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Edward A. Smith

Edward A. Smith

AutoAccident.com (Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyer)
  • Personal Injury, Products Liability
  • California
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Lawyer Rating and Reviews
Legal Knowledge
5.0/5.0
Legal Analysis
5.0/5.0
Communication Skills
5.0/5.0
Ethics and Professionalism
5.0/5.0
Gary Ray Fraley
Gary Ray Fraley December 4, 2020
Rating: 10 Lawyer Rating - 10 out of 10
I have seen him represent many clients over the years. Not only has he been successful in every case he took on, he has done so with compassion and understanding of his client's needs. If there was an 11 rating, I would happily give him that rating.
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Biography

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, I came to Sacramento after 4 years in the U.S. Air Force, including combat service in Southeast Asia.

My time in the military and especially my youth in the streets of New York has taught me much about dealing with difficult situations. I am grateful for that education and I employ it to help my clients.

I wasn't born with a silver spoon and relate well to others who worked their way up.

My practice is devoted solely to Personal Injury and Wrongful Death cases on behalf of injured persons. I have never nor will I ever represent insurance companies.

I've experienced several near death experiences myself and believes an injury or an illness can enable someone to focus on the deeper meaning in their lives.

My passion is to help my client's achieve the maximum fair settlement from the at fault party and to explore the physical, emotional and psychological effects of their injuries. Those injuries rarely affect just the injured person.

Their spouses, significant others and children are also adversely impacted.

For years I appeared on the Award Winning TV show, ASK A LAWYER.

I'm the author of several legal articles, including "Top 20 Internet Sites for Attorneys" as well as the Amazon Kindle Books below.

-The Ultimate California Auto Accident Handbook.

-The California Motorcycle accident handbook.

I'm a frequent lecturer at legal seminars on the impact of the Internet and On-Line Services on the practice of Personal Injury Law

When I'm not in court, I enjoy reading, traveling, scuba diving, art, music and gardening.

I like to spend time with my son and daughter in law, Brant and Sheila Smith as well as with my grandson, Mason.

I am active in the Aspire Foundation in Sacramento, an organization devoted to helping people live their lives with passion.

I am also a sponsor for the Sacramento Blues Society. I love the blues and put on 4 concerts a year. All clients and friends are invited.

Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
Additional Practice Areas
  • Car Accidents
  • Auto Accidents
Video Conferencing
  • Zoom
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    See us in our office, or, if you cannot travel, we'll either come to you or Uber you here. Never a charge for initial consultation.
  • Contingent Fees
    29% Attorney fees for cases settled without litigation.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    If you have have very high medical bills and the other insurance has a relatively minimal policy, we will work with you.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
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Languages
  • Chinese: Spoken
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Greek: Spoken, Written
  • Hmong: Spoken
  • Russian: Spoken
  • Serbian: Spoken, Written
  • Serbo-Croatian: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken, Written
  • Ukrainian: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Founder
Edward A Smith Law Offices
- Current
Education
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
J.D. (1982) | Law
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law Logo
University of California - Davis
B.A. | Political Science
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
University of California - Davis Logo
Awards
Member
Million Dollar Forum
Lawyers in the US who have Multiple Million Dollar Awards or Settlements
10.0 Rating
Avvo
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Top 1%
Attorney's in the top 1% of personal injury lawyers nationally in terms of verdicts, settlements and reputation.
Sacramento Top Lawyers
Sacramento Magazine
Litigator Award
Trial Lawyers Board of Regents
Professional Associations
California State Bar  # 105263
Member
Current
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Consumer Attorney's of California
Member
Current
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Capital City Trial Lawyers Association
Member
Current
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American Trial Lawyers Association
Member
Current
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Sacramento County Bar Association
Member
Current
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San Francisco Trial Lawyer's Association
Member
-
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Los Angeles Trial Lawyer's Association
Member
-
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Publications
Articles & Publications
How to Determine Whether You Need to Pay a Medical Lien or Reimbursement on Your Accident
Self
The Attorney's Guide to Traumatic Brain Injuries
Legal Guide
California Motorcycle Accident Handbook
The Ultimate California Auto Accident Handbook
The Ultimate California Auto Accident Handbook
Legal Guide
A Consumers Guide to California Accident Law
California AutoAccident Guide
20 Web Sites All Injury Attorney's Should Know
Law Office Computing
Speaking Engagements
Hiring and Training Paralegals, Sacramento, ca
St. Mary's College
Workshop training personal injury paralegals in the intricacies of day to day practice.
Certifications
Best practices in Managing Chronic Disease and Trauma
INstitute for Brain Potential
The Brain injury case: What the trial lawyer needs to know
Brain Injury Association
Certificate of Accomplishment 2016
Capital City Trial Lawyers
Websites & Blogs
Website
Edward A. Smith's Website Profile
Website
Edward A Smith Law Offices Website
Website
RSD - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Attorney
Website
Machine Accident Lawyer
Website
Livestock Accident Lawyer
Blog
Sacramento Injury Attorneys Blog
Legal Answers
11 Questions Answered
Q. Adjuster want to pay separately for my compensation $2000 and medicals up to reasonable amount directly to provider.
A: The adjuster is trying to bully you. There is no law requiring an insurance carrier to pay medical providers separately from you, the person injured. Insist that he pay you directly. If he refuses you can file suit yourself against the insured or hire an attorney to do so.
Q. If I was injured during work, is my only choice for compensation Workers comp? Why couldn't I get a private attorney?
A: I'm a little bit unclear about what you mean by “employer ignored your constant requests for help".

However As a personal injury lawyer and workers compensation attorney, I would advise that your best recourse for compensation at this point would be to pursue a workers' compensation claim against your employer. Workers' compensation is a system that provides benefits to workers who have been injured or become ill as a result of their work, regardless of fault. A workers compensation attorney who is very experienced should help you get help you need immediately.

Although it may be frustrating that your employer ignored your requests for help and that you feel your employer is at fault for your injuries, the workers' compensation system is designed to provide a streamlined process for injured workers to receive benefits without having to go through a lengthy legal battle to prove fault.

In some cases, it may be possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer if they engaged in intentional or egregious behavior that led to your injuries. However, these cases can be difficult to prove and can take a long time to resolve. In addition, workers' compensation benefits are typically available more quickly than in a personal injury lawsuit. Often, you can pursue both claims simultaneously.

I would advise that you speak with a workers' compensation attorney who can evaluate your case and help you navigate the claims process. They may be able to help you get the benefits you need to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
... Read More
Q. Should you agree to release liability limits?
A: There is little or no downside to revealing insurance policy limits. Most times it will keep the insured out of litigation and a long drawn out fight.

If they file a lawsuit, they can find out almost immediately. So if you do not want to be drawn into a lawsuit give permission to reveal no matter how inflated you feel their demand is.
View More Answers
Contact & Map
Edward A Smith Law Offices
Sacramento Office
1610 Arden Way
#280
Sacramento, CA 95815
Toll-Free: (916) 921-6400
Telephone: (800) 404-5400
Fax: (916) 921-5276
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Edward A Smith Law Offices
Modesto Office
1015 12th St #7
Modesto, CA 95354
Telephone: (209) 227-1931
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Edward A Smith Law Offices
Stockton Office
115 N Sutter St 3rd Floor #6
Stockton, CA 95202
Telephone: (209) 227-1931
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Edward A Smith Law Offices
Elk Grove Office
9245 Laguna Springs Dr #200
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Telephone: (916) 694-0002
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours