Dedicated Legal Support For Personal Injury Victims In The Oakland and Bay Area

Last updated on April 10, 2025

Getting hurt in an accident can feel incredibly unfair. The physical pain and emotional distress are overwhelming, and your injuries can affect your livelihood and relationships. Holding the responsible party accountable can help you get justice and fight for a fair resolution.

At the Law Office of Michael E. Gatto PC, we understand this. We have the experience and dedication to help you through these tough times. Located in Walnut Creek and serving California and Arizona, we are here to support the injured.

Personal Injury Advocacy You Can Trust

We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

• Motor vehicle crashes: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and more.
• Catastrophic injuries: Severe injuries that require long-term care.
• Wrongful death: Families seeking justice for their lost loved ones.
• Medical malpractice: Cases involving medical errors and negligence.
• Birth injuries: Accidents and injuries to babies and mothers before, during or after delivery.

Injuries like these can profoundly disrupt your life today and for many years to come. Our dedicated team is here to help you fight for justice, accountability and the compensation you may deserve.

The Difference At The Law Office of Michael E. Gatto PC

Selecting the right Walnut Creek personal injury attorney is fundamental for maximizing your compensation and protecting your rights. As a leading California personal injury law firm, we offer more than just legal representation – we provide comprehensive support throughout your case.

Our approach combines thorough investigation with detailed medical knowledge, allowing us to build stronger cases. Our founding Walnut Creek, California, personal injury attorney’s background as a former prosecutor and extensive experience representing medical professionals provide invaluable legal insight into both sides of personal injury litigation. This comprehensive understanding helps us anticipate defense strategies and build more effective cases.

As your Bay Area personal injury law firm, our commitment goes beyond individual cases – we strive to create lasting change. Through our work, we seek justice for our clients and push for systemic improvements that prevent similar injuries from happening to others. When you work with our Walnut Creek personal injury attorney, you partner with a team that truly understands the impact of serious injuries on families and communities.

The Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Cases In California

California law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims:

• General rule: You have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
• Claims against government entities: If your injury involves a city, county or state agency, you must file a notice of claim within six months
• Exceptions: Certain cases, such as those involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries, may have extended deadlines

Failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to seek compensation. As your Walnut Creek personal injury lawyer, we will employ effective legal strategies for your cause to help ensure the timely filing of your claim.

Steps To Take After An Accident In California

Your actions immediately after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these steps:

• Ensure safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
• Call emergency services: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance.
• Gather information: Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved and witness contact information.
• Document the scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle positions, injuries and any relevant road conditions or signage.
• Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, consult a healthcare professional to document your condition.
• Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the accident promptly.

Most importantly, consult a Bay Area personal injury attorney before discussing the accident with other parties or accepting settlements to help protect your interests.

Do You Have A Personal Injury Case?

A valid personal injury claim requires proving the following:

• Negligence: Demonstrating that another party failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to your injury.
• Causation: Establishing a direct link between the negligent action and your injury.
• Damages: Providing evidence of physical injuries, emotional distress, financial losses or other damages.

Our an Oakland personal injury lawyer will evaluate each case individually, considering these factors and others specific to your situation to provide honest legal feedback that strengthens your personal injury claim.

California Personal Injury FAQs

Personal injury laws can be complicated. Our answers aim to give as much information about the legal process as possible after a California personal injury.

Does fault matter in a California injury case?

With the California pure comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages even if you are partially to blame. However, your compensation can be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

How long does a personal injury lawsuit take in California?

The length of a personal injury case depends on the case’s complexity, injury severity and court schedules. Some cases settle within months, while others may take years, especially if they go to trial.

How much does a personal injury case cost in California?

Personal injury cases vary, making it difficult to estimate the precise costs. That is why many California lawyers use contingency fees, so you only pay if they win. Attorney’s fees would then be paid from the settlement.

Why do I need a personal injury lawyer after an accident in California?

Dealing with the fallout from an accident, including insurance and legal issues alone, can be daunting. A personal injury lawyer can:

• Advocate for fair compensation to help ensure all damages are accounted for.
• Handle all the legal complexities on your behalf.
• Negotiate with insurance companies by counteracting tactics used by insurers to minimize payouts.
• Provide peace of mind to allow you to focus on recovery while your attorney handles the legal matters of your case.

By choosing a committed Bay Area personal injury law firm, you align yourself with a team dedicated to pursuing justice and securing the compensation you deserve.

Get The Justice You Deserve

After an accident, let us help you hold the responsible party accountable and fight for the fair resolution you deserve. Call us at 925-587-9949 or message us online to discuss your case and next steps. We offer free consultations. Se habla espanol.