Oakland Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a car accident in Oakland, you deserve justice and compensation. You should not have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s negligence or recklessness. At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we are committed to helping you recover from your injuries and losses. Our Oakland car accident lawyers have the experience and skills to handle your case and fight for your rights. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your situation and advise you on the best course of action. Contact us today, and let us represent you in these difficult times.

Oakland Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are a serious problem in Oakland and across California. In 2017 (most recent data), there were 3,786 fatalities and 277,160 injuries from car crashes in the state. Oakland alone had 3,582 crashes that resulted in 3,904 deaths. Driving in this city can be dangerous, especially in high-risk areas like downtown, major highways, and residential zones. You need to be careful and vigilant on the road to avoid becoming a victim of a car accident.

Total Injuries & Fatalities

• 2019: 1,821
• 2020: 1,704
• 2021: 1,489
• 2022: 1,615
• 2023: 1,163

Statistics on Fatal and Injury Causing Collisions in Oakland

In Oakland, there has been a noteworthy trend in accidents causing injuries and fatalities over the past five years. Analyzing the data from 2019 to 2023 reveals a significant decrease of 36% in such incidents. Despite fluctuations in yearly figures, the overall pattern indicates a positive trajectory towards safer roads in the city. This downward trend is encouraging and suggests that efforts to improve road safety may be yielding tangible results.

Primary Collision Factor

• Traffic Signals/Signs: 313
• Right-of-Way: 268
• Improper Turning: 204
• Unsafe Speed: 181
• DUI: 36
• All Other Factors: 161

Statistics on Common Causes of Collisions in Oakland

Last year in Oakland, traffic signals and signs emerged as the primary collision factor, shedding light on a crucial aspect of road safety in the city. This data underscores the importance of ensuring the proper functioning and visibility of traffic infrastructure to mitigate the risk of accidents. Addressing issues related to signal visibility, maintenance, and adherence to traffic regulations becomes imperative to further enhance road safety measures.

Which Roads and Intersections in Oakland Are the Most Dangerous?

Car accidents in Oakland can occur in various locations, some being more prone to accidents than others:

Downtown Oakland

Downtown Oakland is the city’s central business district and cultural hub, with many attractions, restaurants, shops, and offices. However, it is also a hotspot for car accidents, as the high volume of vehicles and pedestrians creates a challenging environment for drivers. Some of the most dangerous intersections in downtown Oakland are:

• Broadway and 14th Street: This intersection is near the City Center complex and the 12th Street BART station, making it a busy area for commuters, shoppers, and visitors. According to a 2019 report by the Oakland Department of Transportation, this intersection had 23 collisions involving pedestrians or bicyclists between 2013 and 2017.
• Mandela Parkway and 16th Street: This intersection is in the West Oakland neighborhood, where a car crash in 2023 left one person dead and another injured. The driver of the car had been involved in a separate hit-and-run shortly before and was speeding down 16th Street when he hit another car. The car was later determined to be stolen.
• Grand Avenue and Harrison Street: This intersection is near the Lake Merritt area, where many people enjoy walking, jogging, and biking. However, it is also a site of frequent collisions, as drivers often fail to yield to pedestrians or run red lights. In 2021, a woman was killed, and a man was injured when a car struck them as they crossed the street.

Major Highways

Oakland is served by several major highways, such as I-880, I-580, I-980, and I-80. These highways connect the city to other parts of the Bay Area and beyond, but they also pose significant risks for drivers, especially during peak hours or in bad weather conditions. Some of the common causes of accidents on these highways are:

• Speeding: Driving too fast for the road conditions or the traffic flow can result in losing control of the vehicle, rear-ending other cars, or hitting barriers or objects. In 2021, a driver was killed, and five other people were injured in a three-vehicle collision on I-580 in the Grand Lake district. The driver was speeding and on the wrong side of the road when he collided with two other cars.
• Distracted driving: Using a phone, eating, drinking, or engaging in other activities that take the attention away from the road can lead to missing important signals, signs, or hazards. In 2022, a driver was injured and caused a fire on I-880 in Hayward when he dropped his cigarette and tried to pick it up, causing him to veer off the road and hit a tree.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or fatigue can impair the judgment, reaction time, and coordination of the driver, making them more likely to cause or be involved in an accident. In 2023, a driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after he killed a pedestrian and then crashed into two other vehicles on I-880 in Montclair.

