San Jose Car Accident Lawyer

Thousands of people in San Jose rely on cars for daily commuting and leisure activities. However, driving in San Jose can be risky. Car accidents are a reality here, just as they are in other busy cities. These accidents can lead to serious injuries or, tragically, even fatalities. Understanding the risks and knowing where accidents frequently occur can help drivers navigate San Jose more safely.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in San Jose, seek skilled legal assistance. At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we are committed to supporting you through these challenging times. Our focus on personal injury law means we’re well-equipped to help you recover compensation for your losses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact us for a complimentary case evaluation with a San Jose car accident attorney.

San Jose Car Accident Statistics

In San Jose, cars are a daily necessity for thousands, offering the freedom for commutes and leisurely journeys alike. However, the roadways’ convenience also bears the risk of accidents, which in densely populated areas, can frequently lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Reflecting on recent statistics, San Jose observed a significant decline in accidents, with a notable 16% decrease in injuries and fatalities from 2019 to 2023. Despite this progress, the city recorded over 2,200 incidents just last year, emphasizing the continuous need for vigilant and safe driving practices to further enhance road safety for its community and visitors.

Total Injuries & Fatalities

• 2019: 2,682
• 2020: 1,793
• 2021: 2,023
• 2022: 2,205
• 2023: 2,261

Statistics on Fatal and Injury Causing Collisions in San Jose

We investigated the frequency of accidents leading to injuries and fatalities in San Jose over the last five years. Surprisingly, we discovered a notable decrease of 16% from 2019 to 2023, showcasing a promising trend towards enhanced safety measures on the city’s roads. Despite this decline, over 2,200 incidents were reported last year, prompting continued efforts to improve traffic safety for all residents and visitors alike.

Primary Collision Factor

• Unsafe Speed: 609
• Right-of-Way: 435
• Traffic Signals/Signs: 262
• Improper Turning: 243
• Following Too Closely: 85
• All Other Factors: 627

Statistics on Common Causes of Collisions in San Jose

Further analysis of collision factors over the last year reveals that unsafe speeds emerged as the primary contributor to accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities in San Jose. These findings illuminate a critical area for intervention and highlight the imperative of implementing measures to curb speeding behaviors on San Jose’s roadways. By targeting this specific issue, we can strive towards further reducing the number accidents and improve overall road safety.

Where Do Car Accidents Occur in San Jose?

Car accidents in San Jose can occur in various locations, with some areas being more prone to accidents:

Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose is the central business district and cultural hub of the city, with many attractions such as the San Jose Museum of Art, the Tech Interactive, and the SAP Center. However, it is also a common site for car accidents, as the dense urban environment creates many hazards and challenges for drivers. Some of the places where car accidents can occur in downtown San Jose are:

• Market Street and San Carlos Street: This intersection is one of the busiest downtown, with traffic coming from multiple directions and frequent pedestrian crossings. According to the City of San Jose, this intersection had 19 collisions in 2019, making it the most dangerous intersection in the city.
• San Fernando Street and 4th Street: This intersection is near the San Jose State University campus, which means that there are many students, faculty, and staff walking or biking in the area. The intersection also has a light rail crossing, which adds another layer of complexity for drivers. In 2019, this intersection had 14 collisions, ranking second in the city.
• Santa Clara Street and 1st Street: This intersection is another busy spot in downtown, with traffic coming from the Highway 87 exit and the San Jose Diridon Station. The intersection also has a light rail crossing and a bus stop, which increases the potential for conflicts between vehicles and transit users. In 2019, this intersection had 13 collisions, ranking third in the city.

Interstate 280

Interstate 280 is a major freeway that runs through San Jose, connecting the city with other parts of the Bay Area. The freeway has a high volume of traffic, especially during rush hours, and can reach speeds of up to 65 mph. However, the freeway also has many curves, hills, and interchanges, which can make driving more challenging and risky. Some of the places where car accidents can occur on I-280 are:

• I-280 and Highway 17: This interchange is one of the most complex and congested in the region, as it connects two major freeways and serves as a gateway to the Santa Cruz Mountains. The interchange has multiple ramps, lanes, and bridges, which can confuse or distract drivers. According to the California Highway Patrol, this interchange had 10 fatal collisions and 1,096 injury collisions from 2015 to 2019, making it the most dangerous interchange in the Bay Area.
• I-280 and Highway 101: This interchange is another busy and complicated junction, as it connects two major freeways and serves as a main route to the San Francisco International Airport. The interchange has multiple levels, curves, and merges, which can create bottlenecks and collisions. According to the California Highway Patrol, this interchange had 7 fatal collisions and 1,029 injury collisions from 2015 to 2019, ranking second in the Bay Area.
• I-280 and Highway 85: This interchange is a partial cloverleaf that connects two major freeways and serves as a main route to the Silicon Valley. The interchange has multiple ramps, lanes, and signals, which can cause delays and accidents. According to the California Highway Patrol, this interchange had 3 fatal collisions and 1,016 injury collisions from 2015 to 2019, ranking third in the Bay Area.

