On July 23, 2017, our client was a passenger in a friend’s 2013 Honda Accord traveling on Overhill Road in Orinda, CA. The vehicle’s driver lost control, veering off the road and colliding with a concrete pillar before overturning; thus, it was a single-vehicle crash. This incident resulted in our client sustaining serious injuries, significant medical expenses, and a substantial loss of income, creating a challenging situation.
Details of the Single-Vehicle Collision
The accident involved a single vehicle, with the driver’s negligence being the sole cause of the collision. Despite clear road conditions, the driver’s loss of control led to a severe impact. Our client, seated in the front passenger seat, suffered multiple injuries, including severe back pain, dental trauma, facial scarring, and a concussion. He was transported to Highland Hospital in Alameda County for immediate treatment. State Farm Insurance insured the vehicle.
Case Facts and Legal Advocacy
Following the accident, our client required extensive medical care for injuries, including spinal fractures (C1 and C5), a closed head injury, a broken nose, lacerations, and embedded glass in his lower lip. Initially, State Farm Insurance offered a settlement of $150,000, which was far below the actual value of the damages.
Facing mounting medical bills and lost wages, our client sought legal representation from GJEL Accident Attorneys. He needed answers to critical questions:
- Who would be responsible for his escalating medical expenses?
- How would he manage his financial obligations and lost income?
- What if he faced permanent, life-altering injuries?
GJEL attorneys initiated a thorough investigation and obtained the police report from the Orinda Police Department, which confirmed the driver’s 100% liability.
Successful Settlement and Resolution
Despite State Farm’s initial low offer, GJEL Accident Attorneys persisted, meticulously gathering evidence and documenting the client’s medical treatment. Through aggressive representation, attorneys Andy Gillin and Jim Larsen successfully negotiated an $875,000 settlement for our client, avoiding litigation.
Key Case Details
- Insurance Company: State Farm
- Police Report: Orinda Police Department
- Vehicle: 2013 Honda Accord
- Accident Location: Overhill Road, Orinda, CA
- Medical Facilities: Moraga Orinda Fire Dept, John Muir Med Center, John Muir ER Physicians, Bay Imaging Consultants, Medical & Aesthetic Dermatology, Lafayette Optometry Group, Diablo Neurosurgical Med Group, Berkeley-Orinda Oral Surgery, Sports Medicine and Rehab, University of California, San Diego Neurological Institute, Physiotherapy Associates, Orinda Family Chiropractic, G Sports Physical Therapy, Alta Bates Summit Magnetic Imaging, Kaiser Oakland Medical Center, NorCal Imaging Oakland, Spinecare Medical Group
- Injuries: Spinal fractures (C1, C5), closed head injury, dental injuries, broken nose, lacerations, embedded glass in the lower lip.
This case vividly illustrates a single-vehicle accident’s devastating impact on a passenger, even when the driver is a friend. Our client’s severe injuries and subsequent financial burdens underscored the importance of holding negligent drivers accountable.
GJEL Accident Attorneys’ unwavering commitment to our client’s well-being, coupled with our thorough investigation and aggressive negotiation, resulted in a significant settlement that will allow him to rebuild his life. This outcome reinforces the necessity of seeking skilled legal representation after any serious accident.
Navigating the complexities of insurance claims and medical bills can be overwhelming, especially when recovering from significant injuries. Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line, leading to inadequate settlement offers.
GJEL Accident Attorneys understands accident victims’ challenges and is dedicated to fighting for their rights. We strive to provide compassionate and effective legal representation, ensuring our clients receive the full compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Our experienced team will thoroughly evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process. Let us help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life and get the justice you deserve.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.