Daniel Horowitz and his legal team at Lawyers in Lafayette are the premier personal injury law firm in Contra Costa County. Daniel's many million dollar settlements and trial verdicts set him apart from other personal injury law firms. The best Contra Costa personal injury lawyer will be located locally and pay personal attention to your specific needs. We do that at the Horowitz law firm and there is never any cost or legal fee until you recover money on your case.
A personal injury lawyer specializes in representing individuals who have suffered physical or emotional harm due to someone else's negligence or intentional misconduct. Their job is to allow the injured person to care for their injuries and repair their life leaving legal issues to their attorney.
The Horowitz personal injury lawyers are experts in cases such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents and truck accidents. We fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer
We represent the Contra Costa community. If you searched on Google for “Personal Injury Lawyer near me” chances are most of the “hits” are actually out of town law firms that simply optimize their page for Contra Costa searches. Contra Costa County has some of the best personal injury lawyers in the State of California and we suggest you select among truly local lawyers.
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER DANIEL HOROWITZ
What sets Daniel Horowitz above the many personal injury attorneys in Contra Costa County is his extraordinary record of large recoveries.
$ 1,000,000.00 (Million Dollar) verdict in a car accident case where the insurance company had offered only $ 95,000.00. (2025)
His multi-million dollar motorcycle settlement was won because his aggressive team of investigators obtained the crash video just one day before it was going to be destroyed. (See Motorcycle Crash Video)
Front page headline news in lawsuits against John Muir Health.
$ 100,000.00 settlement car accident within 4 weeks of collision (2025)
Call Daniel Horowitz for a free consultation. (925) 291-5388
What is the Difference Between Our Contra Costa Lawyer and a 1-800 Injury Law Firm?
Finding the best personal injury lawyer can be challenging with so many firms claiming to be “the best.” On billboards and television you will see personal injury firms such as Sweet James, the Berg law firm, the Wilshire law firm, Phoong Law Corp and other well qualified personal injury law firms. These are undoubtedly experienced and excellent personal injury attorneys. So … how do you choose between these advertising firms a local Contra Costa County based accident lawyer?
Is Personal Service Best for You?
The best attorney for you is the one whose personality and approach align with your needs. If you prefer the structure and resources of a larger law firm, they might be the right fit. Keep in mind that most personal injury law firms operate on a “No Fee Until You Win” basis, ensuring that your goals are aligned with theirs.
At the Horowitz Law Firm, you'll experience personalized, small-town care, led by Daniel Horowitz, a lawyer with an internationally recognized reputation for excellence. When you reach out to us, you will always connect with a real person—not an AI or an overseas call center. Every call is handled by our team based in Lafayette, California. Each member of our staff is familiar with your case and your unique circumstances, so there’s no need for them to rely on a computer or phone to look up your details. We are dedicated to understanding and addressing your specific needs.
We follow established practices and systems to efficiently manage your case but as your personal lawyers we also provide individualized attention tailored to your unique needs.
Head injuries can be life-altering, whether on a football field or in an accident. While football collisions at 20 miles per hour may end careers, car accidents often occur at much higher speeds, resulting in even more severe injuries. Motorcycle and pedestrian accidents present an even greater risk of catastrophic head trauma.
At our firm, we take head injuries seriously. We go beyond the surface, identifying injuries that others might overlook to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Our team of skilled lawyers works closely with medical professionals to detect injuries that could affect your well-being long after the accident. With this thorough approach, we fight to secure the proper compensation for you.
Motorcycle accident expertise is more than just understanding the laws and rules that apply to motorcycle safety. The U.S. medical data is weak regarding hidden motorcycle accident injuries but the foreign medical data clearly documents an increase in long term head injuries including concussion without loss of consciousness. Joint instability particularly to the lower extremities are common when the cyclists' body is dragged or skidded on a surface. These injuries are far different from those suffered in a car crash. Our legal team which includes a chiropractor/paralegal and medical doctor/lawyer identify these injuries and obtain our clients full compensation after a motorcycle accident.
Save Your Dash Cam Video: If you have a dash cam, save the footage.
Take Pictures: Capture images of your car, the other car, the streets, and any debris from the accident. Videos are also helpful.
Gather Witness Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and emails of witnesses. This is crucial as many at-fault drivers may invent stories after the fact. Witnesses are essential unless the other driver admits fault to the police.
Exchange Information: Exchange driver’s license and insurance information. Take pictures of their license plate, driver’s license, and insurance information. Don’t just write it down.
