Car Accident Lawyer
Free Consultations Available
Are you unsure if you have a case? At this critical time, you shouldn’t make any decisions before you have a clear understanding of the potential outcomes. The car accident lawyers at Bennett Johnson, LLP, in Oakland and Napa, CA, offer no-pressure free consultations to help you understand your legal options.
We Take Cases Other Law Firms Will Not Touch The Gas Cap Worth $29 Million
An uninsured vehicle sideswiped our client’s older car, causing it to roll. Escaping fuel then burned the car and the family.
Other law firms wouldn’t take the case. Even the California Highway Patrol (CHP) lined up against our client. They claimed that by using a rag instead of a gas cap, their own negligence made them partly to blame for their burns.
With our client swearing his car was equipped with a keyed gas cap, our dogged lawyers sent an investigator to the scene and there, under a railroad overpass, we found a charred, keyed fuel cap. Not only was this evidence we needed to win the case, but it also unlocked an unknown source for compensation. Our client won $29+ million in restitution.
Proven Results
"Through our attentive, aggressive, and dedicated approach to every single case, we have helped our clients recover over $500 million in compensation." Bennett Johnson, LLP
How A Car Accident Attorney Can Help
The personal injury lawyers at Bennett Johnson in Oakland and Napa can ensure that nothing is overlooked while preserving evidence for your case. Personal injury cases are complex and sensitive, which is why our attorneys handle each case personally. In addition to navigating the legal system, our personal injury lawyers will expertly:
Evaluate the Extent of Your Injuries
When our firm takes on a personal injury case, we work with medical experts to evaluate your injuries and explain your damages to an adjuster and, if necessary, a jury. We also consult with life care planners to accurately calculate how your injuries will affect you for the rest of your life so that we can secure compensation for years to come, if necessary.
Determine Liability
In addition to other drivers, accidents may also be caused by auto defects or dangerous road conditions that are a result of negligence by a governmental agency. Our firm works with in-house investigators, reconstruction experts, and local authorities to establish causation and determine liability.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters have years of experience minimizing car accident claims to save their company money. We know their tactics and will work doggedly to obtain fair compensation for your claim. If necessary, our law office will go to court on your behalf to ensure your medical bills and property losses are fairly compensated.
We Can Recommend the Best Course of Action
Most collision cases start with an insurance claim. If the other party's insurance provider is acting in bad faith and not compensating you for the full extent of your damages, our attorneys may file a lawsuit against them.
Are Questions Holding You Back From Getting a Lawyer?
- Are you unsure if you have a case?
- Are you concerned that you were partially at fault?
- Is an uninsured driver involved?
Get the answers you need:
(510) 444-5020
"I hired William C. Johnson to represent me in a personal injury claim. My car had been rear-ended on the freeway at very high speeds which totaled the car and left me with neck and back injuries. My insurer, Nationwide, tried to impugn my description of the incident by scoffing at it. For several months in meetings, they insinuated that I had caused the accident on purpose...but Mr. Johnson held firm and tough, and eventually the case was awarded a good settlement. Nationwide is NOT on your side, but William C. Johnson is!"
- Satisfied Client
Why Choose Bennett Johnson, LLP?
Car accident cases are complicated and crucial information is often not apparent at the time of the accident. We offer the strong legal representation you need to uncover all the facts and maximize compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and emotional costs.
Respected and Widely Recognized
The Bennett Johnson team serving Oakland, Napa, San Francisco, and beyond includes attorneys rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, as well as members of the invitation-only National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Super Lawyers. Our personal injury lawyers are well-respected by plaintiff and defense attorneys as well as judges.
Exclusive Focus on Personal Injury Cases
Since 1981, our practice has focused solely on cases of personal injury, successfully handling thousands of cases. This has given Bennett Johnson the in-depth knowledge needed to deal with complicated cases. Our law firm's aggressive, dedicated approach has helped us win over $500 million for our clients.
We Win Big Verdicts
and Settlements
Our practice is one of the most successful and well-established law firms in Northern California. Established in 1981, we have won some of Northern California's largest verdicts and settlements. We are known for taking on cases other firms reject for being too expensive or difficult to prosecute.
We Speak Multiple Languages Spanish, Italian, and More
The Bennett Johnson law offices in Oakland and Napa proudly serve a diverse community. To better represent clients, the team at our law firm speaks multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, German, and Russian.
We Have Convenient Offices Making Our Car Accident Lawyers Highly Accessible
Our law firm serves the entire Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Napa, as well as communities down the coast to Santa Maria.
