San Benito County Personal Injury Attorney

Top Accident Lawyer in San Benito County

Protecting Your Rights After an Accident

If you’ve been injured in an accident in San Benito County, including Hollister, or San Juan Bautista, you’re likely going through one of the most challenging times of your life. Whether it’s a car accident, a pedestrian injury, a motorcycle crash, or a trucking accident, the impact can be devastating—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. Recovery can take months or even years, and dealing with insurance companies or legal matters can feel overwhelming.

I’m John McCarthy, a San Benito County personal injury lawyer, and I’m here to help you through this difficult time. I’ve dedicated my career to standing up for people who have been hurt by the careless or reckless actions of others. If you’re looking for someone who knows San Benito County and truly cares about the people here, you’ve come to the right place.

I wasn’t just drawn to practice law here because of the region’s beauty or its small-town charm—I was born and raised on the Central Coast, and I’ve come back to help the people of this community. Whether you’re in Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Ridgemark, Tres Pinos, Aromas, or somewhere else in San Benito County, I’m here to make sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why Choose a Local Personal Injury Lawyer?

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need someone who understands not just the law but the area where you live. San Benito County is unique. It’s a place where historic charm meets modern growth, and with that growth comes increased traffic and risks on our roads.

San Juan Bautista, with its iconic Mission and quiet streets, might not seem like a hotbed of accidents. But even here, accidents happen. Whether it’s on Highway 156, which cuts right through the area, or the local streets where pedestrians and cyclists should feel safe, the dangers are real. Hollister, being the largest city in San Benito County, sees even more traffic and, unfortunately, more accidents.

Choosing a local attorney means choosing someone who knows the roads, understands the traffic patterns, and is familiar with the types of accidents that happen in our towns. I know what it’s like to navigate Tres Pinos Road in Hollister or the narrow, historic streets of San Juan Bautista. This local knowledge gives me an edge in building strong cases for my clients, and it means I’m truly invested in the safety and well-being of this community.

Types of Personal Injury Cases I Handle

As a San Benito County personal injury attorney, I handle a wide range of cases, but I’ve seen certain types of accidents occur more frequently in this area. Below are some of the key types of cases I focus on, including a deeper look at pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, and truck accidents, which tend to have particularly severe consequences.

Pedestrian Accidents

Walking through a charming town like San Juan Bautista should feel safe and enjoyable, but pedestrian accidents happen even in quiet areas. Whether it’s a driver failing to yield at a crosswalk or someone speeding through a neighborhood, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to serious injuries. With little to no protection, being struck by a vehicle can result in broken bones, head injuries, and other life-altering consequences.

In Hollister, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in areas where drivers might be distracted or in a rush. Locations like Fourth Street and downtown Hollister, where foot traffic meets busy intersections, can be hotspots for accidents. I’ve worked with many people who’ve been injured as pedestrians, and I know how devastating these accidents can be—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. I’m here to ensure you get the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve to cover your injuries, lost wages, and more.

Bicycle Accidents

San Benito County is a beautiful place to ride a bike, whether you’re cycling through the rural roads surrounding Hollister or taking a scenic ride through San Juan Bautista. Unfortunately, not all drivers are respectful or aware of cyclists on the road. A moment of distraction or carelessness can lead to serious accidents, often with catastrophic injuries for the cyclist.

Bicycle accidents are especially dangerous because cyclists are exposed, much like pedestrians, and often suffer from broken bones, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries after being struck by a vehicle. In San Juan Bautista, where traffic tends to flow around Highway 156, it’s easy for drivers to overlook cyclists, especially during high-traffic times when people are in a rush to get from one place to another.

As a cyclist myself, I understand how important it is to feel safe on the road. I also know how frustrating it is when drivers don’t respect your right to be there. If you’ve been injured while biking in San Benito County, I’m ready to fight for your rights and ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating types of accidents I handle. San Benito County, with its winding roads and scenic views, is a popular place for motorcyclists, but it’s also a place where accidents happen far too often. Whether it’s a careless driver not seeing a motorcyclist or someone failing to yield at an intersection, the consequences of these accidents are often severe.

As a motorcyclist, you’re exposed to much greater risks than someone in a car or truck. Even a minor collision can lead to serious injuries or, tragically, death. I’ve represented many motorcyclists who have been injured in accidents, and I’ve also worked with families who have lost loved ones in fatal crashes. I understand the unique challenges that come with these cases, and I’m here to provide the compassionate support and aggressive representation you need to get the justice you deserve.

Truck Accidents

San Benito County sees a lot of truck traffic, particularly on major highways like 101 and 156, where large trucks are often traveling at high speeds. Unfortunately, accidents involving trucks can be particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Whether it’s a commercial truck or a large delivery vehicle, when a truck collides with a smaller car, motorcycle, or bicycle, the results can be catastrophic.

Truck accidents often result in serious injuries like broken bones, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, they can be fatal. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in San Benito County, it’s crucial to have an attorney who understands the complexities of these cases, including dealing with trucking companies and their insurance providers. I’ll fight to ensure you’re fully compensated for your injuries and losses.

Other Personal Injury Cases

While pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, and truck accidents are some of the more common cases I handle, I’m also experienced in representing clients who have been injured in other types of accidents, including:

  • Car Accidents: Car accidents are unfortunately common in San Benito County, and they can range from minor fender benders to serious collisions resulting in significant injuries. Whether you’ve been rear-ended on Highway 156 or involved in a multi-car crash in downtown Hollister, I’m here to help.

  • Slip and Fall Accidents: Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for visitors. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident due to negligence—whether it’s in a local business or on private property—I’ll work to hold the responsible party accountable.

  • Wrongful Death: Losing a loved one in an accident is one of the most painful experiences anyone can go through. I understand the grief and loss that comes with a wrongful death case, and I’m here to help families get justice for their loved ones.

What to Expect When You Work with Me

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need someone who will stand by your side, listen to your story, and fight tirelessly for your rights. Here’s what you can expect when you work with me:

  1. Free Consultation: I start every case with a free case evaluation. If I don’t think we can help, I’ll get you pointed in the right direction. If I think we can help, I’ll schedule a free consultation. This is your chance to tell me what happened, ask questions, and get a sense of what your options are. There’s no pressure or obligation—just a conversation about how I can help.

  2. Personalized Attention: Every case is different, and I take the time to get to know my clients and their unique needs. I’ll work with you to develop a legal strategy that’s tailored to your specific situation.

  3. Comprehensive Investigation: Once we decide to work together, I’ll begin investigating the details of your case. This includes gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and working with expert witnesses if necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.

  4. Aggressive Representation: Insurance companies often try to settle for as little as possible. I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen. I’ll fight for the compensation you deserve, whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court.

  5. Compassionate Support: I understand that personal injury cases aren’t just about money—they’re about helping you heal and move forward. I’m here to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Get the Justice and Compensation You Deserve

If you’ve been injured in an accident in San Benito County, whether it’s Hollister, San Juan Bautista, or a smaller town, you don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Whether you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or in any other type of accident, I’ll stand by your side every step of the way.

Get your free case evaluation today, and let’s work together to protect your rights and get your life back on track.