San Jose Accident Attorney

You've come to the right place if you're looking for a San Jose accident attorney to fight for you or your loved one. Because we are America's largest injury firm, you can count on us when you need a well-equipped and knowledgeable lawyer who understands your pain and is dedicated to fighting for your best interests. Contact us to learn more about how we might be able to help.

When to Hire a San Jose Accident Attorney

Not every car accident case in San Jose requires an attorney's intervention. For example, if you've not suffered serious injuries or did not incur property damage worth over $1000, chances are you won't need an attorney. We've seen that most insurance companies usually settle such minor claims without much resistance.
 
You may need an attorney:

• if you or someone involved in the accident has sustained severe injuries or if the accident resulted in death;
• when there is a dispute regarding who is at fault for the accident;
• if the insurance carrier refuses to settle your claim for unfair reasons;
• if the car accident has resulted in long-term or permanent disabilities that require ongoing medical care or will significantly impact your ability to work and lead a normal life; or
• if you suffered substantial financial losses and property damage.

 
Since each car accident case is different, there is always a possibility that you may be unsure how to proceed with your case or whether you need an attorney. If that's what you're dealing with, you're better off consulting an attorney than handling the case yourself.

What to Look for in a San Jose Car Accident Attorney

San Jose has one of the highest car accident rates in California, which explains why you'll likely come across many lawyers and law firms offering legal advice and representation for victims. But don't let that make you ignore the fact that not every lawyer or firm you come across in this city has what it takes to handle your case.
 
You want an attorney with proven experience handling car accident cases in this city. This is because traffic laws are never constant; they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and you need someone familiar with local laws and how to navigate them to obtain the best possible outcome.
 
A car accident case often requires extensive resources, from the initial investigation to battling insurance companies for a favorable settlement. For this reason, you want to ensure that the lawyer you choose has access to accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, paralegals, investigators, and other professionals who can provide valuable support to your case.
 
Don't forget to research the lawyer's track record and the previous outcomes they have achieved for their clients. The right lawyer will have a history of securing favorable settlements or verdicts for their clients and won't shy away from showing these results. For instance, at Morgan and Morgan, we can proudly say that we've helped our clients recover over $23 billion since 1988.
 
Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to find valuable insights into the lawyer's
professionalism, communication skills, commitment, and other critical aspects you need to know about them. While it's not possible to make every client happy, you want an attorney whose reviews are mostly positive. Just to give you some perspective, Morgan and Morgan has over 28,000 5-star reviews on Google.
 
What's the attorney's reputation? If it's a law firm, what are they best known for? You need an attorney or injury firm that makes you feel confident working with them. For instance, the fact that Morgan and Morgan is America's largest injury firm inspires confidence among our clients, knowing that their cases are in safe hands and we won't ever run out of resources to fight for them.
 
Next, once you've found an attorney you believe can represent you, you'll need to schedule a consultation to assess whether you feel comfortable working with them. A good lawyer-client relationship is built on trust, open communication, and a shared understanding of your goals. Only choose a lawyer who listens to your concerns, explains the legal process in a way you can understand, and demonstrates genuine empathy toward your situation.

Damages Available to Car Accident Victims in San Jose

One good thing about California's car accident laws is that there are no caps on the compensatory damages accident victims may be able to recover. You could recover compensation for medical expenses, lost current and future wages, property damage, pain and suffering, long-term or permanent disability or impairment, wrongful death, or any other type of damage that applies.

Overview of the Kind of Information Your Lawyer Will Need From You

Assuming you've finally found an attorney to handle your case, you'll need to feed them with crucial information about the accident. That's the only way they'll be able to build a strong case for you.
 
During the initial consultation with the attorney, they will need a detailed account of the car accident, including the date, time, and location. Explain how the accident occurred to the best of your recollection and describe any factors that may have contributed to the collision.
 
Inform the lawyer about any injuries you sustained from the accident and if you already received or are receiving medical treatment. If you already sought medical attention, remember to provide medical records, bills, and your doctor's report regarding the injuries you sustained.
 
You should also share the details of your insurance coverage, including the names of the insurance companies involved, policy numbers, and any communications you have had with the insurance adjusters. If you took any information about the other party's insurance carrier, make sure you provide that to your attorney as well.
 
The same applies if you filed a police report at the scene of the accident. If you obtained a copy of the report, share it with your legal team. But don't worry if you did not obtain a copy; the attorney should be able to access it by visiting the California Highway Patrol's website or other relevant government sources.

Things to Do to Increase Your Chances of Obtaining a Favorable Outcome

Getting compensation for your injuries after a car accident in San Jose or elsewhere in California goes beyond filing a claim with the insurance carrier. You'll likely face many obstacles along the way, even with an attorney in the picture. That said, you can improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome by:

• Not posting about the accident on social media. This is because the insurance company may monitor your social media activity to try to find any reason to challenge your claim.
• Following your doctor's instructions. If you have gaps in your treatment records, the insurance company will use that to dispute your claim and argue that you were not seriously injured as initially claimed.
• Being honest with your lawyer. Do not exaggerate your injuries or lie about anything. Remember, you can always confide in your attorney because they have your best interests at heart, and any discussion you have with them is confidential. The last thing the attorney wants is an unexpected bombshell when negotiating a reasonable settlement for you.
• Keeping all communications about the accident strictly between you and your legal team. Anything you say to a third party could be taken out of context and used against you to jeopardize your claim.