be submitted. As time can pass quickly, having everything in order helps to prevent any last minute issues should you need to pursue a compensation claim.

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Sacramento?

Hiring a car accident attorney in Sacramento can be crucial to ensuring your rights are protected after a vehicle accident. Navigating the legal and insurance complexities on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and emotional stress. 

Without the proper legal guidance, you may risk receiving less compensation than you deserve or facing challenges in proving fault. An experienced car accident attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring you don’t face these risks alone.

Here are several benefits of hiring an attorney for your car accident claim:

  • Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to settle for the lowest amount possible. A car accident attorney in Sacramento knows how to negotiate with insurers and ensure you receive fair compensation.
  • Determining fault: Proving liability can be complex. Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work with experts to establish fault and strengthen your case.
  • Handling medical bills: With mounting medical expenses, an attorney can help you pursue compensation that covers your current and future medical needs.
  • Maximizing compensation: Skilled lawyers will fight for compensation that includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
  • Filing legal paperwork: A car accident attorney ensures all necessary legal documents are filed correctly and on time, avoiding mistakes that could delay or jeopardize your claim.
  • Navigating complex laws: Personal injury laws can be confusing. An attorney understands Sacramento’s legal system and how it applies to your case.
  • Negotiating settlements: Most cases settle out of court, and having an attorney to handle negotiations can result in a higher payout.
  • Representing you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to represent you and fight for your rights.

By hiring a car accident attorney in Sacramento, you can focus on recovery while your lawyer handles the legal work. Contact Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys today to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Is It Too Late To Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Sacramento?

It’s never too late to get a lawyer for a car accident in Sacramento as long as your case remains active. California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the accident date. This means you have up to two years to file a lawsuit, but waiting too long can weaken your case, as evidence may become more challenging to gather and witness memories may fade.

Even if significant time has passed, consulting with a Sacramento car accident lawyer is still important. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and determine the best action. However, the sooner you seek legal help, the better your chances are of building a solid case and securing the compensation you deserve. Don’t delay—acting promptly can make a big difference in your case’s outcome.

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take with a Lawyer in California?

The timeline for a car accident settlement in California can vary significantly, depending on several factors. The case’s complexity, the severity of injuries, and negotiations with the insurance company can all affect how long the process takes. Sometimes, a settlement can be reached in a few months, while more complicated cases involving extensive medical evaluations or disputed liability may take longer.

Working with an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer can help streamline the settlement process. Your attorney will gather evidence, handle negotiations with the insurance company, and ensure all medical documentation is in order. 

This can prevent unnecessary delays and help you pursue compensation more efficiently. While the process can’t be rushed, having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side can help you navigate the legal system and potentially expedite your car accident settlement.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay any upfront fees; your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. The attorney’s fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or award so that the cost will depend on the outcome of your case.

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we offer free consultations to evaluate your claim. You don’t have to worry about legal fees unless we successfully secure compensation for you. This allows you to pursue justice without the financial burden of paying out-of-pocket for legal representation. If you’ve been in a car accident in Sacramento, contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer at no cost to you.

"*" indicates required fields

Address*
SMS*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact Our Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured by the carelessness or negligence of another driver, contact an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer at our firm today.

The founding partner of the Arnold Law Firm – Clay Arnold – is an award winning attorney that was admitted to practice law in California in 1975. Clay is also a member of the Sacramento County Bar Association and a Past President of the Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association (CCTLA). Our experienced team is dedicated to helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve through negotiation or litigation. With a proven track record and a client-centered approach, we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Our office is centrally located in Sacramento – less than 10 miles from the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento – and our team have recovered more than $250,000,000 in compensation for our clients.

We do not charge an upfront fee, we offer FREE case reviews and only get paid when we obtain a recovery or settlement for your case.

LATEST NEWS

Treble Damages in California Trucking Cases

California law provides a specific statutory remedy for victims injured by impaired commercial vehicle drivers when their employers fail to meet federal safety requirements. Understanding when treble damages apply—and how they differ from standard punitive damages—is crucial for truck accident victims seeking maximum compensation. What Are Treble Damages? Treble damages allow injured parties to recover three times their actual damages under specific legal circumstances. In California trucking cases, this remedy is narrowly defined and differs significantly from general punitive damages available in other personal injury cases. California Civil Code § 3333.7: Statutory Treble Damages Requirements for Recovery Under California Civil Code § 3333.7, injured parties may recover treble damages from a commercial motor vehicle driver’s employer when all of the

