Nobody wakes up expecting be injured by a falling tree. But when a heavy limb or tree trunk comes down on a person, car, or bike, it’s not always a freak accident. If a falling tree or branch injured you in Davis, CA, an experienced tree accident lawyer can help you understand your right to compensation.
At Demas Law Group, we know how unexpected a tree-related injury can be. Identifying what went wrong is a crucial step in determining whether you have a legal claim. A California tree liability lawyer from our law firm can investigate your case to determine whether someone else’s negligence caused your injury. Those answers will give you the tools you need to determine your next steps and create a plan that fits your medical, work, and family needs.
Common Causes of Tree Accidents in Davis
Many tree accidents start with problems that build over time. Rot, cracking, and root damage often develop slowly, then cause a sudden fall during routine weather events. Our falling tree injury lawyers have seen how long-term neglect turns a healthy tree into a serious hazard.
Understanding why trees fall makes it easier to spot the warning signs. Common risk factors include:
- Dead or decaying tree branches hanging over sidewalks, driveways, or bike paths
- Tree roots breaking sidewalks or lifting soil, creating trip hazards
- Trees planted too close to buildings, roads, or power lines without proper trimming
Ownership and location also play a big part in how these accidents happen. A tree accident lawyer in Davis, CA can review photos, weather reports, and maintenance records to determine whether a property owner or the agency responsible for tree maintenance failed to properly maintain and address obvious signs, such as dead branches, mushroom growth, large cracks in the trunk, or repeated limb drops.
Who Is Responsible for a Tree Accident?
Responsibility after a tree accident usually starts with who owns and controls the land. Homeowners, landlords, businesses, and public agencies all have duties to keep their property reasonably safe. A personal injury attorney will investigate who had the power to trim, brace, or remove the tree and whether that person or entity knew about the hazard.
California law generally treats the person who owns the land where the tree’s trunk stands as the tree’s owner, even when roots or branches reach across property lines. That rule often means the landowner is responsible for addressing obvious problems on private property. A Davis tree accident lawyer can review property maps, past trimming work, and neighbor complaints to determine whether the owner was aware of the danger and took any steps to fix it.
If the improperly maintained tree was on public property, the government entity responsible for its care could be liable for injuries caused by it. Specific rules and notification deadlines apply when filing a government claim, so consult a skilled tree accident lawyer immediately to protect your right to compensation.
What To Do After a Tree Injury in Davis
Getting struck by a tree or a falling limb can lead to serious injuries and death. What you do in the aftermath of the accident can significantly impact your health and injury claim. Follow as many of these tips as possible:
- Seek medical attention – You might feel stunned after a tree accident but otherwise OK. However, heavy tree impacts can cause hidden damage to the head, neck, spine, or internal organs. A Davis tree accident lawyer will rely on your medical records to connect your injuries to the incident.
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene – Ideally, you want to capture photos of the scene before anyone has a chance to clean it up. If you are unable to take pictures yourself, ask a witness to do it for you.
- Report the incident – Call the police to help identify the landowner or responsible agency. Get the police report for your records.
- Keep all accident-related documentation – Medical bills, prescriptions, physical therapy and rehab visits, mobility limits, and records from missed days at work or reduced hours and duties can support your case for fair compensation.
- Refer the insurance company to your lawyer – A Davis personal injury attorney can communicate with the insurer, file your legal claim, and represent you during settlement negotiations.
Compensation Possible for Tree Injury Victims
When another party’s negligence leads to an injury, California law allows victims to seek compensation for their financial and personal losses. This money can account for losses like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Costs for long-term caregiving, medical care, and the value of household tasks you can no longer perform
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Lost quality of life
A California tree accident attorney will look beyond simple bills, gathering details that show how the tree injury changed your routine, your relationships, and your plans for the future.
How a Davis Tree Accident Lawyer Can Help
Investigation plays a key role in any tree injury case. Tree health, prior complaints, and maintenance history often matter as much as the day of the fall. A seasoned tree accident lawyer can review photos, certified arborist reports, inspection notes, and witness statements to determine whether the risk existed before you were hurt.
Some personal injury claims resolve through settlement negotiations. Others may require filing a lawsuit and, at times, a trial. At Demas Law Group, our falling tree injury lawyers keep you informed at every stage of your case and offer guidance and recommendations so you remain in control of key decisions, including whether to accept a settlement or take your case to trial.
Why Choose Demas Law Group for a Tree Accident Case in Davis?
Demas Law Group is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a proven track record of success throughout Northern California and the Central Valley. We provide aggressive legal representation, consistent communication, respect, and steady support during our clients’ darkest hours. With a 4.9 Google rating based on over 800 reviews, our clients praise us for our dependability, responsiveness, and the reassurance we provide throughout their cases. Put our professionals to work for you.
A Skilled Tree Accident Lawyer in Davis, CA Can Help You Pursue Justice
Tree accidents can feel random, yet many stem from problems that were visible for months or even years. If you suffered injuries due to a fallen branch or tree in Davis, call or contact our trusted tree accident attorneys today for a free consultation.