Oakland Office
Napa Office
Think You Can't Afford a Lawyer? Call to Learn Why You Can Afford Us
Our car accident lawyers take cases on a contingency basis. That means, until and unless we secure a jury award or settlement, you do not pay us a single penny to handle your personal injury lawsuit. We also offer free consultations to help you decide if you have a case.
Whether you’ve been rear-ended, T-boned, or are a victim of a hit-and-run, contact us for a free consultation and we’ll review your case. You owe us nothing unless we collect compensation for you. We have offices in both Oakland and Napa. Call today:
(510) 444-5020
We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis Making Our Services Affordable
"Excellent Legal Care"
"Excellent legal care. Achieved a settlement to my satisfaction. I would recommend Bill Johnson to anyone." Leslie
Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Auto Accident
Should You Talk to a Lawyer or an Insurance Claims Adjuster First?
Car accident cases generally start with filing an insurance claim. However, if a serious accident has left you financially shaken or grieving the loss of a loved one, you may be tempted to file the claim and accept the first insurance offer.
However, that may not be in your best interest: insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. You need a skilled negotiator in your corner to win fair compensation.
In serious accidents, we recommend talking to a lawyer even before describing the accident to a claims adjuster, who will likely record the conversation. Any misstep in what you say could be used to deny or delay your claim.
Our team, led by recognized personal injury experts Richard Bennett and William Johnson, can protect your interests. Just knowing that you have skilled representation encourages insurance companies to negotiate fair compensation.
How We Deal With an Insurance Company That Is Unreasonable
If the insurance company is unreasonable or refuses to adequately cover your losses, we can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Bennett Johnson has top car accident attorneys and the resources to win in court. We work with medical providers, forensic specialists, and other parties to build the strongest case possible.
Whatever type of accident you were involved in, hiring one of our expert car accident attorneys can help ensure that you are treated fairly by your insurance provider and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Bennett Johnson serves the entire Bay Area from our personal injury offices in Oakland and Napa.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive After a Car Accident?
Each auto accident case is unique and calculating the appropriate compensation is complicated. In addition to property losses, there are emotional costs, lost wages, and medical bills that could last well into the future.
The Bennett Johnson law offices will determine fair compensation, including for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Financial support
- Wrongful death damages
- Temporary or permanent disability accommodations
Don't Let Time Erase Evidence in Your Case Request a Free Consultation in Oakland or Napa Today
Time is an important element in car accidents. If you have been in a serious car accident, timely action is necessary to collect evidence to support your case. Over time, memories fade and witnesses are harder to track down.
We have the in-depth team needed to develop a solid case. Our car accident lawyers handle every case personally and with compassion. We can even come to you. When they can't come to Napa or Oakland, we often visit clients in their homes or hospital rooms to provide timely counsel.
(510) 444-5020
"Fights the Good Fight"
"William, is always truthful doesn't miss any words and 'fights the good fight.' His 'Victory' is always for his clients." Gary
Understanding California Liability Laws Comparative Negligence
California’s comparative negligence law recognizes that more than one person can contribute to an auto accident. "Blame," in the form of a percentage, is then assigned to each party based on how much each party's own actions contributed to the accident.
That percentage then carries over to determine how much compensation is allotted to you and the other parties involved in the auto accident.
If it is determined that you are 20% to blame for an accident, instead of receiving 100% compensation, you would receive 80% of the total damages. The other driver would receive 20%.
Our car accident lawyers work tirelessly to see that fault is fairly distributed among the parties involved.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations Don't Miss Out on Compensation
Car Accidents Involving Injuries
In general, the statute of limitations in California is two years, meaning you have two years from the date of the car accident to file an injury claim. If an injury is not discovered until well after the accident, a one-year clock starts from the date the injury was discovered. However, if the injured victim is a minor, the clock may be paused until the minor turns 18. Our car accident lawyers work closely with you to ensure the clock does not run out on your injury claim.
Auto Accidents Involving Only Personal Property
In a car accident where damage is limited to just property damage, you have three years from the date the property was damaged to file a claim.
Accidents Involving a Death
Like personal injury cases, you have two years to file a claim when an accident leads to a wrongful death. However, the statute of limitations is calculated from the time of the person's death, not the date of the accident.
Accidents Involving a Government Agency
Cases involving a city, county, or California state government agency are the most urgent types of claims. Whether you are seeking restitution for an injury, wrongful death, or property damage, you generally have a short six months to file a claim. You will also be required to adhere to a rigid set of procedural rules.
The statute of limitations in California can be complex. The Bennett Johnson personal injury practice understands nuances in the law and will manage timelines so that you receive the compensation you deserve. Reach out to our team in Oakland to get started on your car accident claim today.
