GJEL Accident Attorneys successfully represented clients injured in a multi-vehicle accident on I-80 in Richmond. Attorneys Gillin and Larsen established the at-fault driver, determined the extent of their client’s injuries, and negotiated effectively to secure a settlement that maximized their compensation. This case demonstrates GJEL’s expertise in handling complex car accident claims and achieving favorable results for its clients.
About the Case
Our client was driving her Dodge Charger and taking her husband to work. In the early morning, she was in the Westbound #1 lane on I-80 at the El Portal undercrossing in Richmond, Contra Costa County. Suddenly, she was confronted with a vehicle, a Honda Accord, stopped, facing toward her, billowing smoke, in the #1 lane.
Our client applied her brakes and swerved but could not avoid a collision with the Honda. The impact force caused our clients’ Dodge to careen across the #2, 3, and 4 lanes, coming to rest against the barrier wall on the right shoulder. Following the Dodge, the driver of a third vehicle, a Toyota Prius, was able to reduce his speed and change lanes to avoid a collision. Passing the stalled Honda, the Prius collided with an object in the roadway, which was later identified as the deceased driver of the Honda.
Case Facts
Both our clients were taken by ambulance to Kaiser Permanente Richmond. The wife was seen in the emergency department, where she 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 to benefit from more medical specialties.
Her husband sustained neck muscle strain, chest wall contusion, and left ankle tendon strain. When the couple retained GJEL ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS, they asked:
- Could GJEL help determine which car owners/drivers caused the collision, if any?
- Could our clients be compensated for their medical expenses and other costs?
Based on the CHP accident report, Attorneys Andy Gillin and Jim Larsen, after investigation and analysis, established and obtained the agreement of the attorneys of the other parties that the deceased driver of the Honda Accord caused the accident when she lost control of her vehicle, colliding with the center barrier wall, and spun out, coming to rest facing on-coming traffic.
Because the economic value of the claims arising from the accident exceeded the limits of the Honda driver’s insurance policy, the GJEL Attorneys established the relatively greater extent and severity of our client’s injuries and damages compared to damages sustained by the others involved.
Attorneys Gillin and Larsen then negotiated significant reductions to the medical liens incurred by our clients’ hospitalizations and treatments. Finally, the GJEL ATTORNEYS obtained a settlement that provided the maximum benefit to compensate for our client’s loss.
| Insurance Company Names: | CSAA (all 3 automobiles) |
| Police Report | CHP |
| Vehicle Types | 2002 Honda Accord 2010 Dodge Charger 2009 Toyota Prius |
| Accident Locations: | I-80 nr El Portal OC, City of Richmond, Contra Costa County, CA |
| Hospitals and Medical Centers Visited | Kaiser Permanente, Richmond John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA Kaiser Permanente, Oakland |
| Types of Injuries (Specific as possible) |
This case exemplifies GJEL Accident Attorneys’ commitment to providing comprehensive and effective representation to clients injured in car accidents. By thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the I-80 collision, establishing the deceased driver’s liability, and meticulously documenting the extent of their client’s injuries, Attorneys Andy Gillin and Jim Larsen were able to build a strong foundation for a successful claim. This proactive approach, coupled with their skillful negotiation with insurance companies and medical lienholders, ultimately resulted in a settlement that provided the maximum possible benefit to their clients.
This case also highlights the importance of seeking experienced legal counsel following a car accident, particularly when severe injuries and determining fault are complex. The ability to navigate the intricacies of insurance policies, medical liens, and legal procedures can significantly impact the outcome of a claim. GJEL’s expertise in these areas ensures their client’s rights are protected and they receive the full compensation they deserve for their losses.
Ultimately, the successful resolution of this case underscores GJEL Accident Attorneys’ dedication to achieving justice for their clients. Their unwavering commitment to thorough investigation, strategic negotiation, and client advocacy is a testament to their effectiveness in handling complex car accident claims and securing favorable outcomes for those they represent.
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.