Sunnyvale Car Accidents

At Ziff & Cohn, we understand the turmoil that a car accident can cause in Sunnyvale. Suddenly, you’re overwhelmed with vehicle repairs, medical expenses, insurance claims, lost wages and even emotional suffering. It’s a difficult situation where legal support is often needed to alleviate the stress and recover what you are entitled to. That’s where Ziff & Cohn steps in. With an adept understanding of vehicular accident laws, our dedicated attorneys will advocate for your rights and strive to secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t fight these battles alone. Instead, let us shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery. To discuss your case and learn about your legal options, call us at (650) 329-0851 for a free consultation. At Ziff & Cohn, we don’t just serve Sunnyvale; we’re here to support our community through the toughest of times. The firm handles cases throughout Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Cupertino, and Sunnyvale.

Types of Car Accidents

In Sunnyvale, California, our law firm recognizes the complexities and different consequences linked with various types of car accidents.

• Head-On Collisions: These occur when two vehicles collide frontally. Often, they result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the increased impact of both vehicles’ momentum. They often result from wrong-way driving, overtaking errors, or drivers losing control.
• Rear-End Collisions: These are common in heavy traffic, whereby a vehicle collides into the back of another vehicle. They often result in whiplash, causing neck and back injuries. The driver at the rear is typically held responsible unless the leading driver made a sudden unexpected stop.
• Side-Impact Collisions: Often referred to as T-bone accidents, these occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. Severe consequences can arise, particularly for passengers on the side of impact, due to limited vehicle protection from the side.
• Sideswipe Accidents: These happen when two vehicles moving in the same or opposite direction brush against each other. They can lead to drivers losing control and sometimes result in multi-vehicle accidents.
• Chain Reaction Accidents: Frequently occurring in busy traffic or foggy conditions, these entail a series of collisions caused by the force of the first crash. They can be complex in determining liability due to the involvement of multiple parties and vehicles.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents: These involve only one vehicle that typically crashes into a stationary object or pedestrian. They can result from various factors like driver error, poor weather conditions, or vehicle malfunction.

Regardless of the type of accident, our law firm aims to diligently represent and support your legal needs.

Causes of Car Accidents

Headquartered in nearby Los Altos, in the heart-of California, our law firm has a wealth of experience in dealing with car accidents. In our bid to ensure accidents are minimized, it’s essential to raise awareness on the various causes.

• Distracted driving: Notably, one of the primary reasons leading to car accidents is distracted driving. Taking your eyes off the road for a moment can result in dire consequences – even an object as common as cell phones can lead to devastating accidents when used while driving.
• Drunk driving: Despite stern warnings, drunk driving remains one of the key factors behind accidents. The impairments brought about by alcohol consumption significantly reduce an individual’s ability to drive safely, often leading to fatal mishaps.
• Aggressive driving: Aggression behind the wheel, such as tailgating, erratic lane changing, or ignoring traffic laws, results in numerous accidents every year.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is a common behavior that can lead to catastrophic accidents. The higher the speed, the harder the impact and the greater likelihood of severe injuries.
• Failure to yield: Drivers not obeying yield signs or not giving way at intersections can cause unexpected accidents.
• Auto defects: Defects within the vehicle, such as braking system malfunction or tire blowouts, are often overlooked causes of accidents.
• Poorly maintained roads: Poor road conditions owing to inadequate maintenance, like potholes, and lack of clear traffic signals, contribute to accident causation.

What to Do After a Car Accident

In the unfortunate event of a car accident, taking the correct measures is paramount, not only to ensure your own safety and health but also for potential legal needs that may arise.

• Medical Attention: Your safety should always be in the forefront. Seek immediate medical help, even if injuries seem minor. By doing so, you create a medical record, crucial in any impending litigation.
• Police Report: Notify the police immediately. Their report delivers an impartial view of the accident, providing a critical piece of evidence.
• Notify Your Insurer: Inform your insurance company about the accident promptly. Provide the facts clearly to ensure fairness in your claim process.
• Collect Witness Information: Gather contact information of any eyewitnesses. Their versions can strengthen your account of the incident.
• Photos/Videos: Document the scene. Photographic and video evidence can depict a trajectory of events that words might fail to capture.
• Talk to an Attorney: Engaging a reputable attorney, in such instances can be of immense help. They can guide you through the complexities of law surrounding auto accidents, helping protect your rights.

