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San Jose Car Accident Lawyers
Injured in a San Jose car accident? Don’t let the insurance companies dictate your future. At Scher, Bassett & Hames, we’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims in San Jose and throughout California. We understand the immediate and long-term impact of auto accidents, and we’re here to help you secure full and fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages.
Proven Results - Real Victories for Injured Car Accident Victims
We have a history of achieving significant settlements and verdicts for our clients in San Jose:
A woman returning from work as a custodian at San Francisco Airport was struck by a Yellow Cab, causing severe neck and back injuries requiring multiple surgeries. We fought for justice and obtained a $1.5 million settlement to cover her extensive medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A woman’s car was struck by another vehicle that rolled over in the middle of the highway. The initial offer was a mere $1,000, but we aggressively negotiated with the other driver’s insurance company and secured a $50,000 settlement.
A young girl was mauled by her grandmother’s dog, sustaining a serious back injury. We advocated for her rights and obtained an $80,000 settlement to help cover her medical treatment and recovery.
A young man riding a scooter in San Jose hit a rough patch of street under the control of Union Pacific, fracturing his elbow. We successfully settled his case for $135,000.
We’ve helped countless car accident victims in San Jose receive fair compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, including cases involving head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, drunk drivers, uninsured motorists, and more.
Our firm also specializes in car accident claims, helping clients navigate the complex process of filing claims and securing fair settlements.
Why Choose Scher, Bassett & Hames for Your San Jose Car Accident Case?
We have a long history of success in securing maximum compensation for car accident victims in San Jose and throughout California. We’re not afraid to take on big insurance companies and fight for your rights.
Our experienced car accident attorneys are well-versed in California’s complex car accident laws, including statutes of limitations, comparative negligence rules, and insurance requirements. We’ll use our knowledge and expertise to build a strong case on your behalf.
We understand that every car accident case is unique. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and develop a personalized legal strategy that meets your specific needs and goals.
We’re not afraid to take on insurance companies and fight for your rights. We’ll handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to litigating your case in court if necessary.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. There’s no risk in speaking with us to learn how we can help you. Consulting an experienced car accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
We Handle All Types of San Jose Car Accidents
These devastating accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. They can occur when a driver crosses the center line, drives the wrong way on a one-way street, or loses control of their vehicle.
Even seemingly minor rear-end collisions can cause whiplash, back injuries, and head trauma. These accidents often occur due to distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops.
If the at-fault driver fled the scene, we’ll work tirelessly to identify them and hold them accountable. We’ll investigate the accident, gather evidence, and pursue all available legal avenues to get you the compensation you deserve.
Rollover accidents can cause severe injuries, including ejection from the vehicle and crush injuries. These accidents often occur due to high speeds, sharp turns, or vehicle defects.
These complex accidents can involve multiple at-fault parties, making it crucial to have a skilled attorney on your side to determine liability and ensure you’re compensated by all responsible parties.
These accidents can cause serious injuries to occupants on the side of the vehicle that was struck, including head injuries, chest injuries, and internal organ damage. They often occur at intersections when a driver fails to yield the right of way.
We’ll hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions and fight for your right to justice. Drunk driving, texting while driving, and other forms of reckless driving are all preventable causes of car accidents.
A car crash can have long-term consequences, including serious injury or financial distress, making it essential to understand your legal rights and gather eyewitness information.
Common Causes of San Jose Car Accidents
Distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, and failure to obey traffic laws are all examples of driver negligence that can lead to serious car accidents in San Jose. With the prevalence of smartphones and other distractions, distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents in recent years. Speeding is another major factor, as drivers who exceed the speed limit have less time to react to unexpected situations.
Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, potholes, faded lane markings, and other hazardous road conditions can all contribute to car accidents in San Jose. If a car accident is caused by dangerous road conditions, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable.
Malfunctioning brakes, faulty tires, defective airbags, and other vehicle defects can cause accidents. In these cases, manufacturers may be held liable for injuries and damages caused by their defective products.
The Devastating Impact of San Jose Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions. Our experienced car accident attorneys have seen firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these injuries can take on victims and their families.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and skull fractures can have long-lasting consequences, including cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes. Severe head injuries can even be fatal.
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, loss of sensation, and a significant decrease in quality of life.
These injuries can be extremely painful and may require surgery, casts, and lengthy rehabilitation. They can also lead to complications like infection, nerve damage, and long-term disability.
Car accidents can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other injuries that may not be immediately apparent. These injuries can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Whiplash, sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain and discomfort, limiting your ability to work and enjoy daily activities.
