Berkeley, California Car Accident Lawyers
Experienced Car Accident Attorneys Fighting for You In Berkeley – Get The Compensation You Deserve
Car accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. If you have been injured in a car accident in Berkeley, California, you may be facing large medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and emotional distress. You do not have to handle this alone. The Hassell Law Group, an award-winning personal injury law firm, is here to fight for your rights and seek to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries.
With over 100 years of combined personal injury legal experience, our top-rated attorneys have successfully represented car accident victims across the San Francisco Bay Area, recovering tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident in Berkeley, contact us today. We are a top choice for a car accident lawyer near you.
Don’t settle your car accident claim for less than it’s worth. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Free Consultation – No Fees Unless We Win. We Are Paid Out Of The Compensation We Obtain For You.
Call Us Now: (510) 849-6410
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash in Berkeley
A car accident claim is rarely as simple as filing a report and receiving a check from the insurance company. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, deny valid claims, or shift blame to reduce their liability. Hiring our skilled car accident lawyers levels the playing field and ensures you receive just compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Our attorneys handle everything for you, including:
- Investigating your accident and collecting evidence
- Negotiating from a position of strength with insurance companies to maximize your settlement
- Filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered
- Representing you in court if necessary
- Ensuring you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage
San Francisco Office
415-334-4111Aptos Office
831-508-8819Pinole Office
510-849-6410
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Common Causes of Car Accidents in Berkeley
Car accidents in Berkeley happen for many reasons, often due to negligence or reckless driving behaviors. Some of the most common causes of car crashes in Berkeley, California, include:
Distracted Driving
Drivers using cell phones, GPS systems, or engaging in other distractions are responsible for a significant portion of car accidents. According to crash statistics, distracted driving caused over 3,000 deaths nationwide in 2022.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents in Berkeley. Drivers exceeding speed limits reduce their reaction time, increasing the likelihood of causing an accident with severe injuries or fatalities.
Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and motor skills. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that DUI-related accidents continue to be a major problem, especially in cities like Berkeley and Oakland.
Reckless Driving and Aggressive Driving
Drivers who engage in tailgating, road rage, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals create dangerous conditions on Berkeley’s busiest roads, including University Avenue and Shattuck Avenue.
Weather and Road Conditions
While Berkeley generally has mild weather, fog, rain, and wet roads can contribute to car accidents. Poorly maintained roads or construction zones also increase crash risks.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Berkeley
Knowing what to do immediately after an accident can significantly impact your safety, well-being, and your potential compensation from a car accident claim.
Step 1: Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Check for injuries—your health is the top priority. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.
Step 2: Contact the Police and File an Accident Report
Even if the accident seems minor, a police report is essential for your insurance claim. The Police can document the crash scene and issue a traffic crash report.
Step 3: Collect Evidence and Document the Scene
- If safe to do so, take photos and videos of vehicle damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signals
- Get contact, driver’s license, and insurance details from the other driver and any witnesses
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer but avoid admitting fault or providing recorded statements without your lawyer being present.
Step 5: Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. Contact The Hassell Law Group as soon as possible so we can protect your rights and begin working on your case. The sooner you hire a car accident attorney after an accident, the better the likely outcome for you case.
Understanding California Car Accident Laws
California is an At-Fault State
In California, the at-fault driver is responsible for paying damages. That means the injured party can file a claim against the responsible driver’s insurance.
Comparative Negligence in California
Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
In California, you have:
- Two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim
- Three years for property damage claims
- Six months if a government entity (such as the City of Berkeley) is involved
Types of Compensation Available in Car Accident Cases
If you have been injured in a car accident in Berkeley, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses – hospital bills, physical therapy, surgeries, and medications
- Lost wages and future earnings – compensation for missed work and loss of future income
- Pain and suffering – emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium for your spouse
- Property damage – repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Wrongful death – compensation for families who lost a loved one in a fatal crash
Why Choose The Hassell Law Group?
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. The Hassell Law Group stands out because:
- We have over 100 years of combined personal injury legal experience
- Consistent multi-million-dollar case results
- Aggressive legal representation against insurance companies
- No fees unless we recover compensation for you
- Highly rated by former clients and top legal organizations
Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Berkeley, California
Certain roads and intersections in Berkeley have higher accident rates, including:
- Ashby Avenue and San Pablo Avenue – High-traffic area with frequent collisions
- University Avenue and 6th Street – A hotspot for pedestrian and bike accidents
- Shattuck Avenue and Bancroft Way – High volume of cyclist-related crashes
- Interstate 80 and Gilman Street – Dangerous freeway merge zones
Our Client Success Stories
We have helped countless car accident victims in the Bay Area recover millions in compensation.
$12.5 Million+ Confidential Settlement Result for a woman who was severely injured in a head on collision caused by a commercial truck driver.
$5,000,000 settlement for and injured woman in her 70’s and her husband who was killed in a head on collision caused by a negligent driver.
$4,900,000 result for our client in his mid 50s who was seriously injured when his vehicle was T-boned by a cement truck.
$4,677,244 court judgment in San Mateo County in a serious motorcycle accident where the motorcyclist was hit by a car driving on the wrong side of the road.
$4,500,000 settlement for client in her 60’s, a pedestrian, who was hit by a vehicle while crossing in the crosswalk in San Francisco.
$2,525,000 result for clients who were pedestrians involved in an accident caused by a commercial vehicle.
Contact The Hassell Law Group Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Berkeley car accident, do not wait to seek legal help. The Hassell Law Group is ready to fight for your compensation.
- Call us today at (510) 849-6410/b>
- Contact us online now
- Free consultation- and no fees unless we recover compensation for you
The general information provided on this website should not be considered legal advice and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult directly with an attorney. If you contact us by telephone, email, letter, live chat, or contact form submission through this website, please note that such communication does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. We cannot act as your attorney until we are hired by a formal written agreement.