While undertaking these steps, refrain from admitting fault. Even if you believe you could be responsible, various factors you may be unaware of could affect the accident’s actual cause. It’s crucial to let investigators and your law firm establish the facts. With their comprehensive knowledge of legal intricacies associated with auto accidents, they’ll guide you through the process, with a thorough understanding of your unique circumstances and a commitment to uphold your best interests.

Whom to Sue After a Car Accident

Car accidents are a complex facet of personal injury law due to the range of potential defendants who may bear some responsibility for the incident. Understanding who might be liable in the aftermath of a car accident can help increase the chances of securing a favorable verdict or settlement to help you cope with medical bills, vehicle damage, and other accident-related expenses.

• The driver of the other car: This is often the most immediate and clear-cut defendant in car accident cases. If the other driver was speeding, distracted, driving under the influence, or otherwise negligent, they may be held responsible for the accident.
• The employer of the driver of the other car: If the accident involved a commercial vehicle or happened while the driver was performing work-related duties, their employer may be held accountable under certain circumstances.
• A car manufacturer: If a mechanical defect or malfunction caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the faulty component may be liable. This might include situations involving brakes failing, tires blowing out, steering mechanisms not responding, or airbags not deploying properly.
• A repair shop that performed maintenance on a vehicle: If a repair shop did not properly repair, maintain, or service a vehicle leading to a defect or failure that caused the accident, they might bear some responsibility.
• The government entity responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred: If the accident can be traced back to insufficient road maintenance, dangerous road conditions, poor signage, or faulty traffic signals, a municipal, county, state, or federal government entity could be found culpable.

Navigating the complexities of auto accident litigation can be challenging, but our Sunnyvale-based law firm is prepared to guide you through every step of the process.

Proving Liability for a Car Accident

At our law firm, we wholeheartedly commit to ensuring justice for those affected by car accidents in the beautiful state of California. As you navigate through the aftermath of an accident, it’s crucial to understand the essential elements of negligence that often arise in car accident cases. The first key element is the ‘duty of care,’ which implies that each person should operate their vehicle responsibly, maintaining a safe environment for themselves and others around them. The second element involves the ‘breach of duty,’ which involves proving that the defendant’s actions were below the standard of care expected of them, leading to the accident.

The third concept tied to car accident cases involves ‘causation.’ It’s not enough to demonstrate a breach of duty; one must also show that this breach directly caused the accident in question and resulted in the injury or damage. Lastly, ‘damages’ are the final aspect of a negligence claim. The victims must provide proof showcasing the physical injury, emotional distress, property damage, or financial loss suffered due to the defendant’s actions.

Sometimes, car accidents cases may encompass auto defects which steer the course towards a ‘strict liability’ theory. In such cases, the injured party must show that an auto defect existed and that this defect caused the harm. The defendant’s intention or negligence isn’t questioned in strict liability cases. Even if they were completely unaware of the defect, they can still be held liable. We strive to help our clients comprehend these complex concepts, supporting them in their pursuit of justice.

Evidence in Car Accident Cases

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, often leading to confusion and a myriad of legal complexities. If you’re located in Sunnyvale, California and find yourself in the midst of such a situation, you’re not alone and immediate legal assistance is available. Our law firm provides comprehensive, dedicated support to navigate these challenging incidents, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you comprehend key elements of the legal process.

Underlining this shared understanding of car accident cases, different types of evidence play pivotal roles:

• Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene: Capturing the accident scene immediately after the event helps preserve crucial details. Images and video footage illustrate the severity of damage, vehicle positions, tire marks, and weather conditions, which are all integral in establishing facts and circumstances.
• Black Box Data from the Vehicles: Software embedded in modern vehicles often records key data before, during, and after a crash. This information might include the speed of the vehicle, airbag deployment and brake usage.
• The Police Report: Authorities often prepare reports, detailing the specifics of the accident scene. These reports may contain key information about the accident’s cause, location, drivers involved, any possible traffic law violations, and other relevant observations.
• Accident Reconstruction: This utilizes scientific, engineering principles to analyze accident conditions and recreate a probable sequence of events. This provides a clearer scenario understanding, supporting your claim or defense.
• Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from individuals who directly observed the accident are invaluable. They provide an objective account and may corroborate or contradict other evidence.
• Expert Testimony: Professionals like accident reconstructionists or medical practitioners may be called to provide a detailed analysis, which can lend credibility to injury claims or narrative details.
• Documentation of Damages: Tangible proof of losses sustained in the form of medical bills, pay stubs, or repair estimates establish the accurate compensation amount needed.

