Oakland Car Accident Lawyers
When careful drivers and innocent passengers suffer serious injuries in car accidents, the Oakland car accident attorneys and Oakland personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger fight to protect victims’ rights and help them recover the maximum, full and fair compensation they may be entitled to. Our award-winning personal injury lawyers, with more than 70 years of combined experience and millions of dollars recovered in verdicts and settlements, represent victims of serious injury and wrongful death in Oakland and throughout northern California. More than 90% of the personal injury and wrongful death cases we handle involve auto accidents, including car vs. car accidents, solo vehicle accidents, car vs. truck accidents, car vs. bicycle accidents, car vs. pedestrian accidents, and car vs. motorcycle accidents.
Causes of Oakland Car Accidents
The most common causes of car accidents include:
- Driver distractions, including cell phones, texting, looking at GPS devices or maps, and eating, etc.
- Fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (prescription or over-the-counter)
- Speeding
- Driving aggressively, cutting other motorists off, tailgating too closely, etc.
- Driving negligently given the road and visibility conditions.
It is not uncommon for car accidents to have multiple contributing causes. For example, speeding while driving under the influence of alcohol both reduce a driver’s reaction time and ability to stop suddenly. Drivers have a responsibility to pay attention at all times, and take into consideration conditions on the road. Driving 45 mph in a 45 mph zone may be unsafe in pouring rain or thick fog, when visibility is greatly reduced. Other causes of accidents include defective vehicles and vehicle parts and dangerous road conditions. In such cases, vehicle manufacturers and cities or counties responsible for maintaining roadways may be liable for injuries.
Alameda County and Oakland Car Accident Statistics
In 2008, 170,496 people were hurt, and 3,113 people died in car accidents in California. According to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 82 people died and 6,935 people were injured in reported accidents in Alameda County in 2008. These statistics include 34 fatalities and 2,211 injuries within the city of Oakland. More deaths and injuries were reported in Oakland than any other city in Alameda County.
Car Accident Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
One of the first known automobile fatalities ever was reported in London in 1896. The Coroner stated that he hoped “such a thing would never happen again.” More than a century later, deaths resulting from auto accidents occur every single day. The last known day without a fatal car accident in California was September 12, 2000. When car accidents are caused by negligence, family members of victims of fatal Oakland car accidents may pursue compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim.
Maximum Compensation For Your Claim
At Estey Bomberger, our approach to car accident claims is results-oriented. From the day you initially contact us, we will do everything we can to ensure you ultimately receive the largest possible settlement or verdict. We will review the accident report from the police, sheriff’s department, highway patrol or other law enforcement agency, interview witnesses, and gather all evidence relevant to your case. Additionally, if necessary, we will hire medical experts and accident reconstructionists to further demonstrate exactly how an accident occurred, how the injuries affect a victim, and why the defendant is liable.
Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you only have a limited amount of time to pursue compensation in a personal injury claim. Contact an Oakland personal injury lawyer at Estey Bomberger today to schedule a free consultation. We can be reached by phone at (510) 978-4380 or through our case review form on our website. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, one of our attorneys can meet you at your home or hospital. As part of our contingency fee agreement, we will not charge any fees unless we recover money for you.