Ethical & Aggressive
From our Walnut Creek law firm, our leading attorneys serve injury victims throughout Oakland, Livermore, Fairfield, and Antioch, California. Reach out today and schedule a free consultation with us to discuss your injury claim.
Why work with us?
ExperienceD
You should feel confident in your legal partner. Our attorneys offer over 60 years of combined legal experience and are ready to advocate for you
Reliable
A trustworthy attorney can make all the difference. You can count on us to pursue the maximum financial compensation you need for recovery.
Accessible
You deserve to understand what your options are. With our knowledge & Spanish-speaking capabilities, we can make complex legal terms accessible.
Workers' Compensation & Personal Injury Attorneys in Walnut Creek, California
Practice Areas
Partner With Attorneys You Can Trust
Brand Peters PC is unique because of our ability to handle both personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. From construction accidents to traffic collisions, our attorneys have ample experience in mediating and litigating wide a range of case types.
Accident insurance should give you peace of mind when misfortune strikes. But sometimes, insurance companies will attempt to avoid their responsibilities to cut costs. If you or a loved one has been injured at work or because of a different act of negligence, don’t hesitate to call our Bay Area law firm. We proudly serve those throughout Oakland, Livermore, Fairfield, and Antioch, California.
Case Results
Don’t Settle For Less
We Fight to Right the Wrongs
After being injured in an on-the-job accident, you should not hesitate to obtain the help of a workers’ compensation attorney from Brand Peters PC. With extensive experience in all matters related to work injury claims and filing for workers’ compensation, you can trust us to represent you. We also assist clients who are struggling with a range of matters related to workers’ compensation, including eligibility requirements, obtaining medical treatment, and obtaining temporary disability benefits. No matter how complex your situation may be, our workers’ comp attorneys are here to help you move forward.
We have the resources and skills to handle claims that involve multiple parties and lengthy settlement processes. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident, one of our personal injury attorneys will fight for the fair compensation you need to navigate the recovery process and rebuild your life after the misfortune. We have successfully represented thousands of injured clients throughout the San Francisco Bay area and are ready to provide you with the care and support you deserve. Call us today in Walnut Creek, California, to schedule your free initial consultation.
Contact Us Today!
Our Blogs
Dog Bite Injuries in Walnut Creek: Understanding California’s “Strict Liability” Rule
California is one of the most victim-friendly states when it comes to dog bite claims. Thanks to the state’s strict liability rule, dog owners are generally responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before, and even if the owner acted responsibly.
In Walnut Creek and across Contra Costa County, this means victims have powerful legal protections. If you’ve been bitten, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
If you’ve suffered a dog bite, call (925) 489-0746 today or contact Brand Peters PC online for a free consultation.
What Is Strict Liability in California Dog Bite Law?
Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone who is lawfully in a public place or on private property. This rule simplifies the process for victims because:
- You do not need to prove the dog was dangerous or had bitten before.
- The “one-bite rule” (used in other states) does not apply in California.
- Even bites through clothing — without breaking the skin — may still qualify as actionable.
In California, dog owners are responsible for bites the moment they happen, regardless of the dog’s history.
Who Is Considered “Lawfully Present”?
Strict liability applies when the victim was legally on the property where the bite occurred. This includes:
- Public sidewalks, parks, or stores.
- Private property where you were invited, such as a neighbor’s home.
- Locations where you were working, such as delivering packages or performing maintenance.
Trespassers are generally not protected under the statute. If you were legally on the property when bitten, California’s strict liability law applies.
Exceptions and Defenses
While strict liability is broad, there are a few exceptions:
- Police and military dogs performing official duties may be exempt under certain circumstances.
- The “Veterinarian’s Rule” limits recovery when bites occur to professionals like vets, groomers, or handlers working with the dog.
- Comparative negligence may reduce damages if the victim provoked the dog, but liability still exists.
Limited exceptions exist, but in most cases, strict liability ensures victims can still pursue compensation.
When a Dog Causes Harm Without Biting
Not all dog-related injuries involve bites. If a dog knocks you over, chases you into traffic, or causes another injury, other legal paths may apply:
- Negligence – such as violating leash laws or failing to control the dog.
- Premises liability – if unsafe conditions on property contributed to the harm.
Even without a bite, victims may still recover damages through negligence or premises liability claims.
