Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Navigate The Legal Process After Your Accident.
When life takes an unexpected turn, our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers are here to help you move forward. Car crashes can happen in an instant, leaving victims with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost income. Even minor collisions can create financial stress, especially if insurance companies have valid reasons to dispute your claim.
Our attorneys handle the entire claims process on your behalf. We take care of the legal matters so you can focus on your health and recovery. Let us advocate for your rights and guide you through your next steps. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Let’s start discussing your case.
What Can Sunnyvale Car Accident Lawyers Do?
After a crash, you need an advocate who not only understands the law but also knows how it applies to your case. Car accident lawyers can assist you with the following:
- Navigating Legal Procedures — A personal injury claim involves many steps. We handle the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations with insurers to make the process easier for you.
- Preserving Critical Evidence — We launch an independent investigation to preserve key evidence, such as police reports, photos, traffic footage, and witness statements.
- Pursuing Compensation for Your Losses — We use the evidence to show the full extent of your damages, including financial losses and pain and suffering.
- Advocating for Your Rights — From the moment you hire us, we advocate for your rights through every phase of your case.
- Collaborating With Experts — Our car accident lawyers in Sunnyvale can call on a network of experts to support your case. Depending on your situation, we may work with:
- Accident reconstructionist specialists
- Medical professionals
- Financial advisors and economic experts
Why Work With Our Car Accident Lawyers In Sunnyvale, CA
If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer who truly understands what I’m going through,” our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers are here for you. We can help you pursue damages for your injuries. We offer individualized services and comprehensive representation. Choosing our Sunnyvale injury law firm means working with a team that offers:
- Knowledge of California Law — We understand the complexities of traffic and injury laws and apply them strategically to each case.
- A “No Win, No Fee” Policy — Under a contingency fee agreement, clients pay nothing up front. Clients only pay attorney’s fees if we recover compensation for them. Certain costs may apply regardless of the outcome, and we’ll discuss these upfront.
- Clear Communication — We keep you updated and answer your questions promptly. We can also assist you in your preferred language. Just let us know so we can accommodate your communication needs.
- Deal With Insurance Companies — We know the tactics insurers use to negotiate and can help you address any disputes if they arise. If necessary, we’re ready to take your case to court.
Deadline For Filing Car Accident Claims
In California, you typically have:
- Two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim.
- Three years to file a property damage claim.
- Six months to file a government claim.
These deadlines, known as the statute of limitations, are strict, so it’s important to act without delay. However, they may be paused (“tolled”) under certain conditions, such as:
- The injured person is a minor.
- The at-fault party leaves California.
- The injured person is mentally incapacitated.
Once the tolling condition ends, the countdown resumes. Our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers can help you file your case on time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Following a car accident, a number of concerns may come to mind. You may be looking for free accident lawyer advice before deciding how to proceed. Here are some common questions that people ask, answered by our car accident lawyers in Sunnyvale:
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?
The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer near you will depend on the specifics of your case. Generally, the more work it needs, the more it may cost. For example, an attorney may charge more for car accident claims that require more case preparation, involve multiple at-fault parties and insurers, or need to be taken to court. However, you don’t necessarily need to pay for their services right away.
Car accident lawyers in Sunnyvale work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- Clients only pay attorney’s fees if we obtain compensation for them.
- They may have to cover some other case-related costs, regardless of how their claim resolves.
- We explain all costs upfront so you know what to expect.
We discuss and explain all potential fees and costs before moving forward with your case. This way, you can make informed decisions without worrying about unexpected legal expenses.
When Do I Need To Call A Car Accident Attorney?
Contact a Sunnyvale car accident lawyer as soon as possible if:
- You suffered serious injuries.
- The other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
- There’s a dispute over who caused the crash.
- A government vehicle or entity is involved.
- A loved one died in the accident.
Call us for a free initial consultation. Getting help early can make the claims process smoother and protect your options.
What Evidence Do I Need For A Car Accident Claim?
Building a claim starts with gathering the right evidence. Our car accident lawyers in Sunnyvale can help you gather the following:
- Official police report
- Traffic camera footage
- Witnesses statements
- Car repair bills
- Medical records
- Medical bills
Why Should I Speak With A Lawyer Before An Insurance Company?
You can consult our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers first to steer clear of pitfalls that could harm your case. Here’s why:
- Claims adjusters may have valid grounds to reduce payouts based on the statements you give them.