The confounding aftermath of an accident is made easier when you understand these evidentiary components and have us by your side.

Comparative Negligence in Car Accident Cases

At our law, we are deeply immersed in the legal landscape of car accidents and their intricate details. A paramount concept in such cases is comparative negligence, a principle that significantly impacts the compensation victims receive. Comparative negligence points toward the idea that responsibility for a collision may not rest on one party alone, but rather shared among the involved parties to varying degrees. This detail is pivotal, since it influences the result of a claim.

California operates under a ‘pure comparative negligence’ rule. Here, victims have the right to recover damages irrespective of their percentage of fault in the incident, provided they are not entirely to blame. In other words, the victim can be 99% at fault and still recover the remaining 1% from the other party involved. However, the recovery is scaled down to reflect their share of fault in the accident. For instance, if a person is found to be 30% responsible for the accident, their compensatory reward will be decreased by that percentage.

Understanding these laws can be challenging, but our well-learned lawyers possess the deep knowledge of California traffic law necessary to navigate the complexities. With commitment and diligence, we provide clarifying insights that empower our clients, helping them make informed decisions as we work together to seek justice and fair compensation. Our Sunnyvale-based team is dedicated to offering a high standard of legal counsel to car accident victims and getting them the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can seem like an insurmountable challenge. Our law firm is committed to helping you understand your rights and the potential outcomes given the complex nature of vehicle collision cases. We handle cases involving a wide array of common car accident injuries:

• Brain Injuries: From concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, these can have lasting impacts, potentially impairing cognitive abilities, memory, or motor skills.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to life-altering conditions, such as partial or complete paralysis. Recovery may require long-term physical therapy and medical treatment.
• Burn Injuries: These can range from minor burns to severe third-degree burns, potentially leading to infections, scarring, or requiring skin grafts.
• Broken Bones: Fractures and breaks often necessitate surgery, physiotherapy, and can cause ongoing pain, reducing quality of life.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Involving damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons. A frequent example is whiplash, common in car accidents, causing pain in the neck and back.
• Lacerations: Deep cuts can cause physical and psychological trauma. Scarring may be disfiguring, potentially impacting a victim’s emotional wellbeing.

Furthermore, we acknowledge that, tragically, some accidents result in fatal injuries. In these circumstances, we can guide loved ones through the process of wrongful death claims, seeking compensation for the profound loss of a family member. Regardless of the nature of your injury, our team is committed to offering guidance, identifying opportunities for compensation, and striving to ensure justice is served.

Damages in Car Accident Cases

Car accidents can result in substantial hardships; the aftermath often comprises various kinds of damages – categorically sorted into economic and non-economic.

• Medical Bills: This type of damage includes all the expenses linked to medical treatment following the accident. Emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, and medication costs all fall under this category.
• Lost Income: If the accident causes you to miss work, you may be entitled to recover the income you lost during that period. Even time spent in the hospital or at home recuperating can be compensated.
• Future Treatment Costs: Sometimes, injuries sustained in car accidents require ongoing medical care. This might comprise rehabilitation, physical therapy, or future surgeries. The cost of such treatments is considered a future treatment cost.
• Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries are severe to the extent of hampering your ability to work as before the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your diminished earning capacity.
• Property Damage: This accounts for the immediate, physical damage to your vehicle or any other personal property destroyed in the accident.

On the other hand, non-economic damages pertain to the more abstract consequences of an accident.

• Pain and Suffering: The phrase refers to the physical discomfort and emotional distress experienced due to the accident and injuries sustained.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries restrict you from enjoying daily activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed, you may be entitled to such damages.
• Emotional Distress: This includes compensation for psychological impact such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

At our law firm, we offer clarity and guidance to navigate this complex process, helping you safeguard your rights and secure the compensation you justly deserve.

Car Accident Statute of Limitations

Our law firm is dedicated to offering clients comprehensive legal assistance after a car accident. We understand that a car accident can dramatically affect your life, with injuries, lost wages, and medical bills creating stress and uncertainty. Our well-versed team adeptly handles cases related to car accidents, striving to provide our clients the legal guidance they need during these turbulent times.

