San Jose Personal Injury Attorney

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face life after a serious injury. With over 20 years of legal experience, our award-winning legal team has successfully recovered more than $1.6 billion in compensation for our clients. Having previously defended some of the largest corporations in the country, our seasoned trial attorneys now use that insider knowledge to fight relentlessly for injury victims and their families.

When negligence causes harm, you need a legal team that combines compassion with unparalleled legal expertise. Our San Jose personal injury lawyers are committed to securing maximum compensation while providing personalized, client-centered representation. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on what truly matters—your recovery.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to someone else’s careless actions, contact our San Jose personal injury law firm. Call us at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let us put our proven track record and dedication to work for you.

San Jose Accident Statistics

San Jose has grown into one of California’s largest and most dynamic cities. However, with rapid growth and heavy traffic from Silicon Valley’s tech-driven economy comes an unfortunate rise in accidents and personal injuries. Whether it’s a collision on the busy I-280 or a car accident off the 101 highway, accidents happen and can turn lives upside down in an instant.

Here are some alarming statistics on accidents in San Jose:

• According to the City of San Jose’s Department of Transportation, there were 3,827 traffic-related injuries and fatalities in San Jose in 2022.
• Fatalities have spiked, with 60 traffic fatalities in 2021, a 30% increase from the previous year.
• Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are major contributors to serious and fatal traffic accidents in San Jose and throughout California.

These statistics highlight the importance of being vigilant on the roads and the need for experienced personal injury attorneys to help accident victims navigate the legal process and secure fair compensation.

Why Choose a San Jose Personal Injury Lawyer?

Our personal injury lawyers possess extensive experience and knowledge of local personal injury law, insurance companies, and legal communities, making us an ideal choice for managing your case. As a reputable personal injury law firm, we provide comprehensive assistance to victims of personal injury cases, including those involving serious injuries, offering support to those who are hospitalized or incapacitated, and are available for consultation through secure video conferencing channels, phone, and email.

By choosing our San Jose personal injury lawyer, you gain the advantage of:

• Harvard-Educated Leadership
  Our President is one of the most prolific graduates in Harvard Law School’s history, bringing elite legal expertise to every case.
• Available 24/7 – We Come to You
  Unlike many firms, our legal team is ready to meet you wherever and whenever you need us — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Trusted by Celebrities
  High-profile clients have placed their trust in our firm to represent them with integrity and success.
• Multilingual Legal Team
  Our diverse, multilingual staff is ready to assist you in the language you’re most comfortable with, ensuring clear communication every step of the way.
• No Fees Unless We Win
  We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win or settle your case. No upfront costs, no hidden fees — just results-driven representation.

Hiring WCTL means having an advocate who is well-versed in investigating incidents, collecting data, and constructing convincing arguments before evidence is lost and witnesses’ recollections become hazy. Our San Jose lawyers will assist you in obtaining the evidence you require and Help you receive the settlement you are entitled to for your personal injuries

Personal Injury Cases We Handle in San Jose

San Jose personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases where one party has sustained an injury due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party. However, from what is typically seen in San Jose, motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, and wrongful death claims are some of the most common personal injury cases. With that in mind, it is important to familiarize yourself with these cases so you can make the necessary arrangements promptly and file a claim with a personal injury attorney.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents include a variety of different types of accidents from cars, motorcycles, trucks and even rideshare accidents. The primary contributors to motor vehicle accidents in San Jose are typically attributed to distracted driving, reckless driving, speeding, and road conditions. These accidents can result in severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities, making it essential to have a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.

Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, victims may suffer injuries that are either costly or leave them with long-lasting injuries. By working with a San Jose personal injury lawyer, you gain the advantage of having an advocate who understands the intricacies of motor vehicle accident cases and can effectively represent your interests in negotiations with insurance companies or in court if necessary.

