Oakland Personal Injury Lawyers

Seriously Injured in an Accident in Oakland?

Being the 8th most populous city in California, it’s no surprise that Oakland has had its fair share of troubles due to the dangers of the road, workplaces, and medical malpractices.

In December 2023, it was found out that the city had paid a hefty sum of $35 million during the past ten years prior—all because of the damage brought about by unfixed roads that sparked a multifold of lawsuits. In that first week of the month alone, $6.5 million was paid to settle a bicycle accident claim.

From 2011 to 2016, 471 lawsuits have been made by drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and the like, amounting to $17.8 million.

Oakland has definitely done its part of the deal on making the streets safe with initiatives such as Safe Oakland Streets (SOS) and Slow Streets.

But with all that, the city is still no stranger to the number of personal injury cases it faces, even at the present time.

If you or your loved one is a victim of a potential personal injury case, let us help you give the clarity that you need. We’ll work hard to secure compensation that’s rightfully yours. Contact us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

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We'll Fight For Your Personal Injury Case Here at Thompson Law

When you’re hurt because someone else was careless, you shouldn’t have to suffer twice. First, from the injury itself, and then from the stress of navigating the legal system. That’s where we step in.

At Thompson Law, we handle all types of personal injury claims in Oakland, such as:

We don’t just file paperwork. We investigate, negotiate, and when necessary, take your case to court.

Insurance companies may try to rush you into a lowball offer or make it sound like your case isn’t worth much. We push back with facts, strategy, and with a team that’s not afraid to go the distance. Your case matters to us because your recovery matters to you. Reach out to us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Why Acting Quickly Matters After a Personal Injury in Oakland

Time isn’t just money. It’s your ability to build a strong case.

In California, the clock starts ticking as soon as the injury happens. Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years, but if a government agency is involved (like a city-owned vehicle or a dangerous public sidewalk), you may have as little as six months.

Beyond the deadlines, waiting can weaken your case. Evidence fades. Witnesses forget. Footage gets erased. The sooner we can start gathering details and building your claim, the better positioned you are for success.

Even if you’re still in recovery or unsure what steps to take, reach out. We’ll explain your options, protect your rights, and get the process moving. All without adding pressure to your plate. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Why Choose Our Oakland Personal Injury Lawyers

You have a lot of choices when it comes to personal injury lawyers, but here’s why Thompson Law stands out in Oakland:

We know this city. From the cracked sidewalks in East Oakland to the packed freeways around I-880, we’ve handled cases across every corner of town. We understand how local conditions, city infrastructure, and traffic patterns play a role in your case.

We keep it personal. You’re not a file number here. We take time to understand your situation, explain things clearly, and keep you updated every step of the way.

We don’t get paid unless you win. And we don’t settle for less than what your case is truly worth.

Let us take on the legal fight while you focus on recovery. If you’re ready to talk, we’re here 24/7 to help—just a phone call away. Call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Why Choose Thompson Law

Compensation to Recover from a Personal Injury Case in Oakland

If you’ve been seriously injured, the last thing you need is financial stress added to physical pain. Hospital bills, missed work, and long-term recovery costs can pile up fast.

But when someone else is responsible, you may be entitled to compensation, and not just for what’s already happened, but for the impact on your future, too.

At Thompson Law, we look at the full picture. We calculate how the injury has affected your income, your ability to work, your lifestyle, and your relationships. From doctor’s visits to daily limitations, we fight for a settlement that reflects everything you’ve lost and everything you still need to heal.

Types of Damages You May Be Eligible to Recover

There are three main categories of damages you can pursue in a personal injury claim:

Economic damages cover direct financial losses. This includes:

  • Emergency care
  • Surgery
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription costs
  • Lost wages
  • Any property damage tied to the incident

Non-economic damages account for the personal toll. Pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, or the loss of enjoyment in things you once did without thinking. These aren’t easy to measure, but they’re very real.

Punitive damages may also apply if the person responsible acted with extreme recklessness or intentional harm. These are less common but can significantly increase your compensation in serious cases.

Every personal injury claim is different. Our job is to determine which damages apply to yours, gather evidence to support each one, and make sure you aren’t left covering the cost of someone else’s mistake.

