Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident in San Jose, California? Our leading attorneys at Mercado Kramer, LLP can help you fight for compensation. Call us at (888) 311-4050 to learn how an experienced San Jose car accident lawyer can help. Your consultation is always free of charge.
Between us, our lawyers have over 18 years of experience handling personal injury cases. We have the resources and skills to help you get the compensation you deserve.
The at-fault driver may owe you compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Don’t expect them to hand over a fair amount without a fight. Get the legal advice you deserve by calling our San Jose personal injury attorneys today.
Why Should I Call Mercado Kramer, LLP to Help Me Recover Compensation After a Car Accident in San Jose?
At Mercado Kramer, LLP, our number one priority is securing top financial results for our clients in San Jose, CA. Car accidents can be extremely frustrating. They’re also expensive. If you were injured, you may suddenly find yourself unable to work, all while you watch your savings dwindle.
If someone else caused you to crash, they should be held accountable, not you. Our experienced San Jose personal injury lawyers know how to make that happen. While all car accident claims are different, we have the tools to help you recover the compensation you deserve based on your injuries.
Our San Jose car accident attorneys are known for being compassionate and patient, yet we never back down from a fight when securing compensation for our clients. To learn more, call for a free consultation today.
Statistics on Car Accidents in San Jose
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) publishes statistics on motor vehicle accidents in California.
According to their data, 3,036 people were injured or killed in traffic accidents across San Jose in a recent year.
Those crashes include:
- 496 speed-related crashes
- 804 DUI arrests
- 318 pedestrian accidents
In other words, car crashes statistically occur every day in San Jose. On average, around eight people were injured or killed in auto accidents every single day during that year.
What Is My San Jose Car Accident Case Worth?
This is often the first question accident victims ask. It’s also one of the most important, and, unfortunately, one of the most difficult to answer without the facts.
Our lawyers will evaluate all relevant details while we’re calculating the value of your personal injury case, including:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- Your projected recovery prospects
- Current medical treatment costs
- Your current lost wages
- The expected cost of ongoing medical care, rehab, and assistance
- The anticipated impacts of any long-term or permanent disability
- The extent of your pain, suffering, and trauma
- The strength of the evidence
Whatever your case is actually worth, expect that the insurance company will offer a lower amount. Any initial insurance evaluation is unlikely to be fair. The insurance adjuster’s goal is to get you to accept a quick settlement that’s as low as possible.
That’s one reason why it’s so important to have an experienced accident attorney on your team.
What Types of Compensation Are Available to Car Accident Victims in San Jose?
Victims are entitled to seek two main forms of compensation after an auto accident: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate you for financial costs, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages represent your physical and emotional losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- PTSD and fear
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
While difficult to prove, the value of your non-economic damages can be significant if you were seriously hurt. Many victims struggle to return to their “normal” lives after a serious crash. You deserve the fullest compensation available.
That’s where our lawyers can help. We’ll collect evidence, bring in experts, and use our negotiating skills to obtain all available compensation in your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer to Handle a Car Accident Injury Case in California?
Like most personal injury law firms, Mercado Kramer, LLP works on a contingency fee basis. You’ll agree to pay us a fixed percentage of your settlement or verdict. There are no upfront costs, and you never pay unless we win.
Can I Recover Damages if I’m Being Blamed for a Car Accident in California?
Yes. Shared fault usually does not bar you from recovering compensation if you were injured in an accident in California.
California follows a pure comparative negligence law. If the defense can prove that you share some blame, your damages will typically be reduced to account for it. For example, if you were 25% responsible for the crash, you remain entitled to 75% of your compensation award.
Common Car Accident Injuries in San Jose, CA
Car accidents can cause significant damage.
We often represent clients who have sustained:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Concussions
- Chest injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Whiplash injuries and other soft tissue damage
- Burns
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Knee and leg injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- The wrongful death of a loved one
We know how important your compensation award is to your recovery and future. We’re passionate about holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Call our lawyers in San Jose for a free case evaluation today if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Cases in San Jose
Our personal injury attorneys in San Jose have nearly two decades of combined experience.
We have the tools to handle any type of car accident, including:
- Rollover accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Highway accidents
- Multiple vehicle crashes
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Truck accidents and other commercial vehicle wrecks
- Rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers
- Motorcycle accidents
- Speeding accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Hit-and-run accidents
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, we’re ready to put our expertise to work for you. Contact us today to arrange your free case review.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Jose?
While car accidents can occur for many different reasons, some of the top causes of crashes include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating
- Speeding and other traffic violations
- Fatigued drivers
- Drunk driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Inexperienced drivers
- Lane departures
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Failure to check blind spots
- Poor vehicle maintenance
In the end, driver error is the leading cause of car crashes. It can be difficult to prove exactly why the crash occurred. The police report will be a good start, but it likely won’t provide all the evidence needed to prove your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Compensation After a Car Accident in California?
A two-year statute of limitations governs most California personal injury claims. You’ll typically have two years from the date of the crash to take legal action. Wait any longer, and you’ll likely lose your right to compensation.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in California?
Four key elements must be established to prove negligence:
- Duty: The defendant owed you a legal duty of care.
- Breach: They breached their duty by failing to use reasonable caution.
- Causation: That breach directly caused your car wreck.
- Damages: You can identify specific losses you suffered as a result.
From a practical perspective, you’ll need evidence.
Evidence in car accident cases often includes:
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Accident reports
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Medical records and other documentation
- Traffic citations
- Video footage
- Photographs
Testimony from experts is often key to proving more complex or hotly contested issues.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in San Jose?
After a car wreck, it’s important to stay calm and, if possible, move the vehicles to a safe location nearby.
You should also:
- Call 911 to report the accident, even if no injuries are obvious
- Remain at the scene
- Take photos and videos of the crash scene, obvious injuries, and vehicle damage
- Exchange contact information and insurance details
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses
- Avoid apologizing—apologies can be construed as admissions of fault
- Seek medical care even if you don’t appear to have serious injuries
Call a lawyer as soon as possible. Getting an attorney involved quickly can be the smartest move you make after a crash.
Call an Experienced San Jose Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review Today
It’s never too early to get the legal advice you deserve. If you were involved in a car accident, call our experienced San Jose car accident lawyers today. At Mercado Kramer, LLP, your consultation is completely free.