Slip and Fall Incidents

One of the most common types of accidents that can occur to a person, slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere there is a wet or uneven surface. In fact, the primary sources of slip and fall incidents in San Jose are typically attributed to:

• Wet and uneven walking surfaces
• Faulty sidewalks
• Slippery floors in shopping malls
• Hazardous conditions in stairways
• Broken steps or flooring

Due to the nature of slip and fall accidents, they can occur anywhere and anytime and as such, it can be difficult to determine liability. However, a skilled San Jose personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process of slip and fall cases, gather evidence, establish liability, and negotiate with insurance companies/property owners, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Wrongful Death Claims

If a loved one has died in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can help you recover damages for the loss of your loved one, including funeral and burial costs, loss of income and financial support, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.

While there is no amount of money that can replace a human life, a San Jose accident attorney can help you navigate the complex process of filing a wrongful death claim and ensure you receive compensation for your devastating loss. With their expertise, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal aspects of your case.

Other Types of Cases We Handle

As there are many different types of personal injury cases, if you have been injured and would like to seek legal representation, we highly suggest contacting our San Jose injury attorneys for a free consultation. This will lead to a better understanding of what specific damages you have incurred and what steps you should take in order to file your claim correctly. If you are unsure whether your accident is viable for a claim, these are the other types of cases we handle and can help you with.

• Dog Bites
• Wrongful Death
• Uber and Lyft Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Burn Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Brain Injury
• Food Delivery Accident
• Premises Liability
• Scooter Accidents

What to Do After an Accident in San Jose

If you’ve been injured in an accident in San Jose, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after an accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get medical treatment as soon as possible. This will help prevent further complications and provide a record of your injuries.
2. Document the Accident Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles or property. This will help establish the cause of the accident and support your personal injury claim.
3. Gather Witness Statements: Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements can be invaluable in supporting your claim.
4. Contact an Experienced San Jose Personal Injury Attorney: A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of filing a personal injury claim and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

By following these steps, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful personal injury claim. Remember, a knowledgeable San Jose personal injury attorney can be your strongest ally in securing the compensation you deserve.

How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case

When choosing a personal injury lawyer in San Jose, it is important to evaluate the following factors:

• Experience
• Reputation
• Fees

Consider their specialization in personal injury cases and their track record of success in handling similar cases. To research the lawyer’s reputation, read reviews, testimonials, and check their standing with professional organizations such as the state bar association. However, communication is an essential factor to consider when selecting a lawyer, because having a lawyer who keeps you informed of the progress of your case and is available to answer any questions you may have is vital, especially if there is a lot riding on your case.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of and understand the lawyer’s fee structure to ensure it is compatible with your expected budget. Many personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are only compensated if they are successful in winning your case. Before making your decision, arrange consultations with several attorneys to evaluate their qualifications, methodology, and fees. Trust your instincts and select a lawyer with whom you have a good rapport, as establishing a strong attorney-client relationship is essential for achieving a positive result.

Navigating the Personal Injury Claim Process in San Jose

San Jose personal injury lawyers guide clients through the claim process, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to preparing for trial if necessary. In order to validate a personal injury claim, including wrongful death claims, it must be demonstrated that another individual was legally liable for causing the injuries in question.

Should a personal injury lawsuit be necessary, the lawyer will strive to attain an out-of-court settlement or represent the client in court. The outcome of your case depends on various factors, such as the strength of the evidence, the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

With the assistance of a personal injury lawyer, you can navigate the often complex and challenging process of dealing with insurance companies and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Understanding Compensation in Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury compensation can include economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Economic damages go beyond covering only the medical expenses at hand. They even reflect potential injuries with current and future medical needs, as well as any lost wages. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are known as general damages which include pain and suffering, disfigurement, and decreased quality of life.

San Jose personal injury lawyers can help you accurately calculate and pursue these damages, ensuring that you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. They will consider factors such as:

• Past and future medical bills
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Lost earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement

However, if you wish to calculate these expenses on your own time, use our personal injury settlement calculator to get a rough estimation for your personal injury claim.

