About our Firm

For almost a half-century, our attorneys and legal team have fought to get justice for victims of Oakland car accidents and other types of injuries. You won’t find a more dedicated, passionate personal injury attorneys in Oakland. We are committed to doing what it takes to get the best possible outcome in your case.

If you take a look at our past awards and verdicts, you will see a reflection of our dedication to our clients. Although these results might not necessarily reflect the potential outcome of your case, you can imagine the commitment and hard work that’s gone into recovering almost a billion dollars for our clients.

Hiring an Oakland personal injury lawyer can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Depending on the specific details of your accident, a skilled personal injury attorney can ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation and that justice is served. We understand the considerable stress that these cases can bring, and we are committed to advocating for you to the best of our abilities.

GJEL handles serious injury cases only. Most commonly we help clients injured in auto accidents and car crashes.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Hiring an Attorney

  • The provision of a professional and impartial assessment of your case.
  • Expert negotiation skills to help you achieve a favorable settlement.
  • Assistance in obtaining necessary medical attention, advice and care.
  • Provision of viable options and guidance in selecting the most appropriate course of action for your case.
  • Help with navigating complex litigation processes.
  • Expedited processing of your Oakland personal injury claim.
  • Keeping your settlement on the right track.
  • If your case goes to trial you need an experienced trial attorney on your side.

At GJEL Accident Attorneys, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand that these cases can be overwhelming and complicated, which is why we are committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need throughout the entire process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.

RELENTLESS APPROACH

Sure, we have also earned countless accolades and awards, but the only measure of our success is how we can help you.

We are relentless in our pursuit of justice on your behalf. Our Oakland lawyers never hesitate to take on the biggest insurance companies and corporate defendants if that’s what it takes to get results for you. We aren’t just car accident lawyers, either. We’re brain injury lawyers, motorcycle accident lawyers, truck accident lawyers, and more.

TALK TO A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY IN OAKLAND

Meet Our Team of Experienced Oakland Personal Injury Lawyers

Attorneys serving our Oakland California law offices.

Attorney Andy Gillin

Attorney Andy Gillin, Practicing Since 1972

Picture of Attorney Ralph Jacobson

Attorney Ralph Jacobson 

Section Image

  • Personal Injury

    A personal injury attorney is an attorney who specializes in helping you seek damages for an accident in which you were injured.

  • Car Accidents

    Motor Vehicle accidents account for a significant portion of California’s personal injury and wrongful death claims.

  • Motorcycle Accidents

    After a motorcycle accident, you have two options for securing compensation for your injuries and other losses:

  • Wrongful Death

    The unexpected death of a loved one is a devastating event that no one prepares for. The emotional toll of such a tragedy can be difficult to bear.

  • Truck Accidents

    Motor Vehicle accidents account for a significant portion of California’s personal injury and wrongful death claims.

  • Bicycle Accidents

    Most cyclists are aware of the dangers of bike travel and take precautions to prevent accidents.

  • Brain Injuries

    Most traumatic brain injuries are the result of a vehicle accident, gunshot wound, sports trauma, or child abuse.

  • Bus Accidents

    Accidents involving public and private bus services and school buses are often extremely serious.

  • Scooter Accidents

    If you were injured in a scooter accident or on a scooter due to someone else’s negligence you should speak to an attorney right away.

  • Insurance Disputes

    Most of the time in a personal injury case we will sue insurance companies who try to pay the minimum amount possible based on their policy coverage. We are experts in filing lawsuits and winning these complex cases against insurance companies.

  • Defective Products

    Each year there are many recalls and safety warnings issued as the result of defective or dangerous auto parts, including seatback failures.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A PERSONAL INJURY IN OAKLAND

With the help of good personal injury attorneys, Oakland residents can get reimbursement for damages they sustain in an accident. it’s possible to win damages when you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, but you need to take certain steps to protect your rights.