Get Medical Care: Call your primary care doctor. Go to Urgent Care. Go to your chiropractor. Take an ambulance offered at the scene and go to the Emergency Room. Do not “tough it out” if you are hurt. Early care can prevent further injury and speed your recovery.
Pain & Suffering - This is the day to day harm, loss of ability to do things, not being able to lift your children (or grandchildren), can't walk, can't sit and relax.
Long Term Harm - These are the physical changes that will be get better and will burden you for a long time or even the rest of your life.
Emotional Injuries - PTSD, the reaction to pain, fear of losing one's job or business, depression are among the psychological harms that you can recover for.
Write down what hurts and what you cannot do. People forget the details of just how much pain they are in after an accident. When we help accident victims recover for their injuries it helps to have these notes so that you get fully compensated for everything you have suffered through following the accident. If you don't like writing, dictate into your phone.
Who Pays for My Car or Motorcycle?
A common question after an accident is, “Who pays for repairs?” Typically, your insurance company covers the repair costs and then seeks reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover your deductible. This process works smoothly when the other driver is clearly at fault. If fault is disputed, you may need an attorney to recover your deductible. In some cases, the other driver may not have enough insurance to cover your car damage.
Under California accident law, vehicle owners must be financially responsible for accidents. According to the California Insurance Code, all drivers must have at least $15,000 per person and a total of $30,000 in insurance coverage, known as 15/30/5 coverage. This includes:
$15,000 for injury or death to one person
$30,000 for injury or death to multiple people in a single accident
$5,000 for property damage
Who Pays for My Injuries and Time off Work?
If the other driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover your injuries, your own insurance will step in. This coverage, known as “uninsured” or “underinsured” motorist coverage, ensures you are protected without raising your rates. As long as there is enough insurance money, you should not have to pay for long-term expenses. If the other driver has minimal insurance or no insurance we can help you make an underinsured or uninsured claim . Your insurance rates will not increase.
Get medical care if you have injuries. In Walnut Creek you have the John Muir emergency room,Kaiser emergency room and several urgent care medical centers including John Muir, Walnut Creek Urgent Care and Stat Med (in Lafayette). There are many excellent orthopedists and chiropractors who specialize in treating people who have suffered personal injuries. They may have some wait time so the ER or urgent care may be your best choice the day of the accident.
Medical Care is particularly important if you are a pedestrian hit by a car. The shock of the accident may mask serious underlying injuries. Learn more about Auto vs Pedestrian accidents.
Emphasizing the Importance of Medical Diagnosis in Accident Cases
Medical Diagnosis is Crucial: In personal injury settlements, having a medical diagnosis is essential. Simply saying “my neck hurts” or “I feel badly” isn’t enough. Doctors provide specific names for conditions, which is vital for your case. Insurance companies actually use computer systems that generate settlement offers. The correct diagnosis can trigger a better settlement range.
Doctor’s Confirmation: An injury isn’t considered a “personal injury” unless a doctor confirms it. Insurance company lawyers often downplay your pain unless it has the “stamp of approval” from a licensed medical professional. Insurance offers are based upon what you can prove and what a jury might award. You “word” that you hurt is not sufficient to obtain the best possible personal injury settlement.
Enhancing Your Case: A medical diagnosis can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining the best personal injury recovery. Symptoms like headaches or blurred vision need to be documented. Weeks of “feeling off” could be a diagnosable sprain or strain injury. Your “feelings” are important but a diagnosis greatly enhances the value both in settlement and in a personal injury trial.
Documentation: A formal diagnosis is invaluable in documenting your injuries, ensuring you receive the best possible settlement.
People ask, “If I already had an injury can I recover if the car accident made it worse?”
The answer is “yes”.
Think about it. Do you know anyone who hasn't had some prior injury (after let's say the age of 18)? Whatever the other driver made worse is their responsibility. Any other rule would be unfair.
“What if I am out of shape?”
That is not their business. Your personal health is your private business and they invaded it by causing an accident. You have a right to be left alone. If some is negligent and hurts you, they have to pay.
The area code for Contra Costa County is most often 925. You will also see 510 (which is mostly Alameda County) and 341 (new). Of course anyone can get a 925 phone number but this is at least an indication that the lawyer might be local. You can Google “Contra Costa County Car Accident Attorney” but when you click on the website check the address. using this search about 2/3 of the non-sponsored attorneys are truly in the county.
