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Business Details
18 Years
experience
Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Santa Cruz
Schaar & Silva LLP is a dedicated personal injury law firm serving clients across California. With offices in Santa Cruz, our team of experienced attorneys specializes in representing victims of traumatic events, including auto accidents, slip and fall incidents, and wrongful death cases. Founded in 2008, we combine decades of legal expertise with a client-centered approach, ensuring personalized attention to every case. Our attorneys, including Super Lawyers-rated professionals, have secured millions in settlements and verdicts, including landmark cases for bicyclist injuries and catastrophic burn injuries. We operate on a contingency fee basis, charging nothing unless we win your case.

Our commitment extends beyond litigation, offering compassionate guidance to help clients navigate the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of accidents. We maintain transparency in all processes, from case evaluation to trial, and prioritize ethical practices that build trust with our clients. Our local knowledge of California courts and procedures enhances our ability to deliver favorable outcomes. Through Trial By Human, we also educate emerging attorneys on effective trial strategies. Our paralegals ensure seamless case management, allowing our attorneys to focus on advocacy.
Services
Personal Injury Auto Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Bicycle Accidents Wrongful Death Truck Accidents Dog Bites Product Liability Brain Injuries Civil Rights Violations
Details
  • Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
  • We have secured 8-figure verdicts in personal injury cases.
  • Our attorneys provide personalized case handling from start to finish.
  • We operate on a 100% contingency fee basis.
  • Our team includes Super Lawyers-rated legal professionals.
  • We offer free, no-obligation case reviews.
Associations and certifications
  • Super Lawyers
What people say
Compassionate representation Millions in settlements Personalized attention Successful verdicts Free consultations
Services
Personal Injury
We represent victims of negligence in personal injury cases, including auto accidents, slip and falls, and dog bites. Our attorneys secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With decades of combined experience, we handle complex cases involving catastrophic injuries.
Auto Accidents
Our firm specializes in auto accident cases, including collisions with commercial vehicles. We investigate liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for injuries and property damage. Our track record includes multi-million dollar settlements for clients.
Bicycle Accidents
We advocate for injured cyclists in Santa Cruz and California. Our team handles cases involving dangerous road conditions and vehicle collisions. We secured the largest bicyclist verdict in California history, $6.78 million, for a traumatic brain injury case.
Wrongful Death
We represent families in wrongful death cases resulting from accidents and negligence. Our attorneys pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. We obtained a $6 million settlement for a child's wrongful death in a commercial vehicle collision.
Truck Accidents
We handle truck accident cases involving severe injuries and fatalities. Our team investigates liability against drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers. We navigate complex federal and state regulations to secure compensation for medical costs and long-term care needs.
People
Dan C. Schaar
Senior Trial Attorney
Bar member in California, Texas, and Iowa. Specializes in personal injury trials with 15+ years of experience. Secured three of Santa Cruz County's largest personal injury verdicts. Teaches trial techniques nationally through Trial By Human.
Eva Silva
Managing Attorney
Founding partner with expertise in personal injury law. Member of Consumer Attorneys of California and multiple trial lawyer associations. Recognized as Super Lawyers Rising Star. Manages day-to-day litigation operations and client relationships.
Jillian Sullivan
Paralegal
Over five years of legal experience. Specializes in case preparation, document management, and client communication. Previously worked with Bay Area law firms and the City of Palo Alto. Ensures smooth case processing for attorneys.
Questions
What types of personal injury cases do you handle?
We handle auto accidents, pedestrian/bicycle accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, product liability, brain/spinal injuries, and wrongful death cases across California.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case. Fees are discussed transparently during your free initial consultation.
What if I can't travel to your office?
We offer flexible consultation options including phone, video calls, and home visits for clients with mobility challenges. Most case work is handled remotely.
How long do injury cases typically take?
Case duration varies by complexity. We prioritize timely resolutions through settlements but prepare thoroughly for trial when necessary. Your attorney provides regular case updates.
What makes your firm different from others?
We combine Super Lawyers-rated expertise with personalized attention. Our attorneys personally handle every case from start to finish, rather than delegating to junior staff.
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