When another driver’s negligent or reckless behavior causes a crash, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Severe personal injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma are only the beginning of the damages that may need to be addressed. Filing a claim with the help of a Thousand Oaks car accident lawyer can hold the at-fault driver accountable for a crash and pursue compensation to help you recover from your damages.
Why Choose Us
With over a decade of experience, Gonzales Law Offices can guide you through the claims process while providing personal attention to each case. Our knowledge of California’s car accident laws and the claims process is invaluable, providing clarity and confidence to our clients. Additionally, we have secured over $1 million in compensation for victims and are dedicated to negotiating for increased compensation to aid your recovery.
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Car accidents can cause tragic injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and many other people. Drivers in Thousand Oaks must be especially cautious around heavy foot traffic areas, such as around The Oaks Mall, or dangerous intersections along Moorpark Road or Thousand Oaks Boulevard. In 2023, 552 crash victims were injured or killed in Thousand Oaks.
When preparing to file a claim, a Thousand Oaks car accident attorney can gather and analyze evidence. This evidence can be used to prove who was at fault for a car accident or to prove the extent of the damages you have suffered. They may use evidence such as:
The police report
Photos and videos from the accident, vehicle damage, and visible injuries
Witness statements
Dashcam or surveillance camera footage
Invoices for vehicle damages
Medical records and medical bills
Paystubs
Journals or pain logs
Understanding How Compensation Is Determined in a Car Accident Claim
Compensation varies for each car accident claim. The amount of compensation you can receive largely depends on what types of damages the accident caused and how severe they are. Your car crash lawyer can analyze your case to create a comprehensive claim that includes all relevant damages, such as:
Physical injuries, pain, and the cost of medical treatments
Property damage, such as to your vehicle, bicycle, clothing, or other valuables
Wages lost from time off from work due to your recovery
Emotional distress, stress, and psychological disorders
Future damages, such as ongoing medical needs or lost quality of life
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
A Thousand Oaks car accident lawyer can help you understand and manage the legal requirements in a car accident claim. Their understanding of California’s car accident laws and legal requirements for a claim is essential to prevent procedural errors. They can act swiftly to develop a legal strategy and create a claim so it can be filed within the two-year statute of limitations.
Having a lawyer to advocate for you can increase your ability to receive compensation that is fair and comprehensive. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by dismissing damages, pressuring you into a settlement that is too low, or even trying to deny claims based on small errors or trivial details. A lawyer can push back against insurance companies, negotiating for increased compensation and preventing a settlement that is too low.
Car accidents are among the most stressful and traumatic events from which to recover. Filing a claim is emotionally challenging and legally complex. A lawyer can prevent filing a claim from becoming stressful by explaining each step of the process, managing filing procedures for you, and advocating on your behalf when communicating with law enforcement, the at-fault driver, and their legal team, or in court.
Meet Attorney Mark Gonzales, Esq.
Lead Counsel, Gonzales Law Offices
Since 2007, Mark has represented injured clients across Southern California in car, motorcycle, and truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability. His time in insurance defense gives him inside perspective he uses to help clients take on powerful carriers. He has recovered over a million dollars for clients in difficult cases.
Bar: State Bar of California
Affiliations: CAALA, LACBA
Education: University of La Verne College of Law
Offices: Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Ontario
Free Consultation No Fees Unless We Win Se Habla Español
No, California is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Instead, California follows an at-fault insurance system. Being an at-fault state allows car accident victims to file a claim against an at-fault driver, who is liable for damages, rather than through their own insurance provider. While filing a claim against another driver is more complex, you may be able to recover more compensation for your damages than you could otherwise.
What Are the Three D’s in Insurance Claims?
The three D’s in insurance claims are delay, deny, and defend. These are the strategies some insurance companies use to prevent or minimize payouts to victims. Delaying involves dragging out the claims process, denying involves rejecting claims, and defending is an aggressive defense in court. These techniques often rely on the victim overlooking their errors or complying with trivial procedures. You should hire a car accident lawyer who can challenge these strategies.