Beware lawyers who “trash talk” other lawyers. In truth there is not one single “best lawyer”. When choosing among the many excellent lawyers in our county, the personal “fit” and ease of communication can be the determining factor. At our office we create an atmosphere where all lawyers and paralegals have a connection to each case. As individuals, we specialize and focus on certain cases but we are familiar with each of our clients by name and sight. We find that this is the basis for a strong and successful relationship.
One trick that we have found works is to use the search terms and include the telephone area code. It looks like this “Car Accident Lawyer 925". You will still get the sponsored ads but the unsponsored results will include almost only real Contra Costa County lawyers. Just so you know, a click on a sponsored ad can cost the law firm more than $ 500.00 per click! Some law firms spend millions of dollars on ads. Marketing is not lawyering!
We hope that you consider our personal injury law firm for your legal needs. We are located in Lafayette, California and when you call you will speak to a real person who is physically in Lafayette at our office. For injury cases there is never a cost for a consultation and no fee is ever charged until you actually recover money. (To learn more about our office, keep reading!)
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LAW FIRM
We Appreciate Your Business
There are many excellent Walnut Creek car accident lawyers. We suggest that for accidents in Contra Costa County or the nearby counties, you hire a local law firm. The Bay Area injury attorneys know the courts, know the police agencies and are readily available to you and your doctors. We urge you to stay local and carefully scrutinize firms that are 1-800 cookie cutter PI mega firms. We are licensed in the State of California and have cases from San Diego to Tehama County.
We hope to earn your business by providing you, the client, with the highest level of support and attention.
Have you been hurt in a car accident or motorcycle accident in Walnut Creek, Contra Costa or in the Bay Area? Contact us today to schedule a case evaluation or call us at 925-291-5388.
Why You Need a True Contra Costa County Lawyer
Contra Costa Accident Law Firms vs. 1-800 Firms
If you have a car accident in Contra Costa County should you choose a “local” lawyer or a lawyer from out of town? We strongly urge you to consider true Contra Costa County based law firms. If you do a Google Search for “personal injury lawyers with offices in contra costa county” most of what is returned are paid ads (Sponsored) for law firms that are out of town.
To start, the personal injury lawyers in Contra Costa County have tremendous reputations. The firms have many multi-million dollar settlements and trial verdicts. These firms have championed key issues in the public interesting including car safety, hospital safety, civil rights, toxic torts and asbestos injuries. Going to a large advertising firm will not improve the pool of top attorneys available to handle your case.
A lawyer with an office in Contra Costa County will have an office available to you. Their volume will be lower than an advertising firm so the attention you get is likely to be more personal. The lawyers know the area, know the judges and are known by their excellent reputations. This can make a difference in settling cases more quickly and for their fair value.
If a case cannot settle, a lawyer who is local can work out of their office instead of setting up camp in a hotel or temporary office. While some of the great trial lawyers are “Have Gun Will Travel” types (such as our attorney Daniel Horowitz), most personal injury law firms that handle large advertising volume are not truly set up for jury trials.
There are Rules of Court that apply statewide. There are also local rules of court that vary county to county. See: Contra Costa County Rules of Court. The rules of court in Contra Costa County have changed an average of twice a year. While a violation of local rules rarely will be fatal to your case, it is important that a lawyer be familiar with these rules and follow them.
Truly Local, Personalized Service for Your Personal Injury Case
Finding the right firm for your personal injury case in Contra Costa County is a personal decision. A car accident is a significant disruption, and you deserve a lawyer who is dedicated to meeting your needs. We often see our clients locally, whether at Trader Joe’s (right across the street from our Lafayette office) or around town. Unlike firms that advertise as “Lafayette Accident Lawyers” but answer your call from Los Angeles, we are truly local. When you call us, you’re reaching our Lafayette office, not a 1-800 firm in Los Angeles.
We distinguish our practice by providing personal attention to your needs. Most of our lawyers and legal team live in Contra Costa County (Lafayette, Walnut Creek). We answer our own phones, and there are always lawyers and paralegals physically present at our Lafayette office.
Diverse Experience
When selecting a highly qualified lawyer, consider their expertise with your type of case, the specific injuries involved, and the personal connection between you, your lawyer, and their staff. These factors are crucial in choosing among the top lawyers in the community.
For instance, Michael Yates, a law school graduate and chiropractor, has extensive experience with car accident injuries. He specializes in complex orthopedic injuries, head trauma, and long-term whiplash and other sprain and strain injuries.
