GJEL Accident Attorneys successfully obtained a $200,000 settlement for a client who suffered serious injuries in a four-vehicle car accident. The article details how GJEL navigated the complexities of multiple responsible parties and insurance companies to secure maximum compensation for their client’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain. This case highlights GJEL’s expertise in handling complex car accident claims.
On August 25, 2014, our client was on US-101 Northbound 70 feet South of Rengstorff Avenue in Unincorporated Palo Alto, CA. Our client was obeying the rules of the road, driving his 2012 Nissan Altima, when another driver hit him, causing a serious car accident. The accident resulted in a loss of work, serious injuries, and large medical bills, leaving our client in a difficult situation.
About The Accident
This was a four-vehicle accident that resulted in serious injuries for our client due to the major negligence of one driver and the minor negligence of another driver. The primary driver who caused the accident was driving a 1993 Toyota Corolla and was insured with Western United Insurance.
The other driver, who was partly at fault, was driving a 2007 Honda Civic. Our client was totally without fault. There were no adverse road conditions, and the accident happened when the drivers left their lane and entered our client’s lane.
The party primarily responsible for the accident had a flat tire while driving on the freeway. Her insurance company, California State Automobile Insurance Company (CSAA), assumed that anyone can have a flat tire anytime. There should be no reason that her flat tire was due to any negligence on her part.
Under California Law, a person is required to keep their vehicle in a safe running condition. The tires on this vehicle were not in a safe running condition. We also pointed out that the person driving the car with the flat tire came to a complete stop on a 65-mph freeway right in the middle of the freeway rather than safely pulling over to the shoulder.
When she pulled over in the middle of the freeway, the car behind her jammed on its brakes, lost control, and smashed into our client’s car.
Even though both insurance companies attempted to blame each other, we were able to convince them prior to trial that they both had to pay their policy limits.
Our client was transported via ambulance company, Rural Metro, to Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, CA, with three fractures to his right ankle. Two surgeries were required.
Case Details
Our client needed ongoing medical treatment after being out of Stanford. He also missed a significant amount of work and had large medical bills from this accident. Based on this information, our client’s wife reached out to GJEL Accident Attorneys to see if her husband was entitled to compensation and to have her questions answered. She wanted to know:
- Who was responsible for his medical bills?
- How will I pay for these bills and lost work?
- What if he has lifelong damage to his body?
The staff at GJEL Accident Attorneys could quickly evaluate the case over the phone and send an investigator to meet her at Stanford Hospital. Attorney Andrew Gillin helped our client through this difficult time and ultimately settled this case without requiring a jury trial. Both insurance carriers eventually paid their policy limits of $100,000 each. In the end, our client was awarded $200,000 for this accident by Western United Insurance and CSAA after aggressive representation.
Case Facts:
| Insurance Company Names: | Western United Insurance CSAA |
| Location of Accident: GPS Coordinates & Map (Casey provides) | |
| Police Report | Santa Clara CHP |
| Vehicle Types | 1993 Toyota Corolla2007 Honda Civic
2012 Nissan Altima |
| Accident Locations: | US-101 Northbound 70 feet South of Rengstorff Avenue in Unincorporated Palo Alto, CA |
| Hospitals and Medical Centers Visited | Rural Metro AmbulanceStanford Hospital |
| Types of Injuries (Specific as possible) | Fractured right ankle with two surgeries |
This case underscores the complexities that can arise in multi-vehicle accidents, particularly when multiple parties and insurance companies are involved. The successful resolution of this claim, resulting in a $200,000 settlement, demonstrates the importance of skilled legal representation in navigating these challenges.
GJEL Accident Attorneys’ ability to effectively argue for their clients’ rights and secure policy limits from both insurers highlights their commitment to maximizing compensation for injured individuals.
The client’s situation, facing significant medical bills, lost wages, and the potential for long-term health consequences, is a common one for victims of serious car accidents.
This case illustrates how a dedicated legal team can alleviate such incidents’ financial burden and emotional stress. By taking on the complexities of the legal process, attorneys can allow clients to focus on their recovery and rebuild their lives.
Ultimately, this case serves as a reminder that victims of car accidents have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
The outcome of this case, secured by GJEL Accident Attorneys, provides hope and reassurance to those who have been injured due to others’ negligence. It emphasizes the crucial role experienced legal counsel plays in ensuring that accident victims receive the justice and financial support they 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.