San Jose Personal Injury Lawyer
Accidents are common in San Jose, Santa Clarita County, where heavy traffic, busy intersections, and mixed car and pedestrian zones create risks. In 2021, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported 2,745 fatal and injured victims from traffic crashes, 247 of whom were pedestrians and 195 bicyclists. Unfortunately, these numbers are only from road accidents. What happens if we add other personal injury accidents, such as slips-and-falls, dog bites, and boat accidents?
Accidents can throw life off balance, causing injuries, property damage, stress, and long-term impacts. Filing a personal injury claim is an essential step to getting the financial support needed to manage these challenges. However, you must show that the other person’s actions caused your injury to succeed.
We understand that handling the legal aspects of your case can be overwhelming, especially if you are recovering from your injuries. The good news is that our San Jose personal injury can gather evidence, prove fault, and work toward securing the compensation you deserve while you focus on getting physically better.
The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, a well-respected law firm with over 50 years of experience and more than $2 billion in settlements across California, is proud to offer experienced personal injury lawyers to the San Jose and Santa Clarita communities. We’re committed to helping those affected by severe accidents or catastrophic injuries pursue justice and understand their legal options. Call us today at 562-620-3843 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
Why Contact the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker?
Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye—whether it’s a minor fall or a catastrophic motorcycle accident. Dealing with injuries can feel stressful and overwhelming. Fortunately, with our experienced team managing your claim, you can focus on what truly matters: your recovery.
Here’s why working with our San Jose attorneys is a wise investment:
- Proven Track Record: With over $2 billion in settlements, we know how to win and secure fair compensation for clients.
- Extensive Experience: Our more than 50 years in the field mean we have successfully handled a wide range of personal injury cases.
- Full Team Support: You’ll get access to a whole team of attorneys, investigators, and experts to build a strong case.
- Risk-Free Representation: We operate on a contingency basis—there are no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win.
Call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today to speak with our compassionate personal injury attorney in San Jose. We’re here to help!
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
Set an appointment for a visit: San Jose Office – Larry H. Parker Accident Attorneys
Address: 2880 Zanker Rd Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95134, United States
Phone Number: +1 408-898-9510
OPEN 24/7
When Should You Call San Jose Personal Injury Attorneys?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, your priority should be to seek immediate medical attention. This is crucial as delaying treatment can lead to unnecessary complications.
Once you’ve received proper medical care, the next step is to contact a personal injury lawyer in San Jose. This ensures you can focus on your recovery while pursuing fair compensation for your injuries.
It’s also wise to consult a lawyer before discussing your case with insurance companies, providing statements, or signing any documents. Insurance companies often aim to settle quickly, which might seem helpful, especially when dealing with urgent medical and personal issues. However, these swift settlements usually fall short of covering all your expenses.
A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case’s current and future damages to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
How to Choose the Best San Jose Personal Injury Lawyer
Selecting the right San Jose Personal injury lawyer can be overwhelming, especially with the extensive lists available. Instead of sifting through countless directories, focus on a few key criteria to find the best fit for your needs.
- Start by considering the lawyer’s fee structure. Opt for personal injury attorneys who work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This can help avoid significant upfront costs and ensure their motivation aligns with your success.
- Effective communication is another crucial factor. Look for lawyers who offer flexible communication options, whether through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings and who make themselves accessible based on your needs. A lawyer who is easy to talk to can make the process less stressful.
- Lastly, evaluate the lawyer’s reputation. Check for verified client testimonials, the firm’s track record of settlements, and their involvement in the local community. Research their professional standing and ensure they have a solid history of successful cases.
Choosing a personal injury lawyer involves assessing their fees, communication style, and reputation to ensure they are well-equipped to handle your case and fight for the justice you deserve.
What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident in San Jose
In any accident, your health comes first. It is recommended that you follow the measures outlined below to ensure your safety in an accident and effectively navigate the legal system when filing a personal injury claim:
- Take Thorough Images of Your Injuries: To bolster your claim, provide thorough images of your injuries.
- See a Doctor: Get medical help immediately to treat injuries and start a file related to the incident.
- Report the Accident: Aside from being mandatory, reporting an accident resulting in injuries or wrongful death to the San Jose police officers can help prove your case. They usually create police reports containing the necessary details to show how and what caused the accident.
- Write Everything Down: Compose a thorough account of the incident, mentioning the date, time, place, and incidents.
