Contra Costa Car Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Contra Costa County Accident Lawyers Offer Dedicated Legal Representation
Car accidents caused by negligent drivers injure and kill people each year. These crashes have a traumatic impact, causing not only physical and emotional suffering but also lasting damage to the lives of the victims’ families. If you get injured or lose a loved one in a car accident, you may have a valid claim for compensation. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 and get a free initial consultation with our Contra Costa County car accident lawyers.
Contra Costa, located in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, houses over 1.1 million residents, making it the ninth most densely populated county in the state. It is also famous for its magnificent natural landscapes, like the Mount Diablo Summit and Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Bay Area views from these locations.
A number of roads connect nearby locations to the county as well. These include Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Bike Lane, George Miller Regional Bike and East Ridge Trails, the SF Bay Oakland-Richmond section, Ohlone Greenway, and Meridian Ridge Road. With vehicles going in and out of the county through these roads, car accidents are bound to happen.
Nevertheless, you have our lawyers in Contra Costa County who can handle your car accident case. Our Contra Costa County car accident lawyers can advocate for your rights and help you seek reimbursement for your losses and injuries so you can get back on your feet.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Hiring Our Contra Costa County Car Accident Lawyers To Represent Your Claim
You can rely on our Contra Costa County car accident lawyers to handle your case efficiently and effectively. Our law firm is committed to providing diligent legal representation to injured clients and their families. We have a team of personal injury lawyers dedicated to guiding you through the process of moving forward from the crash.
Our lawyers will use their comprehensive legal knowledge to conduct a rigorous investigation and present the appropriate legal options for your case. Every situation has distinct details, and we will be all ears to create a tailored solution for you. Additionally, we will keep you posted about the legal process and respond to any concerns you may have. If you’re a victim of a car accident, let our Contra Costa County lawyers help you seek just compensation.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You Pursue Damages
You may need to undergo strenuous legal procedures to get a settlement for your losses. Our experienced Contra Costa County car accident lawyers can represent you in the process. We can support your claim by investigating your case, calculating your losses, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing litigation if a settlement isn’t reached.
In particular, we can help you seek compensation by:
- Utilizing Legal Knowledge and Strategy — Our attorneys have a clear understanding of personal injury law. With our years of experience in the field, we can create a strategic approach tailored to your case.
- Building a Strong Case — Our car accident lawyers in Contra Costa County can build a fact-based case against negligent parties through meticulous investigations, gathering evidence and testimonies, and analyzing them in connection with your claim.
- Negotiating and Litigating — Our car accident attorneys can assist you in determining the value of your case. We take into account different factors, like medical bills, missed wages, emotional suffering, and future expenses. We can negotiate with negligent parties and insurers or even take your case to court if necessary.
Our law firm works to deliver reliable and accessible services to our clients. We operate on a contingency fee basis. Thus, we won’t ask you to pay us any upfront fees; instead, we collect attorney fees after we have helped recover compensation for you. Your welfare is our priority, so we work with this fee arrangement to help make legal representation more attainable. We can discuss our fees and other case-related costs that may still apply in more detail during a consultation call.
If you’re injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Contra Costa County lawyers. We are always ready to cater to your legal necessities.
Common Types Of Car Accidents In Contra Costa, CA
Similarly to other counties, Contra Costa’s roads are rife with traffic incidents, from fender benders to severe head-on collisions. Some common types of car accidents our Contra Costa County lawyers handle include the following:
Rollovers
These accidents happen when cars flip over onto their roofs or sides. The National Institute of Health (NIH) says rollovers may lead to neck and head trauma as drivers and passengers are thrown around, especially if they don’t have a seat belt on. These kinds of crashes also have a greater possibility of ejecting occupants from their automobiles, which can lead to devastating injuries.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that, despite representing a small percentage of total collisions, rollover accidents are disproportionately deadly compared to other types of crashes. In 2023, 6,700 passenger fatalities were recorded in rollover accidents.
Head-On Collisions
These involve the front ends of two vehicles crashing directly into each other. Victims of head-on collisions sustain serious bodily harm, such as severe head trauma, broken bones, and permanent or temporary disabilities. These injuries require costly and long-term medical care.
In the worst cases, head-on incidents result in the deaths of drivers or passengers. An example is the car wreck in Antioch, Contra Costa, which killed two drivers. As per the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a blue Scion TC was traveling west along the eastbound lanes when it struck a black Mazda 3 head-on.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), these types of accidents make up almost 11% or 4,295 of the fatal crashes in the U.S. in 2021.
T-Bone Collisions
These happen when cars hit the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. These incidents are also known as side-impact collisions and are often reported at busy intersections where drivers fail to yield the right of way.
