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Caputo & Van Der Walde

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Sunnyvale Car Accident Lawyer | Car Accident Attorney in Sunnyvale

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In the aftermath of a car accident in Sunnyvale, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. A Sunnyvale car accident lawyer at Caputo & Van Der Walde can help protect your rights, negotiate with insurers, and secure fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

When involved in a car accident in Sunnyvale, the aftermath can be stressful and complex. Navigating the legal process is a critical step in ensuring you are fairly compensated for damages and injuries. To this end, seeking guidance from a skilled car accident lawyer who understands the laws and nuances of the California legal system becomes imperative. The right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case by advocating for your rights and guiding you through the often intricate claims process.

Choosing a car accident lawyer in Sunnyvale tailored to your specific needs can be daunting. It is essential to find an attorney with a proven track record of success in car accident cases, including negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing your interests in court. The attorney’s approach should align with your need for clear communication, commitment, and a thorough understanding of personal injury law. Whether your accident was a minor fender-bender or a more serious collision, having a competent attorney by your side can help alleviate the burden and allow you to focus on your recovery. You will find these attorneys at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys.

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Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

With over $100M+ in settlements, our firm has a proven history of success and dedication to achieving significant outcomes for our clients.
Awards and Recognitions
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The Caputo & Van Der Walde team

Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer

When you’re searching for a car accident lawyer in Sunnyvale, your choice can significantly affect the outcome of your case. You’ll want to select an attorney with a strong track record of recognition in the field, along with specific expertise in California’s legal landscape.

Assessing Credentials and Recognitions

It’s essential to verify the credentials and accolades of any car accident lawyer you consider hiring. Look for firms like Caputo & Van Der Walde, LLP, recognized for their excellence with accolades such as the California Lawyers Attorney of the Year (CLAY) Award. Such honors are not just titles; they signal a lawyer’s proven competence in their field, reflecting a commitment to their clients and the legal community in California.

  • Award-winning law firms have demonstrated success in car accident cases through peer recognition.
  • Check for past client reviews and peer endorsements as indicators of a lawyer’s reliability and proficiency.

Understanding Local Expertise in California

Your objective is to select a lawyer whose experience and accomplishments align with the needs of your case, ensuring you have confident and competent representation in your corner. Local expertise is key when it comes to navigating car accident claims in California. A lawyer well-versed in California’s transportation laws and local court procedures can be invaluable.

  • Offices located within California, like those of Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys, indicate they’re equipped to handle cases in the jurisdiction where your accident occurred.
  • California-specific experience means your lawyer is likely to be familiar with local courts, judges, and opposition attorneys.

Paul Van Der Walde was referred to me by a family friend. I was getting overwhelmed in my search for a personal injury attorney as there are so many. I am incredibly grateful for the work that Mr. Van Der Walde did on my case. I never felt intimidated by the legal jargon and instead felt like family. He has great knowledge and understanding of the law. We would never have gotten the results we did without a great law firm! My case was settled outside of court. Julia, Evangelina, Shawn, and Paul Van Der Walde are a great team! It is the best decision I ever made. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Michelle S.

Client Testimonials

For decades, Caputo & Van Der Walde has served victims in Southern California
Very helpful and overall easy to work with. My family and I used them for a case on a car accident and they were able to turn it around and finish the case in a very timely manner. Everyone I spoke to from their office was extremely helpfu...
AA
Tyler Moore
Motor Vehicle Accident
I am grateful for the team at Caputo & Van Der Walde. Initially I was very stressed out and afraid of what would happen and how to navigate the legal process, but Corene and Don put my mind at ease. They were able to speak to me calmly...
AA
Melanie E.
Motor Vehicle Accident
The anticipation of a legal battle is stressful for anyone, especially in times of tragedy. Paul Van Der Walde and his amazing staff are the most kind, attentive and professional legal team a person can encounter. Evangelina, Corene and Ju...
AA
Juanita Castillo
Motor Vehicle Accident
The team was professional, and responsive to all my requests. They helped me through a tough time and qwelled any fears I had through the process. They are a great team and would definitely reach out to them again if I need their services....
AA
Reynaldo Yepez
Motor Vehicle Accident
Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP represented me in a high-speed car accident which resulted in long-lasting injuries. Throughout the process Paul Van Der Walde and his team provided courteous and professional handling of my case, extended su...
AA
Miki Iric
Motor Vehicle Accident
My experience with Caputo – Van Der Walde law firm was extremely positive from the very beginning! I was injured in an auto accident February 13, 2024. My injury required surgery, a 3 night stay at Good Samaritan Hospital, an almost ...
AA
Laurel Perusa
Motor Vehicle Accident