Contact our Oakland personal injury lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

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(844) 308-8180

How Can I Prove My Personal Injury Claim in Oakland?

To win a personal injury claim, it’s not enough to say you were hurt. You have to show how and why it happened, and who’s legally responsible.

Here’s what typically strengthens a personal injury claim in Oakland:

  • Clear evidence of negligence:  This could be a distracted driver, a property owner who ignored a hazard, or a manufacturer who released a defective product. Someone must have failed to act with reasonable care.
  • Strong documentation:  Medical records, police reports, surveillance footage, and photos of the accident scene are all critical. The more you can show what happened and how it impacted you, the stronger your case.
  • Witness statements:  Testimony from people who saw what happened (or who can confirm the conditions that led to your injury) can help prove liability and support your side of the story.
  • Proof of damages:  This includes not only your current medical bills and income loss but also documentation of how your injury has affected your life long-term.

We collect and organize all this for you. At Thompson Law, our goal is to take the pressure off you while building a case that insurance companies (and courts) can’t ignore.  Reach out Thompson Law’s personal injury lawyers in Oakland now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

How to Know If I Have a Strong Personal Injury Case

If you’re wondering whether your situation qualifies as a personal injury case, ask yourself these questions:

  • Did someone act carelessly or recklessly?
  • Were you hurt because of that behavior?
  • Are you now dealing with medical bills, lost income, or other disruptions to your life?

If the answer is yes to any or all of the above, you may have a strong case. It’s especially strong if there’s evidence to support your version of events.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure. That’s exactly why we offer free consultations. You tell us what happened, and we’ll tell you if there’s a clear legal path forward. Contact our Oakland personal injury attorneys now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

At Thompson Law

We’re committed to fighting for accident victims throughout Oakland, ensuring you receive the full value of your claim. Our experienced Oakland personal injury lawyers dig into the details, gather strong evidence, and build a solid case to push back against lowball offers. While we handle the legal battle, you can stay focused on healing.

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Mistakes That Could Harm Your Personal Injury Claim

Personal injury cases can be won or weakened by the choices made early on. Even small missteps can impact your compensation. Here are some common ones to avoid:

  • Delaying medical treatment:  Waiting to see a doctor can give insurers a reason to downplay your injuries or claim they weren’t serious.
  • Speaking to insurance adjusters too soon:  They may seem helpful, but their goal is to protect the company’s bottom line. One wrong statement could be used against you later.
  • Posting on social media:  Photos, check-ins, or status updates can be twisted to question your injuries—even if they’re unrelated.
  • Skipping follow-up care:  Gaps in treatment can hurt your credibility and reduce the value of your case.
  • Not talking to a lawyer:  The legal process is full of deadlines and traps. Without guidance, it’s easy to miss something that costs you in the end.

We help you avoid these pitfalls from day one. When you work with Thompson Law, you get a team that knows the tactics insurance companies use, and how to stay one step ahead.

Call us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Oakland Injury Case

In personal injury cases, evidence is everything. Without it, even the most valid claims can fall apart. With it, even a tough case can result in meaningful compensation.

Here’s what can significantly strengthen your claim:

  • Medical records that directly connect your injuries to the incident
  • Expert testimony from doctors or accident reconstruction specialists
  • Documentation of expenses like medical bills, missed wages, or repair costs
  • Eyewitness statements that support your version of events
  • Photos and videos of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage
  • Police or incident reports from first responders

On the flip side, a lack of timely evidence (or gaps in treatment) can give insurance companies an excuse to devalue or deny your claim altogether.

Don’t wait until key details disappear. Reach out to our Oakland personal injury attorneys for a FREE CASE REVIEW today and let us help you gather the right evidence before it’s too late.

What to Expect During a Personal Injury Consultation

Your first consultation should be more conversation than interrogation. At Thompson Law, it’s exactly that—just a conversation. No pressure. No upfront costs. Just answers.

