San Jose Car Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Victims of Auto Accidents in San Jose & the Bay Area

After an auto accident, you may have many concerns on your mind. Serious car accident injuries may keep you out of work. Medical expenses, car repairs, and lost wages can add up and put even more stress on you and your family.

Needham Kepner & Fish LLP has a record of success helping auto accident victims throughout San Jose and the Bay Area. Our San Jose car accident lawyers may be able to help you file a claim and recover the compensation you need and deserve after an accident. We have extensive experience with catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.

We can answer any car accident questions and concerns you may have, and help you understand your potential legal options. Speak with a San Jose car accident attorney from our firm by calling (408) 716-1668 to discuss your situation in a free, confidential consultation.

How Can a San Jose Car Accident Lawyer Help You?

Serious car accident injuries may take months or even years to heal. Depending on the extent of your injuries, they may lead to permanent disability. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages can result in financial distress for you and your family.

In the stressful and complicated process of recovering from a car crash, it is important to remember that you have the right to recovery. This is true whether you were the driver or the passenger in the crash. However, asserting this right can be difficult to do alone. This is one of many reasons you may need a car accident lawyer.

Our vehicle accident attorneys in San Jose can help you explore your legal options. If you have a viable claim, we will build a strong case for you. Your ability to recover fair and full compensation is aided exponentially by having an experienced Bay Area auto accident lawyer by your side.

What Are My Rights After a Car Accident?

After experiencing a car accident, many victims are unsure of their rights and the steps they need to take to pursue a fair recovery. It's essential to understand that you are entitled to pursue compensation not just for physical injuries, but also for emotional distress, lost wages, and any future medical treatment you may require.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• The Right to Seek Medical Attention: Always prioritize your health. Seeking medical care immediately after an accident not only safeguards your well-being but also creates a record of your injuries.
• The Right to File a Claim: If another driver was at fault, you have the right to file a claim against their insurance to recover expenses related to your injuries and damages.
• The Right to Negotiate: Insurance companies often seek to settle claims quickly and for less than what you might deserve. You have the right to negotiate and should never accept an initial low offer without consulting legal counsel.
• The Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to hire an experienced San Jose auto accident attorney who will advocate on your behalf, ensuring that your case is represented fairly and aggressively.
• The Right to Emotional Support: Car accidents can lead to emotional trauma; seeking support from a professional can be beneficial to your recovery.

At Needham Kepner & Fish, our vehicle accident lawyers in San Jose are committed to ensuring that you understand and exercise your rights fully. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you navigate your post-accident journey with confidence.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in the Bay Area

Every car accident is different. It is important for your claim to pinpoint exactly how your car accident happened. Our San Jose auto accident lawyers can perform a meticulous investigation of the crash to identify all causes of the accident.

Then, we can help you determine who is at fault for damages under California comparative negligence laws. Motorist error and negligence cause many car accidents. 

Driver negligence may include:

• Distracted driving (i.e. texting)
• Drunk driving
• Blind spot accidents
• Speeding on roadways and HOV/carpool lanes
• Drowsy driving

Dangerous road conditions (like construction zone accidents) and defective parts can also cause car accidents. No matter your situation, our car accident lawyers in San Jose apply their extensive trial experience and negotiation skills to deal with insurance companies and fight for rightful compensation. 

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the nature and impact of the collision.

Some common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Head injuries
• Back injuries
• Chest injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries 
• Internal injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Depression

Our team knows how much physical and emotional pain you may be experiencing after a car accident. Let us investigate your case and pursue the full compensation you're entitled to. While we cannot reverse what happened, we can help you begin healing and move forward.

How Can I Recover Car Accident Compensation?

Immediately after a car accident, your primary concern is any harm to you or those around you. Financially recovering from a car accident is similar.

Our car accident lawyer in San Jose works to identify any financial help from all possible sources. Usually, you may file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company to recover compensation.

You may be able to file a claim for:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Wage loss
• Pain and suffering
• Other damages

However, insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injuries and minimize your settlement. As a result, insurance negotiations often make the stressful experience of an accident even worse. To identify and pursue the full compensation you deserve, work with an experienced San Jose car accident lawyer. 

In some cases, you may be in an accident with an uninsured driver. Alternatively, he or she may have a minimum policy that does not cover the full extent of your damages. In these cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover from that driver directly.

Otherwise, if you have health insurance, then it may cover at least some of your medical treatment. You may also be able to collect from your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in your own car insurance policy.

The key to determining what recovery is possible is to call an attorney. When you need to know what to do after a car accident, our car accident attorneys in San Jose can guide you. We have over 80 years of combined experience receiving timely and satisfactory settlements for our clients.