Car accidents can have a profound psychological impact, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Your Legal Rights After a San Jose Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in San Jose that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you have legal rights.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
Current and future medical bills, including hospitalization, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing care. This can also include the costs of assistive devices, home modifications, and other accommodations necessary for your recovery.
Income lost due to time off work for recovery. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity.
Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. This includes not only the immediate pain but also any long-term pain and suffering you may experience.
Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle. This can include the cost of towing, storage, and rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also be able to recover compensation for loss of consortium (loss of companionship and support), punitive damages (to punish the at-fault driver for egregious behavior), and other losses, such as the cost of therapy or counseling.
Don’t Face the Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance companies are not your friends. Their goal is to minimize their payouts, not to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. They may try to pressure you into accepting a quick, lowball settlement or deny your claim altogether.
That’s where we come in. Our experienced San Jose car accident attorneys know the tactics insurance companies use, and we’re not afraid to fight back. We’ll handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting you from their tricks and ensuring your rights are protected.
What To Do After a Car Accident in San Jose
Knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ensure your safety and the safety of others. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, but only if it’s safe to do so.
Reporting the accident to the police is essential. They will create an official accident report, which can be crucial evidence for your claim. The police report will document the details of the accident, including the parties involved, witness statements, and any citations issued.
Obtain the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, driver’s license number, and license plate number. If there were any witnesses, get their names and contact information as well.
If you’re able, take photos or videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, your injuries, and any property damage. This evidence can be invaluable when proving fault and the extent of your damages.
Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s crucial to see a doctor or medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and early treatment can be essential for your recovery.
We can help you protect your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t speak to the insurance company before consulting with an attorney, as they may try to use your statements against you.
Understanding California Car Accident Laws
California car accident laws are complex and can be difficult to understand. Here are some key aspects of California law that may impact your case:
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would only be able to recover 80% of your total damages.
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
California requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. If you’re injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages. However, California also has a no-fault system for medical expenses, which means your own insurance company will cover your medical bills up to a certain limit, regardless of who was at fault.
We're Here for San Jose Work Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a San Jose car accident, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Scher, Bassett & Hames is your trusted ally, fighting for your rights and helping you rebuild your life.
How We Can Help You Maximize Your Car Accident Compensation
We'll leave no stone unturned in investigating your accident. We'll gather evidence from the accident scene, interview witnesses, review police reports, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and analyze medical records to build a strong case for your claim.
We'll meticulously calculate the full extent of your damages, including not only your current medical expenses but also future medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and any other losses you've incurred.
We're skilled negotiators who know how to deal with insurance companies. We'll advocate for your rights and negotiate aggressively to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we're not afraid to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating car accident cases in San Jose and throughout California.
We understand that car accidents can be traumatic experiences. We'll provide you with the compassionate support and guidance you need to navigate the legal process and focus on your recovery.
Contact Scher, Bassett & Hames Today
If you’ve been injured in a San Jose car accident, don’t delay. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your case and protecting your rights. We offer free consultations and are available to answer your questions, explain your legal options, and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.
Your San Jose Car Accident Questions Answered
What should I do immediately after a car accident in San Jose?
Prioritize safety first: Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location. Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Finally, contact a San Jose car accident lawyer to protect your rights and discuss your options.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in San Jose?
Most San Jose car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict you receive. If they don’t win, you don’t owe them anything for their services.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim or a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, such as cases involving government entities, which have shorter deadlines. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any critical filing deadlines.
What types of compensation can I recover after a San Jose car accident?
If you’re injured in a San Jose car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical bills related to your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages: Income lost due to time off work for recovery.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle.
Other damages: Depending on the circumstances, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium, punitive damages, and other losses.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my car accident claim?
If your car accident claim is denied, don’t give up. Contact an experienced San Jose car accident lawyer immediately. We can review your case, investigate the reasons for the denial, and help you appeal the decision or pursue other legal options to get you the compensation you deserve.
Should I accept the insurance company's initial settlement offer?
It’s generally not advisable to accept the insurance company’s initial settlement offer without first consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer can assess the full value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
If you’re injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Our attorneys can help you navigate this process and explore all available options to get you the compensation you need.
How can a San Jose car accident lawyer help me with my case?
A San Jose car accident lawyer can help you in many ways, including:
Investigating the accident and gathering evidence to support your claim.
Calculating the full value of your damages.
Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if necessary.
Protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.
What if I'm partially at fault for the accident?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would only be able to recover 80% of your total damages.
Why should I choose Scher, Bassett & Hames for my San Jose car accident case?
Scher, Bassett & Hames has a proven track record of success in handling car accident cases in San Jose and throughout California. We offer free consultations, work on a contingency fee basis, and are dedicated to providing personalized attention and aggressive advocacy to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.