California’s Alameda County is situated in the San Francisco Bay Area’s most eastern bay. The county’s estimated population last checked in October 2023 was 1,649.00. With cities like Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, and San Leandro dominating the county’s geography, the area is now primarily urban.
The area has a rich historical background that includes Native American tribal territories, Spanish, then Mexican ranches, farms, and properties, which finally transformed from agricultural hubs into modern-day metropolises.
When you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you need an Alameda County injury lawyer that you can count on. At Bisnar Chase, we have spent over 45 years building a reputation as a top-rated personal injury law firm in Alameda County. Our team has a 99% success rate, helping thousands of clients find the justice they deserve.
Award-winning accolades: Bisnar Chase has been rated multiple honors like the Best Law Firms in America, the Top 1% of Personal Injury Trial Lawyers, and the 2023 Law Firm of the Year by the American Institute of Legal Professionals.
We have an outstanding track record of recovering deserved compensation for clients across Northern California, from Oakland to Fremont, and across the Bay area. Contact us today for a free case review with no obligations. You pay nothing unless we win for you. If you are located in Berkley, Dublin, Albany, Hayward, Oakland, or Fremont, contact us to evaluate your accident case.
What questions should I ask my injury attorney?
1.) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases like mine?
2.) What is your plan for my injury case?
3.) Will you go to trial if necessary?
4.) How much do you charge?
5.) Do you offer a no-win no-fee guarantee?
6.) Who will pay my medical bills and when?
Alameda County Injury Resources
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
The legal process after an accident can be long and challenging, especially when you have never been through it before. Generally, trying to take on an accident claim on your own is setting yourself up for failure. Studies show that plaintiffs receive about 25% more in their pocket by hiring a personal injury lawyer.
Top reasons for hiring an injury lawyer after an accident in Alameda County:
- Navigating the legal process is complex and time-consuming.
- It is easy to misfile paperwork and challenging to negotiate with insurers and defense attorneys.
- Studies show that personal injury lawyers help victims recover significantly more in compensation than they are likely to win independently.
- If the case becomes complex, your attorney can go to trial.
- Attorneys have established relationships with insurance companies and defense teams in the county.
Don’t put yourself at a disadvantage. Whether you are dealing with lawsuits or insurance claims, an Alameda County personal injury attorney is essential.
The insurance company is not your friend
An insurance company aims to pay out as little as possible. When you file a claim, you will be up against people with training and experience. The insurance adjusters are trained to lowball you and offer as little as possible and just enough to keep you happy.
Find another attorney if your Alameda County injury lawyer attempts to settle your claim fast. Your lawyer should fight for you and work to get the highest financial compensation possible.
You need an experienced representative on your side with comprehensive personal injury law knowledge. At Bisnar Chase, our team offers superior representation. We will work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve.
What To Do After an Alameda County Accident
The steps you take after an accident will depend on a range of factors. How badly were you hurt? Do you need emergency treatment? What type of accident was it?
The following are some steps that we advise people to take:- Health first. You need to take care of your health. After suffering serious injuries, get the immediate treatment you need. Even if you believe your injuries are relatively minor, you must get checked out by a doctor. This will be important for any potential legal action.
- Report your accident. In the case of a motor vehicle accident, you should call 911 and file a police report. If the incident happened on commercial premises, you should file an accident report. You should also request a copy of these reports.
- Be careful what you say. It is best to be guarded in what you say immediately after an accident. If you are contacted quickly by the other party’s insurance company, ask for their contact details and tell them you will return their call at a better time. Do not admit fault.
- Gather evidence. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to take pictures at the accident scene. If possible, document the conditions, hazards, property damage, and your injuries.
- Call Bisnar Chase. Contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an accident. Our team will provide expert guidance and help you navigate the best steps to take, both in the immediate aftermath and throughout the entire legal process.
Cases We Handle in Alameda County, CA
Bisnar Chase is a full-service law firm with experience and expertise in a wide range of areas. We have won thousands of cases covering all kinds of different scenarios. The following are just some of the practice areas we can help with:
- Car accidents.
- Truck collisions.
- Motorcycle accidents.
- Slip-and-fall accidents.
- Injuries caused by dangerous or defective products (product liability).
- Bicycle and e-bike accidents.
- Pedestrian injuries.
- Dog bites.
- Auto defects.
- Auto accidents involving other vehicles, such as bus accidents and train injuries.
