In Northern California, personal injury law is not for the hesitant. The region’s dense population, active roadways, and constant construction create a steady stream of cases. At the same time, the legal market is crowded with firms competing for attention. If you are injured in a crash or a fall, you face insurance adjusters, paperwork, and medical appointments before you ever step into a courtroom. Choosing representation can feel overwhelming, especially when many people begin by searching for the best personal injury attorneys in Sacramento and across the region.
Craig Fontaine Ashton has spent more than 25 years building a practice designed for that pressure.
Ashton, co-founder of Ashton & Price, LLP, established the firm in 1996 with his law school roommate, Christopher Alan Price. Since then, the Northern California firm has secured more than $250 million in settlements, awards, and jury verdicts. The numbers tell part of the story. The larger narrative centers on endurance and direct client access.
A Foundation Shaped by History and Discipline
Ashton’s background reflects both legal tradition and personal drive. His ancestry includes figures connected to the founding era of the United States, among them Richard Henry Lee John Agustine Washington—George's brother. That lineage instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to public service.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley, and then completed his Juris Doctor at Pepperdine University School of Law. There, he served as president of the Environmental Law Society and president of the student body. He also received recognition as Best Oral Advocate in the Vincent S. Dalsimer Moot Court Competition, presided over by then–U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh.
After law school, Ashton began his career in San Francisco’s Financial District. He worked near established personal injury litigators and absorbed a trial-centered philosophy. He learned that courtroom preparation begins long before a case is filed, a standard that continues to shape his local reputation in Sacramento and throughout Northern California.
Building a Litigation-Driven Firm
In 1996, Ashton and Price reunited and launched Ashton & Price. From the start, they structured the firm around direct attorney-client communication. When you call, you speak to a person. Important decisions remain between you and your attorney. There is no fee unless the firm recovers compensation.
The firm handles automobile, pedestrian, bicycle, commercial vehicle, and premises liability claims, focusing on serious injury cases. Once retained, clients are introduced to a coordinated network of medical providers while the legal team manages negotiations with insurers. If a corporation or carrier refuses to resolve a claim fairly, the firm proceeds with formal litigation.
Ashton’s approach emphasizes preparation. He believes that insurance companies respond to firms that are ready for trial. That readiness shapes strategy from the first meeting through jury verdict if necessary, a quality often sought by people looking for the best personal injury attorneys.
Endurance Inside and Outside the Courtroom
Ashton’s discipline extends beyond legal practice. He is a multiple-time Ironman triathlon finisher who has completed 140.6-mile races in New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, and Spain. He has also completed the Alcatraz-to-San Francisco swim five times and finished the California International Marathon in December 2023.
That long-distance mindset mirrors his legal philosophy. Sustained effort, pacing, and preparation define both arenas. You do not reach the finish line by chance.
A Public Voice in the Legal Conversation
Beyond private practice, Ashton hosts “The All Things Legal Show” and serves as a legal analyst for regional broadcast affiliates. Through these platforms, he explains legal developments in clear terms. If you follow local news, you may have seen him break down complex cases into practical guidance.
In a competitive sector, visibility matters. So does consistency.
More than a quarter century after opening its doors, Ashton & Price maintains a steady presence in California’s personal injury landscape. For Ashton, growth has never depended on shortcuts. It rests on preparation and the stamina to see each case through while focusing on serious injury cases for clients in Sacramento and across Northern California.
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.
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