San Jose Personal Injury Attorney
Helping Injured Victims in California
When you are injured in an accident, you may be left with a number of questions and concerns. How will you pay for your medical bills? How will you support your family if you are unable to work? How will you get your life back on track? At Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, we understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to help.
Our San Jose personal injury attorneys have been serving the needs of injured victims and their families throughout the state of California for more than three decades. We have the experience, resources, and skill to handle even the most complex cases, and we are prepared to fight for you.
Call our office at (916) 999-9132 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in San Jose today.
What Is Personal Injury?
Personal injury is a legal term that refers to any injury to the body, mind, or emotions, as opposed to an injury to property. In the context of personal injury law, an “injury” is any harm that is suffered by one person as a result of another person’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct.
Some of the most common types of personal injury cases we handle in San Jose include:
- Car Accidents: Cases where individuals are injured in collisions involving automobiles, often due to factors like negligence, speeding, or impaired driving. An injury lawyer San Jose relies on can help navigate these claims efficiently.
- Bus Accidents: Injuries resulting from accidents involving buses, which may be public transportation or private buses, are managed by personal injury attorney San Jose professionals accustomed to handling complex local transit cases.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Injuries sustained in accidents involving motorcycles, typically due to collisions with other vehicles, require detailed understanding that injury attorneys in San Jose can provide.
- Trucking Accidents: Cases involving injuries resulting from accidents with large trucks or commercial vehicles.
- Bicycle Accidents: Injuries sustained by individuals riding bicycles, often involving collisions with motor vehicles.
- Boating Accidents: Cases where individuals are injured in accidents on watercraft, such as boats or ships.
- Claims Against Public Entities: Legal actions against government entities for injuries caused by their negligence, such as accidents on public property.
- Common Carrier Claims: Injuries suffered while using public transportation or other common carriers, like taxis or ride-sharing services.
- Explosions & Fire Injuries: Cases involving injuries caused by explosions or fires, often in industrial settings or due to defective products.
- Mass Transit Accidents: Injuries occurring on public transportation systems, including buses and trains.
- Off-Road & Recreational Vehicle Accidents: Injuries resulting from accidents involving off-road vehicles, ATVs, or recreational activities.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Cases where pedestrians are injured, often in collisions with motor vehicles.
- Premises Liability: Injuries occurring on another person’s property due to unsafe conditions, such as slip and fall incidents.
- Product Liability: Injuries caused by defective or dangerous products.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Cases involving damage to the spinal cord, leading to severe and often long-term consequences.
- Swimming Pool & Drowning Accidents: Injuries or fatalities that occur in or around swimming pools.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Cases involving severe head injuries that result in long-term cognitive or physical impairment.
- Wrongful Death: Legal action filed by the family or heirs of a person who has died due to the negligence or wrongful act of another.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this two-year time frame, you will almost certainly lose your right to seek compensation for your damages.
There are a few exceptions to the two-year rule. For example, if you did not discover your injury right away, you may have one year from the date you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury to file a lawsuit. Additionally, if the at-fault party is a government entity, you will need to file a claim with the appropriate government agency, often within six months of the date of the injury. If the agency denies your claim, you will then generally have a limited time, frequently six months from the date of the denial, to file a lawsuit.
Because the statute of limitations is so strict, it is important that you get in touch with a San Jose personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner you contact our firm, the sooner we can get to work on your case and help ensure that your right to pursue compensation is protected.
What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in California?
There is no such thing as an “average” personal injury settlement. The amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, the amount of time you missed from work, and the impact your injuries have had on your overall quality of life.
Some of the damages you may be able to recover in a personal injury lawsuit include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Our San Jose personal injury lawyers can review the details of your case and help you understand what types of compensation you may be entitled to. We can also help you understand what your case may be worth and what you can expect moving forward.
What To Do After an Accident
The hours and days after a serious accident can feel chaotic, and many people are unsure of what steps to take to protect their health and their legal rights. Taking a few practical actions can make a significant difference in how your claim is documented and how smoothly the process goes later. By understanding what to do right away, you can focus on your recovery while also preserving important information that may be needed by an injury attorney or an insurance company.
First, you should seek medical attention as soon as you can, even if you believe your injuries are minor or you feel you can “walk it off.” Some serious conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not be obvious at the scene but can be identified through evaluation at facilities like Santa Clara Valley Medical Center or other nearby hospitals and urgent care centers. Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also creates a clear medical record connecting your condition to the accident.
When it is safe to do so, try to gather information at the scene by taking photos or videos of the vehicles, hazards, or conditions that contributed to your injury, and by collecting contact details for witnesses. If law enforcement responds, such as the San Jose Police Department or California Highway Patrol, make note of the report number so it can be requested later. You should also notify your own insurance carrier within a reasonable time, but avoid giving detailed recorded statements to another party’s insurer until you have spoken with a personal injury attorney who can advise you on how to proceed.
Finally, it is wise to reach out to a qualified accident attorney before signing any documents or accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company. Early legal guidance can help you avoid mistakes, such as missing important deadlines or underestimating the long-term impact of your injuries. By consulting with a firm that regularly handles complex claims in and around San Jose, you can better understand your options and make informed choices about how to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Go to Court for My Personal Injury Claim?
Most personal injury claims in San Jose are resolved through out-of-court settlements, but there are situations where a trial may be necessary to achieve fair compensation. After your injury attorney in San Jose files a claim and presents evidence to the insurance company, negotiations often take place between both parties in hopes of reaching a mutually agreeable settlement. However, if the at-fault party’s insurer disputes liability or the value of your damages, your attorney may recommend pursuing the matter in Santa Clara County Superior Court. Trials involve presenting your case to a judge or jury, who will then decide the outcome. While going to court can feel overwhelming, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Jose can provide reassurance and prepare you for each phase of the process. At Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP, we prioritize your preferences and keep your best interests in mind, aiming for a favorable result—whether through settlement or litigation—based on the specifics of your case. If you are searching for a personal injury attorney San Jose trusts, we can guide you through every step.
How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?
The timeline for a personal injury case in San Jose can vary widely depending on the complexity of the facts, the severity of injuries, and whether fault is apparent or contested. Some straightforward cases settle within a few months, while more complex cases involving multiple parties or significant injuries can take a year or more, especially if a lawsuit must be filed and the matter is set for trial in Santa Clara County Superior Court. Gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, handling medical evaluations, and participating in the court’s mandatory settlement conferences are all key steps that affect your case’s duration. Choosing a personal injury attorney San Jose residents trust—who is responsive and organized—can help move your case along efficiently. At Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP, we keep you updated at every stage, promptly address any delays, and work diligently with local providers and the court to resolve your claim as quickly as circumstances allow, while never compromising your right to fair compensation. For those searching for a personal injury lawyer near me or an injury attorney in San Jose, we are here to help you navigate the legal process.
How Can Our San Jose Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?
Our team at Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP is committed to providing you with the personalized, one-on-one attention you deserve. We will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and address your concerns. We will keep you informed about the progress of your case and provide you with the compassionate, aggressive representation you need and deserve.
Our San Jose personal injury attorneys can help you by:
- Investigating your accident and gathering evidence
- Identifying the liable party/parties
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Filing all necessary paperwork and handling all legal aspects of your case
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Preparing your case for trial, if necessary
Contact us today at (916) 999-9132 to let our San Jose personal injury lawyer fight for you while you make the best possible recovery from injury.
