Located on the east side of the San Francisco Bay, Oakland is a bustling city packed with local businesses and families. As the population in this area continues to grow, so does the number of cars on the road. More traffic leads to a higher risk of a car accident, and you need dependable legal help if it happens to you. If you’re looking for a certified car accident lawyer in Oakland, Compass Law Group, LLP is ready to help. Our team has years of experience navigating the California legal system, and we’ll fight for the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Compass Law Group As Your Oakland Car Accident Lawyer
When you need an Oakland car accident lawyer, you need someone with experience working with serious accidents in the area. Our attorneys have an extensive track record of success, and we’ll use that experience to make sure your case gets the same results.
You’re more than just another case. You’re a human being who has just gone through a terrifying experience, and you deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. Our team of lawyers offers personalized, client-first legal services that put you at the center of it all. You don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Oakland
As more cars get on the road, the danger of an accident increases. However, certain driving habits can increase the risk even further and put yourself and others at risk. Driving behaviors that can increase the risk of getting into a serious car accident include:
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Driving Under the Influence
- Reckless Driving, Such as Swerving
- Failure to Abide by Traffic Laws
- Poor Road Conditions
- High Traffic Congestion
- Pedestrian and Bicyclist Incidents
What to Do After a Car Accident in Oakland
If you find yourself in a car accident, all the stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to do afterward can help you remain calm and feel better prepared. Here are some immediate steps you can take after an accident to help protect yourself and create the best possible outcome:
- Get Somewhere Safe: If it’s safe to do so, move out of the way of traffic and make sure you’re in a clear area.
- Call 911: Get in touch with emergency services. They will send the police and emergency medical personnel to your location.
- Seek Medical Attention: Once help arrives, have a medical provider check you over for any serious injuries. Be sure to grab a copy of these medical records.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of your car, get a copy of the police report, and record any witness statements. All of this is evidence to support your personal injury claim.
- Exchange Contact Information: Share your name, contact information, and insurance information with the other drivers involved, and make sure you get a copy of their information as well.
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Oakland, CA: The sooner you start the claim filing process, the sooner you can put this whole thing behind you. Find a local attorney in your area and start building your case—contact Compass Law Group, LLP to get started.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident Case
To receive your rightful compensation, you need to be able to prove negligence from the other party that makes them liable for the damages. This is where all the evidence from the accident scene comes into play. To prove this, you need to first establish a duty of care. Drivers have a responsibility to abide by traffic laws and drive carefully to keep themselves and others safe on the road.
Breaching this duty of care is negligent behavior that directly causes the injuries and damages associated with the accident. Connecting their actions to the injuries proves liability for the damages—that way, you get the maximum financial compensation available.
Injuries Common in Oakland Car Accidents
The severity of your injuries depends on the severity of the accident. A minor fender bender will result in minor injuries compared to a high-speed collision on the interstate. Some of the more common injuries you could sustain from a car accident in Oakland include the following:
- Whiplash
- Broken Bones
- Joint Dislocations
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Soft Tissue and Muscle Injuries
- Internal Bleeding
- Organ Damage
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Partial or Complete Paralysis
- Wrongful Death
Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims
A personal injury settlement is designed to provide financial aid that covers any expenses that result from the accident. Financial compensation for car accident victims is broken down into three main categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
- Economic Damages: This includes medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and any other damages with a clear monetary value.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are damages that don’t have a clear monetary value, such as loss of quality of life and pain and suffering.
- Punitive Damages: In instances of severe negligence, punitive damages are additional fees added to your claim meant to punish the liable individual for their actions.
How Insurance Companies Try to Limit Payouts
No one wants to lose money, and insurance companies are the same way. They are businesses, and they want to minimize their financial losses from a personal injury claim as much as possible. These companies won’t hesitate to play dirty to get you to settle for a lowball settlement offer. From pressuring you to denying liability for the damages, they’ll try everything to get their way.
At Compass Law Group, we know every trick in the book and how to counter it. We’ll stand by your side and lead the negotiations with insurance companies to make sure you get your rightful settlement offer.
Understanding California’s Comparative Negligence Law
California is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning you earn partial compensation depending on your level of liability for the accident. For example, you could earn up to 80% of your maximum compensation if you’re 20% at fault.
Our attorneys will help build a strong case and reduce your level of fault for the accident to make sure the right parties are held accountable for their actions. At the same time, you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
The Car Accident Claims Process in Oakland
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Our team will go over your case and see what we’re working with during our free consultation.
- Case Investigation and Gathering Evidence: Our attorneys will compile all of your evidence and investigate the accident to create a well-rounded claim.
- Sending a Demand Letter to Insurance Companies: With everything in place, we’ll send a demand letter to the insurance companies that outlines the compensation you deserve.
- Settlement Negotiations: We’ll go back and forth with the insurance companies and negotiate the specifics of the settlement payout.
- Settlement Mediation: If negotiations aren’t moving forward, we can bring in a third party to mediate the settlement discussions.
- File a Lawsuit (If Necessary): If all else fails, our team will follow you into court and file a lawsuit to get you the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations in California
In California, car accident victims have 2 years from the date of the accident to file their claim and receive compensation. If you wait longer than 2 years, a court will dismiss your case, and you won’t earn a settlement. Exceptions to this rule include filing a claim for a minor or filing against a government vehicle.
The sooner you act, the sooner the process gets moving, and the better the results. Insurance companies won’t hesitate to claim a gap from the accident date to the date of filing as evidence to reduce your settlement payout.
Client Testimonials
“I was involved in an accident involving three cars on the freeway; unfortunately, I had the most impact and got hurt. I’m grateful to have come across Compass Law Group because Joseph always took my calls and made sure my case was settled. Also, Erica was very organized and helped a lot, she put so much care and effort into my case. It’s hard to come across a lawyer who knows how to handle a case properly, but I’m glad I found the best ones in town.” – Natalie A.
“I used Compass Law Group’s services when I was involved in a car accident and my experience was so positive. I was never left in the dark about anything. Any question I had was always answered and I felt so taken care of by this company. Ultimately my case was settled and I got the money I needed. If I ever need a car accident injury lawyer in the future I know who to call.” – Stacy L.
“Joseph and Compass Law Group helped me reach a settlement with a rear-end accident and helped get me more than expected! Very happy with their work and left me with a hands-off approach. They also worked with my insurance and helped me get everything I needed during the process.” – Alec Z.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring a car accident attorney?
Yes! Our attorneys at Compass Law Group have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies, so we know how to make sure you get the maximum compensation available.
How much does hiring an Oakland car accident lawyer cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer depends on where you live and how long it takes to settle your claim. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
What if I was partially at fault?
California is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning you can still earn partial compensation if you’re found partially responsible for the accident.
How long does a car accident case take?
The timeline to settle a car accident claim depends on the cooperation of all parties involved. The more pushback you get, the longer the overall process will take.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
If the at-fault party doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages, you can file a claim with your provider under your uninsured or underinsured driver policy.
Get Your Free Consultation With An Oakland Car Accident Lawyer Today
Getting into a serious car accident creates a mountain of responsibilities, which includes trying to navigate the legal system and file a claim. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, Compass Law Group, LLP will fight by your side.
Our team of experienced attorneys will treat your case with the respect and care you deserve. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and get the ball rolling on your personal injury claim.
