California Car Accident Attorney
Millions in Compensation Recovered for Car Accident Clients
If you have been involved in a car accident, it can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. At The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP of California, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that car accidents can take on individuals and their families.
Our experienced team of car accident attorneys is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help you navigate the complex legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (800) 477-2989 or contact us online to speak with a California car accident lawyer.
It's Important To Come Forward
Get the Compensation you Deserve
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur due to various reasons, and identifying the cause is crucial in determining liability. Some common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies while behind the wheel.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces the driver's ability to react in time, leading to accidents with severe consequences.
- Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or disregarding traffic signals, can cause accidents.
- Fatigue: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Falling asleep at the wheel or experiencing reduced reaction times significantly increases the likelihood of accidents.
A Record of Success
Examples of Some of Our Successful Cases:
The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP has cultivated a record of proven success in high-stakes personal injury cases across the state of California and the U.S. As a firm experienced in fighting for victims, we have won millions in verdicts and settlements for injured victims and their families.
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$8,000,000 Lohse v. Lakeland Village HOA (Oakland, CA)
An $8 Million judgment against a resort facility after a six-week jury trial for a woman who was rendered a paraplegic following a fall off of an unguarded pier.
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$3,750,000 “John Doe” v. Utah
Hospital & PhysicianA $3.75 Million structured settlement recovered against a Utah Hospital and physician as the result of a medical malpractice lawsuit brought by Mr. Zalkin on behalf of the client.
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$1,250,000 MacDonald v. Pescarias Del Pacifico (San Diego, CA)
A $1.25 Million recovery following the crash of a helicopter on a Mexican tuna boat. The entire blade assembly broke off the helicopter and churned through the bell housing of the helicopter cockpit causing Mr. MacDonald to suffer severe brain and spinal cord injuries.
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$1,200,000 Kaye v. AETNA (Key West, FL)
A $1.2 Million pre-trial settlement of an insurance bad faith case. This case involved a young woman who slipped and fell off of the deck of a harbor excursion vessel where she worked suffering a severe brain injury.
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$1,035,000 Robinson v. General Construction
This case involved a pile buck (maritime worker) who was severely injured when a portion of a pile driving rigging collapsed on him and crushed his chest.
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$1,000,000 Obarski v. Kartsub
(San Diego, CA)A $1 Million settlement during mediation in a case involving serious fracture to the client's leg as the result of a motorcycle accident.
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$1,000,000 “John Doe” v. Neurologist
A $1 Million settlement following a medical malpractice lawsuit against a California Neurologist involving the misdiagnosis of the cause of the patient’s quadriplegia.
What is Comparative Negligence?
Comparative negligence in California refers to a legal principle used to allocate fault and determine damages in car accident claims. Under this system, each party involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault based on their contribution to the incident.
Here are the key points to understand about comparative negligence in California:
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence, which allows an injured party to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the accident. There is no threshold percentage of fault that disqualifies someone from recovering damages. This means that even if you are 99% at fault, you can still recover 1% of your damages.
- Allocation of Fault: During the claims process or in a lawsuit, the parties involved, insurance adjusters, or the court will assess the evidence to determine the degree of fault for each party. This assessment considers factors such as traffic laws, eyewitness accounts, and any available accident reports.
- Reduction of Damages: Once fault is allocated, the damages awarded to each party are reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident and your total damages amount to $10,000, your recovery will be reduced by 30%, leaving you with $7,000.
- Impact on Settlements and Litigation: The principle of comparative negligence affects both settlement negotiations and litigation. Insurance companies often use comparative negligence to negotiate lower settlements by arguing that the claimant bears some responsibility for the accident. In litigation, juries or judges determine the percentages of fault and adjust the awards accordingly.
- Examples of Comparative Negligence: Consider a scenario where Driver A runs a red light and collides with Driver B, who was speeding. If Driver A is found to be 70% at fault for running the red light and Driver B is found to be 30% at fault for speeding, Driver B's damages will be reduced by 30%. Similarly, Driver A can seek 30% of their damages from Driver B.
To effectively navigate a comparative negligence claim, gathering comprehensive evidence is crucial. This includes obtaining police reports, gathering witness statements, taking photographs of the accident scene, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts if necessary. Understanding comparative negligence is vital for anyone involved in a car accident in California, as it directly impacts the potential compensation.
If you have questions about your case, contact our firm today to schedule an initial, no-obligation consultation.
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I showed up to my relationship with The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP messy, terrified and in severe distress. Ryan, Devin and Irwin held space for me and all of my pain. They honored my story, treated me with kindness, and gave me a safe place to begin the healing process. The greatest gift of all is this; each time I asked for a hero, they handed me a sword. I was empowered.- Kate
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“Having been privileged to work with these professionals, I highly recommend and trust them to handle any sexual abuse case in confidence and handled with the utmost of confidentiality and integrity anyone would desire as a victim or a survivor.”- Guy
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“My experience with The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP has been life-altering. It was a pleasure to work with every employee at the firm. They made me feel as if they genuinely cared about me while maintaining a professional statute.”- Alex
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“The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP does not just represent their clients, The feeling they put into their cases makes you feel like you are part of a family. I can proudly say that I am part of a brotherhood and sisterhood of genuine and caring people.”- Jason
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don't navigate the legal process alone. The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.
During the consultation, we will listen to the details of your case, answer your questions, and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
At The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP of California, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims and holding responsible parties accountable. Let us be your trusted advocates during this challenging time.
Call us today at (800) 477-2989 or contact us online to speak with a California car accident lawyer
Why Choose Us?
Here's why you should choose The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP:
When it comes to car accidents, having the right legal team on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
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EXPERIENCEOur firm has decades of experience representing car accident victims throughout California. We have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing car accidents and are well-versed in the tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims.
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DEDICATED ATTORNEYSWe are committed to advocating for our clients' rights and seeking justice on their behalf. Our attorneys work diligently to investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
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PERSONALIZED APPROACHWe recognize that each car accident case is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific circumstances and goals. Our attorneys will provide you with personalized attention and tailor our legal strategies to meet your individual needs.
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STRONG TRACK RECORD
Our firm has a proven track record of success in handling car accident cases. We have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, helping them recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.