Contra Costa County Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents occur virtually every single day here in the state of California. Though many of these incidents (fortunately) don’t result in serious injuries, plenty of accidents still do. That said, if you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s careless actions, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The legal team here at O’Connor Law APC has decades of experience representing car accident victims here in the Bay Area, and we stand ready to put that experience to work for you as well. Contact a Contra Costa County car accident lawyer from our firm for a free initial consultation.

Types of Car Accidents

Not all car accidents are the same–and the type of collision you’re involved in can affect the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your claim, and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. At O’Connor Law APC, we handle all types of car accident cases, including:

• Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by distracted or tailgating drivers, these crashes frequently result in whiplash and other soft tissue injuries.
• Head-On Collisions: Among the most dangerous types of crashes, head-on impacts can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• T-Bone Accidents: Side-impact collisions, often occurring at intersections, can cause serious injuries, especially to occupants on the struck side of the vehicle.
• Sideswipe Collisions: These often occur during unsafe lane changes or merging, especially on highways or multi-lane roads.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Complex crashes involving several vehicles can raise questions of comparative fault and require detailed investigation.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: When a driver leaves the scene, it can complicate the claims process–but uninsured motorist coverage may provide a path to compensation.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollovers often result from high-speed crashes or top-heavy vehicles losing control, and they can lead to devastating outcomes.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, often due to the careless or reckless actions of others. Understanding the most common causes of collisions can help shed light on how negligence plays a role in many crashes. Below are some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in California:

• Distracted Driving: Using a phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or talking to passengers can divert attention from the road and lead to serious accidents.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for conditions significantly increases the likelihood and severity of a crash.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction time and impairs judgment, making it a major factor in many accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals put everyone on the road at risk.
• Fatigued Driving: Drivers who are overly tired or drowsy may have slower reflexes and may even fall asleep behind the wheel.
• Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Ignoring traffic rules or not yielding at intersections or during merges can cause side-impact and head-on collisions.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic controls is a dangerous form of negligence that can lead to devastating crashes.
• Improper Lane Changes: Failing to signal, check blind spots, or maintain proper lane position often results in sideswipe or multi-vehicle accidents.
• Inexperienced Drivers: New or unlicensed drivers may make errors in judgment that lead to accidents.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Worn brakes, bald tires, or malfunctioning lights can all contribute to a driver losing control of their vehicle.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

The moments following a car accident can be overwhelming. However, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly affect both your safety and the strength of any future injury claim. Here are some of the steps you should take:

1. Check for Injuries and Get to Safety: First, assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further danger.
2. Call the Police: Even for minor accidents, having a police report can be crucial evidence in your personal injury claim.
3. Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, any visible injuries, road conditions, skid marks, and surrounding traffic signs or signals.
5. Get Witness Information: If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their contact information in case their testimony is needed later.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Seeing a doctor ensures your health is protected and creates a record of your condition.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly, but avoid admitting fault or giving a detailed statement before speaking with an attorney.
8. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: Before dealing with insurance adjusters, it’s wise to speak with an experienced Contra Costa County injury lawyer who can protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.

PIP in California

Unlike some other states, California does not require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of its auto insurance laws. Instead, California follows a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver is legally responsible for the damages they cause in an accident. However, understanding how PIP works—and what alternatives may be available—can still be helpful.

PIP coverage typically pays for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. While California drivers are not required to carry PIP, they can opt for Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) as an add-on to their auto insurance policy. MedPay can help cover:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital stays
• Doctor visits
• Ambulance fees
• Funeral costs, in the event of a fatal accident

Because California is an at-fault state, you generally have the right to pursue a claim against the negligent driver for your full range of damages, including those not covered by MedPay. If you’re unsure what coverage applies in your case, we can help review your policy and identify all potential sources of recovery.

Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. At O’Connor Law APC, we fight to secure compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and any future medical treatment related to your injury.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries forced you to miss work, you can pursue compensation for the income you’ve lost—and even for diminished earning capacity in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life are very real damages for which you may be compensated.
• Property Damage: You may be entitled to reimbursement for repairs or the total loss of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, spouses or family members may seek compensation for the loss of companionship or support resulting from the injury.

Our goal is to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing.

Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer Today

O’Connor Law APC is a staunch legal advocate for all those who’ve been harmed in car accidents and other auto accidents. If you’re a car accident victim, you can have peace of mind by turning to a skilled Contra Costa County personal injury lawyer here at our firm for representation. Contact O’Connor Law APC today to set up a free case evaluation with our firm.