Residential Areas

Oakland has many residential areas, such as Rockridge, Montclair, Temescal, and Fruitvale, where people live, work, and play. These areas have lower speed limits and more stop signs, crosswalks, and traffic signals than the downtown or highway areas, but they still experience a fair share of car accidents. Some of the factors that contribute to accidents in these areas are:

• Parking: Parking can be scarce or difficult in some residential areas, especially during peak hours or events. Drivers may park illegally, block driveways, or double-park, creating hazards for other drivers and pedestrians. In 2021, a car crashed into a grocery store in downtown Oakland after the driver tried to park in front of the store and hit the gas pedal instead of the brake.
• School zones: School zones are areas near schools where drivers are required to slow down, stop, or yield to children, buses, or crossing guards. However, some drivers may ignore or violate these rules, putting the safety of students and staff at risk.
• Road conditions: Road conditions can vary in different residential areas, depending on the maintenance, weather, or construction. Drivers may encounter potholes, cracks, bumps, or debris on the road, which can damage their vehicles or cause them to swerve or brake suddenly.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Oakland?

Following a car accident in Oakland, it’s important to:

Keep Records

If you get hurt in a car accident in Oakland, you need to keep track of all your medical bills and treatments. This means saving receipts, prescriptions, therapy notes, and anything else that shows how much you spent on your health. This is important for two reasons. First, it shows how bad your injuries were and what you did to heal. Second, it helps you prove your case if you want to sue the person who caused the accident. Having good records makes your case stronger because it shows how the accident affected your life and your wallet.

Follow Medical Advice

Your health is the most important thing after an accident. You need to do what your doctor tells you to do and follow your recovery plan. This is not only good for your body but also for your legal case. If you don’t listen to your doctor or skip your treatments, it could look like your injuries are not that bad and hurt your chances of getting compensation. So, make sure you go to all your medical appointments and do what your doctor says.

Notify Your Insurance

You need to tell your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. That’s what most insurance policies say. If you wait too long, they might not pay you. When you tell them what happened, just give them the basic facts. But don’t say too much or sign anything until you talk to a car accident lawyer. They can help you get the money you deserve.

Preserve Evidence

When you file a car accident claim, you need strong evidence to back it up. Don’t fix your car or throw away anything that was damaged in the crash until someone has checked it out and taken pictures. Also, take photos of the place where the accident happened, your car, and your injuries. And don’t forget to get the names and stories of anyone who saw what happened. The more evidence you have, the better your case will be.

Call a Lawyer

After a car accident, you need a good lawyer to help. Text Kevin Accident Attorneys is the best choice for you in Oakland. We have helped many people like you get the money they deserve. We know how to deal with insurance companies, and we are not afraid to go to court if we have to. With Text Kevin Accident Attorneys on your side, you can get through this tough time.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries

Injuries from car accidents in Oakland can range from minor to severe, including:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash and neck injuries are frequently associated with car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. When a vehicle is hit from behind, the force can cause the head and neck to snap back and forth rapidly. This sudden movement can stretch and tear the muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to what is commonly known as whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and, in some cases, blurred vision or fatigue. It’s advised to seek medical attention if you experience any neck discomfort following an accident, as the symptoms can sometimes take a few days to manifest. Treatment typically involves pain relief and physical therapy. While many people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, others may experience prolonged discomfort and require extended treatment.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Concussions and TBIs are significant concerns in car accidents. These injuries occur when the brain is jolted inside the skull due to a collision. A concussion, a mild form of TBI, can temporarily disrupt brain functions, leading to symptoms like headaches, confusion, memory issues, and dizziness. More severe TBIs can be more alarming, potentially causing prolonged unconsciousness, memory loss, and, in some cases, permanent brain damage. The impact of these injuries can vary greatly, affecting cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical abilities. Treatment may involve a team of medical professionals and can range from rest and medication for mild concussions to intensive rehabilitation for more severe TBIs.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones and fractures are common outcomes of car accidents. The intense impact of a collision can lead to fractures in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, hips, and pelvis. The severity of these injuries can vary considerably. Simple fractures might require a cast or splint and heal within a few weeks, whereas more complicated fractures, such as those involving the hip or pelvis, might require surgical intervention and take months to heal fully. In addition to the immediate pain and discomfort, broken bones can also lead to longer-term complications like arthritis or ongoing physical disability. Treatment typically involves immobilization of the affected area and physical therapy to aid in recovery.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe consequences of car accidents. These injuries occur when there is damage to the spinal cord, which can lead to a loss of function, such as mobility or sensation, below the site of the injury. The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage. Injuries can range from causing temporary symptoms to resulting in permanent disabilities like paralysis. Treatment for spinal cord injuries often includes surgery to stabilize the spine and extensive physical therapy. In many cases, individuals with severe spinal cord injuries require long-term care and adaptive equipment to assist with daily activities. The emotional and financial impact of these injuries can be significant, not just for the injured person but also for their families and caregivers.