Here’s what we’ll cover when you call:

  • What happened, and when
  • The nature of your injuries and current treatment
  • Who may be responsible (and if multiple parties are involved)
  • What evidence you already have (and what we can help collect)
  • Your legal options moving forward

You don’t need to bring every document or know every detail we’ll help fill in the gaps. And you won’t get legal jargon. You’ll get real answers, plain and simple.

Still have questions? Let’s talk. Call now for your FREE CONSULTATION with a Thompson Law personal injury lawyer in Oakland.

How Insurance Companies Usually Handle Oakland Personal Injury Claims

Once a personal injury claim is filed, insurance companies tend to follow a pattern—and it’s usually not in your favor.

Their goal? Pay as little as possible, as fast as possible.

Here’s what typically happens behind the scenes:

  • They assign an adjuster trained to find weaknesses in your claim.
  • They may offer a quick, lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
  • They’ll review your medical records and treatment gaps to argue your injury isn’t “serious.”
  • In some cases, they’ll try to shift blame or claim you were partly at fault.

Sound familiar? That’s because it’s standard operating procedure.

We’re ready for it. At Thompson Law, we deal with insurance companies every day and we don’t back down when they play games.

Protect your claim before they chip away at it. Contact our Oakland personal injury team for a FREE CASE REVIEW and get the advocacy you deserve.

How Hiring Thompson Law is an Advantage

There’s a reason injured clients throughout Oakland trust Thompson Law, we don’t just handle personal injury claims, we take them personally. When you work with us, you’re not just getting a lawyer. You’re getting a legal team that’s deeply familiar with Oakland’s courts, city infrastructure issues, and how local policies impact your case.

We know what it takes to push back against insurance companies who want to rush a settlement—or avoid one altogether. From the very first call, we put strategy into motion. We coordinate medical treatment, handle all communications, collect evidence before it disappears, and build a case designed to get results.

And most importantly? We don’t back down. We’ve helped clients recover millions, and we’re ready to fight for you next.

Let Thompson Law give your case the legal edge it needs contact us now for a FREE PERSONAL INJURY CASE REVIEW.

personal injury attorney is discussing a cse with a client - Oakland Personal Injury Lawyers

Deadlines for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Oakland

In California, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is called the statute of limitations, and once it passes, your right to pursue compensation usually expires—even if your case is strong.

There are exceptions:

  • If your injury was caused by a government entity, like the City of Oakland or a public transportation agency, you may only have six months to file an administrative claim.
  • If the injury wasn’t discovered right away, the timeline might begin from the date you first noticed the harm.
  • For minors, the clock often doesn’t start until they turn 18.

Waiting too long can cost you the chance to recover damages. Don’t let that happen.

If you’re unsure how much time you have left, call our Oakland personal injury lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION, we’ll walk you through your next steps.

Local Laws and Ordinances Regarding Personal Injuries in Oakland

Oakland follows California’s personal injury laws, but local policies and city-specific ordinances can directly impact your claim, especially when the city or public property is involved.

For example, under Oakland’s public safety codes, sidewalks and crosswalks must be maintained to ensure safe pedestrian access. If you’re injured due to a poorly maintained public area, the city could be held liable, but only if the correct legal procedures are followed.

The city is also subject to the California Tort Claims Act, which shortens your timeline to file and requires a formal notice before you can sue. Miss a step, and your case might get dismissed entirely.

Additionally, Oakland’s “Vision Zero” and Safe Oakland Streets (SOS) initiatives aim to reduce traffic injuries, and any city data related to unsafe intersections or prior incidents can help support your claim—especially if it shows a known danger wasn’t addressed.

Understanding how these laws play into your case isn’t easy. That’s what we’re here for.

Talk to our Oakland injury attorneys today for a FREE CASE REVIEW, and get answers based on local law, not guesswork.

Oakland Hospitals and Police Departments

After a serious injury in Oakland, two places matter most in the early moments: the hospital and the police department.

For emergency medical care, Highland Hospital is the go-to trauma center in Alameda County. It’s equipped to handle critical injuries from car crashes, falls, workplace accidents, and more. Other reliable facilities include Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, both of which offer comprehensive diagnostic and recovery services.

In terms of reporting the incident, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) is responsible for documenting accidents, conducting investigations, and issuing official reports. Whether your injury involved a motor vehicle, unsafe premises, or another hazard, filing a report helps create a record that supports your claim.

