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HHJ Trial Attorneys

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident that results in injuries to you or a loved one is often one of the most traumatic, stressful, and difficult experiences a person will ever face in their life. Following such an event, you need the help of experienced car accident lawyers in San Diego to help guide you. A single car accident caused by the negligence or inattention of another driver can forever disrupt and change the life of the injured party. If you have lost a loved one or suffered an injury in a car accident because of another driver’s carelessness, you have the right to hold the driver responsible for his or her actions so that you get the justice that you deserve. The last thing you need to worry about after a traumatic accident is the cost of repairing your car, medical bills, lost wages, or hassling with insurance companies. You should be concerned about one thing and one thing only—healing. Let the experienced car accident lawyers in San Diego at Hepburn, Hernandez and Jung Trial Attorneys do the rest.

 

How Our Car Accident Lawyers in San Diego Can Help After Your Accident

At Hepburn, Hernandez and Jung Trial Attorneys we will ensure that you and your family get the justice that you deserve. Our car accident lawyers in San Diego County provide white-glove service every step of the way and deal with every aspect of the case so you can concentrate on healing and getting back to your life. Our firm is unique in that every case has three dedicated attorneys assigned to it to ensure that you receive maximum recovery. In contrast to most other law firms, where cases are frequently handed off to assistants or paralegals, HHJ Trial Attorneys provides what every client deserves—our full attention. Our philosophy is simple: fight with passion and dedication as if every client was a part of our own family.

And fight we do. At our core, we are a group of expert car accident attorneys in San Diego, battle tested in the courtroom with over 100 jury trials. The car accident attorneys at HHJ Trial Attorneys have handled thousands of cases and attended the best advocacy training in the nation. When we walk into court, we are always the most skilled attorney in the room.  Unfortunately, there are many law firms out there that try to negotiate settlements as often and as soon as possible in every case. Sure, the settlements may pay out faster, but the client may not enjoy the full recovery that they deserve. Hepburn, Hernandez and Jung Trial Attorneys will closely examine every case and work to quantify the amount of damages that the client should recover. We will then develop a specific case plan tailored to the needs of the client and fight to obtain full recovery, even if that means proceeding to trial. We will fight for you every step of the way. Contact HHJ Trial Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in San Diego.

Although you may be hesitant to speak to a San Diego car accident lawyer following your accident, the reality is that there are several ways that HHJ Trial Attorneys can provide you with guidance and assistance following this traumatic event such as: 

  • Legal expertise
  • Maximizing compensation
  • Proving liability
  • Handling paperwork and deadlines
  • Representation in court
  • Dealing with insurance companies
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Settlement Amount

$1,250,000

"The settlement takes a lot of stress out of my life!" 
~Edward K. 
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Jury Verdict

$1.75 Million

Defense offered $0 before trial. Largest therapist sexual abuse jury verdict in San Diego County.
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Settlement Amount

$790,000

"You simply cannot beat their experience, passion and results." 
~Jennifer L.
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Settlement Amount

$1,000,000

"This will change how the county treats people in the future."  
~Maria P.
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Settlement Amount

$500,000

“I was hoping to get $100,000 and was shocked at the settlement!”  
~Arturo M.
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Settlement Amount

$300,000

"HHJ was able to work with specialists to find injuries that were missed by the hospital."  
~Jessica C.

California and San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol, in 2020 there were 223,128 reported traffic collisions in California. Of those, 3,107 resulted in at least one fatality and an additional 74,000 resulted in injury. 

It was also reported in 2020 there were an average of 611 reported traffic collisions per day in California. However, it’s worth noting that this number can vary depending on the time of year and other factors. Additionally, these are just the collisions that are reported to the CHP, the actual number of collisions that occur each day in California may be higher.

Dangerous Intersections and Roads in San Diego

It’s possible for a auto accident to happen at any given time anywhere in San Diego. However, our car accident lawyers in San Diego have noticed that there is a trend in the locations where these dangerous accidents tend to happen including: 

