Car Accident Lawyer Gilroy, CA

Anytime you get in the car, whether you’re taking a scenic drive up the 101 or commuting to work in Salinas or San Jose, you run the risk of an accident. Some stretches of highway are more treacherous than others, but even a fender-bender can yield chronic neck pain and spine injuries serious damage to your vehicle. The driver who caused the wreck should be liable for all your losses and responsible for paying them, but at Mitchell & Danoff Law Firm, Inc., we’ve realized that this doesn’t always happen.

You may have suffered injuries serious enough to keep you out of work for weeks or totaled your vehicle. We want to help you. A Gilroy, CA, car accident lawyer from our firm can help you assert your rights and file a suit for damages against the at-fault driver. If you’re having difficulty getting a fair settlement from the insurance company, call our offices for a free consultation.

How Can A Gilroy Car Accident Lawyer Help?

In our many years of experience litigating car accident claims, our attorneys have noted that insurance companies consistently undervalue claims. You are entitled to demand full coverage of your medical care, including future medical needs, plus the full value of unearned wages if you miss time at work. You may not get the money you need without the help of a skilled attorney.

As your legal representative, we build the case for you, citing negligence on the part of the driver who hit you. We gather evidence, review the police accident report, and interview witnesses to prove what happened on the road that day. We also secure the services of expert witnesses, like a medical expert, to review your post-crash medical reports and financial experts to properly value the extent of your material and non-material losses.

We Take The Lead, Protecting Your Legal Rights

Even if you know that you did not cause the accident, you could face an uphill battle trying to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company. For one thing, the other driver may claim that you caused the accident, and you’ll have to prove that you didn’t. For another, you may not realize just how much your case is truly worth. We handle all these matters—and more—for you.

We advocate for you in the courtroom, mediation, and arbitration to negotiate a fair settlement for your losses. We answer your questions, provide advice tailored to your situation, and stand beside you from start to finish. If you need a skilled Gilroy car accident lawyer, we’re the team to trust. Contact Mitchell & Danoff Law Firm, Inc., today for a complimentary initial consultation.

Filing A Car Accident Claim For A Parking Lot Accident

Our Gilroy, CA car accident lawyer knows that parking lot accidents happen more often than many realize. These confined spaces, with heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, can lead to collisions that range from minor scrapes to more significant damage and injuries. It is crucial that you know what to do after a car accident. While these accidents may seem less severe than those on the road, the process of filing a claim can still feel daunting. At Mitchell & Danoff Law Firm, Inc, we work to simplify this process and help clients achieve the best outcome possible. We have recovered over $500 million for our clients and are ready to speak with you.

Determining Fault In Parking Lot Accidents

Fault in a parking lot accident depends on the actions of the drivers involved and the circumstances at the time of the collision. Parking lots are often private property, so the rules may differ slightly from public roadways. However, traffic laws and general standards of care still apply. Drivers are expected to yield appropriately, follow signage, and exercise caution.

For example, if a driver backing out of a parking space collides with a vehicle in a main lane of the lot, they are often considered at fault for failing to yield. On the other hand, if two cars collide while both are backing out, shared fault may come into play. Documentation, witness statements, and security camera footage can be essential in determining fault in these cases.

Gathering Evidence After A Parking Lot Accident

Our Gilroy car accident lawyer knows that gathering evidence is a critical step in filing a car accident claim. In parking lots, it’s important to take photos of the damage to all vehicles, the positions of the cars, and any visible signage or road markings. If there are witnesses, we recommend getting their contact information and asking for their account of what happened.

Many parking lots are equipped with surveillance cameras, which can provide valuable footage. Requesting this footage promptly is key, as some businesses may only keep recordings for a short period. Additionally, if the accident occurred near a business entrance, employees or customers might have seen the incident and could provide useful information.

Filing A Claim With Insurance

Filing an insurance claim for a parking lot accident generally follows the same process as any other car accident. You’ll need to contact your insurance company and provide details about the incident, including the date, time, location, and description of what happened. Sharing the evidence you’ve collected, such as photos and witness information, can help strengthen your claim.

In some cases, the other driver may dispute fault, which could lead to delays or require further investigation. It’s important to remain consistent in your account and provide all requested documentation. If the parking lot owner’s negligence contributed to the accident, such as poor signage or unmarked hazards, there may be an opportunity to file a claim against the property owner.

Seeking Legal Guidance

Parking lot accidents can present unique challenges, particularly when fault is unclear or insurance companies are unwilling to cooperate. It’s crucial that you know what to do after getting into a car accident. Having support during this process can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. At Mitchell & Danoff Law Firm, Inc, we are committed to helping clients recover fair compensation for their losses. If you’ve been involved in a parking lot accident and need help with your claim, reach out to us today. Let us assist you in gathering the necessary evidence, negotiating with insurers, and achieving the resolution you deserve. We helped one car accident victim win $248,000 for their claim. Contact our Gilroy car accident lawyer now to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.

7 Ways Dashcam Footage Can Support Your Car Accident Claim

Our trusted Gilroy, CA car accident lawyer knows that dashcam footage can be a valuable resource if you’re involved in a car accident. Many lawyers will tell you that surveillance footage and dashcam footage can provide clear, time-stamped video evidence that can clarify what happened and help strengthen your claim. Work with our team that has over 40 years of experience. Here are seven ways your dashcam footage can make a difference.

1. Establishes Liability. One of the biggest challenges after an accident is proving who was at fault. Dashcam footage captures the events leading up to the crash, showing how each driver was behaving. If the other driver ran a red light, was speeding, or made an illegal turn, your footage can provide clear proof.
2. Protects Against False Claims. In some cases, the other driver might try to shift the blame or exaggerate what happened. If someone falsely accuses you of causing the accident, your dashcam footage can set the record straight. This is especially useful in hit-and-run cases, staged accidents, or situations where there are conflicting statements.
3. Documents Road and Weather Conditions. Sometimes, road hazards or poor weather contribute to an accident. Your dashcam footage can show if there was heavy rain, icy roads, or obstacles that played a role in the crash. This information can be important for proving that external factors were involved.
4. Captures Traffic Violations. Our Gilroy car accident lawyer knows that if another driver was breaking traffic laws before the accident, dashcam footage can provide evidence. It might show someone running a stop sign, making an unsafe lane change, or driving aggressively. This footage can help prove that the other driver’s actions led to the collision.
5. Speeds Up the Claims Process. Insurance companies review evidence when determining fault and deciding how to handle a claim. Having clear dashcam footage can reduce disputes and help move the process along more efficiently. Instead of relying solely on witness statements or police reports, insurers can see exactly what happened.
6. Supports Injury Claims. Dashcam footage can also be useful in injury claims. The impact of a crash can show the severity of the collision, which may support your case if you suffered injuries. Video evidence can also back up medical reports and demonstrate the force of the accident.
7. Provides Unbiased Evidence. Unlike witness statements, which can be influenced by memory or perspective, dashcam footage provides an unbiased account of the accident. This can be especially helpful if there are conflicting reports about what happened. Clear video evidence makes it harder for others to dispute the facts.

Get Legal Support For Your Claim

If you’ve been in an accident, having strong evidence can make all the difference in your claim.  You want to have a lawyer who can explain the basics of personal injury law and walk you through the process of filing your claim. Dashcam footage is a powerful tool, but it’s just one part of building a solid case. At Mitchell & Danoff Law Firm, Inc., we help clients use all available evidence to seek fair compensation. Remember, when you work with us, you won’t pay a penny out of pocket. Contact our Gilroy car accident lawyer today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how we can help with your case.