Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Jose: Whether you live in San Jose or are just visiting, if you are injured in a car accident, you may need the help of a car accident attorney. An online search will show you many options to choose from.
Trying to figure out who to hire can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Forbes Advisor has researched the best San Jose car accident attorneys to make your search easier.
10 Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Jose
01. Albie B. Jachimowicz
California Bar Status: Active
Year of Admission: 1982
Law School Attended: Santa Clara University School of Law
Why They’re on Our List:
With over 40 years in the legal field, Albie Jachimowicz is recognized for his distinguished career. His background in law enforcement, extensive peer recognition, and successful case outcomes contribute to his top ranking. He handles cases in federal and state courts across California and has served as a judge pro tempore.
Notable Facts and Recognitions:
# Former San Mateo County Police Officer
# Avid cyclist/runner focused on bicycle and motor vehicle accidents
# Voted Best of Silicon Valley by Metro Magazine (2011, 2013, 2015)
Practice Areas:
# Car accidents
# Personal injuries
# Criminal defense
Also Read: Best all Car accident lawyers
02. Mark B. O’Connor
California Bar Status: Active
Year of Admission: 1986
Law School Attended: Santa Clara University School of Law
Why They’re on Our List:
Mark O’Connor specializes in catastrophic personal injuries, including head trauma and spinal cord injuries. With over 20 years of experience in this niche, he has earned consistent recognition as a top attorney in his practice areas.
Notable Facts and Recognitions:
# Admitted to the US Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
# Member of the Western Trial Lawyers Association
Practice Areas:
# Catastrophic personal injuries
# Car accidents
# Defense on appeal
Also Read: Top 10 Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Diego
03. Timothy D. McMahon
California Bar Status: Active
Year of Admission: 1984
Law School Attended: Santa Clara University School of Law
Why They’re on Our List:
Timothy McMahon’s background in pharmacology enhances his understanding of personal injury cases involving medicine and biochemistry. His 15 years of defense experience bolster his advocacy skills, helping him achieve successful outcomes for challenging cases.
Notable Facts and Recognitions:
# Top 100 Irish American Lawyers (2010 – Present)
# Member of the American Board of Trial Lawyers since 2005
# Board of Governors, Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association
Practice Areas:
# Personal injuries
# Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
# Product liability
Also Read: Best all Car accident lawyers
04. Lori J. Costanzo
California Bar Status: Active
Year of Admission: 1989
Law School Attended: University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
Why They’re on Our List:
Lori Costanzo has practiced civil litigation throughout Northern California for over 25 years. She is known for her courageous advocacy and community involvement, including work with Legal Assistance for Seniors and Latinas Contra Cancer.
Notable Facts and Recognitions:
# Judge Pro Tempore in Santa Clara County
# Member of the Executive Committee of Women Lawyers, Santa Clara County Bar Association
# Adjunct Professor at Santa Clara University School of Law
# Santa Clara County Court Panel Mediator
Practice Areas:
# Car accidents
# Employment law
# Sexual assault/abuse
Also Read: Top 10 Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Diego
05. Robert Bohn, Jr.
California Bar Status: Active
Year of Admission: 1995
Law School Attended: Santa Clara University School of Law
Why They’re on Our List:
Robert Bohn exclusively focuses on personal injury cases and has secured significant recoveries for his clients, including a $45 million settlement for brain and spinal cord injuries. He is dedicated to maximizing compensation and providing personal attention to clients.
Notable Facts and Recognitions:
# National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 Trial Lawyers
# Judge Pro Tempore, Santa Clara County Superior Court
# California Consumer Lawyers Champions of Justice Award
Practice Areas:
# Personal injuries
# Car accidents
06. Kirsten M. Fish
California Bar Status: Active
Year of Admission: 2001
Law School Attended: Santa Clara University School of Law
Why They’re on Our List:
Kirsten Fish specializes in personal injury with a focus on elder abuse. With over 20 years in practice, she is a prominent speaker and writer on elder abuse, recognized for her achievements in this field.
Notable Facts and Recognitions:
# Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association Board of Governors
# Director of Curriculum at Lincoln Law School in San Jose
# Outstanding Achievement in the Pursuit of Justice, Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association (2022)
Practice Areas:
# Personal injuries
# Wrongful death
# Elder abuse
07. Brendan Barrett
California Bar Status: Active
Year of Admission: 2009
Law School Attended: University of San Francisco School of Law
Why They’re on Our List:
Brendan Barrett is known for his excellent client service and legal expertise. He handles various personal injury matters and is praised for his direct, caring approach and outstanding performance.
Notable Facts and Recognitions:
# Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 in California (2018, 2021, 2022)
# Pro Bono Público Award for Outstanding Community Service
# Public Interest Clearinghouse Award for exceptional commitment to social justice
Practice Areas:
# Personal injuries
# Car accidents
# Criminal defense
08. David A. Trinh
California Bar Status: Active
Year of Admission: 2010
Law School Attended: Lincoln Law School Sacramento
Why They’re on Our List:
David Trinh, an immigrant from Vietnam, handles various personal injury cases and is dedicated to providing exceptional client service. He is licensed to practice in both state and federal courts and serves Spanish-speaking clients.
Notable Facts and Recognitions:
# Licensed to practice in the federal courts of the Northern and Eastern District
# Fluent in Vietnamese
Practice Areas:
# Personal injuries
# Car and truck accidents
# Real estate
# Bankruptcy
09. Lauren A. Cerri
California Bar Status: Active
Year of Admission: 2012
Law School Attended: University of Connecticut School of Law
Why They’re on Our List:
Lauren Cerri focuses on sexual abuse injuries and is noted for achieving significant justice for childhood abuse victims. She has secured a landmark $102.5 million verdict against a school district.
