Car Accident Lawyers in San Mateo

Being involved in a car accident can be one of the most agonizing and disruptive events you will ever experience. The physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burden can feel overwhelming as you try to recover while dealing with insurance companies that prioritize their profits over your well-being. If you’ve suffered injuries in a San Mateo car accident, you need a skilled legal professional who can protect your best interests.

At Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, our aggressive San Mateo car accident lawyers will put our decades of experience to work for you. We understand the complex nature of car accident claims and have built our reputation on securing maximum compensation for injured clients throughout California. Our knowledgeable attorneys take pride in holding negligent parties accountable while providing the personalized attention you deserve during this difficult time.

Contact CHM Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a dedicated San Mateo car accident attorney. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injury claim.

How a San Mateo Car Accident Attorney Can Help with Your Claim

When you hire a seasoned car accident attorney in San Mateo from CHM Law Firm, you gain an advocate who will protect your interests at every stage of your case.

Our attorneys start with a comprehensive case evaluation to thoroughly analyze all aspects of your accident to determine who is liable and how much you deserve to recover. This includes collecting police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other valuable evidence to build a compelling case. We may also collaborate with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and economic analysts to strengthen your claim.

We will then use our extensive experience to counter any of the insurance company’s tactics that would minimize your compensation. While most cases settle, we prepare every car accident case as if it will go to trial, putting us in the strongest possible position during negotiations.

Because CHM Law Firm takes on a limited number of cases, our attorneys and staff are able to dedicate significant attention and resources to achieve optimal outcomes. This selective approach allows us to provide personalized service while pursuing the maximum car accident compensation for your injuries.

When you hire our law firm, you pay no upfront attorney’s fees. We are only paid if and when our lawyers succeed in securing compensation in your case. You have nothing to lose and plenty to gain by contacting CHM Law Firm today.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

The actions you take immediately following a motor vehicle accident can significantly affect your ability to recover fair compensation. Consider the following essential steps:

• Seek Medical Attention – Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, and prompt medical documentation creates a vital record.
• Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and any other relevant details if you’re physically able.
• Exchange Information – Collect all drivers’ names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers.
• Gather Witness Information – Obtain contact information from anyone who witnessed the car crash.
• Report the Accident – File a police report, which serves as an official record of the incident.
• Notify Your Insurance Company – Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting settlement offers without legal counsel.
• Contact a Lawyer – Consult with a skilled San Mateo car accident lawyer before discussing the accident with other parties’ insurance companies.
• Keep Records – Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and documents related to the accident and your injuries.
• Follow Medical Advice – Attend all appointments and follow through with recommended treatments.
• Avoid Social Media – Refrain from posting about your accident or injuries, as insurance companies often monitor these platforms and can use your words against you.

How Our Lawyers Investigate Car Accident Cases

CHM Law Firm conducts thorough investigations to build the strongest possible car accident lawsuit for our clients. Our investigative process typically includes the following steps:

• Visiting the accident scene to identify contributing factors such as road design, visibility issues, or traffic control problems
• Reviewing police reports for crucial details and potential inconsistencies
• Interviewing witnesses to gather their perspectives on what happened
• Consulting with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists to establish precisely how the collision occurred
• Analyzing medical records in collaboration with healthcare professionals to fully understand the extent and long-term implications of your injuries
• Examining vehicle damage to help verify how the accident happened
• Obtaining surveillance footage from traffic or security cameras that may have captured the auto accident
• Researching driving history to determine whether the other motorist has a history of violations or previous accidents
• Reviewing cell phone records to assess whether distracted driving contributed to the car wreck

What Compensation Could I Recover in a Car Accident Claim?

A successful car accident claim may provide compensation for various losses you’ve suffered. Potentially recoverable compensation includes the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or permanent disability
• Loss of consortium (compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse)
• Property damage, including vehicle repair/replacement

A court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer in cases involving particularly egregious conduct.

CHM Law Firm has secured multimillion-dollar recoveries for clients suffering serious injuries in vehicle accidents. We understand how to accurately value all aspects of your claim so that we can fight for full and fair compensation.

Who Could Be Responsible for a Car Wreck in San Mateo?

Determining liability is crucial in your case. Potentially responsible parties may include the following:

• Other Drivers – Motorists who drove negligently, recklessly, or under the influence
• Commercial Vehicle Operators – Truck drivers, delivery services, or their employers
• Rideshare Companies – Uber, Lyft, or similar services and their drivers
• Vehicle Manufacturers – Companies that produced defective vehicles or parts
• Government Entities – Agencies responsible for road design or maintenance
• Construction Companies – Businesses responsible for road work or construction sites
• Employers – Companies whose employees caused accidents while on duty

Our attorneys carefully analyze all potential sources of liability so that we can hold every responsible party accountable for your injuries.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Partly at Fault for a Car Accident?

California follows the “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the auto collision. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20 percent responsible for the accident and your award totals $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.

However, insurance companies often try to assign you a higher percentage of fault to reduce their payout. Our knowledgeable attorneys will work diligently to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in California?

California’s statute of limitations for most car accident injury cases requires you to file a lawsuit within two years of the accident date. However, this timeframe may differ in certain circumstances, such as the following:

• Government Claims – If your case involves a government entity, you must file an administrative claim within six months.
• Minor Victims – If the injured person is under 18, the statute of limitations may be extended.
• Discovery Rule – In some cases, the countdown may begin when you discover or should have reasonably discovered your injury.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s crucial to consult with a San Mateo car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

What Are Common Types and Causes of Car Crashes?

The San Mateo area sees car accidents of all types, including the following:

Many different factors contribute to auto wrecks in San Mateo. Common causes include the following:

Understanding the cause of your accident helps establish liability and strengthens your claim for compensation.

What Are Typical Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident?

Common car accident injuries on San Mateo roads include:

• Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, contusions, or more severe brain trauma
• Spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis
• Back and neck injuries, including whiplash, herniated discs, or vertebrae fractures
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue (muscle, tendon, or ligament) injuries
• Internal injuries that may cause organ damage
• Burns from fires or chemical burns from airbags or leaked fluids
• PTSD, anxiety, or depression following a traumatic accident

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, resulting in substantial medical bills and other losses. Our attorneys understand how to document and prove the full extent of your injuries to secure appropriate compensation.