Here are some recommendations from GJEL attorneys on what to do in case you are injured in an accident.

PRIORITIZE EVERYONE’S HEALTH AND SAFETY

The first thing you need to do when an accident in Oakland happens is to assess the situation and to call 911 if necessary. Be sure to seek medical help immediately. Many injuries only start hurting later, so it’s better to be safe and protect your health.

CONTACT A OAKLAND PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Oakland personal injury attorneys can help you determine your damages, find the liable parties, collect evidence, guide you through the settlement process, and prepare your trial case should settlement efforts break down. Don’t accept any settlement or talk to any insurance adjusters before you contact our office and speak to our Oakland lawyers. Insurance adjusters want to settle for as little as possible and anything you say to them may be used to minimize or discredit your claim.

DON’T TALK TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY BEFORE CONSULTING A LAWYER

That helpful insurance adjuster knows you want to settle your case quickly, and they may make an immediate settlement offer. But their job is to minimize the damages their client pays out, and you may be signing away your rights to a larger payout.

Don’t provide statements or potential settlements until you at least consult an attorney. You can call us or contact us online right to schedule your free consultation and case analysis with one of our Oakland accident lawyers.

BUILD YOUR CASE

GCEL will work closely with you to build the best possible case and get proper compensation for your damages. Our accident lawyers in Oakland work with other legal and medical professionals to see that you are fairly compensated for your pain, suffering, and damages by all parties responsible for your injury.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION

Gathering all the paperwork involved in a personal injury claim can be an enormous hassle involving multiple trips to different offices. Our Oakland injury lawyer and their staff will make the calls, do the footwork, and put these records together for you. We also compile and gather photos, videos, and other evidence relevant to your claim.

NEGOTIATION

GJEL’s accident lawyers in Oakland understand that everyone involved in an accident claim want to get things settled as quickly as possible. With over 50 years of experience dealing with adjusters and personal injury plaintiff lawyers, we have the skills to negotiate for the best offer possible efficiently, effectively, and quickly.

PREPARE FOR TRIAL

While we settle the majority of our cases without going to court, our Oakland personal injury attorneys are ready to prepare your case for trial if necessary. Since 1972, GJEL has had a 99% success rate in trial cases. We can file complaints and motions, schedule depositions, and prepare witness statements. And while this goes on we continue working with the other side toward a fair and just settlement for your pain, suffering, and damages.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE IF YOU WERE INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT IN OAKLAND

Under the California statute of limitations, you have only two years from the date of your injury accident to take legal action. If you don’t file a lawsuit within that period, you could lose your legal right to recover compensation. The sooner you can put us on the case, the better.

We get to work immediately, mobilizing our investigators and other resources. Our Oakland lawyers interview witnesses, gather photos and videos of the accident scene, and root out critical evidence for building your case. We identify your damages and document all of those, too, to ensure you get the maximum possible compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional damages.

OAKLAND PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS ARE HERE FOR YOU

In almost every case, a personal injury lawyer in Oakland can successfully negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company—and that’s great for you. When we get you an out-of-court-settlement, you don’t have to wait for a trial to get a check in your hand. You don’t have to go through the cost or the hassle of filing a lawsuit and wading through the complex waters of the legal system.

But make no mistake, we are always ready, willing, and able to file a civil suit and fight your battle in the courtroom. We are experienced, aggressive litigators, and we make formidable opponents in court.

GJEL Law Attorneys Have a 99% Success Rate with Personal Injury Cases. Let Us Help You Get Better!

Don’t Fight Your Battle Alone

If someone else was responsible for your injuries, they deserve to be held accountable—and you deserve to be fairly compensated for your injuries and other damages.

Don’t Fight Your Personal Injury Accident Battle By Yourself

Losing your ability to earn a living or provide for your loved ones can be devastating. The good news is that our Oakland personal injury attorneys understand, and we are standing by to jump in and fight for you.

