Palo Alto Car Accident Attorneys

Car accidents are a leading cause of injuries and death in Palo Alto. If you or a loved one have been harmed in a car accident, you might be entitled to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.   At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help you navigate the claims process, working hard to pursue the most favorable settlement possible. From minor fender benders to fatal accidents, our car accident attorneys are skilled in handling all types of car accident claims. Our lawyers are here to help you pursue compensation for your physical and emotional injuries. Whether through skilled negotiation in settlement or aggressive pursuit of your claims in court through litigation, we are poised to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to set up a free case assessment today.

Types of Cases our Auto Accident Attorneys Handle

We’ve found the most common causes of car accidents to be: 

• Drunk driving accidents 
• Distracted driving accidents 
• Collisions with commercial trucks 
• Scooter accidents 
• Accidents involving pedestrians 
• Bus accidents 
• Rideshare vehicle accidents 
• Accidents resulting in brain or spinal cord injury 
• Accidents resulting in wrongful death

What If It Was My Fault?

In an attempt to avoid paying for your damages, insurance companies may claim that you contributed to your accident. Your personal injury attorney can help you determine whether this is true and, if so, how it will impact your recovery.  A California judge or jury may find that you were partially liable for your accident if you: 

• Violated a traffic law 
• Admitted fault 
• Provided a recorded statement that led to an admission of fault 
• Drove while distracted or impaired 

If you contributed to your accident, California law will apply a percentage to your fault and deduct that percentage from the damages you can recover. In other words, if a drunk driver collided with you while you made an illegal left turn, you may be considered 40 percent at fault for the accident. As a result, a court may choose to reduce your damages award by 40 percent. If you stood to recover $10,000 for your accident, then, you will recover only $6,000.  At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we are familiar with the law on partial liability. If it turns out that you were partially liable for your car accident, we will take all the necessary steps to minimize your fault percentage so that you can still walk away with some monetary compensation.

What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

If the other driver was uninsured, you can still pursue damages, but unfortunately, it is less likely that you will recover. Many drivers who lack – or don’t bother to obtain – car insurance may not have the money to pay for your damages, so suing them directly may be futile. Our car accident attorneys will help you determine whether pursuing a lawsuit is worthwhile.  Fortunately, though, your uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage should pay benefits for injuries you sustain in a wreck with an uninsured driver. This also applies if you carry uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage, which will help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Discuss Your Claim with a Car Accident Attorney Today

If you’re navigating the physical, emotional, and financial challenges following a car accident, you can confidently turn to Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. While insurance companies will go to great lengths to protect their bottom lines, we will fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement.   Give us a call at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or schedule a free case review online. If you are unable to travel, we will come to you.