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Founded 1972 · Car & Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death, Bicycle & Motorcycle

GJEL Accident Attorneys

1625 The Alameda, Suite 511 · San Jose, CA 95126 · (408) 955-9000

Car AccidentTruck AccidentWrongful DeathMotorcycle AccidentBicycle AccidentBrain InjuryPedestrian

GJEL was founded in 1972 by Andy Gillin and Ralph Jacobson and has grown into one of the most established plaintiff personal injury firms in Northern California. The firm has recovered more than $850 million for accident victims and their families and operates on the philosophy that accident victims should be able to focus on getting better while the firm handles everything else. GJEL's San Jose attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.

$850M+ Recovered Since 1972Best Lawyers in AmericaSuper Lawyers24/7 Free Case Review
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5.0
★★★★★
95+ verified client reviews
Overall
5.0
Results
5.0
Communication
4.9
Value
4.8
Editorial Verdict

Why GJEL Accident Attorneys?

GJEL is the kind of injury firm that has been doing this work long enough to do it right. They have been in business since 1972 and have recovered over $850 million for clients across car and truck accidents, wrongful death, bicycle and motorcycle crashes, and serious injury cases. The firm is recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, and they take fewer cases than the billboard firms — meaning your case actually gets attention. They work entirely on contingency and run a 24/7 free case review line, which matters because crashes do not happen on business hours.

Practice Areas

Situations They Handle

Car Accidents Truck Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Bicycle Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Wrongful Death Brain Injuries Spinal Cord Injuries Catastrophic Injuries
Fees & Pricing

What You'll Pay

GJEL handles every personal injury and wrongful death matter on a contingency-fee basis. There is no upfront cost. The fee is a percentage of the recovery and the firm advances all case costs (medical records, expert witnesses, depositions). If there is no recovery you pay nothing and you owe nothing for advanced case costs. The fee agreement is in writing before any work begins.

Contingency
no fee unless you win
Free
24/7 case review
The Team

Key Attorneys

Andy Gillin, Founding Partner

Andy Gillin

Founding Partner
Co-founded GJEL in 1972. National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Trial focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases.
Senior Trial Partner, Personal Injury Trial Lawyer

Senior Trial Partner

Personal Injury Trial Lawyer
Recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. Trial work in serious car accident, truck accident, and wrongful death cases.
Senior Associate Attorney, Pre-Litigation & Litigation

Senior Associate Attorney

Pre-Litigation & Litigation
Day-to-day case work, client communication, and medical care coordination. Praised in client reviews for being responsive and thorough.
Client Experiences

What Clients Say

Client
Tom R.
Car Accident · San Jose
★★★★★
“Got hit hard on 101. GJEL handled the medical billing, the property damage, the lost wages, the whole thing. I focused on physical therapy. They focused on the case. The result paid for the surgeries and then some.”
Client
Janelle K.
Wrongful Death · Bay Area
★★★★★
“We lost a parent in a crash. GJEL was patient, thorough, and treated us like family. The result helped our family in ways we never expected.”
Client
Eddie M.
Motorcycle Accident · Santa Clara
★★★★★
“After my motorcycle wreck the insurance company tried to blame me. GJEL pulled the dashcam and witness statements, proved I was not at fault, and got me a serious settlement.”
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FAQ

Common Questions About This Firm

How much does it cost to hire GJEL?
Nothing up front. GJEL handles every personal injury matter on contingency — no fee unless and until they recover money for you. The firm advances all case costs (medical records, expert fees, deposition costs).
How long after a California car accident do I have to act?
California's statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death it is also two years. Government-entity claims (a city bus, a public-vehicle crash) have a much shorter six-month notice window. Call before you talk to any insurance adjuster.
Will I work with the founding partners?
On serious injury and wrongful-death matters, the founding partners and senior partners stay involved in strategy. Day-to-day case work is handled by an experienced team of attorneys, paralegals, and case managers. You will know exactly who is on your case from the start.
Does GJEL go to trial?
Yes. The firm prepares each case as if it will be tried. That trial readiness is what produces serious settlement offers from insurance carriers — they know GJEL will not be intimidated into a lowball figure.
What if I am partly at fault?
California uses pure comparative fault, so even if you are partially at fault you can still recover, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. GJEL gives a candid read on liability at the consultation.

Quick Facts

Founded1972 (50+ yrs)
Firm SizeMid-size · Multiple NorCal Offices
Fee StructureContingency
Free Consultation24/7 Yes
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Virtual AvailableYes
Service AreaNorthern California
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Main Office

1625 The Alameda, Suite 511
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 955-9000

Recognition

  • ✓ $850M+ Recovered Since 1972
  • ✓ Best Lawyers in America
  • ✓ Super Lawyers — Multiple Attorneys
  • ✓ National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • ✓ California State Bar — In Good Standing