  • The intersection of 6th Avenue and Broadway is now considered the most dangerous in San Diego for pedestrians, according to a report by Circulate San Diego.
  • Camino Ruiz and Reagan Road is an intersection with a high accident rate, especially considering its proximity to a high school.
  • Cesar E. Chavez Parkway and National Avenue is a busy intersection close to highway entrances and exits, making it a high-risk area for accidents.
  • Linda Vista Road and Glidden Street is surrounded by numerous apartment complexes and businesses, including a child daycare center, making accidents all too common in this area.
  • Market Street and 30th Street is a busy intersection near two bus stops and a highway entrance/exit, with a relatively large distance for vehicles to cover.
  • The intersection of Mission Boulevard and Felspar Street is located near several businesses and three bus stops, making it a popular area for pedestrians and a high-risk zone for accidents.
  • 54th Street and University Avenue is one of the most perilous intersections in San Diego, with a high accident rate involving pedestrians and cyclists.
  • West Point Loma and Abbott Street is a hazardous intersection due to poorly placed and conflicting traffic signs.
  • 5th Avenue and A Street is a dangerous downtown intersection near a freeway entrance, with pedestrians being especially vulnerable to fast-moving cars.
  • 2nd Avenue and Cedar Street is a high-risk area for pedestrians, with several confusing traffic signs and the freeway ending nearby.
  • University Avenue’s intersections, especially for pedestrians, see a high volume of commercial traffic and distracted drivers, leading to increased accident risk.
  • El Cajon Boulevard and 36th Street has a poor design, making it difficult to navigate safely, especially at night.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Diego

Throughout our years of experience, HHJ Trial Attorneys has worked with a number of car accident victims. As one of the largest cities in the United States, there are countless accidents that take place in San Diego on a regular basis. There are several causes associated with these accidents. Some of the common causes for San Diego car accidents include: 

  • Distracted driving (e.g. texting, using a cell phone, eating, applying makeup)
  • Impaired driving (e.g. driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
  • Reckless driving (e.g. excessive speeding, aggressive driving)
  • Failure to obey traffic laws (e.g. running red lights, failing to yield)
  • Fatigue (e.g. drowsy driving)
  • Weather conditions (e.g. rain, snow, ice)
  • Poor visibility (e.g. at night, in fog)
  • Poor road design or maintenance
  • Vehicle malfunction or lack of proper vehicle maintenance
  • Distracted walking and biking
  • Wildlife crossing the road
  • Some other factors like driver’s age, experience, and medical conditions.

Types of Car Accidents HHJ Trial Attorneys Have Handled

There are several different types of car accidents that can happen not only in San Diego but throughout the country. Here are just a few examples of the common types: 

  • Rear-end collisions: These occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another vehicle that is stopped or moving slowly. Rear-end collisions are often referred to as “minor”, however, they can cause serious injury to the individuals involved. The most common cause of rear-end collisions are the result of one vehicle following another vehicle too closely or a driver not paying attention to what is happening in front of them. It’s reported by the National Transportation Safety Board that approximately 1,7000 people die each year as a result of rear-end collisions. 
  • Head-on collisions: While this type of car accident only accounts for approximately two percent of all car accidents in the United States every year, they are the cause of nearly 10 percent of car accident fatalities. In most cases, part of what makes a head-on collision so dangerous is the rate of speed in which the two cars are going. In turn, a head-on collision could trigger other car accidents or injuries from drivers that are passing by.
  • Side-impact collisions: These occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle.
  • Single-vehicle accidents: These occur when a vehicle collides with a stationary object, such as a tree or a utility pole.
  • Multi-vehicle accidents: These occur when multiple vehicles are involved in a collision, such as a chain-reaction accident or pile-up.
  • Pedestrian accidents: These occur when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian who is walking or running.
  • Bicycle accidents: These occur when a vehicle strikes a cyclist who is riding a bike.
  • Motorcycle accidents: These occur when a vehicle strikes a motorcyclist who is riding a motorcycle.
  • Wildlife accidents: These occur when an animal such as deer or moose runs into a vehicle.
  • Pileups: Although pileups in San Diego are rare, they can cause catastrophic injuries. Pileups are multi-car collisions which usually gather some form of media attention as a result of how many cars are involved. The reason behind these types of injuries could be as a result of driver error or there are times when inclement weather is involved. An extensive investigation is usually needed to determine the fault. 
  • Rollover: A rollover car accident is incredibly dangerous for every person that is in the car. Rollover car accident account for approximately 35% of all traffic crashes. Unfortunately, the majority of the people who pass away as a result of a rollover were not wearing a seatbelt. 

What To Do After a Car Accident

Make Sure that You are Safe Before You Call HHJ Trial Attorneys

If you have been in an accident, move your vehicle to the side of the roadway or to another safe place to ensure that you and your passengers are no longer in danger. Immediately call emergency services (9-1-1) for a police officer or ambulance if you are able to do so. Wait for police to arrive and provide them with your identification, insurance information, and registration. Provide the officer with an auto collision report, which is a factual description of how you saw the incident unfold. DO NOT discuss the specifics of the accident with the other party involved in the accident, as doing so may harm your legal position when you try to recover damages at a later date.