T-bone collisions are one of the most catastrophic types of car accidents because the sides of vehicles offer minimal protection against the force of the crash. Those seated near the car doors get the brunt of the forceful impact. A car’s speed, the angle of impact, and its safety features contribute to the degree of injury. Victims often sustain broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and brain trauma. Unfortunately, these accidents can also lead to death.
Rear-End Collisions
These collisions happen when a car hits the vehicle in front of it. These accidents are due to various reasons, including distracted driving, tailgating, sudden slowdowns, and sudden stops by the car in front. Victims may experience whiplash, headaches, dizziness, and body pain from the collision, which may have long-term adverse effects.
Multiple Car Pile-ups
Multi-vehicle accidents are typical occurrences along the streets of Contra Costa. These take place when several cars collide with each other in a chain reaction. Such situations often arise when traffic is congested. These can also happen when drivers are unable to avoid hitting other vehicles due to the high speed and lack of space on the road. Typically, multiple car pile-ups can cause various damage to vehicles and their occupants.
If you are a victim of any of these incidents, consult with our Contra Costa County attorneys for car accident cases. Having the skills needed to handle your case, we are committed to thoroughly investigating and presenting your claim.
What Are The Usual Injuries In Car Accidents?
Victims usually obtain the following injuries in car accidents:
- Whiplash — This injury happens when the head and neck get jolted back and forth with sudden force. Such injuries can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the neck. In some cases, these may result in headaches and dizziness.
- Head Traumas — They can be in the form of concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These may also result in other complications if left untreated.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Among the most common consequences of car wrecks are spinal cord injuries. These happen when a sudden jolt or force causes the spine to move beyond its typical range of motion. Mild cases cause temporary pain and discomfort, while severe ones lead to permanent disability.
- Lacerations — The soft tissues of the body, like the skin, muscles, and tendons, are torn or cut open. Lacerations happen because of different external factors, such as sharp objects, blunt force trauma, or strong forces that cause damage to these tissues.
- Broken Bones — Fractures are also common in car accidents when the force of the collision breaks the bones within the body, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs. As a result, varying degrees of physical disability, emotional distress, and financial burden emerge.
If need be, the car accident attorneys serving Contra Costa County can connect you with medical experts to get a full assessment of your injuries. Your medical report can be used as evidence to help us support your claim.
Typical Causes Of Car Accidents In Contra Costa, California
The following are the typical contributors to car accidents in Contra Costa County:
- Distracted Driving — Accidents can occur when the driver’s attention is diverted from the road. They may get distracted because of their phones or fellow passengers.
- Speeding — Going beyond the speed limit is a common reckless behavior that leads to drastic results. Speeding increases the risk of accidents as drivers have reduced reaction time, difficulty controlling the vehicles, and limited visibility of the road ahead.
- DUI — Alcohol and drugs negatively impact people’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Once intoxicated or drugged, drivers can cause accidents, which may lead to injuries or death to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
- Tailgating — Driving too closely behind other cars, or tailgating, affects drivers’ reaction time to sudden changes on the roads. As a result, they may not be able to brake in time to avoid clashing.
- Other Reckless Drivers — Negligent drivers can make poor choices and display bad behaviors, such as running red lights and ignoring stop signs. They not only put their own lives in danger but also the lives of other road users.
- Poor Road Conditions — Another factor behind traffic accidents is poorly maintained roads, which can also cause collisions. Examples are potholes, faded signage, road debris, and insufficient lighting.
- Bad Weather Conditions — Driving when the weather is bad increases accident risks for road users. It is easy to lose control of the vehicle and crash into other cars, especially when the driver is going fast. When it rains in California, the speed limit is minus 10 mph.
How Can We Prove Negligence In A Car Accident Claim?
Car accidents can have varying degrees of consequences, depending on the specifics of your case. When establishing the at-fault party’s involvement in the crash, our Contra Costa County car accident attorneys present pieces of evidence proving the liable parties’ negligence. In particular, we help victims prove the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — All drivers have a duty of care. It means they must exercise all precautions to prevent harm from happening.
- Breach of Duty — Victims must show that the responsible driver didn’t act reasonably on the road. As they breached their duty of care, they also displayed negligence.
- Causation — Plaintiffs must demonstrate that they incurred injuries after the defendants breached their duty of care. Here, we assert that if the defendants had only acted with reasonable care, the harm would not have occurred.
- Damages — Injured parties must confirm that they sustained actual damages and losses due to the accident. These may come as physical, emotional, or financial losses.
What Compensation Can You Claim After A Car Accident In Contra Costa?
Victims may get compensation for both monetary and non-monetary damages from the responsible parties’ insurance company. If you get hurt in a car accident, our Contra Costa County personal injury lawyers can negotiate for the following settlements:
- Economic Damages — You can ask for reparation for all the economic damages you have incurred. These are intended to help you cope with your out-of-pocket expenses, which are quantifiable and easily calculated. Monetary damages may include medical bills, further treatment plans, rehabilitation, missed income, and property repairs or replacements.