- List of Witnesses: Compile the names and contact details of any witnesses to the mishap.
- Find a Reputable Lawyer: Do your homework and contact experienced personal injury lawyers in San Jose, like The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, for a free consultation and legal guidance.
- Respect Your Attorney’s Instructions: Comply with your attorney’s advice about collecting evidence and handling your claim.
How do Personal Injury Lawsuits Work?
The primary motive for filing a personal injury claim is to get reimbursed for the damage caused by the accident, especially if you sustained severe injuries or other losses.
For example, an aggressive dog bites your child. Due to the incident, your child experiences severe injuries and trauma. If you can prove that the owner is liable for their dog’s actions, you can claim compensation for the damages incurred by your child.
Defining Liability in Personal Injury Claims
Liability involves holding an individual legally responsible for injuries or damages due to their negligence. Proving liability requires showing the other party’s negligence or wrongful actions that caused the accident.
Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise the care that a responsible person would in a similar situation. For example, if someone chooses to drink and drive, that’s considered negligence since a reasonable person wouldn’t do it.
If this leads to an accident and someone gets hurt, the driver would be liable for the damages. As the injured party, you can file a claim against them, with a lawyer gathering evidence to hold them accountable for their actions.
To demonstrate negligence in a personal injury case, you must demonstrate the following elements:
- The other party had a responsibility to keep you safe.
- They failed in this duty.
- This failure directly led to the accident.
- The accident caused your injuries or damages.
Despite having the right to compensation, you may lose your case if you lack evidence to prove that the accident and injuries result from another individual’s negligence or behavior. This is why collecting the necessary evidence at the accident scene is crucial, such as photos of the damages and witness testimonies.
In a free consultation with our San Jose personal injury attorneys, you will understand that our lawyers will assess your case and determine how to collect evidence to support your claim. This is especially beneficial if you weren’t able to gather enough evidence at the scene due to your injuries.
Should I Settle with the Insurance Company or Call a Personal Injury Lawyer for an Accident?
Many people talk to insurance companies right after an accident, often before speaking to a personal injury lawyer. Sometimes, they avoid entirely contacting an attorney, thinking it will just add to the expenses of the accident. However, consulting an attorney before settling can make a big difference in your case. Insurance companies aim to save money and may try to minimize what they pay, sometimes using tactics to reduce or deny claims.
Experienced personal injury lawyers, like those at The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, know these strategies and can go around these tactics to maximize your payout. They gather solid evidence, consult experts, and present a strong case to help secure a fair settlement for your medical bills and other damages. Contact us today to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can Be Included in Personal Injury Settlements?
A personal injury claim is typically valid when another party’s negligent actions result in injuries and other damages. Demonstrating the extent of the damages incurred from the accident is essential to determining appropriate compensation.
Generally, damages from an accident fall into several categories:
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable financial losses that can be substantiated through receipts and records, such as invoices. Examples include medical bills and lost wages documented by your employer.
- Medical expenses (including equipment and aid)
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Lost wages
- Future income loss
Non-Economic Damages
These damages represent non-monetary losses and are more challenging to quantify. They encompass emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible impacts.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or affection
Punitive Damages
These are additional penalties that a court may impose if the at-fault party’s behavior was especially reckless or intentional.
Estimating non-economic damages might be more challenging than estimating economic damages, typically proven by receipts and other documentation. Our San Jose personal injury lawyers are adept at assessing these intangible losses to optimize your settlement. Additionally, they can examine the details of your case to see if you are entitled to punitive damages.
Does Filing a Claim Have a Timeline?
Filing a claim has a timeline, meaning you can’t pursue a case whenever you are ready. Under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim; failing to do so may result in your case being dismissed.
However, certain factors can affect the statute of limitations. For instance, if your case involves property damage, you have up to three years to file. If the victim dies shortly after the accident, the two-year period begins from the date of their death. Note that the two-year time frame may change depending on the circumstances of your case.
Given the tight deadlines for filing claims, avoiding trial and error is crucial when managing your case. Trying to handle things on your own might lead to costly mistakes. Consulting with experienced injury lawyers ensures you’re taking the proper steps and using the best strategies to maximize your chances of success. They know how to go through the complexities of the process, protect your interests, and help you secure the compensation you deserve without unnecessary delays.