- Boat accidents and other watercraft incidents.
- Premises liability.
- Food poisoning.
- Class actions.
- Construction accidents.
- Pharmaceutical products.
- Defective medical devices.
- Wrongful death.
These are just some of the cases we have handled successfully. If you have suffered physical injuries due to the negligence of another person or party, whether in a motor vehicle accident or an incident on someone else’s property, we will likely be able to help.
We also have an employment law department. Our employment team focuses specifically on Alameda County workplace disputes, such as wrongful termination, wage and hour issues, meal and rest break violations, nonpayment for overtime, as well as employee class actions.
There are some cases we do not handle. These include some medical malpractice claims, as well as elder abuse cases. But you can always call us for advice.
Anyone who contacts us gets a free consultation with no obligations. If we cannot take your case for any reason, our team will refer you to another trusted law firm.
Contact our Alameda County injury lawyers and see if we can help you get compensation and justice. Call 800-561-4887 for a free consultation today.
Attorney Representation in Alameda County, CA
Alameda County is located in the Bay Area near San Francisco. It sprawls over just over 800 square miles, incorporating several major cities, with a total population of more than 1.6 million people.
Our personal injury attorneys represent cases in every major city and area within Alameda County, including:
- Oakland
- Fremont
- Hayward
- Berkeley
- Livermore
- San Leandro
- Pleasanton
- Alameda
- Union City
- Castro Valley
- Dublin
- Newark
- Albany
- Emeryville
- Piedmont
Contact our law practice team today for help with your personal injury case. We have been representing clients and recovering fair compensation for over 45 years and are here to help you, too. We have been named top-rated SuperLawyers since 2006 and have won almost a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements.
What Compensation Are You Entitled To After An Accident?
The amount of money that you could recover through a personal injury claim will depend on a whole range of factors.
For example, the greater the medical bills you incur due to your injuries, the more we will ask for in our demand. Personal injury cases are meant to make you whole, which means compensating you for any damages, losses, and suffering caused by the incident.
A claim or lawsuit will likely target economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those losses that you can put a specific number on, while non-economic damages cover losses that are harder to calculate, such as pain and suffering.
Your compensation is likely to cover:
- Medical expenses (plus estimated future treatment expenses).
- Any lost wages if your injury prevented you from working.
- Property damage. For example, the cost of car repairs after a motor vehicle accident.
- Future loss of income or benefits if you expect to miss work for further treatment and recovery, or can no longer work in your chosen profession.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional strain.
- Punitive damages.
- Economic and non-economic damages.
We have dealt with countless personal injury claims over four decades in business. You can trust in our ability to maximize the value of your case. Contact an Alameda County injury lawyer like those at Bisnar Chase, who are known for winning!
Financial Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
Additional compensation may be available if you file a wrongful death lawsuit after losing a loved one. For example, funeral expenses and compensation for your losses may be covered, including care, support, companionship, income, and benefits.
Common Injuries from a Personal Injury
In most cases, an accident must have resulted in physical injuries for Bisnar Chase to take a case. We wish that we could help everyone, and we know that motor vehicle accidents and other such incidents can be traumatic, no matter the injuries caused. But we can only work with injury victims who have suffered physical harm.
Common injuries in the cases we handle across Alameda County include:
Cuts, scrapes, bruising, and abrasions.
Flesh wounds and punctures.
Broken bones.
Whiplash.
Burns.
Blunt force trauma.
Internal injuries.
Neck and head injuries.
Spinal cord injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries.
Our team takes pride in handling cases of all kinds. Whether you are involved in an auto accident with relatively minor whiplash or a motorcycle accident resulting in a catastrophic injury, our team is at your service.
Call Bisnar Chase at (415) 358-0723 to tell us about your injuries and to find out how we can help. One of our Alameda County injury lawyers can answer any concerns you have.
No Win No Fee Alameda County Lawyers
Injury victims should never be left shortchanged by the negligence of other people. Too many people suffer financially because they do not know their legal rights or choose the wrong law firm.
At Bisnar Chase, we do everything we can to protect our clients. We start by offering a free consultation so you can check to see whether you have a case with no cost or commitment. Our clients also benefit from a no win, no fee promise from our firm. We only get paid if we win for you. But you will still pay nothing out of pocket. We get a percentage of the overall settlement or verdict.What Percentage Does the Law Firm Take?