- Injuries like whiplash may not be apparent at first.
- You might not know the full extent of your losses.
Before you speak with the insurance company, talk to our experienced injury attorneys. We’ll help you understand your rights and how to protect your claim from the start.
What If The Other Driver Has No Insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured:
- You may file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or MedPay.
- If you lack coverage, suing the driver may be an option.
You still have options after a crash with an uninsured driver. Our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers can review your coverage, explain your rights, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
Hurt In
A Car Accident?
Proving Liability For A Car Accident
Our lawyers for car accidents in Sunnyvale investigate the accident to identify who may be responsible. To prove someone else caused your accident, we must show:
- Duty of Care — The defendant had a duty to keep you safe. For example, drivers must exercise caution and take reasonable steps to avoid causing harm to others on the road.
- Breach of Duty — They failed to meet that duty, for example, by speeding through a red light or texting while driving.
- Causation — There is a direct link between the driver’s breach of duty and your injuries. In other words, you wouldn’t have been hurt if the other driver hadn’t acted negligently.
- Damages — You suffered losses as a result of the accident. These can include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other economic or non-economic damages.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you can still pursue compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident. However, your percentage of fault determines the amount you can seek.
Insurance Claims In Car Accident Cases
The Golden State is a “fault state,” meaning the party who caused the crash must cover the damages.
Minimum liability coverage as of 2025:
- $30,000 for injury/death of one person.
- $60,000 for injury/death of multiple people.
- $15,000 for property damage.
Although California doesn’t require UM/UIM coverage, having it can help cover your losses if the at-fault driver has no insurance. If your insurer unreasonably delays or denies your claim, our lawyers can step in and take legal action for bad faith practices.
Liable Parties In A Car Accident
Our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers know that multiple parties can be at fault in a crash, including:
- Other Driver — According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, many accidents happen because of driver error. When drivers engage in speeding, texting while driving, drunk driving, or ignoring traffic laws, they put themselves and others at risk.
- Driver’s Employer — If the driver was on the job, their employer may share liability under vicarious liability laws.
- Auto Manufacturer — Auto defects (e.g., faulty brakes or airbags) may make the vehicle manufacturer liable.
- Vehicle Maintenance — Repair shops that performed negligent work could be responsible.
- Government Entity — Poor road conditions, missing signage, or defective signals may place liability on a city or state agency.
Identifying who’s responsible takes careful investigation. An experienced attorney can help connect the dots and guide you through the next steps.
Recoverable Damages In Car Accident Cases
In the event of an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to seek damages. Our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financial losses you suffer due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. These may include the following:
- Medical Bills — Damages in this category include all expenses associated with medical treatment following an accident. These costs include emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, and medication costs.
- Future Treatment Costs — There are times when injuries sustained in auto accidents require ongoing medical care. Such care may sometimes involve rehabilitation, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, or future surgeries.
- Lost Income — You may be able to pursue compensation for lost income if the accident causes you to miss work, including the time you spent in the hospital or recuperating at home.
- Lost Earning Capacity — If your ability to work has changed since the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your diminished earning capacity. This loss depends on the severity of your injuries.
- Property Damage — You may also be able to seek the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it was damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses that are not easily calculated in monetary terms. These damages aim to cover an accident’s non-financial impact on a person’s life. Our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers aim to pursue compensation for your:
- Pain and Suffering — As a result of the accident and injuries, the victim experiences physical discomfort and emotional distress.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — You may be eligible for damages if your injuries hinder you from engaging in hobbies and daily activities.
- Emotional Distress — This category includes compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Punitive Damages
Unlike compensatory damages, which cover medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, punitive damages serve a different purpose. They aim to punish the wrongdoer for extremely reckless or intentional behavior.
Punitive damages also act as a deterrent to similar behavior in the future. Due to their serious nature, courts only consider punitive damages in rare and severe cases.
Common Car Accident Injuries In Sunnyvale
The injuries sustained in car accidents can be severe, with some lasting for a lifetime. Commonly, more severe injuries may result in higher compensation. As you focus on healing and moving forward, our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers can help with the claims process. Car accidents often result in the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Back and neck injuries
- Major lacerations
- Loss of limbs and quadriplegia
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Burns
Common Causes Of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen for many reasons and may lead to serious injuries that require medical care, time away from work, and ongoing treatment.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident caused by someone else’s actions, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding what caused the crash can help you and your attorney build an evidence-backed personal injury claim.