TRUST THE ACCIDENT & INJURY LAW FIRM WHO FIGHT FOR YOU

If you’ve talked to other Oakland personal injury lawyers, we think you’re going to notice the GJEL difference right away. We don’t take a typical approach to fighting for you. Instead, we take the time to get to know you and to understand your fears, your challenges, and your goals. We tailor our legal strategies specifically to your needs and the details of your case. We know that no one-size-fits-all approach will ever help get you the results you deserve.

GJEL'S ATTORNEYS HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR OUR CLIENTS FOR ALMOST FIVE DECADES

After being actively involved in the Oakland, CA community for more than 40 years, we have established an expansive network of resources and connections. We put the collective knowledge and experience of our team to work for you. Our personal injury attorneys Oakland office are here to serve the people, right in The Alameda neighborhood.

WE ONLY HANDLE SERIOUS INJURY CASES

Some Oakland personal injury attorneys have multiple areas of focus in their practice—and that’s just fine. We, however, have made the choice to focus only on helping injury accident victims. We know the members of the local legal and law enforcement communities. We also know the insurance companies—and they definitely know us.

WE NEVER COLLECT ANY LEGAL FEES UNTIL WE RECOVER COMPENSATION FOR YOU

You don’t have to worry about paying for your initial consultation or case analysis. You don’t have to worry about paying any legal fees upfront or out of pocket. In fact, you won’t owe any legal fees at all unless we recover compensation for your claim.

DON’T RISK YOUR LEGAL RIGHT TO RECOVER COMPENSATION. CONTACT OUR OAKLAND ATTORNEYS

The California statute of limitations allows only two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in Santa Clara county. If you don’t act within that time, you could lose your legal right to recover compensation. The sooner our Oakland personal injury attorneys can get started on your case, the better. Investigating your accident [or car crash], gathering information, and building a persuasive case are best accomplished before evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade.

We successfully negotiated a settlement with the insurance company for the majority of our clients. However, if the at-fault party’s insurance company won’t negotiate in good faith or make a reasonable settlement offer, we won’t hesitate to file a civil suit and take your case to the courtroom.

At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we specialize in serious personal injury & wrongful death cases.

Want to read our reviews and learn more about us? Check out our reviews on Google and learn why our clients love us.

OAKLAND IS FAMOUS FOR MANY THINGS . . . INCLUDING INJURY ACCIDENTS

Oakland is home to almost a half-million people and many of California’s top employers. Our city, with its delightful downtown and vibrant arts scene, has countless attractions and features that appeal to residents and tourists alike.

Unfortunately, Oakland is also home to some of the highest injury accident rates in the state.

In fact, accidents in Oakland are so frequent that the City of Oakland traffic safety division reports that someone is killed or severely injured in a car accident twice a week, on average. Despite the city’s commitment to improving safety on our streets, fatal injuries increased by 76% between 2012 and 2016. Today, if you’re involved in a high-speed car crash in Oakland, you have a one-in-four chance of dying as a result.

ACCIDENTS ARE RAMPANT

Accidents in Oakland happen all too often. Whether you have been hit by a vehicle, attacked by an animal, or were injured in a slip and fall, you can face years of pain, suffering, and expenses for someone else’s mistake.

If you or a loved one have suffered a personal injury, an Oakland injury lawyer can help you protect your rights and see that you get the compensation you deserve for your losses.

MOST COMMON TYPES OF ACCIDENTS IN OAKLAND

Car accidents aren’t the only risk that you face in Oakland. Bicycle accidents are also common. Despite what you might believe, 75% of bicycle accidents do not involve drug or alcohol impairment on the part of the motorists who struck the bicyclist. Pedestrians also face significant risk. A full third of pedestrians who are seriously injured or killed in Oakland is the victim of a driver who failed to yield for them in a crosswalk.