The percentage that a law firm takes is capped in the state of California to protect injury victims. Typically, the rate the lawyer takes will be 33%. In some complex cases, particularly those progressing to a jury trial, the percentage might rise to 40%.
You will never pay us directly; our fee will be paid from your winnings.
These percentages are consistent with firms across California. Contact our Alameda personal injury lawyers for more information on our no win, no fee policy.
Understanding the Legal Tort Process in California
The legal process can be a minefield if you have never been through it before. Even if you have been through a lawsuit previously, every case is different and can be complex.
Generally speaking, you can divide the process into two branches: pre-litigation and litigation.
Pre-litigation: This stage involves negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. We will investigate the incident, issue a demand, and conduct negotiations. If successful, we will agree on a fair settlement with the insurers.
Litigation: This is when a pre-litigation agreement cannot be agreed upon. The next step is to file a lawsuit with the courts. We conduct discovery, build a case, conduct depositions, assemble evidence and witnesses, and prepare for trial. The case may progress to a jury trial, but a settlement could still be agreed upon at any point until a jury delivers a verdict.
Settlement vs. Trial in Injury Lawsuits
When should a case be settled, and when should you push for it to go to trial? And what are the pros and cons of the two options?
The advantage of a settlement is that it is usually safer, quicker, and cheaper in terms of legal fees. A settlement will be agreed upon with the at-fault party’s insurance company or legal team. It is safer because it allows you to take control of the decision and will usually take much less time than a trial.
In contrast, a trial can carry more risk. This is because you put your fate in the hands of the jury, and a jury can be unpredictable. A trial requires more investment of time and resources from your law firm. However, it also carries the potential for more compensation.
If the opposing side refuses to meet at a fair value, a jury trial is the only way to secure full justice for you.
Many law firms avoid trials due to the risks and costs involved. But Bisnar Chase has the resources to go to trial when it is the best option. Our team comprises skilled trial attorneys with extensive experience in the courtroom.
Above all, we will always provide unbiased guidance on the best direction for your case. Contact an Alameda personal injury lawyer today, and let us get to work for you.
Alameda County Injury Lawsuit FAQs
Do you need a few quickfire questions answered before deciding if you want to take legal action? Check out our frequently asked questions below. We are here to provide all of the information you need to make an informed decision. So, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions.
Generally, the California statute of limitations gives you two years to file a claim after an accident. But there are exceptions, so contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you are compensated.
The time it takes to resolve a case will vary based on the circumstances of the case, how complex it is, scheduling issues, evidence discovery, whether it goes to trial, and much more. Our team is efficient and will work to resolve your claim as quickly as possible.
The amount of money you receive will depend entirely on the level of damages and losses you have suffered. Every case is different, so contact our team for an estimate based on your specific accident.
You can still win compensation if you were partly at fault. If you win the legal case, your payment will be reduced by the percentage you are judged to have been at fault. This falls under a California law called comparative negligence.
A deadline and payment structure will be set when the case is resolved.
What is Negligence?
We take cases involving injuries caused by another party’s negligence. If someone was negligent, it means they did not take proper care, and that lack of care led to the injuries.
For example, a driver speeding or checking their phone is not taking proper care. A property owner who fails to fix a known trip hazard would also be negligent under personal injury law. If someone had their dog off-leash and it attacked you, that is negligence. Even if you were partially responsible for the injury or accident, you still may be entitled to compensation using comparative negligence rules.
If you are unsure if your injury qualifies, get in touch and find out for free!
Proving Your Personal Injury Case
Bisnar Chase will handle all aspects of your case. That includes filing all documents and paperwork on time and handling all negotiations and depositions.
To obtain fair compensation, we need to build a case that supports your claim. That involves assembling evidence, such as:
Pictures and videos.
Police and accident reports.
Witness accounts.
Expert testimonies.
When a case goes to trial, our trial lawyers ensure that the evidence is tailored with the jury in mind. We prepare every aspect of our argument to give us the best chance of success.
In building a body of evidence, our team goes above and beyond. Our personal injury attorneys have won thousands of cases involving minor and serious injuries, but it is not just about winning for us. We believe in providing personal attention with a compassionate approach to ensure injured victims get the care and support they deserve.
Accident Statistics in Alameda County
Alameda County has more than 1.6 million residents and many more visitors every year. But with so many people, we get high traffic volume, lots of pedestrians, and plenty of opportunities for accidents.