Further Reading

• How To Treat Sore Muscles After an Accident?
• How Long Does Back Pain Last After A Rear-End Collision?

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

If you’re contemplating the expenses associated with engaging a car accident lawyer in Oakland following an incident, your apprehension is reasonable considering the potential financial strain car accidents induce. Victims often find themselves burdened with substantial vehicle repair costs, lost earnings due to the inability to work, and hefty medical bills. At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we alleviate this worry by handling cases on a contingency fee model. This arrangement means you’re able to secure legal representation without any upfront costs. Our fees are contingent upon securing a victory in your case, ensuring that you owe us nothing unless we achieve a settlement or court award in your favor.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Car Accident in Oakland?

It’s a common query whether receiving compensation is possible when one is partly to blame for an accident, a scenario that’s not as uncommon as it might seem. Consider, for instance, an accident where the other driver was on the incorrect side of the road, yet your headlights were not on during nighttime, attributing partial fault to you. According to the laws in California, being partly at fault in an accident doesn’t exclude you from receiving compensation. However, the total compensation you’re eligible for will be adjusted based on your share of fault. Thus, if you’re found to be 2 percent at fault for the accident, you’re entitled to claim 98 percent of the assessed damages.

What Causes Car Accidents in Oakland, CA?

In California, those injured in car accidents due to someone else’s negligence can seek compensation. This includes:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a significant concern in Oakland, reflecting the broader issue within California. Any behavior that diverts a driver’s focus from the road falls under distracted driving. Commonly, this includes using a cell phone for talking or texting while driving, activities that are illegal as per California Vehicle Code Section 23123. Moreover, California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5 specifically targets texting while driving. These regulations aim to minimize accidents caused by drivers not concentrating fully on driving.

Speeding

Speeding is a frequent contributor to traffic accidents in Oakland. As stated in California Vehicle Code Section 22350, driving at a speed deemed unsafe for the prevailing conditions is illegal, which may require driving slower than the posted speed limit. In Oakland, with its dense urban traffic, changeable weather conditions, and pedestrian-heavy areas, driving at a moderated speed is often necessary. Drivers involved in accidents owing to speeding or driving too fast for conditions may be found liable for the ensuing damages. This kind of behavior is viewed as a violation of the legally mandated standard of care.

Failure to Yield

In Oakland, failing to yield the right of way is a prevalent form of negligence on the roads. This is especially common in busy intersections and areas with substantial pedestrian traffic, such as near popular attractions and city landmarks. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21801, drivers are obligated to yield the right of way under various circumstances, including during left turns or when pedestrians are present in crosswalks. Accidents often occur in Oakland when drivers ignore these regulations, leading to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. In such incidents, the driver who failed to yield is typically deemed at fault and responsible for any resultant injuries and damages.

Oakland Car Accident FAQs

Contact Our Oakland Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you’re dealing with a car accident in Oakland, it’s time to act. Contact Text Kevin Accident Attorneys for a complimentary case evaluation with an experienced Oakland car accident lawyer. Remember, you owe us nothing until we win your case.

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