Common Challenges in Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases can present various challenges, such as proving liability, calculating damages, and dealing with insurance companies. Establishing liability can be a difficult task, as it involves collecting evidence and presenting it in a convincing manner to the court. In a personal injury case, San Jose personal injury attorneys have the expertise and know-how to assist you with proving liability, ensuring that you have the best possible chance of success.

Calculating damages in personal injury cases can be complex, as determining the full extent of an injury and its impact on a victim’s life can be a challenging task. Our personal injury lawyers have the expertise and knowledge to assist in calculating damages, helping you secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Dealing with insurance companies can be another challenge in personal injury cases, as they often aim to minimize the amount of compensation they offer. San Jose personal injury attorneys can:

• Assist you in negotiating with insurance companies
• Provide expertise and proficiency in handling insurance claims
• Help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case

Dealing with Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Claims

Insurance companies are accountable for providing compensation to the affected party in personal injury claims, though they may attempt to minimize their responsibility for the resulting harm. San Jose personal injury lawyers can provide guidance throughout the process of dealing with insurance companies, helping to ensure that you are adequately compensated for your injuries.

By working with Serious injury lawyers, you gain the advantage of having an advocate who understands the intricacies of dealing with insurance companies and can effectively represent your interests in negotiations or in court if necessary. This can make the difference between receiving a fair settlement and being left with mounting medical bills and financial hardships.

Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in San Jose

According to section 335.1 of California’s Code of Civil Procedure, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is generally two years from the date of injury, with some exceptions. It is important to consult with a San Jose personal injury lawyer to ensure you file your claim within the appropriate time frame, as failing to do so could result in the forfeiture of your legal right to recover compensation.

In certain circumstances, such as cases involving government entities or minors, different time limits may apply. Your San Jose personal injury attorney will be able to advise you on the specific time limits that apply to your case and help ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Personal Injury Case?

The time it takes to resolve a personal injury case in San Jose can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• The complexity of the case
• The number of parties involved
• The availability of evidence
• The willingness of the parties to negotiate

On average, a personal injury case can take anywhere from a few months to several years to resolve. A San Jose personal injury attorney can provide you with a more accurate estimate of the time it will take to resolve your case based on the specific circumstances.

It’s essential to remember that patience and persistence are key when it comes to resolving a personal injury case. A skilled and experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure you receive financial compensation for your injuries. With their guidance, you can focus on your recovery while they work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Speak to the Best Injury Attorneys in San Jose for Free!

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our seasoned San Jose personal injury attorneys bring unparalleled experience to every step of your case. From gathering critical evidence and accurately assessing damages, to skillfully negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, championing your cause in court, we operate at the highest level of legal advocacy. Our team includes some of the nation’s most accomplished trial lawyers, ensuring that you receive not only personalized support, but also the advantage of true legal firepower.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty to ensure our clients are properly represented in the California court system. With West Coast Trial Lawyers at your side, you can focus on healing while we fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome on your behalf. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our legal team is available 24/7 and will be there every step of the way.

To schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to our 24/7 team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement Right After the Accident?

Avoid accepting any offers from insurance companies before speaking with a personal injury attorney. Early offers are often lowball settlements meant to minimize payouts. An attorney can evaluate the true value of your claim.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim If I Didn’t Feel Hurt Right After the Accident?

Yes. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and contact an attorney once you’re diagnosed.

What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

If the other driver doesn’t have insurance or adequate coverage, you may still be able to recover damages through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or by filing a claim against the at-fault party personally.

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Court?

Most personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, our experienced trial lawyers are prepared to take your case to court and fight for maximum compensation.

Can I Recover Damages If I Was Injured While Visiting California?

Yes. Out-of-state visitors can file a personal injury claim if they were injured in California. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process, even if you live outside the state.

How Is Compensation Calculated in Personal Injury Cases?

Compensation is based on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless.