Edward A. Smith

“Esse quam videre” – To be, rather than merely to seem

Edward A. Smith is a highly accomplished personal injury attorney and the founder of AutoAccident.com, a Sacramento-based firm trusted by injury victims throughout Northern California for over four decades. Known for his authenticity, relentless preparation, and real-world grit, Ed has built a career on the belief that results—not appearances—define excellence.

A Life That Prepared Him to Win for Clients

Raised in New York City, Ed learned early how to think fast, adapt to pressure, and connect with people from all walks of life. As captain of his high school swim team, he developed leadership skills and discipline that still drive him today. At just 18, he volunteered for the military and served in airborne combat duty in Vietnam and Laos, where making sound decisions under fire became second nature.

Following his service, Ed relocated to Sacramento and attended UC Davis, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to earn his law degree from McGeorge School of Law, working all through high school and college—a path that sharpened his time-management skills and determination. In 1982, he opened the Law Offices of Edward A. Smith and launched AutoAccident.com, which has since become one of California’s most recognized legal resources.

Proven Results and Recognized Excellence

Over his career, Ed has secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, often in highly complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, brain trauma, surgical complications, RSD, livestock incidents, and watercraft accidents. His professional excellence has earned him:

•  A perfect 10.0 Avvo rating
•  Almost perfect ratings on Yelp and Google
•  Membership in the Million Dollar Forum and the National Association of Distinguished   Counsel
•  Active membership in the State Bar of California, Sacramento County Bar Association,   Consumer Attorneys of California, Capital City Trial Lawyers Association, and the   American   Trial Lawyers Association

Ed has been a frequent guest on radio and television, including his years as a participant on Ask a Lawyer (2000–2007), and he has authored several consumer guides—The Ultimate California Auto Accident Handbook and California Motorcycle Accident Handbook—to help the public understand their rights and navigate the insurance process.

Why Clients Trust Him

Unlike many attorneys who went straight from school into law practice, Ed’s lifetime of leadership, service, and hard work gives him a rare advantage. He brings the discipline of an athlete, the courage of a combat veteran, the precision of a top scholar, and the instincts of a seasoned trial lawyer to every case. His motto—“Esse quam videre”, to be, rather than merely to seem—is not just a phrase, but a guiding principle: to deliver genuine results rather than just the appearance of success.

Life Beyond the Courtroom

Outside of work, Ed is an avid hiker in the mountains of Tahoe, a world traveler, and a competitive spearfisher. He enjoys snorkeling in Fiji or Playa Del Carmen, reading authors such as Ayn Rand, Gore Vidal, Osho, and William Manchester, and exploring subjects like AI, compassionate communication, finance, history, and art. A devoted family man, he treasures time with his son, Brant, and his grandson, Mason. His love of rock, blues, and electronica keeps his energy high and his creativity alive.

Put a Lifetime of Experience on Your Side

When you choose Edward A. Smith, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re choosing a fighter, a strategist, and an advocate shaped by decades of real-world challenges and victories. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, Ed will bring the full measure of his skill, determination, and compassion to your case.

Call us today at 916-921-6400 for free, friendly advice.