Oakland Personal Injury Lawyers
Getting injured because of someone else’s actions changes everything. You’re dealing with pain, medical appointments, bills piling up, and maybe time off work you can’t afford. Insurance companies start calling before you’ve even had time to process what happened.
The Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe helps injury victims throughout Oakland and the East Bay get the compensation they need to move forward. We handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
Free consultation. No upfront costs. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Why You May Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Oakland
After an injury, you might think you can handle the insurance claim yourself. Many people try. But insurance companies have entire teams working to pay as little as possible. They know which tactics work on unrepresented claimants.
Personal injury attorneys in Oakland protect your rights during a vulnerable time. We understand how insurance adjusters operate, what your case is actually worth, and how to build evidence that supports full compensation. You need legal help when the insurance company denies your claim or offers far less than your medical bills. Initial offers rarely account for future medical needs, lost earning capacity, or the full impact of your injuries on daily life.
Fault disputes can reduce your compensation significantly. Other parties may try to shift blame onto you. California’s comparative fault system means even partial blame reduces what you receive. Severe or long-term injuries need careful evaluation. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or injuries requiring surgery deserve thorough legal review. Accepting a settlement before understanding your prognosis can leave you paying for future treatment out of pocket. Multiple parties create complex liability questions. Accidents involving several vehicles, business premises, or government property require legal analysis to determine who’s responsible. When the at-fault party has no insurance or inadequate coverage, we explore all available compensation sources, including your own insurance policies. Insurance companies often pressure victims to settle quickly because early settlements cost them less. Taking time to understand your injuries isn’t unreasonable—it’s smart.
You don’t need to figure this out alone. Legal guidance helps you make informed decisions about your future.
What to Do After an Injury in Oakland
The steps you take after an accident or injury affect both your health and any legal claim.
Get medical care immediately. Your health comes first. Seeing a doctor right away also creates medical records that document your injuries and connect them to the incident. Delays in treatment give insurance companies room to argue your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Report the incident properly. For car accidents, call Oakland police. For slip and falls or injuries on someone else’s property, report it to the property owner or manager and get a copy of the incident report. For workplace injuries, notify your employer in writing. Document everything you can. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, damaged property, and anything that contributed to the incident—wet floors, broken sidewalks, traffic conditions, or poor lighting. Get contact information from witnesses.
Keep all medical records and bills. Save everything related to your treatment, prescriptions, medical equipment, and therapy sessions. Track mileage to medical appointments. Keep a journal noting your pain levels, limitations, and how injuries affect your daily routine. Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies. You’re required to report the accident to your own insurer, but you’re not obligated to give recorded statements to other insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. What you say can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Avoid social media posts about the accident. Insurance companies monitor social media looking for posts they can use against you. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering doesn’t mean you’re not in pain, but adjusters will interpret it that way.
Don’t accept quick settlement offers. Early offers come before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept and sign a release, you typically cannot reopen the claim later. Consult Oakland personal injury lawyers before signing anything. We review settlement offers, explain your options, and help you understand what’s fair given your specific situation. The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
How Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Oakland Helps Injury Victims
From your first call to final settlement or verdict, we handle every aspect of your personal injury case.
We start with a free consultation. You tell us what happened, we ask questions to understand your situation, and we explain whether you have a viable claim. There’s no charge and no obligation. We investigate your case thoroughly. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos, video footage, and any other evidence. For complex cases, we work with accident reconstruction experts or medical specialists.
We communicate with all insurance companies. You won’t field confusing phone calls or worry about saying the wrong thing. We handle all discussions and correspondence with insurers and opposing parties. We calculate the true value of your claim. Insurance companies focus on immediate costs. We consider current and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts on your quality of life.
We negotiate for maximum compensation. Our goal is fair settlement without the stress and delay of trial. We prepare thoroughly because insurance companies settle more reasonably when they know we’re trial-ready. We file a lawsuit if necessary. Most cases settle, but when insurance companies refuse fair offers, we don’t hesitate to take your case to court. Our litigation experience often leads to better settlement offers.
We keep you informed. You’ll always know what’s happening with your case. We return calls promptly, answer questions clearly, and explain your options at every decision point.
