A proven record of winning car accident cases in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco and Santa Clara.
Pay no fee until we win your car accident case.
We’re Oakland car accident lawyers who specialize in helping victims who aren’t sure where to turn. We make sure auto insurance companies don’t take advantage of you.
“Being involved in a car accident is always stressful from the beginning to end. But the Kerley Schaffer law office took care of everything and fought for me against the insurance.
They REALLY fight for you.
One thing I liked the most about this law office was communication. I could get follow-up and updates about what’s going on with my case, and I got the best outcome.
Now I have a go-to friend for car accident and personal injury cases.”
Why Kerley Schaffer?
Decades of experience representing car accident clients in trial and appellate courts to level the field against big corporations.
Assistance in getting outstanding medical care for your injuries.
A dedicated case assistant assigned to your case from day one until you’ve recovered for your injuries.
Deep knowledge of how to handle insurance companies who cheat auto accident victims to increase their own profits.
A scrappy, dedicated team of Oakland car accident lawyers serving:
Alameda County
Contra Costa County
San Francisco County
Santa Clara County
What your insurance company won’t tell you about car accident injury claims
Auto insurance companies are “for profit” corporations. The rules say they can’t use their claims department as a profit center. Unfortunately, too many companies violate these rules. They:
Teach their auto accident claims adjusters to maximize company profits.
Often misrepresent or conceal right to compensation for future medical bills, lost earnings, quality of life, and emotional trauma.
Use computer-driven claims systems to create low compensation offers to increase company profits.
Misrepresent car accident injuries by claiming they aren’t severe enough to be compensated.
Delay settlements and defend their decision by forcing an expensive, drawn-out court battle if you don’t take their walk-away offer.
May pressure you to give a recorded statement about the car accident even though you are NOT required to do so.
Store information about your previous car accidents, homeowner’s insurance claims, and settlements history to look for ways to refuse to pay legitimate claims.
Demand you sign their medical authorization release forms to get unrelated health information to use against you.
Bottom line after an auto accident?
Don’t feel pressured, and don’t sign anything or give a recorded statement to the auto insurance company without legal representation.
Car accident cases our Oakland law firm handles
• Auto accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Accidents with trucks or commercial vehicles
• Ridesharing accidents: Uber & Lyft
• Wrongful death accidents
• Driver negligence: distracted driving, cell phone use, texting
• Accidents with uninsured motorists
• Whiplash injury accidents
• Airbag deployment accidents
• Hit & run accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Bicycle accident injuries
• Pedestrians hit by a car
You deserve compassion and fair compensation if you’ve been injured.
Car accidents
Getting into a car accident is a frightening experience. Accidents are often caused simply from a driver’s failure to follow the rules and drive safely. We’ve handled many car injury accident claims over the years. If you’re hurt, reach out for a free consultation about your case.
Motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle riders can be more at risk for accidents due to distracted drivers, auto blind spots, road hazards, or poor communication between riders. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, working with an experienced attorney who knows the laws can make a difference when it comes to getting the compensation and care you deserve.
Accidents with trucks or commercial vehicles
Trucking accidents can cause serious injuries, including brain trauma, spinal cord injury, and death. If you’re hurt, we have lots of experience dealing with trucking and commercial vehicle firms and their insurance companies.
Ridesharing accidents: Uber & Lyft
Ridesharing is a hugely popular and easy way to travel. Unfortunately, rideshare drivers get into accidents too. If you are in an accident, make sure the driver reports the accident to the authorities and to their rideshare company. It can be harder to file a legal claim against rideshare companies since they take extra precautions to protect themselves. However, insurance will cover your injuries in ridesharing accidents.
Wrongful death accidents
If a family member dies from someone’s negligence in a car accident, we will seek justice on his or her behalf. We know this is a terrible situation, but we are here to help.
Driver negligence: distracted driving, cell phone use, texting
Distracted driving is a nationwide problem. People are texting, making phone calls, eating food, fiddling with the radio, and looking at their GPS. All of these behaviors prevent people from concentrating on the road and can result in a car accident. Call us for a free consultation.
Accidents with uninsured motorists
Studies show that around 1 in 7 drivers nationwide do not have any auto insurance at all. Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance is intended to pay money for accidents that you didn’t cause. However, sometimes auto insurance companies are unwilling to pay. That’s where we come in. We can help.