The moral of the story is, to enjoy living, working, and playing in Oakland but always be on the lookout for danger. If danger does find you, in the form of an injury accident, call on a GJEL Oakland injury attorney for help.

MOST COMMON TYPES OF OAKLAND INJURIES

An accident in Oakland can be a traumatic, expensive, and life-changing experience. While you have a legal right to damages, without a good lawyer you may not get the compensation to which you are entitled. If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else’s error, you need the best representation possible. Some of the injuries our personal injury attorneys in Oakland see in our offices include:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Burns
  • Fractures and dislocations
  • Paralysis
  • Loss of limb or limb function
  • Back injuries
  • Scarring lacerations and wounds
  • Internal organ damage
  • Psychological trauma
  • Eye injuries

DAMAGE CLAIM FOR PERSONAL INJURIES

There are three types of damage claims for personal injuries and our Oakland personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling all of them.

Economic damages involve real costs or hardships you incur, like current and future medical bills and lost wages.

General damages involve non-tangible but real issues like pain and suffering, disfigurement, and decreased quality of life.

Punitive damages may be assessed in cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly outrageous.

For example, if your injury was caused by a driver under the influence, a judge or jury might award punitive damages to make a point and discourage others from similar negligence.

TYPES OF OAKLAND PERSONAL INJURY CASES WE HANDLE

The field of personal injury law is broad, spanning causes of action from motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall injuries to defective products and aviation accidents. These are just a few of the most common types of Oakland personal injury cases we handle.

You can take a look at the expanded version of our Oakland personal injury practice areas, but we can help you even if your circumstances aren’t noted there. Our Oakland personal injury attorneys can also assist you with a wrongful death claim if you lost a loved one due to a personal injury accident, medical malpractice, or any other accident caused by someone else’s actions.

WE TREAT OUR CLIENTS WITH RESPECT

At GJEL Accident Attorneys we like fighting for the little guy. Unlike other firms, our legal team won’t treat your story like a file in a cabinet. We treat every case with special attention and personal care, because we know it’s the right thing to do, and it’s what gets results. We will work closely with you to foster a personal relationship and understand your unique story, and when it comes time to go to court, our attorneys will fight to get you every penny you deserve.

Here are just a few of our success stories:

Big-rig collision—$7.5 million awarded;

Injured cyclist—$100,000 awarded;

Wrongful death from defective tires—$10.8 million awarded; and

Work injury resulting in CRPS—$3.27 million awarded.

Call us now for help from one of our experienced Oakland personal injury attorneys.

WE FIGHT TO MAXIMIZE YOUR INJURY ACCIDENT COMPENSATION

After sustaining injuries in a car accident or similar incident, it’s natural to be curious about what the average Oakland personal injury claim settlement might be. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to assign an average dollar value to any car accident settlement or other injury claims in the Bay Area.

Every injury accident victim is unique. Your injuries and other damages won’t be like anyone else’s. That’s why we take the time to listen to your story and ask important questions. This allows us to identify and assign value to all your economic and non-economic damages.

You could be entitled to compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. You might also be eligible to recover compensation to cover any future medical treatment you need, future income losses, etc.

OVER FIVE DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN YOUR CORNER

99% success rate

The GJEL Oakland personal injury attorneys also have extensive experience with more specialized types of injury accident damages, including victims being airlifted or taken on Flight for Life, trauma activation, extensive hospitalization, experienced traumatic brain injuries, serious injury, surgery, and death.

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE, WE'RE HERE TO HELP

Finally, no matter where you are or what your circumstances might be, we have processes in place to facilitate teleconferences, video conferencing, and electronic document handling. If you can’t travel to us—or if you prefer to maintain a safe, social distance—these tools will be invaluable throughout your case. Or, if you prefer, we will send one of our experienced personal injury lawyers in Oakland, CA to you. We can come to the hospital, to your home, or wherever you are.

Whatever you need from us, we are here to help you. With GJEL on your side, you never have to face this daunting situation alone.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW MUCH CAN I GET IN A SETTLEMENT?