Can You Receive Compensation if You Are Partially at Fault for an Accident?
Yes, you can receive compensation if you are partially at fault for a car accident, though your compensation may be reduced depending on how much fault you have. Thousand Oaks, California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that after evidence is examined, the percentage of fault that each person has is determined. While you can receive compensation if you have less than 100% fault, your compensation can be decreased by the same percentage of fault you have.
Can You File a Claim if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
Yes, you can file a claim if the at-fault driver is uninsured. Over one in seven drivers does not carry auto insurance, which can leave car crash victims worried during a claim. A car crash lawyer can help you file a claim through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which is the most common way to receive compensation if the at-fault driver is uninsured. In certain cases, a lawyer can pursue litigation against the at-fault driver directly.
Speak With a Thousand Oaks Car Accident Attorney Today
Car accidents can be one of the most catastrophic and life-changing events in a victim’s life. No matter what damages you are facing, from personal injuries to psychological disorders, if another driver caused a car crash that led to your losses, Gonzales Law Offices can help you recover compensation. Contact us today to learn how a skilled Thousand Oaks car crash lawyer can help you move forward after a car accident.
Thousand Oaks Car Accident Lawyer Reviews
★★★★★
“On April 9th 2024, I was in a very severe accident caused by a reckless driver. I had contacted Gonzalez law firm in which Mrs. Marilyn explain the procedures, and helped me through process. They were very responsive and answered any questions that arose. They were very attentive and if I needed any additional help, they were willing to get me the necessary help I needed. They were very helpful and would highly recommend this law firm.” – Carmen Villalobos
★★★★★
“I am extremely pleased with Gonzalez law. Mr. Mark Gonzalez himself is a very well rounded and educated lawyer in his field. He was communicative, concise, and efficient with handling my personal injury case. I am grateful to have him as my lawyer. His staff was informative and helpful with getting through my process and the he decision to choose this firm was the best decision I could have made. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez and your team! Continue to serve the community well. It is very much appreciated!” – Roza Keflom
★★★★★
“Great Experience. Once I entered you can feel they care. They talk with Experience and knowledge. Thankful to be represented by this law firm! Will recommend.” – Edward SerranoWB
I could not be more happy with the help Mark Gonzales provided. He was there for me every step of the way. He explained each step in a way that was easy for me to understand. He was available to me when ever I had a concern. His staff made me feel like I was family. I highly recommend Mark to anyone who needs legal help!
Robert R.
Mark helped me recover all my expenses due to my car accident. The insurance company tried to slow the process and doubted that I was even injured. Mark fought for me and gave me peace of mind. I felt like I had an army on my side since his staff worked tirelessly for me. They got the insurance company off my back and helped me get back on my feet faster than I expected.
April F.
Mark did a fantastic job for me when I slipped in a restaurant. I owner had the nerve to claim it was my heels, when clearly the floor was damaged and caused me to fall. He tried to make himself look like the victim of a scam. Mark put an end to that real fast. He took control of everything for me. He helped me get my medical costs paid as well as compensation for the lost time at work.
Dottie F.
The Law Office of Mark Gonzales was a smooth experience people were great and professional !! I would recommend them to anyone and if I ever need an injury attorney again I will definitely come back. THANK YOU.
Vanessa M.
The people working here are very nice and helped make a bad experience better. They made the process go smoothly and were always willing to help and answer my questions. The attorney was very personable and willing to help. The office makes sure you are comfortable and that you understand the process. I highly recommend them.
Elizabeth R.
I would like to thank the attorney Mark Gonzalez and his staff for the prompt results representing my family with our case, I would highly recommend his office, thank you in advance.
Jose G.
I want to highly recommend the lawyer Mark Gonzalez due to his great work. He took my case and won it even though another lawyer had said it was a lost case. Very friendly environment especially with the secretary at the front desk. Thank you!
Marelena R.
Mr. Gonzales did an amazing job in solving my case. I was feeling helpless and all hope lost, but him and his staff got me through it. I wouldn’t consider any other attorney than Mr. Gonzales himself. 100% recommended!
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