Key Points:
- Santa Ana is the second-largest city in Orange County. It serves as the county seat which means that it is the government center for all of OC.
- Every year, there are 2,881 cases of serious injuries in Santa Ana. 259 of those were hit-and-run incidents, and the city is ranked as the 6th highest in auto accident casualty.
- As the city’s population grew, so did the demand for personal injury lawyers. A Santa Ana personal injury attorney has localized experience in helping personal injury victims seek compensation for various life-changing and catastrophic accidents.
One of the reasons why Santa Ana is so remarkable is because of its rapid growth on all fronts, from its population to its structural developments. The efficient city government is hard at work in transforming the area into a thriving urban center filled with world-class amenities, infrastructures, and services.
Its local government has highlighted its strategic priorities to propel the city forward: economic expansion, efficient services, the safety of its residents, financial stability, and modern infrastructure. It’s clear that its impressive growth is not stopping anytime soon.
However, this exponential growth also means that the risk of encountering personal injuries likewise increases for its residents. As such, it becomes more important than ever to learn about the importance of consulting with a personal injury lawyer to protect yourself in instances of negligence, work accidents, car accidents, wrongful deaths, spinal cord injuries, and more.
Here, we’ll discuss an overview of the city’s growth through the decades, its ongoing developmental projects, crime statistics, and the reasons why it may be beneficial to work with a Santa Ana personal injury lawyer.
The Impressive Growth of Santa Ana, California
Santa Ana is located in the Greater Los Angeles region of Southern California and is the second-largest city in Orange County. It actually serves as the county seat which means that it is the government center for all of OC.
It is made up of 60 different and ethnically diverse neighborhoods which has transformed it into a vibrant city filled with mixed cultures and lifestyles. Santa Ana also houses the Santa Ana Unified School District which serves not just the city, but also some parts of Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Tustin, and Irvine.
Population Growth
Between the 1950s – 1960s, it was reported that the city more than doubled its population within just a decade. Its current population is at 314,000 which shows massive growth in just over 70 years. Around 46 percent of its total population is made up of immigrants who are homeowners, entrepreneurs, and students.
Ranked as 160th Best City for Young Professionals in America
Santa Ana is often referred to as Downtown Orange County because it is such a vibrant and lively place to reside. Here, residents experience the lovely coastal weather with an average of 300 sunny days per year. It is an excellent city for career development, particularly for young professionals, because it serves as the cultural, financial, and governmental hub of OC.
It is also ranked as the 30th best city for outdoor activities because of its various parks that offer its residents opportunities to engage in sports and other recreational activities. As a matter of fact, Santa Ana has a total of 62 parks! You may have heard of its most popular parks which include the Santa Ana Zoo, Santiago Park Nature, and Pacific Electric Park. Santa Ana is also very accessible to the beach; all it takes is a 16-minute drive and you will find yourself in Newport Beach.
Santa Ana’s Government Infrastructures
Santa Ana’s government infrastructures are not only accessible, but they’re also rich in history and culture. For instance, the Old Santa Ana City Hall can be found on the southeast corner of Third and Main Streets.
This was built in 1935 and it is a three-story concrete building that features Art Deco-style architecture. The building facade looks very elegant and accurately reflects the era when it was built – its features include bronze screenwork, window casings, carved friezes, and a dark marble base. By the 1980s, most of its departments vacated the building and most portions were privatized for commercial use.
If you’re a fan of reading books or you are just in need of a quiet space to work, visit the Santa Ana Public Library located at the 26 Civic Center Plaza or the Newhope Library located at 122 N Newhope Street.
Infrastructures in Santa Ana, California
Santa Ana is part of the SCIP or Statewide Community Infrastructure Program which assists numerous developers and communities get the financial support they need to launch projects, both residential and non-residential.
There are various city improvements that are eligible for this program, which include frontage, parking, landscaping, pedestrian trails, sidewalks, and other forms of improvements. It also covers office, retail, and commercial projects. The city has also seen a surge in developmental projects, with $772 million in permit valuations approved just last year.
This amount represents over 9,500 building permits which is more than double compared to the previous years! The city’s residents can expect an influx in housing, businesses, and job opportunities.
Exciting Developments in Santa Ana, CA
According to Santa Ana Mayor, Valerie Amezcua, this is an unprecedented momentum in the city’s landscape and it is truly representative of the business-friendly policies that empower its entrepreneurs. The city contains over 25,000 businesses that range from small establishments to Fortune 500 corporations. It is the corporate headquarters of several large companies, including Behr Paint and First American Financial Corporation.
National builder Toll Brothers has recently finished the Rafferty on 4th Street, which is a 218-apartment project in downtown Santa Ana. The Row at Red Hill by Greystar is converting a former industrial site into a mixed-use project featuring 1,100 residential units and up to 80,000 square feet of commercial retail and restaurant space.
