In the early morning, our client was driving her Dodge Charger westbound on I-80 at the El Portal undercrossing in Richmond, Contra Costa County, taking her husband to work. She was suddenly confronted with a Honda Accord, stopped and facing her, billowing smoke, in the #1 lane.
Despite her efforts to brake and swerve, she collided with the Honda. The impact caused her Dodge to careen across multiple lanes and rest against the barrier wall. A third vehicle, a Toyota Prius, following the Dodge, avoided a collision but struck an object in the roadway, later identified as the deceased driver of the Honda.
Details of the Collision
The stalled Honda Accord, facing oncoming traffic and emitting smoke, was the initial cause of the chain reaction accident. The subsequent collision with the Dodge Charger and the involvement of the Toyota Prius created a complex accident scene.
Case Facts and Medical Treatment
Both clients were transported by ambulance to Kaiser Permanente Richmond. The wife was diagnosed with fractures of the sternum, wrists, and several ribs, bruised lungs, and four hematomas. She was transferred to John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek for specialized medical care. Her husband sustained neck muscle strain, chest wall contusion, and left ankle tendon strain.
The couple retained GJEL Accident Attorneys, seeking answers to critical questions:
- Could GJEL determine liability among the involved drivers?
- Could they obtain compensation for their medical expenses and other costs?
Legal Advocacy and Settlement
Based on the CHP accident report and further investigation, Attorneys Andy Gillin and Jim Larsen established that the deceased driver of the Honda Accord caused the accident by losing control of her vehicle, colliding with the center barrier wall, and spinning out into oncoming traffic.
Given that the total claims exceeded the Honda driver’s insurance policy limits, GJEL attorneys demonstrated the greater extent and severity of their client’s injuries than others. They negotiated significant reductions in medical liens and secured a settlement that provided the maximum benefit to compensate for their clients’ losses. CSAA insured all three vehicles.
Key Case Details:
- Insurance Company: CSAA (all 3 automobiles)
- Police Report: CHP
- Vehicles: 2002 Honda Accord, 2010 Dodge Charger, 2009 Toyota Prius
- Accident Location: I-80 near El Portal OC, City of Richmond, Contra Costa County, CA
- Medical Facilities: Kaiser Permanente, Richmond; John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA; Kaiser Permanente, Oakland
- Injuries: Wife: Fractures of the sternum, wrists, and ribs, bruised lungs, hematomas. Husband: Neck muscle strain, chest wall contusion, left ankle tendon strain.
This complex multi-vehicle collision on I-80 underscores the unpredictable nature of roadway accidents and the importance of skilled legal representation. The sudden appearance of a stalled vehicle facing oncoming traffic created a dangerous situation that resulted in severe injuries for our clients.
GJEL Accident Attorneys’ ability to meticulously analyze the CHP accident report and conduct further investigations allowed them to establish liability and effectively advocate for their client’s rights. This case demonstrates the firm’s commitment to unraveling intricate accident scenarios and securing maximum compensation for those affected.
Navigating the aftermath of such a traumatic incident involves not only physical recovery but also navigating the complexities of insurance claims and medical liens. GJEL Accident Attorneys’ expertise in negotiating significant reductions to medical liens and maximizing settlement benefits showcases their dedication to ensuring clients receive the financial support they need. Their ability to manage multiple parties and complex liability issues highlights their proficiency in handling challenging cases and achieving favorable outcomes.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a multi-vehicle collision or any other car accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced team will thoroughly evaluate your case, answer your questions, and fight for your rights.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that arise from such accidents and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Let us help you navigate the legal process and ensure your future is protected. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Fairfield office for a free legal consultation.
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.