We advance all case costs. Investigation expenses, expert fees, court costs, and medical record fees come from our firm. You don’t pay these out of pocket. Throughout this process, our focus stays on getting you the compensation you need to cover your losses and move forward.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
We represent Oakland residents injured in many different situations.
- Car accidents on busy routes like I-880, I-580, Highway 24, and congested streets like International Boulevard, Telegraph Avenue, and Broadway are common throughout the city. Whether you were hit in traffic, on the freeway, or at one of Oakland’s many complex intersections, we help you recover compensation for injuries and vehicle damage.
- Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries because riders have little protection. We understand the bias motorcyclists face from insurance companies and work to counter unfair stereotypes.
- Truck accidents involving commercial vehicles require investigation into driver logs, maintenance records, and company policies. These cases often involve serious injuries and complex liability.
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents are common in Oakland’s urban environment. California law provides strong protections for vulnerable road users. We help cyclists and pedestrians injured by negligent drivers.
- Rideshare accidents with Uber or Lyft drivers raise questions about which insurance policy applies. We navigate the multiple coverage layers these companies maintain.
- Slip and fall accidents on someone else’s property—stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, parking lots, or sidewalks—happen when property owners fail to maintain reasonably safe conditions.
- Premises liability cases involve inadequate security, poor lighting, broken stairs, falling objects, or dangerous conditions that cause injury on another person’s property.
- Dog bites and animal attacks that cause injury fall under California’s strict liability laws. Dog owners are responsible regardless of the dog’s history.
- Assault and violent crime injuries may allow victims to pursue civil claims against responsible parties or property owners who failed to provide adequate security.
- Wrongful death claims become necessary when negligence causes a family member’s death. No amount of money replaces someone you love, but compensation can ease financial burdens during an impossible time.
- Public transportation accidents involving AC Transit buses, BART, or other transit systems require special procedures and timelines for claims against government entities.
We serve clients throughout Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Leandro, Hayward, and across Alameda County.
Common Injuries We See in Personal Injury Cases
Injuries affect every aspect of your life—your ability to work, care for yourself, enjoy activities, and sometimes your relationships.
- Traumatic brain injuries from hits to the head can cause ongoing cognitive problems, memory issues, personality changes, and difficulty concentrating. Even “mild” concussions sometimes lead to symptoms lasting months.
- Spinal cord injuries and back injuries range from herniated discs causing chronic pain to partial or complete paralysis in severe cases. These injuries often require extensive treatment and may permanently affect mobility.
- Broken bones and fractures can happen in almost any accident. While some heal completely, others need surgery, metal hardware, and lengthy rehabilitation. Complications may include permanent limitations.
- Neck injuries and whiplash occur when your head snaps suddenly during impact. Some people recover quickly, others experience chronic pain affecting sleep, work, and daily activities for months or years.
- Soft tissue injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons may seem minor initially but often cause lasting pain and reduced range of motion that interferes with work or self-care.
- Burns from fires, chemicals, or electrical sources can be excruciating and may require skin grafts, ongoing treatment, and leave permanent scarring.
- Internal injuries to organs may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
- Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias related to the incident is real and compensable under California law.
- The full impact of your injuries may not be apparent immediately. This is why we caution against settling before you’ve reached maximum medical improvement and understand your prognosis.
Oakland-Specific Accident Risks and Local Insight
Oakland’s roads and neighborhoods create real accident risks. Busy highways like I-880 and I-580 see frequent crashes during rush hours. Downtown intersections and areas like Temescal and Fruitvale face heavy traffic and unsafe turns. Pedestrians are often injured near BART stations, Jack London Square, and Lake Merritt. Cyclists face danger despite bike lanes. Construction zones, aging sidewalks, public transit accidents, and poor property maintenance also lead to injuries. Our local knowledge of Oakland helps us build stronger cases for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of what we recover, typically 33-40% depending on the case complexity and stage of resolution. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Not without talking to an attorney first. Initial offers are almost always far less than your case is worth. Insurance companies count on people accepting quick settlements before they understand the full extent of their injuries or losses. Once you accept and sign a release, you can’t go back for more money—even if you later need surgery.
You can still recover compensation under California’s comparative fault system. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you’re not barred from compensation entirely.
Generally two years from the date of injury, but there are important exceptions—especially for claims against government entities (six months). Don’t risk missing a deadline. Contact us as soon as possible.