Car accidents and other motor vehicle collisions are some of the top causes of injuries across the county. The following stats cover the entirety of Alameda County, followed by some city-specific statistics.
In 2022, there were 18,422 reported collisions involving motor vehicles within the Alameda County boundary.
- Those 18,000+ accidents caused 104 deaths and over 8,900 injuries, including 572 severe injuries.
- Vehicle-on-vehicle crashes were by far the most common form of accident, accounting for about 66.5% of all auto crashes.
- Of those collisions, 2,367 were alcohol-related, resulting in 1,775 injuries and 22 fatalities.
- 1,014 collisions involved pedestrians, resulting in 932 injuries and 35 fatalities.
- 641 of the collisions involved cyclists, resulting in 591 injuries and seven fatalities.
- The CHP also reports that the most common types of collisions in Alameda County are rear-end collisions, followed by sideswipe collisions and hit-and-run collisions.
- In the ten years from 2013-2022, nearly 206,000 car accidents resulted in 96,091 injuries and 940 deaths.
Over the last decade, the crash and injury numbers peaked in 2018 and have risen again after a brief pandemic-related dip. – Source
Other Alameda County Statistics
- In 2018, Alameda County had over 22,000 reported cases of personal injury (22,093)
- The most common type of personal injury in Alameda County is motor vehicle accidents (7,902 cases)
- The second most common type of personal injury in Alameda County is slips and falls (3,955 cases)
- In 2018, Alameda County had over 1,000 reported cases of medical malpractice (1,092)
- In 2018, Alameda County had over 1,000 reported cases of products liability (1,062)
- In 2018, Alameda County had over 400 reported cases of wrongful death (416)
- In 2018, Alameda County had over 400 reported cases of premises liability (445)
Injury Statistics in Oakland, CA
With San Francisco sitting just outside the Alameda County boundary, Oakland is the largest city in the area. It is the eighth-largest city in California, with more than 430,000 residents.
The following are some of the key injury statistics reported by the city of Oakland based on a study of thousands of accidents:
An average of two people are severely injured or killed every week in Oakland.
The annual cost of crashes in Oakland is upward of $900 Million.
The number of severe and fatal injuries caused by auto accidents in Oakland rose by 76% from 2012-2016.
Speed is a primary factor in 25% of Oakland crashes.
A massive 75% of all traffic accidents in Oakland occur at intersections, and 50% of those fatal accidents happen even when the intersection has a dedicated signal.
In addition to the raw numbers, this link shows the most dangerous streets and intersections in Oakland for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The statistics make for alarming reading, as they do for other cities across the Alameda area.
Accident Numbers in Fremont
The city of Fremont is the next largest in Alameda County. City authorities track traffic accidents and dangerous areas.
The following link shows particularly high-risk areas and incidents that have occurred in Fremont over the last year. In one of the fatal crashes listed, a seven-year-old boy was hit and killed by a driver while cycling near Jamestown Road and Montrose Avenue.
Other large cities, such as Hayward and Berkeley, also have more than their fair share of accidents.
But the statistics listed above only cover traffic collisions. We handle many other accident types, from premises cases to dog bites.
If you or a loved one are hurt in an accident, contact an Alameda County injury attorney for a free consultation.
Alameda County Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
To maximize the value of your injury case, you need quality legal representation. You need a California personal injury attorney fighting for your rights. However, not all lawyers are equal in terms of skill and experience.
You need a trial lawyer with a presence in your area, the resources to take your case all the way, and a successful track record in Alameda County.
Bisnar Chase has a 99% success rate.
We have handled cases all across California and have law offices in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Our team has served Alameda County and the rest of the state for decades. We have been operating and practicing law since 1978.
We have won more than $900 Million for our clients.
With free consultations and a no win, no fee policy, we do everything possible to protect our clients.
Whether you suffer injuries in a car accident or are bitten by a dog in Alameda, CA, our team is here to help.
What Makes Us Outstanding Personal Injury Lawyers?
Some other attorneys are just out to make a quick buck, to move cases on without giving them the care and consideration they deserve. Bisnar Chase is not like that.
Our mission is to provide superior representation every day, to every client. Each case is important to us because we know how important it is to you.
We treat our clients like family. With our firm, you get the resources of a powerful law firm combined with a personal touch.
Contact our top-rated Alameda County personal injury lawyers at Bisnar Chase today for a free consultation. Call us at (415) 358-0723 or fill in an online form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you.
