Filing a Car Accident Claim in San Mateo
File It Right the First Time. We'll Handle the Hard Parts.
After a crash, you’re dealing with medical bills, repairs, and an insurance company that would rather not pay. Our attorneys help San Mateo accident victims file a car accident claim that’s documented, on time, and built to recover fair compensation.
$75+ million
recovered for injured clients
800+ five-star reviews
on Google and Yelp
No fee
unless we win
Available 24/7
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A Claim Is More Than a Phone Call to the Insurer
No one plans for a car accident. In the blink of an eye, a normal day turns into medical appointments, repair estimates, and calls from adjusters, all while you’re trying to keep up with work and family.
Filing a car accident claim can look like simple paperwork. In reality, every claim turns on an investigation into who was at fault, and the insurance company’s goal is to assign as much of that fault as possible to someone other than its driver, including you. A claim built with care from the start can make the difference between a denial and a fair settlement.
You’ll want help filing your claim if:
You were injured and are still treating, or don't yet know the full cost of your care
The other driver's insurer disputes who caused the crash
You've been told you share some of the blame
The paperwork and phone calls are taking time you don't have
The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
How a San Mateo Car Accident Claim Moves Forward
Exchange insurance information at the scene.
California requires drivers to carry proof of insurance and to exchange it after a crash. Photograph the other driver’s card if you can.
Open the claim, and let us do the talking.
We notify the insurers and handle every call and request, so nothing you say is used to shift the blame.
Let the fault investigation run with our input.
Insurers examine the scene, the police report, the vehicles, witness statements, and video. We make sure every piece that helps you is part of the review.
Build the record of your losses.
Medical bills, lost wages, repair costs, and future care are gathered and documented as treatment continues.
Present the claim and negotiate.
With liability and damages documented, we negotiate with the insurer and advise you on whether any offer is fair.
File suit if they won't pay fairly.
If negotiation fails, we file a lawsuit before the deadline runs, generally two years from the injury.
What Your Claim Can Include
Medical expenses
Emergency care, doctor visits, therapy, and future treatment related to your injuries.
Lost wages
Reimbursement for pay you missed while recovering, and for lost earning ability if your injuries last.
Vehicle repairs
The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged car and other property.
Pain and suffering
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the disruption the injuries have caused.
How We Strengthen Your Claim
The fault investigation is where most claims are won or lost. Insurance companies often try to avoid paying by denying liability, and even a small shift in the fault percentage can change what you recover. We step in to make sure the investigation looks at everything:
- Evidence observed at the scene and physical evidence from the vehicles
- Information from the police report
- Interviews with witnesses and drivers
- Any applicable video footage
When new information turns up, it can reduce or even eliminate the share of fault assigned to you. We also take over the time-consuming administrative work that comes with a claim, assign a group of professionals to your case, and advise you on which settlements to accept and how to maximize your compensation.
California Rules for Filing a Car Accident Claim
Drivers must be financially responsible
Under California Vehicle Code § 16020, drivers and owners must carry proof of insurance, and drivers involved in a crash must exchange insurance information.
Fault can be shared, and so can compensation
California uses comparative negligence. More than one person can be assigned a percentage of fault, and a driver found partly at fault can still pursue compensation from the others, reduced by their own share.
A claim isn't a lawsuit, but the lawsuit deadline still applies
Most claims are negotiated with insurers. If yours can’t be resolved, a lawsuit must generally be filed within two years of the injury, or within six months for a claim against a government entity.
Earlier is better
The sooner you have representation, the more evidence can be preserved and the stronger your position in the investigation.
What Our Clients Say
Jimin Oh worked passionately on my case while constantly updating me on what was happening. I did not know much about my car insurance, so it was helpful for her…
Ok Ray Park
Attorney Jimin Oh was really helpful with my case. She really took care of my case and I could really rely on her. She would always check up on me…
Carina Amigable
From start to finish Jimin has been on my case and very informative about where they are in the process of things... every time it seems like I thought about…
Dominick M.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in San Mateo: FAQs
Who do I file a car accident claim with?
Usually the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Every California driver must carry proof of insurance, and exchanging that information at the scene is how the claim begins.
What does the insurer look at to decide fault?
Evidence from the scene, the police report, physical evidence from the vehicles, interviews with witnesses and drivers, and any video footage. We make sure the evidence that supports you is part of that review.
I was assigned part of the fault. Can I still file a claim?
Yes. California’s comparative negligence system lets you pursue compensation from others who were at fault, reduced by your share. New evidence can also lower, or even eliminate, the percentage assigned to you.
Do I have to file a lawsuit?
Not always. Many claims are resolved through negotiation with the insurance company. A lawsuit becomes necessary when the insurer won’t pay fairly, and it must be filed within the legal deadline.
When should I contact a lawyer about my claim?
Right away. The sooner you have representation, the more evidence can be preserved and the better the chance of maximizing your compensation.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Not before someone reviews it. We advise clients on which settlements to accept, and first offers often don’t reflect future treatment or the full impact of an injury.
What does it cost to have you handle my claim?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency and are paid only if we recover compensation for you.
Get Your Free, Confidential Case Review, 24/7
The fault investigation starts right away, whether or not you have someone on your side. Call now or send the form; we respond fast, 24/7, in English, Spanish, or Korean. Your consultation is free and confidential. No fee unless we win.
Call (408) 256-2871Free Case Review
Solution Now Law Firm
1253 Park Ave
San Jose, CA 95126
Hablamos español · 한국어 상담 가능