The Village Specific Plan aims to develop a 17.2-acre site into a complex with up to 1,583 residential units, up to 300,000 square feet of office space and up to 80,000 square feet of retail.
The 1st and Harbor Mixed-Use Development plans to transform a vacant lot into a nine-story mixed-use building with 181 residential condominium units, over 15,000 square feet of commercial space, 1,800 square feet of office space, 339 parking spaces, and 40,853 square feet of open space and amenities.
Various national restaurant and coffee shop brands, such as Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Tom’s Jr., 7-Leaves Café, Starbucks, Better Buzz Coffee Roasters, and Dutch Bros Coffee, are also expanding their presence in the city.
Is Santa Ana CA expensive?
Given how progressive Santa Ana is, it is no surprise that it is one of the most expensive US cities to live in. Its average cost of living index is 165/100 which means that it costs 65% more than the national average. This is largely because the housing costs in the city are over two times more expensive than the national average. Santa Ana is at the top 5th percentile of the most expensive cities to live in all over the world.
Is Santa Ana, California a Safe Place to Live in?
Santa Ana is generally safe to live in. It has a crime index score of 12 which means that it is safer to reside in compared to 12% of US cities. The annual number of crimes committed is 6,863, with the most common being larceny. On the bright side, the rate of violent crime in the city has seen a 3% drop between 2019 and 2020.
How Can You Obtain an Accident Report in Santa Ana?
To obtain an accident report in Santa Ana, you need to submit a request under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). You can do this via email, U.S. mail, fax, or in person at the Sheriff’s Department. For email requests, use the provided electronic form or send your request to ReportRequest@ocsd.org. The cost is fifteen cents per page, except for Domestic Violence reports, which are free for victims. Once your request is reviewed and approved, you’ll be contacted to arrange pick-up and payment.
Car Accident Statistics in Santa Ana
As with any other city in the US, car accidents in Santa Ana can occur due to risky driving behaviors such as speeding, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and fatigued driving. According to a 2016 analysis performed by the California Office of Traffic Safety, speeding has resulted in 24% of auto accidents and fatalities in the city. In the same year, there have been 659 cases wherein Santa Ana drivers were arrested for DUI, with 232 resulting in accidents and fatalities.
The same report stated that every year, there are 2,881 cases of serious injury in Santa Ana. 259 of those were hit-and-run incidents, and the city is ranked as the 6th highest in auto accident casualty.
This could all be pinpointed to the population density of the city. As developments boomed and more people migrated to the city, so did the risk of encountering personal injuries that could prove to be fatal.
As a Santa Ana resident, there is no guaranteed way to completely shield yourself or your loved ones from harm. However, one of the best things you can do is to be prepared for such cases, and contact a personal injury attorney in Santa Ana for a consultation.
Should I Call the Police After a Car Accident?
Contacting the local authorities is one of the most important steps to take after you encounter a car accident. In Santa Ana, this would be the Santa Ana Police Department or the California Highway Patrol. This way, the accident can be documented by an accident report, and assistance can be offered to the injured party.
You may also submit a report of the incident online through the city’s E-Police Reporting System. You can also contact emergency healthcare services to tend to pressing injuries.
Lastly, do not forget to give a full and detailed report to your personal injury attorney. This can help your attorney in pursuing your personal injury claim and negotiating with the insurance companies. They will also offer their legal services in case you need to file a lawsuit, or if you need assistance with a wrongful death claim.
Why is it Important to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Santa Ana?
A Santa Ana personal injury attorney has localized experience in helping injury victims seek compensation for various catastrophic incidents, such as a truck accident, automobile accident, motorcycle accident, rear end accident, fall accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more.
They can assist in settlement negotiations, particularly if you are going against an insurance company’s refusal to provide you with fair compensation for your injury claim. They can also offer legal assistance in seeking justice from the negligent party, so that you may arrive at a favorable outcome that will support you and your medical bills as you heal from your injuries.
In general, personal injury state laws across California are quite similar – they all follow the same fundamental principles that govern personal injury cases, such as the statute of limitations, comparative negligence, and damage caps.
However, an attorney who has extensive experience practicing in Santa Ana will be able to navigate local personal injury law more effectively and provide the best representation for your case. They will be more accessible and can provide more personalized and convenient service. They will have a better understanding of the local community, which can be helpful for your personal injury claim.
Can I Get a Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney in Santa Ana?
You may contact a personal injury law firm to book your free consultation. Often, they have a “No Recovery, No Fee” policy in place which means that there will be no upfront costs involved to access legal representation. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis; in other words, they won’t get paid unless you get paid. However, please note that you will still be required to cover your medical treatment, medical bills, hospitalization bills, and other associated fees.