Local Context: Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek add important local factors to dog bite cases:
- Leash rules – Many parks and public spaces require leashes, even in open areas. Violations can support negligence claims.
- Reporting requirements – Contra Costa Animal Services requires dog bites to be reported, which triggers quarantine and rabies-control protocols. Reporting also creates documentation that supports your claim.
Local leash laws and reporting requirements can strengthen your case and protect public safety.
What To Do After a Dog Bite (General Guidance)
If you’ve been bitten, quick action is essential:
- Seek medical attention – dog bites can cause infections and serious complications.
- Report the bite – file with Contra Costa Animal Services to document the incident.
- Gather evidence – take photos of your injuries, note the location, and collect the dog owner’s information.
- Identify your status – clarify whether you were lawfully present on the property.
- Preserve communications – keep any texts, emails, or insurance correspondence.
Prompt medical treatment, reporting, and evidence collection create a strong foundation for your claim.
Q&A: Dog Bite Law in California
Does a dog need to have bitten someone before for me to have a case?
No. California’s strict liability law applies even if it’s the first bite.
What if the bite didn’t break my skin?
A bite through clothing can still qualify under California Civil Code § 3342.
Can I sue if I was delivering mail or packages?
Yes. Delivery workers are lawfully present and covered by strict liability.
What if I provoked the dog?
You may still recover damages, but compensation could be reduced.
Do leash laws matter?
Yes. Violating Walnut Creek’s leash rules may strengthen a negligence claim in addition to strict liability.
About Brand Peters PC: Walnut Creek Injury Attorneys
At Brand Peters PC, we know how devastating dog bite injuries can be. Our team brings more than 60 years of combined legal experience to every case. We offer:
- Deep expertise – handling dog bites, personal injury, and workers’ compensation together for a complete legal strategy.
- Proven results – including significant recoveries in complex injury cases.
- Trusted leadership – founding attorney Jonathan M. Brand has nearly 30 years of experience, supported by Nicolis Peters and Jennifer Klein-Bui.
- Accessibility and care – Spanish-speaking attorneys, flexible scheduling, and client-first communication.
With decades of success and a client-centered approach, Brand Peters PC is Walnut Creek’s trusted choice for dog bite and injury claims.
Bringing It All Together
Dog bites in Walnut Creek activate one of California’s strongest victim protections: strict liability. You don’t need to prove the dog was dangerous, and you don’t need to prove prior bites. If you were lawfully present when bitten, the law is on your side.
Next steps you can take:
- Get medical treatment and document your injuries.
- Report the bite to Animal Services.
- Preserve evidence and communications.
- Contact an experienced injury attorney for help.
At Brand Peters PC, we combine compassionate support with aggressive legal advocacy. Call us today at (925) 489-0746 to schedule a free consultation. You don’t have to navigate this alone — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Auto Accidents & Ridesharing in Walnut Creek: Understanding Liability
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed how people move around Walnut Creek. But when a rideshare vehicle is involved in an accident, things can get legally complicated. Questions about insurance coverage, driver responsibility, and the role of the rideshare company often leave victims unsure of what to do next.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver—understanding your rights and how California law applies is crucial. In this blog, we’ll break down the key legal considerations, insurance rules, and liability issues specific to rideshare accidents in Walnut Creek.
What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different?
Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare collisions involve not just the driver but also a third-party company—either Uber or Lyft—operating under what’s known as a Transportation Network Company (TNC) model. This structure creates layers of insurance coverage depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
To determine liability, the first step is understanding the driver’s “period of activity” on the rideshare app.
The Three Periods of Rideshare Activity
California law breaks down a rideshare driver’s time into three distinct periods, each impacting who is liable and what insurance applies.
Period 0: App Is Off
The driver is using their car for personal purposes and is not logged into the rideshare app. In this case, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Uber or Lyft are not liable because the driver is not acting in their capacity as a rideshare operator.
Period 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride
The driver is logged into the app and available for ride requests but has not yet accepted a trip. Here, Uber and Lyft provide contingent insurance coverage:
- $50,000 bodily injury per person
- $100,000 bodily injury per accident
- $30,000 property damage
- $200,000 excess liability coverage (required by California AB 2293)
Periods 2 and 3: En Route or Transporting a Passenger
Once a ride is accepted and while transporting a passenger, rideshare companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. This includes:
- $1 million in third-party liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver also has such coverage on their personal policy)
This full coverage is critical in serious injury cases.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Rideshare Accident?
