Overview
Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death in the United States. Automobile collisions result in injuries of all types and severities, and victims need lawyers that are able to look at every potential cause of the collision to determine fault.
At The Brandi Law Firm, not only do we scrutinize the movements of the vehicle(s) involved, but we have significant experience in determining if a road feature or automotive defect contributed to the incident or worsened the injuries.
We call our approach Man - Machine - Environment. Man: Was the collision solely caused by another driver or some individual's act? Machine: Is there a defect in the vehicle that either caused the incident or increased the injuries to our client? Environment: Did a roadway in poor condition contribute to the incident?
This three-pronged investigation is what separates our firm from others. While most attorneys focus only on driver negligence, we have the experience and resources to investigate vehicle defects and roadway design issues that may significantly increase the value and strength of your claim.
Types of Cases We Handle
Car Accidents
Collisions between passenger vehicles caused by distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, running traffic signals, and other forms of driver negligence.
Truck Accidents
Crashes involving commercial trucks and tractor-trailers, which often involve multiple liable parties including the driver, trucking company, and cargo loaders.
Motorcycle Accidents
Injuries sustained by motorcyclists, who are particularly vulnerable on the road and often face bias from insurance companies and juries.
Rideshare Accidents
Collisions involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicles, which can involve complex insurance coverage questions.
Hit and Run Accidents
Incidents where the at-fault driver flees the scene, requiring investigation to identify the responsible party or pursue uninsured motorist claims.
Rollover Accidents
Vehicle rollovers that may involve design defects, tire failures, or roof crush injuries in addition to driver error.
Understanding California Law
California is an "at-fault" state for auto accidents, meaning the driver responsible for causing the collision is generally liable for the resulting damages. Under California's pure comparative negligence system, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault but is generally not eliminated entirely.
California law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but these minimums are often insufficient to cover serious injuries. Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy can provide additional protection. Our attorneys routinely analyze all available insurance coverage to maximize recovery for our clients.
There are strict time limits for filing an auto accident injury claim. The statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the accident, but claims against government entities (for dangerous road conditions, for example) may have significantly shorter deadlines. Prompt legal consultation is essential.
Potential Compensation
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to pursue compensation for the following types of damages:
Our Process
Free Case Review
We evaluate the circumstances of your accident, review any police reports and medical records, and provide an honest assessment of your potential claim.
Evidence Preservation
We move quickly to preserve critical evidence including surveillance footage, vehicle data recorders (black boxes), road condition documentation, and witness statements before they are lost.
Man-Machine-Environment Analysis
Our team investigates all three potential causes: driver behavior, vehicle defects, and road conditions. We work with accident reconstruction professionals, automotive engineers, and road design consultants.
Medical Documentation
We coordinate with your medical providers so your injuries are properly documented and work with medical professionals to understand the long-term impact of your injuries.
Aggressive Advocacy
Armed with thorough evidence, we negotiate with insurance companies or take the case to trial to pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
What Sets Us Apart
Notable Case Results
The results described below are representative of past outcomes. Each case is unique. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Passenger v. Ford Motor Company
Our client, a 34-year-old musician, was a belted rear passenger in a 15-person van when he was paralyzed during a rollover due to a defective seat latch.
Husband and Wife v. State of California
Our clients were struck by an uninsured motorist who crossed over a median on a California highway that should have had a median barrier. Our client suffered significant orthopedic injuries and a traumatic brain injury.
Driver and Passenger v. State of California
Couple was seriously injured by a crossover vehicle, and the State was liable due to the absence of a median barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
If you are able, call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, exchange information with other drivers, and obtain contact information from witnesses. Avoid admitting fault or making detailed statements to insurance companies before consulting with an attorney.
Do I need a lawyer for a car accident claim?
While you are not required to have a lawyer, insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize what they pay. An experienced attorney can help level the playing field, particularly in cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties.
What if my car accident was caused by a road defect?
If a dangerous road condition contributed to your accident, you may have a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road. The Brandi Law Firm has extensive experience with these complex cases. Our founder, Thomas Brandi, was formerly a lawyer for the California Department of Transportation.
Can I recover compensation if my vehicle had a defect?
Yes. If a defect in your vehicle's design or manufacturing contributed to the accident or worsened your injuries, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Our Man-Machine-Environment approach means we investigate every potential cause of the incident.
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value of any case depends on many factors unique to your situation, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, the impact on your ability to work, and the degree of the other party's fault. We provide honest, individualized assessments during our free consultation.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys analyze all available insurance policies to identify every potential source of recovery.
Attorney Advertising. The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. To understand how the law applies to your specific situation, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been affected by auto accidents, contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
Contact Us(888) 309-1224Our Track Record
- More Than 150 Years Of Combined Experience
- Focused Exclusively On Personal Injury
- Licensed In California, Nevada, Arizona And Washington
- More Than $1.6 billion In Verdicts & Settlements
- A Reputation The Insurance Companies Take Seriously
- You Pay Nothing Unless We Get Compensation For You
- Always Prepared To Go To Trial If Negotiations Break Down
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Personal Injury
When coping with a personal injury, the recovery process should be your primary focus. Our attorneys are dedicated to ensuring fair treatment under the law.
Learn MorePremises Liability & Dangerous Property
Unique experience with dangerous roads and public property cases. Our founder began his career with the State of California, giving us deep knowledge of government liability.
Learn MoreProduct Defects
Product liability laws protect consumers and hold those responsible for causing injuries for selling dangerous or defective products accountable.
Learn MoreReady to Discuss Your Case?
If you've been seriously injured due to someone else's negligence, contact us for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
More Than 150 Years Of Combined Experience