At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how physically, emotionally, and financially challenging it can be to deal with the aftermath of a serious accident. If you or someone you love has been injured due to another person's negligence, we are here to help. Our Palo Alto personal injury attorneys provide compassionate, honest, and aggressive representation to clients throughout Santa Clara County and surrounding communities. Your initial consultation is free of charge. We are available 24/7 to take your call, and a member of our team can come to you if you cannot come to our office. To set up a case review, call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

Types of Cases Our Palo Alto Personal Injury Lawyers Accept:

• Auto Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Slip and Falls
• Premises Liability
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Train Wrecks
• Dog Attacks
• Motorcycle Collisions
• Tractor-Trailer Accidents
• Boat Accidents
• Turo Accidents
• Airplane & Other Aircraft Accidents
• Brain Injuries
• Severe Burn Injuries
• Spinal Injuries
• Rideshare Vehicle Accidents
• Scooter Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Other Personal Injuries

Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Claim

Negligence is the basis of most personal injury claims. A person, company, or government entity may be considered negligent if they or one of their employees fails to exercise a level of care that a person of ordinary prudence would have exercised in the same situation. For example, a truck driver would be considered negligent if he or she violated the Hours of Service Regulations by staying on the road for too many consecutive hours. The owner of a supermarket might be considered negligent if he or she failed to perform routine maintenance or fix a hazard in a reasonable amount of time. The types of evidence your Palo Alto personal injury lawyer might use to prove negligence will depend on the facts surrounding your case: the cause of your injuries, where they occurred, who is liable, and many other factors. Here are a few kinds of evidence that may contribute to the strength of your claim:

• Photographs of your injuries and the hazard that caused them (or the accident scene);
• Statements from eyewitnesses;
• Surveillance or dashcam footage of the accident;
• The testimony of an accident reconstruction expert and other expert witnesses;
• Police and incident reports; and
• The results of any chemical tests, if applicable.

Of course, there are many other types of evidence your attorney might use depending on where and how your injuries occurred. For example, if you were hurt in a slip and fall, your lawyer might try to obtain records of property maintenance and of past injuries that happened on the same premises. If you were injured in a truck accident, your attorney might compile black box data, bills of lading, weigh station receipts, and other documentation to prove negligence.

Proving Damages in a Personal Injury Claim

After demonstrating that the defendant is liable for your damages, your Palo Alto personal injury attorney must prove the value of your damages. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to offer settlements that do not account for all of the damages a personal injury victim has incurred (and will incur in the future). It is your lawyer’s job to investigate your case from all angles, calculate your damages, and gather the evidence needed to support those calculations. Here are a few types of evidence your attorney might use to prove damages:

• Pictures of your injuries taken after the accident and over the days and weeks that followed;
• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans);
• Medical records;
• Paystubs, income tax returns, and other financial documentation;
• Statements from medical and financial expert witnesses;
• Statements from caregivers and loved ones regarding how the injuries have affected your well-being; and
• Your personal journal about your injuries.

The process of filing a successful personal injury claim begins immediately after the accident. While there are certain steps you can take to strengthen your claim—such as taking photos of injuries and property damage, calling the police, talking to eyewitnesses, and seeking medical care—the best way to protect your rights is to consult an attorney as soon as possible. A Palo Alto personal injury lawyer from Harris Personal Injury Lawyers can answer your questions and provide the advice you need to make the right decisions regarding your claim. We will help you avoid crucial mistakes, calculate your damages, make sure you are treated fairly by the insurance company, and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve.

Call Today To Discuss Your Case With Our Palo Alto Personal Injury Legal Team

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we are passionate about helping clients in Palo Alto and throughout Santa Clara County pursue justice and fair compensation. To discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation, call our office today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message using our contact page.