Understanding liability in a Walnut Creek rideshare crash often requires a case-specific review, but the following parties may be involved:
The Rideshare Driver
Drivers can be held personally liable if they were negligent. Examples include:
- Running a red light
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
The driver’s liability depends on whether they were acting as a rideshare driver or simply using their vehicle for personal reasons.
The Rideshare Company (Uber or Lyft)
Uber and Lyft typically avoid direct liability by classifying their drivers as independent contractors. However, the companies still provide substantial insurance coverage and may be held liable if:
- They negligently hired a driver with a poor driving record
- They failed to remove a dangerous driver
- Their app or business model contributed to the crash
Recent lawsuits have pushed back against the independent contractor defense in some cases, so TNC liability remains an evolving legal issue in California.
Other Drivers or Parties
In some cases, a third-party driver or another entity may be at fault. For example, if a delivery truck makes an illegal U-turn and causes a collision involving a rideshare vehicle, that truck driver or their employer could be liable.
California’s Comparative Negligence Rule
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault in a rideshare accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example:
If you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you’ll receive $80,000.
This rule can significantly impact your recovery in a multi-vehicle crash involving a rideshare car, so it’s important to have strong legal advocacy to present your side clearly.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Walnut Creek
If you’re involved in a rideshare-related crash, here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 – Always report the accident to the police.
- Seek Medical Attention – Get checked even if you feel fine; injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos of the vehicles, surroundings, and injuries.
- Get Information – Ask for names, contact info, and insurance details of all drivers involved, including whether the rideshare driver was working at the time.
- Contact an Attorney – Rideshare accidents can be complex. A knowledgeable lawyer can help clarify liability, communicate with insurers, and ensure your rights are protected.
Statute of Limitations in California
California law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could bar you from recovering any compensation.
Some exceptions may apply, such as claims involving government vehicles or minor children, but acting quickly is always in your best interest.
Common Scenarios and Insurance Implications
| Scenario | Likely Coverage |
| Passenger in an Uber/Lyft ride is injured | $1M liability coverage from Uber/Lyft |
| Rideshare driver hits a pedestrian while on a trip | $1M liability coverage from Uber/Lyft |
| Rideshare driver causes crash while waiting for a ride request | Limited coverage ($50k/$100k/$30k + $200k excess) |
| Driver causes crash while off-duty | Personal auto insurance only |
| Another driver causes crash with rideshare passenger onboard | Third-party liability from other driver’s insurance; Uber/Lyft UM/UIM coverage may apply |
Challenges in Walnut Creek Rideshare Cases
Walnut Creek’s growing population, proximity to major freeways, and popularity of rideshare services create a busy traffic environment. With more Uber and Lyft vehicles on the road, the risk of collisions increases—especially in congested areas like downtown, BART stations, and event venues.
Some of the key challenges that local victims may face include:
- Disputes over whether the app was on or off
- Denials of coverage from the driver’s personal insurer
- Delayed responses from Uber or Lyft insurance adjusters
- Difficulty proving long-term injuries or emotional trauma
Because of these factors, having a local legal team that understands how to handle rideshare-specific claims can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Why Legal Help Matters
Rideshare accidents may involve:
- Multiple insurers (personal and corporate)
- Corporate defendants (Uber or Lyft)
- Disputes over fault and damages
- Time-sensitive evidence like GPS logs and app data
An experienced attorney can help by:
- Investigating the accident scene and ride app data
- Coordinating with doctors and expert witnesses
- Negotiating with both insurance carriers
- Preparing a strong case for settlement or trial
About Brand Peters PC
Brand Peters PC is a trusted personal injury law firm serving Walnut Creek and surrounding areas. The firm is known for providing attentive, results-driven representation in serious accident cases, including rideshare and auto-related injuries. Our legal team understands the local court systems, insurance tactics, and legal nuances that impact injury claims in Contra Costa County.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident in Walnut Creek, don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Liability in Uber and Lyft accidents can be complicated, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact Brand Peters PC today at (925) 489-0746 for experienced legal guidance tailored to your situation. Our team is ready to help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you need to recover and move forward with confidence.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.