GJEL Accident Attorneys is one of the highest-rated Richmond, California Personal injury law firms. We specialize in serious injury and wrongful death cases.
Getting injured in an accident can be a serious life-altering event. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident you may have a lot of questions. That’s why GJEL Accident Attorneys was founded in 1972 by Attorney Andy Gillin.
“We want to help our clients every step of the way and get them the justice they deserve” – Andy Gillin (GJEL Accident Attorneys Founding Partner).
After an accident, there are a lot of uncertainties and GJEL is here to help you through this difficult time. At GJEL, we help our clients get the treatment and compensation they deserve and are entitled to after an accident. Holding wrongdoers accountable is what we do.
Since 1972, GJEL has helped thousands of clients across Northern California and Richmond while maintaining a 99% success rate on our cases. Since this time we have also recovered over a billion dollars for our clients and have been recognized as Superlawyers.
How Can Our Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys Help You?
Every case is different due to the facts surrounding the case. That’s why GJEL takes the time upfront to learn about your case and explore the possible options with you. We will evaluate the circumstances, help you get the medical treatment you need, and collect the proper evidence to ensure your case can reach its maximum value potential.
You should contact a personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation if these things have happened to you:
- You’ve been injured in an accident
- The accident was not your fault
- You have missed work due to the injury
If you meet the criteria above you may have a strong personal injury case.
What types of cases does GJEL Specialize in?
Since our inception in 1972, we have handled thousands of cases and have developed unique and effective methods for trying many different types of injury cases. That is why GJEL is consistently rated one of the top personal injury law firms in the country by news organizations such as Best Lawyers and US News & World Report.
We have handled most types of injury cases, but our most common cases are injuries resulting from accidents like:
- Car Crashes
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Burn Injuries
- Plane & Aircraft Crashes
GJEL handles serious injury cases
GJEL mostly handles cases where a serious injury was caused as a result of the accident. These injuries typically require multiple or even lifelong doctor appointments and usually result in lost work for the victim. We commonly handle injury cases with injuries like:
- Wrongful Death
- Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Lacerations
- Head Injuries
- Burns, Cuts & Abrasions
- Car Accident Cases in Richmond, CA
What is a Personal Injury Attorney?
A personal injury attorney is a legal professional who represents individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party.
Their primary goal is to help their clients receive compensation for their injuries and other losses, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Personal injury attorneys handle a wide variety of cases, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents.
The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident, hiring a personal injury attorney can offer several benefits. Firstly, they have a deep understanding of the legal system and can help guide you through the complex process of filing a claim. They will also investigate your case thoroughly, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.
Additionally, personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who can work with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can also represent you in court to fight for your rights.
Understanding Insurance Claims
Before delving into why State Farm might underpay insurance claims, it’s essential to understand how insurance claims work. When you purchase an insurance policy, you agree to pay monthly or yearly premiums to the insurance company. In exchange, the company promises to provide compensation if you experience a covered loss, such as damage to your home, car, or personal property. When you file a claim, the insurance company will investigate the loss and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive based on your policy’s terms and conditions.
Reasons for Underpayment of Insurance Claims by State Farm
While insurance companies are obligated to pay valid claims, they are also businesses that seek to maximize profits. State Farm is no exception. There are several reasons why State Farm may try to underpay insurance claims:
1. Saving Money
The primary reason State Farm may underpay insurance claims is to save money. When an insurance company pays out a claim, it is reducing its profits. Therefore, State Farm may attempt to minimize the amount it pays by undervaluing the damage or loss.
2. Policy Exclusions
Another reason why State Farm may underpay insurance claims is if the loss is excluded from the policy’s coverage. Insurance policies are complex contracts with exclusions, limitations, and deductibles. Policyholders are responsible for understanding their policy’s terms and conditions and ensuring that they have the appropriate coverage for their needs. If a loss is not covered by the policy, State Farm is not obligated to pay for it.
3. Disputes over the Value of the Loss
When you file an insurance claim, State Farm will send an adjuster to investigate the damage or loss. The adjuster will estimate the value of the loss and determine the compensation you are entitled to receive. However, policyholders and adjusters may have different opinions about the value of the loss, leading to disputes. State Farm may try to underpay the claim to resolve the dispute in its favor.
4. Fraud Prevention
State Farm may also attempt to underpay insurance claims to prevent fraud. Insurance fraud is a widespread problem in the United States, with criminals filing false claims to obtain compensation they are not entitled to receive. State Farm may be suspicious of a claim and underpay it if it suspects fraud.
Types of cases we handle
Here are the most common types of cases we handle in Richmond, CA.
Amputation Accidents
Accidents resulting in amputations can occur in a variety of settings, including car accidents, workplace accidents, and machinery accidents. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have suffered an amputation injury due to the negligence of another party.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common types of accidents that occur. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing individuals who have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents can be particularly dangerous and can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have been injured in a rollover accident due to the negligence of another party.
Uber & Lyft Accidents
Accidents involving rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft can be complex due to issues such as insurance coverage and liability. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have been injured in an accident involving a rideshare company.
Fatal Car Accidents
If a loved one has been killed in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, our attorneys can help you pursue a wrongful death claim.
Rear End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of car accidents. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have been injured in a rear-end accident due to the negligence of another driver.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection for the cyclist. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have been injured in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of another party.
Bus Accidents
Accidents involving buses can result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicle. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have been injured in a bus accident due to the negligence of another party.
Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can be particularly devastating and can result in long-term effects. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have suffered a brain injury due to the negligence of another party.
Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can include severe burns, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, among others. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have suffered a catastrophic injury due to the negligence of another party.
Hit And Run Accidents
If you have been involved in a hit and run accident, our attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
Litigation Against Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny claims in order to protect their bottom line. Our attorneys have experience in litigating against insurance companies to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Motorcycle Accidents & Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection for the rider. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another party.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protection for the pedestrian. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have been injured in a pedestrian accident due to the negligence of another party.
Scooter Accidents
Accidents involving scooters can be complex due to issues such as liability and insurance coverage. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have been injured in a scooter accident due to the negligence of another party.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the size and weight of the vehicle. Our attorneys have experience in representing individuals who have been injured in a truck accident due to the negligence of another party.
Wrongful Death Cases
If a loved one has been killed due to the negligence of another party, our attorneys can help you pursue a wrongful death claim.
If you think you might have a case, contact GJEL today
If you think you might have a personal injury case, you should contact GJEL today for a free case evaluation. Our expert attorneys are standing by ready to take your call.
Visit our office in Richmond, California.
GJEL Accident Attorneys
Address:
653 S. 31st St.
Richmond CA 94804
Phone Hours: Open 24 hours
Office Hours: 8AM – 6PM Monday – Friday
Phone: (510) 231-0290
Previous Richmond Accident & Injury Settlements
$1.3 Million for serious injury accident.
In this case, GJEL Accident Attorney Luke Ellis represented an elderly couple who had been directed to use a handicapped-accessible entrance by the owner of the restaurant. The defendants, in this case, were the restaurant’s owners and landlord. During deposition, Ellis elicited an admission from one of the owners of the restaurant that this entrance was not up to code, and discovered that the restaurant had been the site of another fall just a few years earlier. The case resulted in a $1.3 million payment to our clients which covered their medical expenses, pain, and suffering, as well as the costs of a full-time medical attendant for one of our clients.
Written by Andy Gillin. Last updated 4/3/23