Located on the eastern coast of the picturesque San Francisco Bay, Berkeley is a vibrant city that shares its borders with Oakland and Emeryville to the south. It is renowned for being home to the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, which has a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. As of 2021, the city boasts a population of 117,145, making it the 53rd largest city in California, according to Wikipedia.

Living in a bustling metropolis like Berkeley, it’s not uncommon to experience traffic collisions. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a severe accident, it may be crucial to seek the guidance of a proficient personal injury attorney.

Our adept legal team can provide you with invaluable insights and support in such trying times. Please feel free to contact us at (510) 841-7820 for a complimentary case evaluation.

Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Crash in Berkeley, CA?

If you’ve been in a car crash, you may be wondering if you need to hire a personal injury lawyer. While it’s possible to handle your own case, there are several reasons why hiring a lawyer may be beneficial. Here are a few:

  1. Legal Expertise

Personal injury lawyers are legal experts who specialize in helping people who have been injured in accidents. They understand the intricacies of personal injury law and can help you navigate the legal system.

  1. Experience with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. Personal injury lawyers have experience dealing with insurance companies and can help you negotiate a fair settlement.

  1. Knowledge of Damages

Personal injury lawyers know how to evaluate your case and determine the damages you are entitled to. They can help you calculate medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

  1. Time and Energy

Handling a personal injury case can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. Hiring a lawyer can take some of the burden off of you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Auto Accident?

While hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial, it may not be necessary in every case. Here are a few instances where hiring a lawyer may be necessary:

  1. Serious Injuries

If you’ve suffered serious injuries as a result of the car crash, hiring a personal injury lawyer is crucial. A lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

  1. Disputed Liability

If there is a dispute over who is at fault for the car crash, hiring a personal injury lawyer can help. Your lawyer can investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove liability.

  1. Insurance Company Denial

If the insurance company denies your claim, hiring a personal injury lawyer can help. Your lawyer can help you appeal the denial and get the compensation you deserve.

Why should you contact GJEL Accident Attorneys?

If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, don’t delay contacting an attorney. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence and create issues for your case. Here are some of the things that set GJEL apart from other personal injury law firms in the bay area.

1. Experience and expertise

The attorneys at GJEL Accident Attorneys have years of experience and are experts in personal injury law. They can provide knowledgeable advice and guidance on your case, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome.

2. Maximize your compensation

A auto accident can result in significant financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. GJEL Accident Attorneys can help you receive fair compensation for these losses, including compensation for pain and suffering.

3. Free consultation

GJEL Accident Attorneys offers a free consultation to all potential clients. This means you can discuss your case with an experienced attorney without any obligation or upfront costs.

4. No fees unless you win

GJEL Accident Attorneys operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless they win your case. This ensures they are fully invested in your success and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation.

How Common Are Car Accidents in Berkeley, CA?

The city of Berkeley experienced a surge in fatal collisions and injuries caused by traffic accidents in 2021, as per recent data released by the Berkeley Police Department. The police department revealed that the city saw the highest number of traffic fatalities since at least 1984, with eight people losing their lives in 2021. The fatalities included five pedestrians, two people who were in a car that crashed due to mechanical problems, and one driver involved in a solo crash in the Berkeley Marina. This was a significant increase from the two deaths reported in 2020 [Note: GJEL is on the highest rated California wrongful death law firms]. In addition, there were 433 collisions resulting in injuries in 2021, a 37% surge from 2020.

The primary causes of the accidents were found to be unsafe turns, unsafe speed, and right-of-way violations. According to the BPD report, cyclists were involved in 93 of the city’s injury collisions, and they were found to be at fault 62% of the time. Pedestrians were involved in 62 of the injury collisions and were at fault 8% of the time. DUI collisions were down slightly in 2021, from 46 to 39, according to the report.

The Berkeley Police Department shared a top 10 list of intersections with the highest number of collisions in 2021. Three Ashby Avenue intersections topped the list. There were also four fatalities on or near Ashby Avenue. The police department has pledged to continue closely tracking traffic collisions.

Despite the increase in accidents and fatalities, last year’s crash numbers were still lower than those reported in 2019, before the pandemic hit, and COVID-related lockdowns significantly reduced activity for most people. The city is working to end traffic fatalities and severe injury crashes by 2028 as part of a national campaign called Vision Zero.

Injured? Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Berkeley, CA

Car accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to contact a reputable personal injury attorney to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. In Berkeley, CA, GJEL Accident Attorneys can help.

GJEL Accident Attorneys is located at 1214 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710. You can also contact us by phone at 510-841-7820.

Additional Resources

Berkeley, CA Personal Injury Attorneys

Berkeley, CA Wrongful Death Attorneys

Nearby Offices

Oakland Personal Injury Office Located at 11 Embarcadero West #133, Oakland, CA 94607

Orinda Personal Injury Office located at 2 Orinda Theatre Square #230, Orinda, CA 94563