Gather Necessary Information To Provide to HHJ Trial Attorneys

Before leaving the scene of the accident, make sure you gather all of the necessary information from all other parties involved in the accident (including names, contact numbers, insurance information, license plates, etc.). Do not rely on the officer to do this for you. Make sure you also obtain the name, agency, and badge number of the officer who has reported to the scene.

Make Sure You Receive Proper Medical Care

The first place you should go IMMEDIATELY after the accident is to the nearest medical facility so that you get a proper and thorough medical evaluation. You should visit a medical facility even if you do not believe you have a serious injury, as many injuries may not be immediately apparent—it is crucial to be examined by a doctor. Moreover, a proper record of your injuries and your medical care will be necessary later in the recovery process.

Only Speak to HHJ Trial Attorneys

Do not speak to anyone about the accident or your injuries other than the police, your medical provider, or your car accident lawyer in San Diego. Giving statements to other persons other than those mentioned above may damage your legal case in the future. Finally, you should then file a claim with your insurance provider. You should NOT speak to an insurance provider representative or sign any documents from an insurance provider, especially those that represent the opposing side or other driver. You should contact an attorney from HHJ Trial Attorneys who know how to deal with insurance providers to best represent your interests. Let our experienced attorneys fight on your behalf so you can concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery.

Injuries Associated with Car Accidents

The most important thing that you need to do following a car accident is ensuring that you and anyone that may have been in the car with you is safe. The reality is that you can suffer from a wide range of possible injuries following your car accident. Just a few examples of the injuries clients at HHJ Trial Attorneys have experienced include: 

  1. Whiplash: A neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and violently jerked forward and then backward.
  2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a jolt to the head.
  3. Fractures: Broken bones, including broken limbs, ribs, and spinal fractures.
  4. Lacerations: Cuts and scrapes caused by broken glass or other debris.
  5. Burns: Thermal or chemical burns caused by a fire or explosion.
  6. Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen.
  7. Soft tissue injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, such as sprains and strains.
  8. Psychological injuries: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
  9. Spinal cord injuries: Injury to the spinal cord that can result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
  10. Amputations: Loss of a limb or other body part as a result of the accident.

It is important to note that some injuries may not be immediately apparent after a car accident, and it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that any injuries are identified and treated.

Understanding California Car Accident Laws

California car accident laws include a number of provisions that govern how accidents are handled and how damages are awarded. Some key aspects of California car accident laws include:

  1. Negligence: California is a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents, which means that the person who is found to be at fault for an accident is held liable for any damages that result. To establish negligence, it must be proven that the driver had a duty of care to operate the vehicle safely, the driver failed to fulfill that duty and this failure was the cause of the accident and the resulting damages.
  2. Comparative negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means that even if a person is found to be mostly at fault for an accident, they can still recover damages, but the award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
  3. Statute of limitations: As previously stated, in California and San Diego county, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.
  4. Insurance requirements: California requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, which provides coverage for damages that you may cause to others in an accident. California also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which provides protection in case you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance.
  5. No-fault insurance: California is not a no-fault insurance state, which means that accident victims can file claims against the at-fault driver in order to recover damages.
  6. Damages: Damages that can be recovered in a car accident case in California include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

It’s important to note that car accident laws can be complex, and the specific laws that apply to your case will depend on the facts of the accident and the applicable laws. It’s always recommended to consult with our car accident attorneys in San Diego to fully understand the laws that apply to your specific case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

What Should I Do After I've Been in a Auto Accident?

The first thing that you should do right after an accident is make sure that you pull your vehicle out of the roadway and make sure that you’re safe. You don’t want any other car hitting you on the freeway or the other party. Once you’ve pulled to the side of the road you want to exchange information with the party that hit you and that includes taking photographs of their license their vehicle insurance their license plate any identified information because you’re going to want that information at a later date.

You’re also going to want to call the local authorities whether that’s the sheriff’s department CHP. You want this accident and your injuries to be documented that’s very important so make sure you call the legal authorities to respond to the scene. You’re also going to make sure that you get immediate medical treatment, even if you think you’re not injured as a lot of these accidents because injuries that don’t manifest themselves for a couple days after the accident, but you want to make sure you go to an urgent care or an ER to document your injuries.

Once you’ve done all those things make sure you contact an attorney so that you don’t make any sort of statements to the insurance companies or anything like that that can damage your case later.

What is My Car Accident Case Worth?

There’s really two different categories of damages that we look at when someone’s been injured in a serious accident or received a serious injury First we look at economic damages. We look at all the medical bills that have accrued because you’ve received this injury and that’s easy we just add up all the bills that you’ve had to receive because of this incident. We can also look at your lost wages, how has your job been affected how long, have you not been able to work because you’ve been injured.