Learn more about how our auto accident lawyer in San Jose can help you by contacting us online or calling (408) 716-1668 today!

What Is the Process for Filing a Car Accident Claim in San Jose?

If you've been involved in a car accident in San Jose and wish to file a claim, here's an overview of the typical process:

• Ensure Safety and Report the Accident: First and foremost, prioritize your safety & that of others involved. If necessary, move to a safe location & call emergency services. If there are injuries or significant property damage, report the accident to the local police or California Highway Patrol (CHP).
• Exchange Information: Collect information from all parties involved in the accident, including their names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details. It's also helpful to gather contact information from any witnesses present.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company promptly to report the accident. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident. Follow their instructions and guidelines for filing a claim.
• Gather Evidence: Document the accident scene by taking photos or videos. Capture images of the damage to all vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any relevant road conditions. This evidence can support your claim later on.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't immediately feel injured, it's advisable to get a medical evaluation, as some injuries may have delayed symptoms. Keep a record of all medical treatments, tests, and expenses related to your injuries.
• Consult an Attorney (if necessary): Depending on the circumstances and severity of the accident, you may want to consult with a vehicle accident attorney in San Jose. They can provide legal advice, help protect your rights, and guide you through the claims process.
• File a Claim with the At-Fault Driver's Insurance: If the other party is liable for the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company. Provide them with the necessary information, including the accident details, damages, and injuries. Cooperate with their investigation and provide any requested documentation.
• Negotiation and Settlement: The insurance company will review your claim and may offer a settlement. Be cautious when accepting any settlement offers, especially if you're unsure about the adequacy of the compensation. Consider consulting with an attorney to pursue a fair settlement.
• Legal Action: If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, you may consider filing a lawsuit. Discuss this option with your San Jose auto accident attorney, who can guide you through the legal process and represent your interests.

Do You Need to Call Your Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

Insurance companies are corporations with a simple goal: profits. Insurers collect as much as possible in premiums and pay out as little as possible on claims.

One way that insurance companies keep their rates low is by contacting involved parties before they have time to seek counsel. Adjusters then pressure accident victims into fast settlements. The problem is that these fast settlements are often far lower than the victim’s actual damages.

After an accident, expect to be immediately contacted by an insurance provider. This includes your insurance and the insurance provider of any other involved party. You should tell your insurance provider that you were involved in an accident to properly document it.

You should not say any more than is necessary. Even though you pay your insurer, that company is still a business and may not act in your best interests. 

Why You Shouldn't Speak With the Other Driver's Insurance Company Directly

It is very risky to talk to another party’s insurance company without an experienced San Jose auto accident lawyer with you. If the other party’s insurance company calls you, decline to make a statement until you call a lawyer.

In most cases, your attorney negotiates with the insurance company on your behalf. This is the case whether you make a claim with your insurer or that of the other driver.

Our San Jose auto accident attorneys at Needham Kepner & Fish can increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement. Often, the insurer is more likely to offer fair compensation if it is clear that your lawyers can win your case if it goes to trial. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Car Accident Lawyer in San Jose

Car accidents are frightening, life-changing, and unfortunately, common. In a brief moment, an accident can cause permanent disability or even death. You do not have to face the insurance companies, legal system, and uncertainty alone.

Our San Jose car accident lawyers handle injury cases on a contingent fee basis. This means that you pay us nothing unless you recover compensation. By partnering with our firm, you gain access to dedicated advocates who will fight diligently for your rights with the resources necessary to pursue your case effectively.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a car crash, call our car accident attorneys in San Jose at (408) 716-1668 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Additional Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle

We handle a variety of motor vehicle accident cases throughout San Jose and the Bay Area.

In addition to car accident cases, our attorneys handle cases involving:

• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Public transportation accidents
• Aftermarket vehicle accidents
• Scooter accidents

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Recover Compensation If I Share Fault for a Car Accident in CA?

In California, car accident claims are filed against the at-fault driver and their insurer. However, if fault is disputed or you share blame, it can complicate your ability to recover full compensation.

Thanks to California's pure comparative negligence law, you can still receive compensation even if you're partially at fault. Your final award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're awarded $200,000 but found 20% at fault, you'd receive $160,000.

Why Is It Important to Have a Local Attorney Handle My Car Accident Case?

Choosing a local attorney, like ours at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP, offers unique advantages in handling your car accident case. Local attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of San Jose's specific traffic patterns, road conditions, and frequent crash sites. We are also familiar with local courts, legal procedures, and juries, which can provide strategic benefits in presenting your case. Additionally, having a car accident lawyer who understands the community dynamics and local nuances helps tailor the approach to your specific needs.