Notable Facts and Recognitions:
# Santa Clara County Trial Lawyer of the Year (2022)
# Largest sexual abuse judgment against a school district in California
# Lobbyist for child protection legislation
Practice Areas:
# Personal injuries
# Sexual abuse injuries
# Car accidents
Also Read: Top 10 Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Diego
10. Lincoln Tran
California Bar Status: Active
Year of Admission: 2010
Law School Attended: University of California, Hastings College of the Law
Why They’re on Our List:
Lincoln Tran has nearly 15 years of legal experience and heads his firm’s litigation section. His background as a defense attorney enhances his personal injury practice.
Notable Facts and Recognitions:
# Volunteer Legal Aid Society, Workers’ Rights Clinic
Practice Areas:
# Traffic and pedestrian accidents
# Small business disputes
# Employment law
How to File a Claim After a Car Accident in California
If you were injured in a car accident and another person is responsible, you may be entitled to collect money to compensate them for the cost of your physical damages, as well as the value of any psychological damage that may have occurred. But first, you have to show an insurance company, a judge, or a jury convincing evidence that the people you are accusing should be held legally responsible for causing your injuries and that you are entitled to a certain amount of compensation for them. their damages.
Trying to obtain compensation from an insurance company after a traffic accident is a contentious process that can quickly become unpleasant. Good preparation is essential to obtain a satisfactory result. Anticipating the challenges you may face and providing credible evidence to support your claim increases your chances of receiving maximum compensation in a minimum amount of time.
What you have to prove
Most car accident claims are based on driver error causing unwanted injuries to another person. Negligence is the term used to describe the behavior of a driver who did not act as a reasonably prudent person would have done in the circumstances. The law imposes a duty on drivers to exercise reasonable care when driving so as not to harm other people.
The driver’s actions must be the legal cause of the injuries. A legal cause is one in which the damage claimed was a foreseeable result of the driver’s conduct. If a reasonable person could have foreseen an injury as a possible consequence of the actions taken, then legal cause is proven.
The final hurdle is proving that the claimed injuries were a result of the accident and how much compensation for those injuries is worth. Medical records, receipts, and other types of documentation are needed to prove injuries and resulting damages.
Get medical treatment and follow treatment protocols
There must be objective evidence that the reported injuries were caused by the car accident. A good way to legally establish that connection is to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a car accident.
It can backfire in a car accident lawsuit if the injured person does not follow the recommended treatment. The damage caused by an injury that does not heal or that worsens over time may not be fully compensated if the injured person does not cooperate in their recovery.
Document the accident and your injuries
It is always a good idea to write down everything you can remember about a traffic accident as soon as possible after it occurs. You may be asked about what happened several times and it is important to provide consistent information. A written record may be referenced to maintain credibility.
A large portion of the damages that can be awarded for injuries sustained in a traffic accident cannot be easily determined. Compensation may be awarded for factors as difficult to assess as pain and suffering, mental suffering, and emotional distress. Since these factors are subjective and based on a person’s own experience, keeping a record of what happens and how often adds credibility to a claim for damages.
Collect and organize all relevant information
It has been said that the best defense is the best offense. In the case of a car accident injury lawsuit, that means being prepared when the other side starts asking questions. Having all the information related to your claim in one place and organized neatly for easy access will help you accurately remember information about your accident and injuries. Consistently providing accurate information improves your credibility and strengthens your claim.
How to deal with an insurance company
When you are injured in a car accident, you will likely have to deal with the driver’s insurance company while you try to recover your damages. In rare cases, it involves the insurance company simply paying your claim. Insurance companies make money by not paying claims. Therefore, the relationship is adversarial from the beginning. You should be aware of this and interact professionally.
Insurance adjusters want to close claims quickly and with minimal payout. They are always looking for ways to avoid having to pay. However, insurance companies have a legal obligation to treat claimants fairly and pay legitimate claims promptly. They cannot attempt to resolve claims for less than is fair under the law.
Not everyone is familiar with insurance contracts and their legal interpretation. Insurance companies know this and may try to use it to their advantage in settlement negotiations.
Also Read: Best all Car accident lawyers
Why is it beneficial to have a car accident lawyer?
Consulting an attorney in matters involving your legal rights will always be a good idea. But what makes it a safe bet is that many, if not most, car accident attorneys offer free consultations. These consultations do not involve any commitment on your part and, at a minimum, will give you an idea of your situation and how you should proceed.
Keep in mind that the sooner you obtain legal advice, the better prepared you will be to deal with insurance companies. Knowledge is power when it comes to negotiating settlement terms with an insurance company. It is worth spending time on a legal consultation.
When to Consider Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
There is no specific time when you should hire an attorney to help you with your car accident claim. Some people feel more comfortable hiring an attorney from the beginning. Others prefer to try to see if they can work with an insurance company before considering hiring an attorney.
For relatively simple claims for minor damages, it may not be necessary to hire an attorney. But when there are many issues in dispute or multiple parties involved or when injuries are serious, legal issues can be complex and beyond the reach of most people outside the legal profession.
Yes, lawyers cost money, but often in car accident cases, lawyers charge a contingency fee. No money must be paid in advance. The attorney receives a percentage of the amounts recovered on behalf of a client. A typical percentage is between 33% and 40%. Some attorneys may be willing to negotiate their fees.
Before you decide to hire a car accident lawyer to help you with your claim, make sure that the lawyer you select has the necessary qualifications, experience, and professional recognition to successfully defend you. Schedule a consultation to ensure that the attorney is someone you feel comfortable working with and that the terms of the representation are acceptable to you. Remember, your attorney works for you and you want to work with the best.