California Trucking Accidents: Standards of Care

California law establishes different standards of care for trucking operations depending on the type of service provided. While most commercial trucking companies transporting freight are subject to ordinary negligence standards, federal motor carrier safety regulations impose enhanced duties that can significantly affect liability in truck accident cases. Key Takeaways: Commercial carriers of goods generally DO NOT have the duty of “utmost care” Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) DO create heightened standards in specific situations Large truck drivers must exercise greater caution than ordinary motorists Licensed motor carriers have nondelegable safety duties Common Carrier Standard: When Does “Utmost Care” Apply? The Enhanced Duty for Passenger Transportation California Civil Code section 2100 requires carriers of persons for reward to use “the

Punitive Damages in California Personal Injury Cases

What Are Punitive Damages? Punitive damages are extra money a court can order a wrongdoer to pay, on top of the money that compensates an injured person for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The main goal of punitive damages is not to repay the victim, but to punish especially bad behavior and to discourage similar conduct in the future. Think of punitive damages as a financial penalty for conduct that is much worse than ordinary carelessness. In California, punitive damages are not common. They are reserved for cases where the defendant’s conduct is particularly harmful, intentional, or shows a conscious disregard for the safety or rights of others. Most personal injury cases involve simple negligence (for example,

Settlement - $3,900,000

Car Accident

The fatal collision between plaintiff’s Jeep Liberty and defendant’s Volvo truck left Ryan Eisenbrandt’s surviving wife and parents with a judgment of $3.9 million, but the defendant’s insurance company refused to pay. This resulted in a second, intense legal battle between Plaintiffs and Defendant’s insurance company.

During the pendency of the wrongful death case, Defendant’s insurance company had filed a federal court action to rescind the defendants $1,000,000 insurance policy, claiming that defendant had made misrepresentations when applying for that policy. Initially, the federal court agreed with the insurance company, granting summary judgment that effectively denied recovery to the Eisenbrandts given the defendant was otherwise insolvent. The Arnold firm and the Eisenbrandts refused to accept this unfair outcome. They appealed the federal judge’s ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit reversed the lower court and sent the case back to the same federal judge for a trial on the merits.

Christine Doyle of the Arnold Firm tried the case in February 2011 in front of the same judge who had previously thrown out the Eisenbrandt’s case. A unanimous advisory jury and the trial judge, after hearing the true facts about the insurance company’s effort to avoid responsibility, found in the Eisenbrandts favor. After four years of fighting for what is right, the insurance company was ordered to pay up.

Settlement - $8,000,000

Truck Accident

Morgan Stanley Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

Late one spring afternoon, the Arnold Law Firm received a call from Angela, a young mother of three. She was calling from the hospital where her husband Christopher had been air-lifted for treatment of severe injuries from a tragic motor vehicle accident earlier that day. Angela’s mother, a past client of our firm, had encouraged her to give us a call.

As it turns out, Angela’s prompt contact with us was a very important decision for their family. Immediate representation allowed our team to secure critical evidence right away — appropriate storage and analysis of the vehicle to avoid tampering, timely professional photography of the scene, and interviews of involved parties — which ended up being imperative to the details of Christopher’s case.

A commercial vehicle had failed to stop at a rural stop-sign intersection, colliding with the compact sedan driven by Christopher, an active 33-year-old father. The impact caused extensive damage to his spinal cord in the cervical area. Despite multiple surgeries, rehabilitation programs for physical and psychological therapy, and in-home care, his injuries rendered him a paraplegic, paralyzed from the mid-chest. In an instant, life as he had known it was gone forever.

At the time of the accident, the at-fault driver of the commercial vehicle was acting within the scope of his employment with a large corporation. With the employer being directly liable, as such, defense counsel fought hard to minimize Christopher’s damages, claiming that his being unemployed at that time devalued his losses. Our legal team made sure Christopher’s true losses were represented, including his potential income, his options and mobility, his ability to provide for and support his family, and the lifetime of care he now needed. Christopher’s injuries also dramatically affected his spouse’s daily life, resulting in a claim on her behalf.

Furthermore, the extent of Christopher’s injuries were, in part, due to defects involving the dual-restraint system in his own vehicle. Despite the manufacturer’s efforts to deny any responsibility, the Arnold Law Firm established negligence relevant to his case.

The result was a settlement of $8 million — the largest pre-trial settlement for this type of case in the region. Christopher now has the resources to receive the ongoing care he now requires, improve the quality of his life and take care of his young family.

Verdict - $10,200,000

Motorcycle Accident

The Arnold Law Firm is pleased to report that our attorneys received a $10.2 million verdict handed down in Modesto. Defense counsel was Kevin Cholakian of San Francisco. The defense rejected a 998 within the $1 million policy limits three years ago. The highest defense offer was $350k.

The case involved a blind corner dirt fire road collision between a truck driven by the defendant and a motorcycle driven by the plaintiff Dan Nixon. THe plaintiff had no recollection of the collision. The defendant claimed that the plaintiff had too much speed for the corner and lost control. The plaintiff’s son (who identified the wrong curve in discovery) claimed that the defendant was on the wrong side of the curve, causing his dad to make an unsuccessful emergency maneuver. The jury assessed 70% fault to the defendant and 30% to plaintiff.