Whiplash injury accidents
After a car accident, whiplash symptoms can appear hours or even days later. Whiplash occurs when your neck muscles suffer strain from rapid backward and forward movement. Insurance companies can argue that there were no injuries at the time of the accident and should not have to pay. We disagree.
Airbag deployment accidents
Airbags are designed to keep you and your family safe. But sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. Airbag deployment can cause a wide range of injuries – broken bones, spine injuries, eye injuries, burns, bruises and more. Chemicals inside the airbag, how fast the bag deploys, and the car seat belt are all factors in airbag-related injuries.
Hit & run accidents
It doesn’t matter if you’ve caused the car accident or not. You shouldn’t leave the scene without identifying yourself. Nonetheless, it happens. People panic. If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, reach out for help. We have the resources and experience to help you.
Head-on collisions
Hitting a car, truck or motorcycle head-on is terrifying. Serious damage and injuries often result. Our team of car accident lawyers can help you sort through all the legal and medical challenges that you’ll face.
Bicycle accident injuries
Distracted drivers, road hazards, construction sites, and dangerous road conditions increase the possibility of cars hitting bicyclists. If you’re a bicyclist whose been hit by a car, we can help. Drivers who don’t follow road safety rules must held accountable.
Pedestrians hit by a car
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while walking along a road or in a crosswalk, we can help. You deserve fair compensation for your injuries. Being injured in a car accident is stressful enough without adding additional pressure of not being able to pay your medical bills.
“As an international student, it was especially stressful and to deal with the aftermath of my car accident and not have it interfere with school. From the first phone call the case manager put me at ease.
My case manager was always easy to reach via phone or email and was extremely flexible working around my school schedule throughout the process. They took care of everything for me, walking me through everything each step of the way.
I confidently recommend Kerley Schaffer law firm. If I could give 10 stars, I would.”
“My daughters were involved in a car accident during an Uber ride. After not getting any response from the other party we decided to hire an attorney.
I couldn’t have asked for better representation. Our attorney always kept us informed of what was going on and what the next step would be. As a parent I wanted to know that the attorney we hired cared about my daughter’s wellbeing and this firm has the best attorneys ever.
We would recommend this firm to a friend or family without any hesitation.”
“I am so grateful that I was introduced to Kerley Schaffer Law Firm. I felt completely lost dealing with my own insurance company after I was in an accident, and they took care of everything.
I wouldn’t hesitate to call or recommend them to any friends or family that get injured in a car accident. I was kept current on my case and even when I moved out of the area, I still received the same great service, and they helped me find treatment in my new area.
If you are thinking of getting a lawyer, just call and I’m sure you will have a great experience just like I did.”
How our Oakland auto accident attorneys can help
Below are some of the key steps we take to make sure that you and your family get a fair settlement.
1) Investigate
We’ll investigate the car accident, gather evidence, and analyze it to prepare the strongest claim to your insurer. Our team will handle all communication with the auto insurance companies to protect your rights. This includes preserving evidence and documenting the facts of the case while they are still fresh.
2) Get you the best medical treatment
If you’ve been injured, we will connect you with top medical professionals to diagnose and treat your injuries. Once all injuries are diagnosed and treated, we begin negotiations with the insurance company.
3) Negotiate
We’ll negotiate with the insurance carrier or other responsible parties. Our office will communicate with you during this process. Our team will also negotiate with your medical providers to reach a fair bill adjustment.
4) Litigate
If the responsible party’s offer is unreasonable, we file a lawsuit. Although jury trials are rare, we prepare every case as though it will go before a jury. We hire experts, take depositions, and invest the necessary time to win.
5) To trial if necessary
This is the final step when all else fails. Our experienced personal injury trial lawyers present your case to a jury who determines your financial compensation. The process can be slow and frustrating, but we love it - going to battle and getting you justice.
How to choose a car accident law firm
Experience
Find a firm has a track record of actually trying car accident cases and appealing important issues in the appellate courts.
Focus
Choose a firm that has laser focus on taking and winning car accident cases similar to yours.
Financial strength
Look for a firm who will follow through with your car accident case even if they cannot obtain a settlement right away.
Request a free consultation.
PAY NO FEE UNTIL WE WIN YOUR CAR ACCIDENT CASE. PERIOD.
Speak with a trusted car accident attorney with over 25 years of case-winning experience.
Or call (510) 379-5801.
