Ray Padilla, Esq. | Founder & Personal Injury Attorney
Ray Padilla founded Ray Padilla Law, APC in 2016 with a clear purpose: to give accident victims the personal attention and dedicated representation that larger firms simply cannot provide. A proud graduate of Arizona State University, Ray was admitted to the California State Bar in 2012 and has spent over 14 years fighting for the rights of injured individuals throughout San Diego County and Southern California.
From the beginning, Ray built his practice on the belief that every client deserves to be treated like family, not a file number. He has recovered millions of dollars for car accident victims, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and families who have lost loved ones due to someone else’s negligence.
Ray provides full legal services in both English and Spanish, allowing him to serve the diverse communities of San Diego without language barriers. He is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers free consultations to anyone who has been injured in an accident.
A Different Kind of Personal Injury Lawyer
- Walk into most personal injury firms and you will find waiting rooms full of clients, paralegals handling the bulk of communication, and attorneys juggling hundreds of cases at once. Ray Padilla Law operates differently.
- Ray made a deliberate decision to keep his caseload manageable. He believes that more cases do not mean better results. In fact, the opposite is often true. When lawyers take on too much, clients suffer. Cases get delayed, communication breaks down, and settlements come in lower than they should. Ray refuses to let that happen.
- When you hire Ray Padilla Law, you work directly with Ray. He gives clients his personal cell phone number and encourages them to call or text whenever they have questions. There is no phone tree, no being passed from assistant to assistant. You get a direct line to your attorney.
- This approach leads to stronger relationships, clearer communication, and better outcomes. Ray knows the details of every case he handles because he is personally involved from the first consultation through the final settlement or verdict. Clients appreciate knowing that their lawyer is truly invested in their recovery, not just their case number.
- If Ray determines that he cannot give a potential client the time and attention their case deserves, he will be honest about it. He would rather refer someone to another qualified attorney than take on a case he cannot handle properly. That level of honesty is rare in personal injury law, and it is central to how Ray practices.
Education & Credentials
Ray Padilla earned his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University before pursuing his legal education. He graduated from law school and was admitted to the California State Bar in 2012.
Since then, Ray has dedicated his career to personal injury law, developing focused knowledge and courtroom experience necessary to advocate for clients against insurance companies. His practice is built on a foundation of thorough case preparation and client-centered representation.
California State Bar Number:285696
Awards & Recognition
Ray Padilla has received recognition from several legal organizations based on their independent selection processes.
Super Lawyers Rising Star (2018, 2019)
This designation is awarded to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in California. Selection is based on peer nominations, independent research, and evaluation by Super Lawyers.
The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 (2019)
Membership in this organization is by invitation only. Selection is based on qualifications, trial experience, verdicts, settlements, and nominations.
Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services (2011)
This award is presented by the State Bar of California to recognize attorneys who provide significant pro bono service to individuals who cannot afford legal representation.
ARAG Elite Service Award (2018)
This recognition is given by the ARAG legal insurance network based on client service ratings and feedback.
Representative Case Results
Ray Padilla has obtained the following results for clients in personal injury matters. Each result was dependent on the specific facts and circumstances of that particular case, including the nature of the injuries, available evidence, insurance coverage, and liability factors. Results in future cases will differ based on different facts and circumstances.
$1,500,000 | Intersection collision
Driver ran red light, striking client’s vehicle. Client sustained wrist fracture requiring surgical repair. Liability was established through traffic camera footage. (El Centro, CA, 2024)
$885,000 | Drunk driving collision
Client was struck by intoxicated driver who had no insurance. Recovery obtained through client’s underinsured motorist coverage. Client sustained multiple orthopedic injuries requiring extended treatment. (San Diego, CA, 2023)
$500,000 | Motorcycle collision
Client was riding motorcycle when struck by vehicle making improper left turn. Client sustained road rash, fractured ribs, and soft tissue injuries. (San Diego, CA, 2024)
$355,000 | Side-swipe collision
Client’s vehicle was struck during lane change on surface street. Client sustained lumbar spine injury requiring injections and physical therapy. (Chula Vista, CA)
$300,000 | Uninsured motorist claim
Client was side-swiped by uninsured driver. Recovery obtained through client’s own uninsured motorist policy. Client sustained cervical and lumbar soft tissue injuries. (San Diego, CA)
$250,000 | Rear-end collision
Client was stopped in traffic on Interstate 5 when rear-ended at high speed. Client sustained neck and back injuries requiring ongoing treatment. (San Diego, CA)
$205,000 | Rear-end collision
Client was struck from behind by U-Haul rental truck. Client sustained documented soft tissue injuries. (Poway, CA)
$175,000 | Pedestrian accident
Client was struck by vehicle while walking in parking lot. Client sustained ankle and knee injuries. (El Cajon, CA)
$135,000 | Side-swipe collision
Client’s vehicle was struck during lane change. Client sustained rotator cuff tear requiring surgical repair. (Chula Vista, CA)
Important Disclaimer Regarding Case Results: The results described above were obtained in specific cases with unique facts, injuries, and legal circumstances. These prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any other case. Every personal injury case is different, and the outcome depends on factors specific to that case. You should not assume that you will obtain the same or similar results.
Professional Memberships
Ray Padilla maintains memberships in professional organizations dedicated to representing individuals in personal injury matters:
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA)
A professional association of plaintiff attorneys in California.
Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (CASD)
A professional organization of attorneys who represent individuals in personal injury and consumer matters throughout San Diego County.
Community Involvement
Ray Padilla believes that being a good lawyer means being a good neighbor. His commitment to the community began before he started his own firm, as reflected in the Wiley W. Manuel Award he received in 2011 from the State Bar of California for his pro bono legal services.
Ray continues to give back by providing free consultations to individuals who may not know their rights after an accident. He is committed to making legal representation accessible to all members of the San Diego community, regardless of their background or financial situation.
Quick Facts
- Years of Experience - 14+
- Bar Admission - California, 2012
- Bar Number - #285696
- Education - Arizona State University
- Languages - English, Spanish
(full legal services available in both languages) - Availability - 24/7
- Consultations - Free
Contact Ray Padilla Law
Ray Padilla Law, APC 4025 Camino del Rio S UNIT 300, San Diego, CA 92108
Phone:619-431-1187
Email:ray@raypadillalaw.com
Responsible Attorney: Ray Padilla, Esq.
This website contains attorney advertising. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contacting Ray Padilla Law does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential information until an attorney-client relationship has been established.