The plaintiff, now 50-years-old, suffered a dislocated right knee with popliteal artery rupture which has left him with an unstable knee, and permanently damaged lower leg. Because of vascular damage he is not a candidate for knee reconstruction or replacement. The plaintiff’s treating doctors testified that he will require an above knee amputation within 20 years. Past lost wages were $78,000 and past medicals were $570,000. The jury awarded $7.5 million in general damages (3 m. past and 4.5 m. future) as well as all future economic damages asked for by the plaintiff. The jury deliberated for 3 and a half hours.

Settlement - $17,000,000

Data Breach

Infinity/Kemper Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

The Arnold Law Firm, along with co-counsel at Morgan & Morgan, and Mason, Lietz, & Klinger, and Wolf, Haldenstein, Adler, Freeman, & Herz LLP, reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach class action lawsuit, also known as Irma Carrera et al. v. Kemper Corporation and Infinity Insurance Company, filed in the United States District Court Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:20-cv-01883. The settlement is valued at over $17 million.

The Honorable Judge Martha M. Pacold granted Preliminary Approval of the settlement on October 27, 2021.

In addition to substantial injunctive relief, the class members will receive access to Aura’s Financial Shield Services for a period of 18 months, up to $10,000 for reimbursement of documented out-of-pocket losses reasonably traceable to the Data Breach, up to 3 hours of time spent remedying issues related to the breach at $18 per hour, and $50 for Class Members who are California residents.

History of the data breach: On April 8, 2021, the Arnold Law Firm and Wolf, Haldenstein, Adler, Freeman, & Herz LLP filed the first class action complaint against Kemper and Infinity in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois entitled Irma Carrera Aguallo et al. v. Kemper Corporation and Infinity Insurance Company, Case No. 1:21-cv-01883. The complaint asserted claims against Defendants for: (1) negligence; (2) negligence per se, (3) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unlawful Business Practices, (4) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unfair Business Practices, (5) violation of the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.100, et seq., (6) violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Cal. Civ. Code § 1750, et seq., (7) violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Florida Statute § 501.201, et seq., (8) breach of implied contract, (9) declaratory judgment, and (10) unjust enrichment arising from the data breach.

Settlement - $18,276,000

Qui Tam / Whistleblower

Whistleblowers Represented by Arnold Law Firm Expose Fraudulent Practices by the Pill Club, Case Settled With California DOJ

The Arnold Law Firm and the Hirst Law Group represented two whistleblowers who helped expose fraudulent practices by a start-up online pharmacy company called The Pill Club.

The company allegedly used fraudulent practices to bill California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, for their services. The Pill Club is also alleged to have violated state laws by allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe contraceptive products to women without proper supervision or training from a licensed medical doctor.

For their part in blowing the whistle on the company they worked for, and as part of California Qui Tam laws, the whistleblowers and their attorneys recovered $4.9 million from the $18.275 million settlement paid to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the California Department of Insurance (CDI).

Settlement - $60,000,000

Data Breach

Morgan Stanley Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

The Arnold Law Firm, along with co-counsel at Morgan & Morgan, Nussbaum Law Group, P.C. and others, reached a settlement in the Morgan Stanley data breach class action lawsuit, also known as In re Morgan Stanley Data Security Litigation, filed in the United States District Court Southern District of New York, Case No. 1:20-cv-05914-AT. The settlement resulted in a $60 million settlement fund to benefit class members.

The Motion for Preliminary Approval was filed on December 31, 2021 with the Honorable Judge Analisa Torres.

In addition to substantial injunctive relief, the 15 million class members will be provided access to Aura’s Financial Shield services for at least two years, which includes a $1 million insurance policy protecting each subscriber, credit monitoring, identity freezing, dark web monitoring, income tax protection and more services. The fund will also provide payments to people who submit valid claims for out-of-pocket expenses and/or up to four hours of lost-time incurred as a result of the data breach. Lost time allows victims of the data breach to be paid at $25 per hour for up to four hours of attested time spent dealing with the data breach. Out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed up to $10,000 if the costs or expenditures are fairly traceable to the data breach.

History of the data breach: On July 29, 2020, the Arnold Law Firm and Morgan & Morgan filed the first class action lawsuit against Morgan Stanley in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York entitled Sylvia Tillman et al. v. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC., Case No. 1:20-cv-05914. The complaint asserted claims against Defendants for: (1) negligence; (2) invasion of privacy; (3) negligence per se; (4) unjust enrichment; (5) violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unlawful Business Practices; and (6) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unfair Business Practices.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.