Almaden Expressway

Almaden Expressway is a major arterial road that runs through the south of San Jose, connecting the city with the Almaden Valley and the Santa Teresa Hills. The expressway has a high volume of traffic, as it serves as a main route for commuters, shoppers, and residents. The expressway also has many intersections, signals, and driveways, which can create conflicts and collisions. Some of the places where car accidents can occur on Almaden Expressway are:

• Almaden Expressway and Blossom Hill Road: This intersection is one of the busiest in the south of San Jose, with traffic coming from multiple directions and destinations. The intersection also has a shopping center, a gas station, and a school nearby, which attracts more vehicles and pedestrians. This intersection had 18 collisions in 2019, making it the fourth most dangerous intersection in the city.
• Almaden Expressway and Branham Lane: This intersection is another busy spot in the south of San Jose, with traffic coming from multiple directions and destinations. The intersection also has a shopping center, a park, and a library nearby, which attract more vehicles and pedestrians. This intersection had 16 collisions in 2019, ranking fifth in the city.
• Almaden Expressway and Camden Avenue: This intersection is a major junction in the south of San Jose, with traffic coming from multiple directions and destinations. The intersection also has a shopping center, a hospital, and a school nearby, which attracts more vehicles and pedestrians. This intersection had 15 collisions in 2019, ranking sixth in the city.

Santa Clara Street

Santa Clara Street is a major thoroughfare that runs through the east of San Jose, connecting the city with the foothills and the East Bay. The street has a high volume of traffic, as it serves as a main route for commuters, shoppers, and residents. The street also has many shops, restaurants, and businesses, which attract more vehicles and pedestrians. Some of the places where car accidents can occur on Santa Clara Street are:

• Santa Clara Street and 24th Street: This intersection is one of the busiest in the east of San Jose, with traffic coming from multiple directions and destinations. The intersection also has a light rail crossing, a bus stop, and a school nearby, which increases the potential for conflicts and collisions. This intersection had 14 collisions in 2019, ranking seventh in the city.
• Santa Clara Street and 10th Street: This intersection is another busy spot in the east of San Jose, with traffic coming from multiple directions and destinations. The intersection also has a light rail crossing, a bus stop, and a church nearby, which increases the potential for conflicts and collisions. This intersection had 13 collisions in 2019, ranking eighth in the city.
• Santa Clara Street and King Road: This intersection is a major junction in the east of San Jose, with traffic coming from multiple directions and destinations. The intersection also has a light rail crossing, a bus stop, and a shopping center nearby, which increases the potential for conflicts and collisions. This intersection had 12 collisions in 2019, ranking ninth in the city.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in San Jose?

Document the Accident

In the aftermath of an accident, diligently documenting every medical treatment and its associated costs becomes indispensable. This detailed collection not only aids in tracking your recovery progress but also serves as vital evidence for insurance claims and potential legal actions. It’s important to organize these records systematically, including dates, types of treatment, and expenses incurred, to provide a clear timeline and magnitude of the impact the accident has had on your health and finances.

Follow Medical Advice

Strictly adhering to your healthcare provider’s advice post-accident is paramount for your physical well-being and recovery journey. Consistently attending follow-up appointments, undergoing prescribed treatments, and engaging in recommended rehabilitation activities underscore your commitment to recovery. This disciplined approach can significantly influence the outcomes of insurance settlements and legal proceedings by substantiating the seriousness of your injuries.

Notify Your Insurance

It’s essential to inform your insurance company about the accident without delay. Early notification kickstarts the claim process and is critical for a smooth and timely resolution. Be precise and factual in your report, avoiding speculations about fault or the extent of injuries, as this information forms the basis of the initial assessment by your insurer. Keeping communication open and documented ensures that your case is handled efficiently.

Preserve Evidence

Preserving evidence is a critical step in the aftermath of a car accident. This includes holding onto damaged personal items and refraining from vehicle repairs until a thorough assessment by an insurance adjuster has been completed. Such measures are crucial for validating the extent of the accident’s impact and can significantly strengthen your case in insurance claims and legal disputes. Photographic evidence of the damage and injuries can further corroborate your account of the event.

Call a Lawyer

Engaging a skilled lawyer specializing in car accidents in San Jose is a strategic move to ensure your rights are protected. An experienced attorney can provide expert guidance through the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings. They will advocate on your behalf, aiming to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Additionally, a lawyer can offer insights into the potential outcomes of your case and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s negotiation or court litigation.