The following are common causes of car accidents:
- Distracted Driving — Using a cell phone while driving can cause serious accidents. Just taking your eyes off the road for a moment can be dangerous.
- Drunk Driving — Drinking alcohol seriously affects driving ability. This reckless action often leads to deadly crashes.
- Aggressive Driving — Reckless behavior leads to many accidents every year. This negligence includes tailgating and sudden lane changes.
- Speeding — Exceeding the speed limit can lead to catastrophic accidents. The higher the speed, the more intense the impact, and the greater the likelihood of severe injuries.
- Failure to Yield — Not yielding can cause crashes with other cars, pedestrians, or cyclists. This accident often occurs when drivers misjudge how fast oncoming cars are or miss yield signs. Such accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Poorly Maintained Roads — Poor road conditions caused by inadequate maintenance, such as potholes and unclear traffic signals, contribute to accidents.
- Weather Conditions — Rain, snow, and fog lower visibility and make roads slippery. Also, extreme heat may lead to tire blowouts. Inclement weather can cause more accidents. Factors like low visibility and wet roads increase crash risks.
If one of these common causes played a role in your accident, a personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other losses. Our experienced car accident lawyers in Sunnyvale can investigate the cause of your crash, gather evidence, and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
What To Do After A Car Accident
It is critical to take the right steps after a car accident. By doing so, you can safeguard your health and protect your legal rights.
- Get Medical Help — Always seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t see any injuries. A quick check from an emergency responder at the scene isn’t enough. You still need a full medical evaluation to rule out internal injuries or delayed symptoms. Be sure to keep records of all treatments, prescriptions, and medical bills to support your insurance or injury claim.
- Call Authority — Notify the police right away after a crash. Their report provides key evidence and an objective account of what happened. Creating an official record early helps support your insurance claim and can back your case if legal action is needed.
- Preserve Collected Evidence — Your collected contact information from witnesses can support your case. Also, keep photos or videos of your accident scene safe. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and legal cases.
- Notify Your Insurer — Inform your insurance company about the accident promptly. Provide the facts clearly to ensure fairness in your claim process. These steps may give you extra protection if your driver’s insurance doesn’t cover your losses.
- Get Help From Sunnyvale Car Accident Lawyers — Engaging an experienced attorney in such instances can be helpful for your case. They can guide you through legal complexities. Our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers can help you:
- Understand your rights.
- Negotiate with insurance companies.
- Pursue compensation for losses and injuries.
Car Accident Statistics In Sunnyvale And The Golden State
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as cited in a Daily Breeze report, California saw 2,824 traffic deaths in the first 9 months of 2024. This total is down from more than 3,000 during the same period in 2023.
California’s traffic deaths rose from 3,837 in 2016 to 4,428 in 2022, then slightly declined to 4,013 in 2023.
Sunnyvale has its share of car accidents and personal injuries, just as any other area with a high population. According to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 352 accidents resulted in deaths and injuries in 2022. A total of 193 DUI arrests were associated with these crashes. The data below highlights some of the most common causes of deadly car accidents:
- Speed-Related — 63
- Nighttime Crash — 50
- Hit-and-Run Incidents — 22
The following intersections in Sunnyvale are among those at high risk for traffic collisions, according to the City of Sunnyvale’s Vision Zero Plan:
- El Camino Real & Wolfe Road
- Mathilda Avenue and Maude Avenue
- Central Expressway & Mary Avenue
- Fremont Avenue & Sunnyvale Saratoga Road
- El Camino Real and Mathilda Avenue
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident, our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers can help. Contact us for a free initial consultation with an accident lawyer.
Injured? Seek Help From Our Sunnyvale Car Accident Lawyers
Following an accident, you may wonder, “Where can I find a car accident lawyer near me?” Our Sunnyvale car accident lawyers are here to help. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form here for a confidential, free, and no-obligation initial consultation.
Our attorneys evaluate your case and guide you through the claims process. Our team’s priority is to advocate for your rights and offer you the support you may need during this difficult time.
We offer legal assistance to car accident victims in Sunnyvale, including Los Gatos, Saratoga, Santa Clara, San José, Cupertino, East Foothills, Mountain View, Milpitas, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Stanford, East Palo Alto, and Scotts Valley. You can also consult our lawyers about other accidents that took place elsewhere in California.