An important aspect to note when filing a car accident case is the Statute of Limitations, a law defining the time period within which a lawsuit should be initiated. In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim, often resulting from a car accident, is usually two years from the date of injury. This means you have two years post-accident to file a lawsuit. Should you miss this deadline, the court may likely refuse to hear your case, resulting in losing your right to compensation.

Why does this matter to a car accident victim? The timeline for recovering compensation after an accident is crucial. If you file your claim too late, you potentially lose the opportunity to receive any financial assistance for injuries endured or damages incurred. Our law firm navigates these time-sensitive procedures effectively, aiming to protect our client’s rights and safeguard their chances of earning deserved compensation.

Engaging experienced attorneys can make a considerable difference in ensuring timelines are met and your rights are preserved. Our firm is committed to providing strong legal guidance for victims of car accidents in Sunnyvale and beyond, helping them navigate the legal procedures thoughtfully and efficiently.

Insurance Claims in Car Accident Cases

Being involved in a car accident can be distressing and overwhelming, especially navigating the subsequent legal and insurance complexities that often follow. Our law firm is well-versed and proficient in handling car accident cases within the setting of the Golden State.

For clarity, California operates on a fault (or tort) system when it comes to automobile accidents. That means the person who is legally at fault for causing the accident is liable for the harm done, and their insurance will cover the damages. This is counter to no-fault states which require each person involved in an accident to file a claim with their own insurance, regardless of who was accountable for the accident.

In California, every driver is legally required to have liability insurance. This covers the expenses related to damages or injuries you might cause in an accident. The minimum coverage limit is set to $15,000 for injury or death to one person, $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage. On January 01 2025 those limits will change  as the minimum coverage limit is set to $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage.

Though uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in California, it can offer essential protection when another driver is at fault and does not carry sufficient insurance to cover your damage or medical expenses.

Last but not least, the term bad faith refers to situations where insurance companies do not deal fairly with the persons to whom they provide insurance, denying claims without a reasonable basis or failing to promptly, thoroughly investigate claims. This play of bad faith can get you stuck in layers of processes which our law firm can efficiently help you manage or avoid. By choosing our law firm to take on your car accident case, rest assured we will relentlessly protect your rights and work towards obtaining the best achievable outcome.

Settlements in Car Accident Cases

In the chaotic aftermath of a car accident, victims are often left bewildered by the legal intricacies involved. A key point of contention often lies in the decision to settle or proceed to trial. Understanding the benefits and caveats of both options is a crucial step in the pursuit of justice. Our law firm is committed to guiding clients through the complexities of these decisions, helping them make informed choices that best support their personal circumstances and recovery.

A settlement offers car accident victims an immediate resolution. It is essentially an agreement between the parties involved to resolve the claim without going to trial. Opting for a settlement can save victims significant time and stress by circumventing potentially lengthy and often costly court proceedings. However, it’s important to consider that once a settlement has been agreed upon, it typically includes a release of all claims. This means that the victim legally gives up the right to pursue any further legal action in connection with the accident.

On the other hand, choosing to proceed to trial can have its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Going to trial may provide the opportunity to secure a larger compensation if the case is presented effectively and favored by the jury. However, trials can be unpredictable and there’s a risk of walking away with less than anticipated or even nothing at all.

Our law firm presents an unbiased view of both paths, helping clients weigh their strengths and weaknesses in line with their specific situation related to accidents to Sunnyvale. With a comprehensive understanding of California car accident law, we strive to provide thorough guidance for every client navigating this challenging period of their life.

Let Us Help You Pursue Compensation

Navigating the aftermath of car accidents can be deeply overwhelming and complex. Yet, at Ziff & Cohn, we are steadfast in providing you with the assistance you need on this legal journey. We don’t just offer legal services—we stand by our community, delivering compassion, guidance, and excellent professional advice at every step. We encompass understanding about the different types and causes of car accidents, crucial measures after an accident, possible defendants after the accident, how to prove liability, the important pieces of evidence, the consequences of comparative negligence, common injuries resulted from car accidents, damages, statute of limitations, insurance claims, settlements. For more information about your legal options, please contact us at (650) 329-0851 for a free consultation. We are devoted to assisting you on your path to recovery, so you can focus on your well-being while we shoulder the legalities.