Brooke O’Rourke has years of experience at Physicians Advocates in Walnut Creek and has personal connections with many physicians who treat our clients.
Molly Northrup, a UC Santa Barbara graduate with an MBA, is preparing for the California Bar exam. Her parents are veterinarians in Napa, adding a unique perspective to her legal expertise.
Our lead attorney, Daniel Horowitz, has a diverse background, from booking Fleetwood Mac in the late 1970s to representing the Prime Minister of Ukraine. His legendary trial experience includes numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. He has litigated against Vice President Kamala Harris and has been featured in newspapers like the San Francisco Chronicle. Daniel is a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, and holds a perfect 10 rating on AVVO.
Personal Relationships Matter
Accident cases in Contra Costa County come with significant pressure and tension, especially when aiming to secure top dollar. Trust and communication are crucial in reducing stress and selecting the best lawyer for your needs. When Daniel Horowitz and his legal team represent you, we care deeply, and you will feel that care.
Our in-office training program ensures that all staff and attorneys regularly attend continuing education seminars in personal injury law, medical law, and medical issues. Every person working on your personal injury case receives this ongoing training. Daniel Horowitz is also a frequent lecturer and publisher on legal issues for continuing education providers and local bar organizations. He has previously served as a law school professor and taught in the paralegal training program at Cal State Hayward.
Contra Costa County Location - National Reputation
Based in Contra Costa County, Daniel Horowitz has represented many high-profile clients, including author Terry McMillan, talk show host Michael Savage, and actor Al Pacino. Daniel is a regular television commentator seen on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. His international cases have taken him to courtrooms in Ukraine, Cyprus, Canada, Israel, and The Netherlands.
Trial Experience Results in Larger Settlements
A personal injury law firm settles most car accident cases without a trial. You will receive a better settlement when the insurance company lawyers know that your attorney can back up his settlement demands in front of a jury. Daniel Horowitz' personal injury trials have been in Walnut Creek, Oakland, Stockton, San Francisco and Colusa County. These include from freeway wrongful death auto crashes, cases against John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek/Concord, motorcycle vs. auto accidents, an elevator death and car accidents from low impact to multi-car crashes with major injuries.
Notable Verdicts & Settlements
Daniel Horowitz has been the lawyer in many successful cases. Here are some of them.
Wrongful Death Muni Bus Accident (Settled) [San Francisco] (confidential amount)
Wrongful Death Child Falls Down Elevator Shaft (Settled) [San Francisco] (Settled over $ 1 million dollars)
Police Corruption Lawsuit Against City of Pittsburg led to dozens of criminal cases being dismissed. (See LA Times Article) See Lawsuit filed by Horowitz & Carmela Caramagno (Lawsuit)
Litigation (Wrongful Termination) vs. Pacific Urology - Verdict of $ 1.7 Million including personal injuries (intentional infliction), business damages, attorney's fees and all intellectual property awarded to plaintiff valued in excess of $ 2 million. (Walnut Creek)
Get in touch with us for help online or at (925) 291-5388.
Dan Horowitz was the best attorney I could have asked for during a difficult time in my career. From the moment I met him, I felt believed, respected, and safe. He and his team were endlessly responsive and empathetic to me and my family. He fought for my case day and night, always keeping my best interests at the forefront of his mind. As I learned from Dan, it is never a good time in one’s life to need legal representation - but if you need it, Dan is your person, your advocate, and your best friend. We are forever grateful for his tireless commitment to justice for the people.
Katherine
“Tough, humble, has integrity - simply THE best.”
Tough, humble, has integrity - simply THE best. With Dan it is not so much about the money but about doing what is right. A very rare breed. He has honesty and integrity and the jurys see it. If he doesn't believe in the case or the client he won't waste your time or his. But you better listen to him!...Believe an trust in him. I did and I am totally indebted to him. He is "The best of the best." Thank you Dan for all you have done and continue to do. Carole~ Arbuckle v. Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Carole A.
“Despite his kindness, I have never once doubted his ability to provide me with THE BEST representation in court.”
He is approachable but serious. Mr. Horowitz is the perfect balance of what someone wants in a lawyer. Not only is he approachable enough to gain and value your trust, but he's a bulldog in the courtroom. Despite his kindness, I have never once doubted his ability to provide me with THE BEST representation in court. I'm so thankful to have found a lawyer capable of such a delicate balancing act.