If your case involves public property or city negligence, that police report—and any emergency response details—can be essential.

Not sure which records you need? Contact Thompson Law today, and our Oakland personal injury attorneys will help you track everything down during your FREE CASE REVIEW.

Typical Injuries We Encounter in Oakland

Injuries from accidents in Oakland vary widely, but some show up time and time again, especially in traffic collisions, falls, and workplace incidents. These injuries can have long-term consequences that affect your health, job, and ability to live independently.

Some of the most common injuries we see include:

  • Broken bones that require casting, surgery, or long rehabilitation periods
  • Soft tissue injuries, including torn ligaments, sprains, and deep bruises
  • Paralysis, including paraplegia and quadriplegia
  • Amputations requiring prosthetics and extensive care
  • Internal injuries organ damage and internal bleeding that may not be obvious at first
  • Burns that result from fires, chemicals, or electrical hazards
  • Spinal cord injuries, which may cause chronic pain or paralysis
  • Neck and back injuries, such as herniated discs or whiplash
  • Joint injuries to knees, hips, or shoulders that limit movement
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) ranging from mild concussions to lasting cognitive impairment

These aren’t just injuries – they’re life-altering events that can affect every part of your routine.

If you or a loved one has experienced any of these injuries, our Oakland personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Reach out now for a FREE CASE REVIEW and personalized legal guidance.

Still Not Sure If You Have a Case? Let’s Talk It Through

Personal injury law isn’t always black and white, especially in a city like Oakland, where road conditions, public property issues, and overlapping insurance policies can complicate things fast.

Even if you’re unsure whether what happened to you “counts” as a case, that’s exactly what we’re here for. We’ll listen to what happened, review your situation for free, and give you honest feedback—no legal jargon, no pressure to commit.

And if we take your case, we go all in. You’ll have a local legal team that knows how to fight, when to negotiate, and how to protect your claim from day one.

Get clarity, not confusion. Call our Oakland personal injury lawyers today for a  FREE CASE REVIEW.

FAQs About Personal Injury Cases in Oakland

What is the 3040 rule in Oakland?

The 3040 rule refers to California Insurance Code §3040, which allows health insurance companies to seek reimbursement for medical expenses they’ve paid if you recover money from a third party (such as in a personal injury lawsuit). In other words, if your insurer paid for your treatment after an accident and you later win or settle your case, they may request a portion of your compensation to repay what they spent on your behalf.

However, there are limits to what they can take back—and it’s not automatic. At Thompson Law, we help ensure these reimbursement claims are accurate and fair, so your final settlement reflects your actual losses.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Oakland?

With Thompson Law, it costs you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we win your case. There are:

  • No hourly rates
  • No retainer fees
  • No surprise invoices

If we recover compensation, our fee comes out as a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing—simple as that.

How to determine liability in an Oakland personal injury case?

Liability means figuring out who is legally responsible for your injury—and in Oakland, that can get complicated. In many cases, it’s a driver, property owner, employer, or even a government agency. California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means more than one party (including you) can share fault.

We build your case by reviewing:

  • Police or incident reports
  • Medical records
  • Witness statements
  • Surveillance or traffic footage
  • Accident reconstruction if necessary

Even if you think you were partly at fault, you may still be eligible for compensation.

How long does an Oakland personal injury case take?

Every case is different, but most personal injury claims in Oakland are resolved within a few months to a year. Here’s a general timeline:

  • Medical treatment and documentation
  • Investigation and gathering evidence
  • Filing the claim and negotiating with insurance
  • Settlement (or litigation if needed)

If your case involves severe injuries, disputed liability, or uncooperative insurers, it may take longer—but we’re with you every step of the way, keeping things moving and keeping you informed.

Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?

Yes, you can still pursue compensation, even if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. However, California’s comparative fault rule may come into play. The defense may argue that not wearing a seatbelt made your injuries worse, which could reduce the amount you recover.

That’s why it’s important to work with a legal team that can clearly separate cause from consequence, and show that the accident—not your seatbelt status—was the primary factor in your injuries.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.