- Non-Economic Damages — When a car accident occurs, there are often losses that go beyond physical damage. These are intangible and not easily measured in monetary terms. These may cover your pain and suffering, disfigurement or disability, loss of quality of life, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive Damages — These damages can only apply to car wrecks caused by malicious intent or gross negligence. The judiciary system of Contra Costa awards punitive damages with the goal of punishing the liable parties for their grave offenses.
A road accident may leave you overwhelmed and confused about the compensation you can get. Our Contra Costa County attorneys who deal with car accidents can quantify and calculate your damages. We will be your ally in presenting an evidence-based legal case to help you pursue just compensation.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
What You Should Do After A Car Accident In Contra Costa
As much as you would like to avoid accidents, you must still prepare for them. Knowing what to do after one can help protect your rights. Aside from prioritizing your safety and calling 911 as soon as possible, here are some more steps to consider following a car accident:
- Move to a Safe Spot — When you’re in an accident, the last thing you want is to get hit again. If you can, move your car to a safer spot, away from moving traffic.
- Get Medical Assistance — Seek immediate medical attention, no matter how minor you think your injuries are. Health experts can assess your overall condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Also, secure a copy of your medical report, as it’s vital in establishing the damages and losses you incur after a car wreck.
- Cooperate With Law Enforcement Authorities — Answer their questions with honesty, but don’t admit fault. They can provide you with an official incident report, which will be helpful for insurance purposes. If you are having trouble getting an incident report from your local police, our lawyers can help expedite the process.
- Record Details of the Accident — Exchange information with the other parties. Get their names, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Additionally, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, which can serve as solid proof.
- Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 — Car accident claims may involve complex processes. Contact our experienced Contra Costa County car accident lawyers for legal representation and clear guidance on the next steps.
Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Claims In California
Contra Costa, like the rest of California, follows a two-year statute of limitations for car accident cases. Under this doctrine, plaintiffs may file their personal injury claims within two years from the date of the collision. If they didn’t initially find out their sustained injuries, they have one year to initiate their settlements after the discovery.
Further, there are also exceptions to the rule that may affect the set targets. For instance, the time limit pauses for defendants who are minors, out-of-state, in jail, or recognized as mentally incapacitated. It may only recommence once the liable parties reach the legal age, return to the state, are discharged, or regain sensibility.
These provisions can sometimes be a source of uncertainty. However, our Contra Costa County car accident lawyers will manage document submissions in accordance with the required deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Contra Costa County Car Accidents
What Happens If The Responsible Party Has No Insurance?
In case you get hurt by a driver with insufficient or no insurance at all, your insurer can step in and cover your damages via uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
In California, including Contra Costa County, drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance. It is to ensure that they, and those who may be affected by their actions, get protection in times of inevitable accidents. However, despite this strict law, some drivers still choose to ignore it, meaning they have inadequate or no insurance at all.
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the minimum liability insurance requirements in California are:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person.
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
- $15,000 for damage to property.
Our Contra Costa County lawyers can help you understand these insurance requirements and all the facets of your car accident case.
What Should I Do If An Undocumented Immigrant Like Me Gets Hurt In A Car Accident?
You may still file a claim even if you’re an undocumented immigrant living in Contra Costa County. No one can invoke the status of your residence to lessen the settlement you’re claiming. You may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and losses you sustain from a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
This matter may be complicated, but you can always get help from our car accident attorneys in Contra Costa County. Contact our law firm anytime to schedule a consultation.
How Often Do Car Accidents In Contra Costa County Happen?
Based on the data issued by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in 2021, the county logged 4,454 victims who were killed and injured on the roads. It was a 10% increase from the 4,023 fatalities and injuries in 2020. Of the total, 612 involved alcohol, while 1,048 were speed-related. Meanwhile, 410 were hit-and-run cases.
Consult With Car Accident Lawyers In Contra Costa County
Has a car accident in Contra Costa injured you or someone you know? We can help. From filing insurance claims to dealing with legal proceedings, our Contra Costa County car accident attorneys can give you the right guidance and support during this difficult time.
If you need legal assistance, contact us. We are here to assist you with the details of the accident and advocate for the appropriate settlement or award based on your damages. Additionally, our initial consultation is complimentary, allowing us to discuss your claim without any obligation on your part.
Our injury law firm serving Contra Costa also extends help to other nearby locations, including San Francisco, Stockton, Fremont, San Jose, Modesto, Santa Rosa, San Rafael, Walnut Creek, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Turlock, Sonoma, Napa, Fairfield, Elk Grove, Lodi, Valley Springs, Atwater, Milpitas, Mountain View, Sutter Creek, and Plymouth.
