If you were injured by a negligent driver, it is important to learn what your options are. A skilled car accident attorney in Oakland can advise you on what you should do if you suffer the consequences of a reckless driver.
The Dolan Law Firm has years of experience successfully representing the injured. We know how difficult it can be to find yourself facing enormous hospital bills and the inability to work, all because of another driver’s carelessness. A car accident attorney Oakland from Dolan Law Firm has years of experience assisting clients with personal injury claims and is dedicated to helping you seek justice. Depend on our highly reputable law firm to help you along the way. Call us today for a free consultation: 888-424-5352.
Vehicle accident lawyer statistics
Car crashes can happen in Oakland for many different reasons. The cause of an accident can be the condition of the roadway, a defect in a vehicle or the negligence of another driver. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscores, the cause of most auto accidents is driver error. In case of a crash, a vehicle accident lawyer in Oakland can investigate your accident and determine liability. Common driving errors that would support a claim against the other driver include but are not limited to:
- Violations of the California Vehicle Code;
- Distracted driving;
- Alcohol-impaired driving;
- Aggressive driving; and
- Drowsy driving.
You should not have to face the aftermath of a serious car crash caused by a negligent driver. Yet these collisions occur much more frequently than you might expect. In case of a car accident, you should contact an auto accident attorney in Oakland.
The following are facts and figures about car accidents from the California Office of Traffic Safety:
- Alcohol-impaired driving results in more than 880 accidents each year in California;
- About 28 percent of all crashes involve at least one alcohol-impaired driver;
- Approximately 32 percent of drivers killed in crashes were drug-impaired at the time of the collision;
- More than 30 percent of passengers who sustain fatal injuries in California crashes are not wearing seat belts;
- Motorcycle accident deaths are on the rise in California;
- Teen car accident injuries and fatalities have increased drastically in California, with nearly 100 teen deaths in 2014;
- Males account for nearly 77 percent of all teen driver fatalities; and
- Pedestrian and bicyclist collisions and fatalities have decreased in recent years, but they still account for hundreds of deaths each year on California roads.
Why you need a Car Accident Lawyer in Oakland
A vehicle accident lawyer in Oakland knows how hard it can be to even think about filing a personal injury claim when you are dealing with the physical and psychological effects of a serious crash. We want to help, and we have the experience to assist you in building a strong case for compensation. A car accident lawyer can help you in the following areas.
Investigate the accident
Car collisions are not always simple; you have to investigate who is liable for the crash. Evidence is needed to prove why the collision happened, who caused it, and who is responsible.
Know the law
Personal injury and property damage law appear straightforward until an insurance company or at-fault driver fights back, refusing to pay for your injuries. It is imperative to understand the law, and strategize with a seasoned auto accident lawyer.
Manage insurance claims
Claims should be simple; however, insurance companies may try to make things difficult for you or take advantage of your limited legal knowledge. An insurer is more likely to request information it is not entitled to, delay your claims, and give you lower offers.
Defend your rights
The consequences of many car crashes are less than ideal. However, if you fight an insurance company that minimizes the value of your claim, you may end up with less than the reasonable value of your case, or even with nothing. An experienced lawyer can identify unfair situations and provide immediate solutions by working with you and getting you a fair settlement.
Assist you in court
Car collisions cannot always be resolved by insurance claims. It may be necessary to file a lawsuit to recover loss for damages. If you have no prior legal experience, this can be an overwhelming process. A seasoned car accident lawyer can prepare your case for trial.
Make full use of the discovery process
After a lawsuit is filed, a car accident lawyer in Oakland can use the discovery process to gather additional evidence to support your case. The experienced lawyers at the Dolan Law Firm Oakland will issue written discovery, work with you to respond to discovery requests and take depositions of parties and witnesses. In this way, you can gain evidence to support your claim.
Contact a car accident lawyer Oakland to prepare your claim
We often speak with injury victims who are unsure about whether they are eligible to file a claim because they are concerned that they may have been partially at fault for the collision. While you should never admit fault for a crash—at the scene of the accident, to insurance investigators, or otherwise—it is important to recognize that California law still permits you to obtain compensation for your losses. Even if you are partially at fault, a car accident lawyer in Oakland can help find the best course of action for you and get the compensation you deserve.
In California, the plaintiff’s own negligence—even if it is deemed higher than one or more of the defendant’s combined— will not prevent them from obtaining compensation, but it will offset the total damages amount that they receive.
If you were injured recently in a car crash in Oakland, you need to be aware of the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. The statute of limitations is a limited time period in which you must begin a lawsuit. Statutes of limitations differ depending on the type of case involved. Some of these time periods may be as short as six months, while others can be as long as two years. A car accident lawyer in Oakland knows the laws in California and can help you identify which statute of limitations applies in your case.
It is important to get started on your car accident case as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to gather evidence in your case, including tracking down witnesses and building an accident reconstruction to prove your version of the events. A car accident attorney in Oakland can get started on your case today.
If you file an Oakland car accident claim with the help of a car accident lawyer, what type of damages might you receive? California law allows the injured party to seek both economic and noneconomic damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Both are compensatory damages that are aimed at compensating the injured party for their losses, including objective losses (like medical bills) and subjective losses (like pain and suffering).
Contact a skilled car accident lawyer in Oakland
You should never underestimate the impact and the potentially devastating consequences following a car collision. Depending on the severity of the collision, you may require medical treatment and/or surgical procedures which may prevent you from returning to work.
No one should have to pay the price for another driver’s reckless behavior at the wheel. People who have suffered a car accident may consider going through the legal process by themselves. However, this can often be a burdensome process. Let someone take your side and fight for you.
In the event of a car accident, an experienced Oakland lawyer can assist you throughout the legal process. In the hands of an Oakland auto accident attorney, you are assured that your rights will be protected to the fullest extent possible.
At the Dolan Law Firm, our clients benefit from a team of Oakland car accident attorneys with years of experience advocating on behalf of injured parties. Our personal injury lawyers are here to listen and support your case. Contact us today for a free case review consultation.
FAQ
What does my car accident lawyer in Oakland recommend that I do after an accident?
In the event of an accident, try to remain calm and call 911. Be sure to get the names and contact information of all parties involved. Take photographs of the vehicles and the collision scene as well as gather contact information for any witnesses. To determine the other driver’s fault, your car accident lawyer in Oakland will need to conduct a thorough investigation. Until then, never admit liability.
Do I need a car accident lawyer in Oakland to file a claim?
Going through with your accident claim can be a time-consuming process, which may be difficult depending on your circumstances. An experienced car accident attorney will assist you with paperwork, explain the law, and file your claim on your behalf. That’s why you should contact a car accident lawyer Oakland who will analyze the evidence, including party and witness statements and photographs of the accident scene. A police report may also help with proceeding with your claim.
Can a car accident lawyer in Oakland help me to deal with the other driver’s insurance company?
Yes! It’s best to let your Oakland car accident lawyer handle all communications with the other party’s insurer. By accepting a settlement offer too soon, you may not get a fair settlement. Your car accident attorney can advise you on the potential value of your claim and build a case for a resonable settlement.
How can a car accident lawyer in Oakland help me following a car crash?
Our team of car accident attorneys have helped thousands of clients obtain significant financial compensation following their collisions. The legal knowledge and negotiating skills of a good car accident lawyer in Oakland can help you achieve a fair and reasonable settlement. In the event an insurer refuses to cooperate, we will advise you of your legal options.