After an auto accident, deciding what to do next and how to protect yourself and your family can be overwhelming. Being involved in a collision or wreck is more than just a legal issue—it disrupts your entire life. That’s why our approach extends beyond the courtroom; we are committed to ensuring you and your loved ones are supported from the moment we meet. Our team is ready to meet you wherever you need us, whether it’s at the hospital to discuss your immediate and future needs, or at your home to ensure your comfort. We preserve crucial evidence, collect records, and take the time to guide you through every step of the claim process, managing complex negotiations so you can focus on your recovery. We are ready to act, so that your rights are preserved.
Once we make sure you’re taken care of—we get to work to return a verdict that truly reflects the value of your accident. We advocate fiercely on your behalf, working tirelessly to manage every detail of your auto accident case with precision and empathy. Our legal team is prepared to support you through every phase of the process, from our first meeting through trial. You have the freedom to be involved as much or as little as you wish—whether you prefer to be hands-on or to entrust all aspects to us, we work to ensure that your voice is heard loud and clear in the pursuit of justice.
At Ruiz & Smart, we’re not just your lawyers after an auto accident—we’re your partners in navigating through this challenging time. Together, we’ll rebuild, recover, and restore what matters most.
What makes Ruiz & Smart different?
Every member of our team could work anywhere else that they’d like. When they came to the fork in the road in their careers, they all chose to fight for real people and change the work one case at a time. This is our calling.
We’re Ruiz & Smart.
Nice to meet you.
Browse our team’s bios to learn about our notable cases, community contributions, and industry leadership.
What is a wrongful death claim?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought by the surviving family members or the estate of a person who has died due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The purpose of the claim is to seek financial compensation for the losses suffered by the deceased’s loved ones. Common causes include car wrecks, medical malpractice, and unsafe properties.
What types of damages are recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit?
Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit can include value of life, funeral and burial expenses, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death or personal injury claim?
The statute of limitations varies by state; contact us to get advice for your specific circumstance.
What do I need to prove in a wrongful death action?
To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, four elements must be established: duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages. First, prove that the defendant had a duty to ensure safety, such as a driver’s responsibility to follow traffic laws. Then, demonstrate that this duty was breached by negligent actions, like speeding. Next, show that this breach directly caused the death of your loved one. Lastly, outline the damages incurred, including emotional suffering and loss of companionship, to establish the impact of the wrongful death.
What is a personal injury case?
A personal injury case arises when someone is injured due to another party’s negligence. Examples include car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, defective products, and medical malpractice.
What compensation can I receive in a personal injury case?
You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses (past and future), medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. Depending on which state’s laws apply, you may also be able to recover punitive damages.
What should I do immediately following a wreck to support my personal injury claim?
You should seek medical attention, document the accident scene and your injuries, collect witness information, and avoid discussing fault.