You may be able to recover under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If you don’t have UM coverage, we can explore other options depending on the circumstances.
Most cases settle without trial. If your case does go to trial, we’ll prepare you thoroughly and stand beside you through the process.
We work with medical providers throughout Oakland who treat injury victims on a lien basis—they’re paid from your settlement. Don’t let lack of insurance prevent you from getting necessary care.
Every case is unique. Value depends on factors like the severity of injuries, amount of medical treatment, impact on your ability to work, the level of pain and suffering, and whether you’ll have permanent limitations. After reviewing your case, we can provide an honest assessment of its value.
Possibly, but evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
Yes. Several members of our team are fluent Spanish speakers. We’re proud to serve Oakland’s diverse community in the language most comfortable for our clients.
FREE CASE ASSESSMENT
California Personal Injury Laws Explained Simply
Understanding a few key California laws helps you know your rights.
- California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the injury date to file most personal injury lawsuits. For government entities like the city of Oakland or AC Transit, you must file an administrative claim within six months. Missing these deadlines can destroy otherwise valid claims.
- California uses “pure comparative negligence” rules. You can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you’re found 30% at fault, you recover 70% of your damages.
- Dog owners are strictly liable for bites regardless of the dog’s history or whether the owner knew it was dangerous. You don’t need to prove negligence.
- Businesses that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated people who then cause injury may share liability under certain circumstances through California’s dram shop laws.
- Property owners must maintain reasonably safe conditions and warn visitors about known hazards. What’s “reasonable” depends on the specific situation.
- California allows recovery for economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, plus non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress. Most personal injury cases have no caps on damages.
These laws have nuances and exceptions. We explain how they apply to your specific situation during your consultation.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
After an injury, the impact goes far beyond medical bills. Compensation may cover your treatment costs, future care, lost income, pain and emotional stress, property damage, and how the injury has changed your daily life and relationships. In rare cases, extra damages may apply when someone’s actions were extremely reckless. Every case is different, so we look closely at your injuries, insurance coverage, and evidence to give you an honest view of what may be recovered. We never promise results. We focus on strong preparation and fair compensation.
Our Fee Structure and Cost Transparency
Injuries often bring financial pressure. That’s why you don’t pay anything upfront. Your consultation is free, and we cover all case costs while your claim moves forward. Our fee is paid only if we recover compensation for you, and it comes as a clear percentage of that recovery. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. No hidden fees. No surprises. Just clear, honest representation from the start.
Why Clients Choose Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe
Choosing the right personal injury attorney can make a real difference in both your case outcome and your recovery experience. Clients choose the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe because we combine local knowledge, personal attention, and strong legal preparation at every stage of the case –
Clear and Honest Communication : We explain everything in plain English, keep you informed at every stage, and respond quickly to your calls and questions so you always know where your case stands.
Local Knowledge That Matters : Our deep familiarity with Oakland, Alameda County courts, local judges, and insurance adjusters helps us handle cases efficiently and anticipate challenges before they arise.
Personal Attention to Your Situation : We take time to understand how your injuries have affected your life, your work, and your family. Your goals and recovery always guide how we handle your case.
Thorough, Trial-Ready Preparation : We build strong cases by gathering solid evidence, carefully calculating damages, and preparing every claim as if it may go to court. This approach earns respect from insurance companies and strengthens negotiations.
Strong Negotiation and Full Case Management : We deal directly with insurance companies, push back against low offers, and handle every legal detail so you can focus on healing instead of paperwork.
Our approach is straightforward and client-focused: careful preparation, honest communication, and determined advocacy. The Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe are committed to helping you pursue fair compensation and move forward with confidence.
Get Help After an Injury in Oakland
You’re dealing with pain, medical appointments, bills, and uncertainty about the future. The legal process shouldn’t add to your stress. The Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe helps injury victims throughout Oakland recover the compensation they need. We handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
Office Location: Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe 1901 Harrison Street, Suite 1100 Oakland, CA 94612
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: By appointment Sunday: Emergency calls only
Free Consultation. No Fees Unless We Win.
Call now or fill out our online contact form. You’ll speak with an experienced attorney who will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options—with no pressure and no obligation. The insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. Shouldn’t you have someone protecting yours?
Call (341) 234-0440 now. Let’s get started.