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

Injuries from car accidents in San Jose can range from minor to severe:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end car accidents. When a car is hit from behind, the force can cause the head to whip back and forth rapidly. This sudden movement can injure the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness or blurred vision. Some people might feel better within a few weeks, but others can have long-lasting neck pain and other issues. It’s important to see a doctor right after a car accident, even if you don’t feel hurt right away. Whiplash can get worse if it’s not treated properly. Treatment might include things like pain relief medicine, physical therapy, and sometimes wearing a neck brace.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are serious injuries that can happen in both high-impact and low-impact car accidents. These injuries occur when the brain is shaken inside the skull, which can happen even without hitting your head directly. The symptoms of concussions and TBIs can be different for everyone. They can include headaches, confusion, memory problems, and sometimes even loss of consciousness. These injuries can have short-term effects or cause long-term problems with things like memory, concentration, and behavior. It’s very important to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident because these injuries are not always obvious right away. Treatment can include resting, taking medicine, and different types of therapy. In severe cases, surgery might be needed.

Further Reading

• How Long Does a CT Scan of the Brain Take?
• Why Would a Doctor Order an MRI of the Brain?

Broken Bones and Fractures

Car accidents often cause broken bones and fractures because of the strong impact. The arms, legs, and ribs are especially likely to get broken in accidents. Sometimes, the bone might just have a small crack, but other times, the bone can break into pieces or even come out through the skin. Signs of a broken bone or fracture include a lot of pain right away, swelling, and not being able to move the part of the body that’s hurt. The treatment depends on how bad the break is and where it is. It might involve putting the body part in a cast or a splint, or sometimes surgery is needed to fix the broken bones. The time it takes to heal can be different depending on the injury. Some breaks heal in a few weeks, while others might take months and need physical therapy to get better.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious injuries that can happen in car accidents. They can cause permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury. These injuries happen when a part of the spine is damaged. The force of a car crash can break or dislocate the bones in the spine, which can then hurt the spinal cord. Symptoms can include pain, weakness, or loss of feeling in parts of the body and, in more severe cases, paralysis. The severity and location of the injury determine how much it affects the body. Treatment usually includes stabilizing the spine, medicine to reduce swelling, and a lot of rehabilitation. While some recovery is possible, many people with spinal cord injuries have long-term disabilities and need to change how they live and get ongoing care.

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

If you’re pondering the expense of engaging a car accident lawyer in San Jose following an incident, your concerns are valid given the potential for substantial financial impact. Victims often face hefty repair costs, lost earnings due to inability to work, and significant medical bills. However, at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we operate on a contingency fee model. This arrangement allows you to secure legal representation without any initial outlay, with legal fees applied only upon securing a win for your case. Should we not achieve a settlement or court award on your behalf, you incur no charges.

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

It’s common to question your eligibility for compensation if you share some fault in an accident. Scenarios like these are not rare. Consider being involved in a collision where the other driver was on the wrong side, but you were driving without your headlights at night, contributing to the fault. California’s legal framework allows for compensation even when you’re partly to blame for an accident. However, the compensation awarded will be adjusted based on your share of fault. So, if your responsibility for the accident was 2 percent, you’re entitled to 98 percent of the calculated damages.

What Causes Car Accidents in San Jose, CA?

In San Jose, as in the rest of California, individuals injured in car accidents due to another’s negligence can seek compensation. Negligence is defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care. This could include behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield, all of which are common causes of accidents in the bustling city environment of San Jose.

Distracted Driving

Any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road is considered distracted driving. This includes using a cell phone for talking or texting, which is specifically prohibited under California Vehicle Code Section 23123. Additionally, California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5 covers texting while driving. These laws are in place to prevent accidents caused by drivers whose attention is not fully on the road. Violating these laws can result in the driver being deemed negligent and liable for any damages caused by the accident.

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of accidents in San Jose, where fast-paced city life can sometimes lead to hurried driving. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 states that no one should drive at a speed that is unsafe for the current conditions, even if this means driving below the posted speed limit. Conditions in San Jose that might require slower driving include heavy traffic, adverse weather conditions, or road construction. A driver who causes an accident by speeding or driving too fast for conditions can be held liable for the resulting damages, as they have failed to adhere to the standard of care required by law.

Failure to Yield

Failure to yield the right of way is another common form of negligence in San Jose, particularly in busy intersections or areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21801, drivers must yield the right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians under certain conditions, such as when making left turns or when pedestrians are present in crosswalks. Accidents frequently occur in San Jose when drivers fail to observe these laws, leading to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. In these cases, the driver who failed to yield is typically found at fault and responsible for any injuries and losses incurred.

San Jose Car Accident FAQs

Contact Our San Jose Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you’ve been in a car crash in San Jose, reach out to Text Kevin Accident Attorneys. With our extensive experience and focus on personal injury law, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. For a no-cost case evaluation with a San Jose car accident lawyer, contact our office today.

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