On April 28, 2016, at 6:22 p.m., our client drove eastbound on Highway 24 towards State Route 13 southbound, approximately 3,300 feet east of Broadway in Oakland, California. Another vehicle struck her from behind while operating her 2014 Lexus RL350 in compliance with traffic laws. This collision resulted in significant damage to her vehicle and caused her to sustain serious injuries, leading to lost wages and substantial medical expenses.
Car accidents can be life-altering events, not just physically but emotionally and financially as well. After enduring such an incident, many victims find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of recovery and the legal processes that follow.
It’s important to understand the full implications of an accident, which can often extend beyond immediate medical needs to include long-term care, rehabilitation, and even changes to one’s lifestyle and career. This case exemplifies the importance of having skilled legal representation to navigate these challenging waters.
Details of the Oakland Car Accident
Establishing fault is crucial in rear-end collisions, as it can significantly impact the compensation a victim receives. Statistics show that rear-end accidents account for a significant percentage of all traffic accidents.
This is largely due to distracted driving, where a driver may fail to notice a stopped or slowing vehicle in time. In this case, the negligent actions of the driver in the 2006 Acura MDX not only caused physical harm but also triggered a prolonged journey through recovery and legal battles for our client.
This incident involved a rear-end collision caused by the driver’s negligent actions of a 2006 Acura MDX. The other driver veered into our client’s lane, resulting in the impact. There were no adverse road conditions at the time of the accident.
Our client sustained a closed head injury from her head, striking the driver’s side window. Paramedics Plus transported her to Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, where she was treated for a concussion.
Legal representation is not just about winning a case; it is about guiding the victim through the labyrinth of medical documentation and insurance claims that follow an accident. Our client faced the challenge of dealing with medical providers while attempting to recover from her injuries.
This added stress can complicate the healing process, making it imperative that victims have attorneys who can shoulder that burden. Negotiating with insurance companies can often feel daunting, as they may attempt to minimize the severity of injuries to reduce payouts.
Case Facts and Legal Action
Following the accident, our client required ongoing medical treatment, including cognitive rehabilitation. USAA Insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurer, initially disputed the severity of her injuries, questioning whether the forces involved were sufficient to cause a concussion. Facing mounting medical bills and lost income, our client sought legal representation from GJEL Accident Attorneys.
She needed answers to critical questions:
- Who would be responsible for her escalating medical expenses?
- How would she manage her financial obligations and lost income?
- What if she faced permanent, life-altering injuries?
GJEL attorneys initiated a thorough investigation, obtaining the police report from the Oakland California Highway Patrol, which confirmed the other driver’s 100% liability. GJEL’s accident reconstruction specialist demonstrated that the forces of the collision were indeed significant enough to cause a concussion and post-concussion syndrome.
Beyond financial compensation, recovering from injuries involves addressing the emotional and psychological impacts of an accident. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD after a traumatic event like a car accident.
Therapy and counseling can be essential components of recovery, and these costs should also be considered when pursuing compensation. Our client’s journey highlights the multi-faceted nature of recovery, including physical healing and emotional support systems.
The successful settlement in this case reminds us that proactive legal action can lead to positive outcomes. Victims who engage with attorneys early often have better chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Gathering as much evidence as possible following an accident is critical, including medical records, photographic evidence from the scene, and eyewitness accounts. This thorough documentation forms the backbone of a strong case while aiding in the negotiation process with insurance companies.
Successful Settlement and Resolution
Despite USAA’s initial resistance, attorney Andy Gillin successfully negotiated a $300,000 settlement for our client within five months without litigation. This outcome compensated our client for her medical expenses and lost wages.
Key Case Details
- Insurance Companies: USAA, Geico
- Police Report: Oakland California Highway Patrol
- Vehicles: 2014 Lexus RL350, 2006 Acura MDX
- Accident Location: Highway 24 eastbound, towards State Route 13 southbound, 3,300 feet east of Broadway, Oakland, CA
- Medical Facilities: Paramedics Plus, Kaiser Oakland
- Injuries: Closed head injury, concussion
Call to Action
This case demonstrates GJEL Accident Attorneys’ unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of accident victims. Our team’s comprehensive approach—integrating meticulous investigation, expert analysis, and strategic negotiation—ensured that our client received a fair settlement and regained stability in her life post-accident. Understanding the legal landscape and advocating for our client’s needs were pivotal in achieving this outcome.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Oakland or any part of Northern California, reaching out to GJEL Accident Attorneys is crucial. We recognize the immense challenges that arise—medical bills piling up, loss of income, and the emotional strain of recovery.
With our dedicated team of experienced attorneys, you will have the support and guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of your case. We advocate fiercely for your rights and work diligently to secure the compensation you require for recovery.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation. Let us help you get back on track and secure the compensation you deserve.
It’s important to remember that the legal process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. GJEL Accident Attorneys operates on a contingency fee basis—we only get paid if we win your case. This means our interests align with yours, ensuring we put in the effort required to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Contact us today for a free consultation, where we will discuss your case in detail and outline the steps we can take together to secure your future. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the legal experts.
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.