The Legal Process for Car Accident Claims

When seeking compensation after a car accident, you have to navigate a complex legal process. This process typically begins with filing a claim and may evolve into negotiations or litigation, especially when handled by an experienced auto accident attorney.

Filing a Claim

The initial step in the legal process for a car accident claim involves the submission of a claim to the insurance company. Documenting extensive evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, is crucial. Your auto accident attorney will present a comprehensive claim to the insurance adjuster, detailing your injuries, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident.

Negotiations and Litigation

Negotiations with the insurer follow the claim submission, where your attorney actively seeks a fair settlement. If insurance negotiations reach a standstill, the case may proceed to litigation. At this point, filing a lawsuit is necessary to seek proper compensation. Your attorney will represent your interests, navigating pre-trial proceedings, discovery, and, if needed, arguing your case in court.
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Car Accident Laws Specific to California

When you’re involved in a car accident in California, it’s crucial to understand the state-specific laws that apply to your situation.

Statute of Limitations: In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. If you’re filing a property damage claim, the limit extends to three years.

Comparative Fault: California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that if you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Minimum Insurance Requirements:

  • $15,000Ā for injury/death to one person.
  • $30,000Ā for injury/death to more than one person.
  • $5,000Ā for property damage.

Reporting an Accident: You must report car accidents to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days if there is significant property damage, injury, or death.

DUI Laws: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is a serious offense in California. Penalties include fines, license suspension, and even jail time, especially if the DUI results in an accident.

DUI Blood Alcohol Level Limits
BAC Limit Adult Drivers Commercial Drivers Underage Drivers
Legal Limit 0.08% 0.04% 0.01%

Maximizing Your Settlement

When pursuing compensation after a car accident, understanding the factors that maximize your settlement is crucial. You must accurately calculate damages and leverage legal expertise to navigate the complex legal landscape.

Calculating Damages

To ensure appropriate compensation following a car accident, you must comprehensively calculate both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. List out all your expenses and anticipated future costs associated with the accident. Non-economic damages may cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. While these are more subjective, an experienced auto accident attorney can help quantify these losses to ensure they are adequately represented in your claim.

Leveraging Legal Expertise

Navigating the claims process requires skilled negotiation and legal knowledge. An auto accident attorney can be instrumental in dealing with insurance companies and opposing counsel. They are adept at gathering necessary evidence, including police reports and medical records, to build a strong case on your behalf. Moreover, attorneys understand procedural rules and can utilize legal strategies to enhance your position, whether through out-of-court settlements or litigation. At Caputo & Van Der Walde, LLP, our objective is to secure the highest possible settlement for your situation.
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Ready to get started with a free consultation? call us today.

The Sunnyvale car accident lawyers at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys are here to serve victims of car accidents. As part of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which consists of the most notable trial lawyers in the country, an honor less than 1% of all attorneys in the U.S. achieve, we are committed to giving you the outcome you deserve. Speak with us free of charge for a no-obligation initial consultation to learn more about the strategies we can use to help you.
" Paul and his entire team are professional in every way. They were able to settle this case to our satisfaction without the extra expense of going to court. "
Earl S.
Paul Caputo and Paul Van Der Walde
Paul Caputo and Paul Van Der Walde

As members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates ForumĀ® and the Million Dollar Advocates ForumĀ®, we have proven our ability to negotiate and litigate on behalf of our clients successfully. Retain us to put our tactical strategies to work for you. These skills are what make our legal team such a formidable opponent in any courtroom or negotiation setting.

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$ 900000

Wrongful Death

$ 8825000

Motor Vehicle Accident

$ 841000

Personal Injury

$ 750000

Motor Vehicle Accident

$ 7411492

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