We can’t predict how much your case might be worth until we meet with you for a free consultation. Once we hear the specifics of your accident in Oakland, we can discuss potential settlement amounts. Whether your case is worth thousands or millions, we’ll fight for every dollar you deserve.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET A SETTLEMENT?

Every case and every injury accident victim is different, which makes it virtually impossible to estimate how long your case may take to resolve. The good news is that we successfully negotiate settlements with the at-fault party’s insurance company in most cases. That not only gets a check into your hand as quickly as possible, but it also helps avoid the time and hassle of going to court. If the insurance company does not make an acceptable offer, however, our experienced litigators will be ready at any time to file a civil lawsuit and fight for you in court.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO HIRE AN SERIOUS INJURY ATTORNEY?

When you choose GJEL to handle your car accident case (or any other type of personal injury accident claim), you won’t have to pay any money out of pocket. Your consultation and case evaluation are free, and we never collect any legal fees until we recover compensation for you. Once we recover a settlement or award, we will simply deduct our legal fees and hand you your check.

DO I HAVE TO USE A LAWYER?

In Oakland and throughout California, you are not legally obligated to hire an attorney to pursue a personal injury claim. In fact, there are some scenarios where you don’t need a lawyer. However, if you sustained serious injuries or if the insurance company is not being fully cooperative, having an Oakland personal injury attorney can substantially increase your chances of success. Either way, it’s free to talk to us, and we’ll provide you with the information you need to decide for yourself whether a lawyer can add value to your case.

WHY IS GJEL RIGHT FOR MY CASE?

GJEL isn’t right for every case, but call us for a free consultation, and we’ll let you know if we can help. We try to minimize the risk of litigation to our clients, so we offer our Oakland legal services on contingency. Our firm has a 99% success rate, and we’ve recovered nearly $1 billion for accident victims during our 40 years of practice.

WHY SHOULD I CALL A LAWYER RIGHT AWAY?

After you are involved in an Oakland accident, you might think insurance companies are on your side. They’re not. Insurance companies are trying to protect their profits, so you need experienced Oakland personal injury attorneys to fight for the compensation you deserve.

DON’T HIRE ANY PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY WHO CAN’T SAY “YES!” TO THESE QUESTIONS

CALL ON THE OAKLAND PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS WHO KNOW HOW TO GET THE JOB DONE FOR YOU.

Visit Our Office

Find us at:

11 Embarcadero West #133, Oakland, CA 94607

Hours:

Our Attorneys Are Available 24/7 for a free case review

Phone:

510-839-0707 [Phone Lines Open 24/7]


If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, don’t hesitate to contact GJEL Accident Attorneys, your trusted auto accident and automobile accident lawyers in Oakland. Our experienced team is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at (510) 839-0707 or visit our office at 11 Embarcadero West #133, Oakland, CA 94607.

Accident Injury Statistics

1. In the United States, there are over 1.3 million lawyers practicing law (American Bar Association, 2020).
2. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers in 2019 was $122,960 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020).
3. In Oakland, California, there are over 1,000 lawyers practicing law (American Bar Association, 2020).
4. Of those 1,000 lawyers, approximately 10% specialize in personal injury law (American Bar Association, 2020).
5. The average personal injury lawyer in Oakland charges $250 per hour (Lawyers.com, 2020).
6. The average personal injury case in Oakland takes approximately 6-9 months to settle (Lawyers.com, 2020).
7. The average settlement for a personal injury case in Oakland is between $50,000 and $100,000 (Lawyers.com, 2020).

Nearby Locations

If you were injured in an accident seek medical attention right away.

Resources

Oakland Personal Injury Attorneys

Oakland Car Accident Attorneys

Oakland Wrongful Death Lawyers

Oakland Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Oakland Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Oakland Truck Accident Attorneys With You Every Step of The Way