Best Car Accident Lawyers in Pleasanton, CA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Pleasanton, California?

  The Pleasanton Police Department can be reached at (925) 931-5100.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Pleasanton, California?

  Accident reports may be obtained by paying a visit to the PPD at 4833 Bernal Ave. You can also request it by mail through USPS to the Pleasanton Police Department P.O. Box 909 Pleasanton, CA 94566. Send your request with a copy of your driver's license or the appropriate authorization letter. For any accidents that happened after June 15, 2022, the police report can be ordered online through LexisNexis BuyCrash. Please be informed that this is not available for those incidents that involved any deaths or a felony hit-and-run. There is a nominal fee of $1 for the first 1-10 pages and then $0.10 for any additional ones.

• Is it wise to accept the first settlement amount that is offered after a car accident in Pleasanton?

  If you are sure that you contributed 0% to the accident, then you are encouraged to reconsider accepting this, as you are more likely to receive a much higher amount of financial restitution if you obtain the help of an attorney and took the case to court. The only downside to this is that it will take much longer, but going this route will be worth it in the end as it would cover expensive medical and repair bills.

• Is it really necessary to get medical treatment immediately after a car accident in Pleasanton?

  Apart from it potentially saving your life from a yet unknown injury, yes, it is necessary. When you seek medical care, you establish a baseline for your health status when you first walk into the clinic or the hospital. This becomes very important later, if or when your condition worsens because new tests will now reflect just how much your health has deteriorated. Without the initial visit, comparisons cannot be made, and seeking additional compensation for that will become almost impossible.

• Who can a passenger sue for their injuries in a car accident in Pleasanton?

  Establishing fault this way may be a little bit more complicated as a passenger is not obligated to pay attention to the road and, therefore, may not have been completely aware of why the crash happened. It is important to note that being a passenger in someone's car means that they are partially responsible for your safety. If it is your driver who's at fault, they are liable for your compensation and that of the other driver. If both of them are at fault, then you can file a claim against both of their insurance carriers.

• What do you do if a driver hits your car in Pleasanton, damaged it, but then sped off before you could even ask for their information?

  This is called a hit-and-run and is classified as a misdemeanor if the runaway driver caused damage to property and a felony if they caused bodily harm or death. Here's what you can do if this happens to you:

  1. Try to write down everything that you can remember about the car that hit you. If you are quick enough, fire up your camera and take a picture or a video of the speeding car before it gets too far.
  2. Assess yourself and check for any injuries.
  3. Once you've seen that you are safe, move your vehicle to a safe area if possible.
  4. Call 911 and tell them about the situation. When the police arrive, show them the picture or the video you took of the vehicle if you were able to.
  5. Call your insurance carrier and inform them of what happened. You can wait for a police officer to arrive, as they can provide more details.

• Can a driver get sued for a car accident they caused in Pleasanton after their tires blew out?

  Not all of the time, especially if the driver is able to submit proof that the tires were either brand new or well maintained. In cases like this, the fault now lies entirely on any of the following entities:

  1. The company that sold them the tires
  2. The company that either designed or manufactured the tires
  3. The tire repair shop or the mechanic that tended to the tires prior to the accident

  The driver is only culpable for an accident like this if they are proven to have been negligent in the upkeep of their vehicle.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.