Santa Clara

For a crash in Santa Clara, start with the county, not with the most convenient office. The roads around El Camino Real, Great America Parkway, and US 101 sit in Santa Clara County.

When the collision occurred in this county, civil papers usually go to the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Recheck the branch, clerk hours, and phone on that court’s official page. If the wreck actually happened in a different county, file there instead.

Plan on two years to get an ordinary injury or death case started, as section 335.1 provides. A percentage of blame can shrink a recovery. Keep a copy of the official crash paperwork and any public-entity notice dates.