San Jose Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are much too common in the San Jose area, from high-speed freeway collisions to pedestrian accidents on urban and suburban roads. Accidents can also happen in parking lots, and they can impact motor vehicle occupants as well as motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), traffic fatalities have been rising recently in California, and more than 4,000 people sustain fatal injuries each year. Thousands more people experience nonfatal injuries that can require extensive medical care and time away from work. No matter what type of car accident injury you sustained, it is important to seek legal help with a claim for compensation. Contact our experienced San Jose car accident lawyer today.

How to Seek Compensation for a Car Accident Injury in San Jose

How can you seek compensation after a car accident in San Jose? An initial step often involves filing an auto insurance claim. You may be able to file a third-party claim through the negligent driver’s auto insurance, or you might file a first-party claim through your own auto insurance. There are benefits and limitations to each approach. With a third-party claim, you will not have to pay your deductible up front, but the claim may take longer depending on a range of factors. With a first-party claim, you will have to pay your deductible up front, but you may be able to negotiate a settlement more quickly.

An issue with serious car accidents is that minimum liability insurance requirements in California are often insufficient to cover all losses. In California, drivers have been required to carry liability insurance in the amounts of $15,000 for one person in an accident, $30,000 for two or more persons in a crash, and $5,000 for property damage. Beginning January 1, 2025, those amounts increase to $30,000 for one person in an accident, $60,000 for two or more persons in a crash, and $15,000 for property damage. If a negligent driver’s liability insurance is not enough to cover your losses, you will often need to file a lawsuit.

With a civil lawsuit, you can seek monetary damages for medical bills and lost wages, as well as compensation for your pain, suffering, and other subjective losses. Under California law, most car accident lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. After that point, the claim becomes time-barred and you will not be eligible to obtain compensation through a civil lawsuit.

Reach Out to Our San Jose Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents are almost always preventable if motorists and other parties behave safely behind the wheel and consider their own well-being and the safety of others. However, motor vehicle accidents are more common in San Jose and throughout the Bay Area than you might think. Whether you are planning to begin the claims process with an insurance claim or you want to find out more about identifying the liable party and filing a civil lawsuit, the firm of Venardi Zurada LLP can assist you. Contact our experienced San Jose car accident lawyer to find out more about how our firm can help.

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