Can I Sue If I’m Partially Liable?
Even if you share some responsibility for an accident, you can still seek compensation for your damages under California’s pure comparative negligence rule. This rule permits accident victims to file personal injury claims regardless of their level of fault in the incident.
For instance, if a drunk driver rear-ends your car and you aren’t wearing a seatbelt, the insurance company might argue that your injuries were exacerbated by not wearing one. If the court finds you at 10% at fault, you can recover 90% of your damages.
Similarly, the other party involved may also claim compensation based on their proportion of fault. This is why consulting with personal injury attorneys as soon as possible after an accident is essential. They can evaluate your case, develop a legal strategy, and ensure your claim is effectively pursued without risking dismissal. Call our legal experts to know your options if you are facing this situation.
When Do I Need to Go to Court for an Accident?
Personal injury cases, like those involving motor vehicle accidents, are typically settled through out-of-court negotiations. In this process, a neutral mediator assists both parties in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution without making final decisions themselves. This method is often more efficient and less adversarial than a courtroom trial, leading to quicker and more cost-effective resolutions.
However, the case might need trial if significant legal disputes arise—such as an insurance company denying liability or contesting the settlement amount. Therefore, it’s essential to have a lawyer who excels in negotiating settlements and effectively representing personal injury clients in court if necessary.
What Happens If a Loved One Dies in an Accident?
Experiencing the loss of a loved one is profoundly challenging and emotionally draining. This situation becomes even more complicated when the death is due to another person’s or organization’s negligence or misconduct, which is legally termed as wrongful death.
For instance, if your spouse were hit by a speeding driver while crossing the street, this death would be classified as wrongful because it resulted from the driver’s traffic violation. Wrongful death claims aim to provide financial and emotional relief to the surviving family members who suffer as a result of their loved one’s premature death
However, not everyone can file wrongful death claims when victims die. Cases for wrongful death are frequently filed by the deceased person’s spouse, surviving relatives, or representatives.
Call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker of San Jose, CA, for a Free Consultation
There’s no risk in contacting our San Jose personal injury lawyers for a free case evaluation. We can help you understand the value of your claim and explore your options so you’re not stuck with insufficient medical care, overwhelming bills, or a low insurance payout. We recognize the impact of lost wages, reduced earning potential, and long-term pain on your life.
Reach out today at 562-620-3843 or through our contact form for a consultation, and let us guide you through the process to secure the compensation you need to get back on track.
Questions You May Ask
- Can I Switch California Personal Injury Lawyers?
- California Brake Check Accidents: Who’s Responsible?
- Types of Evidence To Prove a Drugged Driving Car Accident
- California Personal Injury Settlements: Taxable or Not?
Directory
LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOPS
- SM Auto Repair & Smog– 463 Blossom Hill Rd Ste E, San Jose, CA 95123
- Caliber Collision – 1802 Angela St, San Jose, CA 95125
- Akins Auto Repair – 351 Keyes St, San Jose, CA 95112
- Reliable Auto Repair – 463 Blossom Hill Rd #G4, San Jose, CA 95123
- L&T Auto Repair – 701 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
HOSPITALS
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center – 751 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
- Regional Medical Center of San Jose – 225 N Jackson Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
- Good Samaritan Hospital – 2425 Samaritan Dr, San Jose, CA 95124
- O’Connor Hospital – 2105 Forest Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
- Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center – 250 Hospital Pkwy, San Jose, CA 95119
RECOVERY CENTERS FOR TRAUMA AND REHABILITATION
- San Jose Behavioral Health – 455 Silicon Valley Blvd, San Jose, CA 95138
- Momentum for Mental Health – 185 Martinvale Ln, San Jose, CA 95119
- Santa Clara County Department of Alcohol & Drug Services – 2101 Alexian Dr # 110, San Jose, CA 95116
- El Camino Hospital – Behavioral Health Services – 2660 Grant Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040
- Horizon Services Inc – Horizon South – 650 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
COURTHOUSES
- Superior Court of Santa Clara County- 191 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113
- Hall Of Justice – 190-200 W Hedding St, San Jose, CA 95110
- Old County Courthouse- 61 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113
- Santa Clara County Courthouse- 1095 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95050
- Sixth District Court of Appeal – 333 W Santa Clara St #1060, San Jose, CA 95113
*Disclaimer – We do not endorse these companies or profit from listing on our website.*