The most important part is something called non-economic damages. That’s the physical pain the mental suffering anxiety emotional distress.

Am I eligible for damages if I'm partially liable for an auto accident?

In California ,we are under what’s called a comparative fault state meaning just because you’re partially at fault for an accident doesn’t mean you’re prevented from recovering damages.

What damages am I entitled to for a car accident?

In a personal injury case you’re entitled to a category called economic damages. These damages we can think about as being definite or certain so that includes medical records for the future and for the past lost wages and future lost wages property damage any sort of expenses that you incurred as a result of the car accident those are economic damages The other category is called non-economic damages and these are the human factors such as emotional distress.

What is the Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that a person who has been involved in a car accident must file a claim within two years of the date of the accident in order to be eligible to recover damages.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the accident involves a government entity, the deadline to file a claim is usually much shorter (6 months or a year). Also, in case of an injury caused by the accident, the statute of limitation starts to run from the date of discovery of the injury, not the date of the accident.

It’s also important to note that the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California can vary depending on the specific facts of the case and the laws applicable to it. It’s always advisable to consult with an attorney to determine the specific statute of limitations that applies to your case.

How Is The Value of a Car Accident Claim Calculated?

The value of a car accident claim is calculated by taking into account various factors related to the accident and the resulting damages. The factors that HHJ Trial Attorneys will take into consideration include:

  1. Medical expenses: The cost of any medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy, that is directly related to the accident.
  2. Lost wages: Any income that was lost as a result of the accident, including both past and future lost wages if the injury causes the victim to be unable to work.
  3. Property damage: The cost of repairs or replacement of any property that was damaged in the accident, such as a vehicle.
  4. Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and the resulting injuries. This can include things like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
  5. Loss of consortium: Loss of companionship, love, and support as a result of the accident.
  6. Other out of pocket expenses: Other expenses such as transportation costs, medical equipment and other costs that are directly related to the accident. 

The value of a claim is calculated by assessing the above factors and then making an estimate of the total amount that should be awarded. The insurance company or the court will then decide on a settlement or award based on that estimate. It’s important to note that the value of a claim can vary depending on the specific facts of the case and the laws applicable to it. 

Areas HHJ Trial Attorneys Service

La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Clairemont , Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido, Vista, San Marcos  Mission Valley East, Normal Heights, University Heights, Mission Valley, Linda Vista, Birdland, Hillcrest, Mission Hills, North Park, Bankers Hill, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Middletown, Midway District, Point Loma Heights, Ocean Beach, Encanto, Bay Terraces, Golden Hill, South Park

Recent Car Accidents in San Diego

Highly Rated Auto Repair Shops in San Diego

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Schedule Your Appointment With Our San Diego Car Accident Attorneys

Our car accident lawyer in San Diego will provide you with the insight that you need on any car accidents in San Diego. We work on a contingency fee which helps to further ensure that you will get the compensation you deserve before our fees are paid. We have experience working with clients who have experienced a vast number of accident injuries. Whether you car accident resulted in a wrongful death or a member of your family was seriously injured, we analyze every aspect of your car accident claim to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team of car accident attorneys will walk you through every phase of your accident claim. From contacting insurance companies to ensuring that you have the medical care and support that you need, you can rest assured that you will be working with one of the best law firms in San Diego California. Our car accident attorneys in San Diego will fight for the compensation you deserve and provide you with the peace of mind that you need through this difficult time. Get in touch with us today to speak with our legal team. 

HHJ Trial Attorneys: San Diego Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
HHJ Trial Attorneys: San Diego Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
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Khala BarkusKhala Barkus
19:33 25 Sep 22
Michael and his team were so great during this entire process. They helped me to get a pretty significant settlement from my case and they were never delayed in any of the processes. I am confident that had I not "fired" the first attorney that I started to work with and called HHJ trail attorneys, I would not have gotten the results that I got with HHJ. You can't go wrong with working with these guys to settle your case.
TylerTyler
21:09 25 Aug 22
Michael and the HHJ staff were extremely helpful from the start of my case less than a year ago. From the time I had my accident, to having doctor appointments set up to the final conclusion, it couldn’t have been a smoother process from beginning to end. Michael is very detailed and organized and always has your best interest at heart. He is very responsive and is always on top of it. I didn’t have to do much other than show up to my doctor appts and respond with info that was needed. I would without a beat use Michael and his team again if needed. HHJ is the best in Southern California!
Claudia LopezClaudia Lopez
21:41 08 Jul 22
Mr. Adam Hepburn and his firm, HHJ Trial Attorneys, took on our legal case. Mr. Adam Hepburn came recommended, luckily. We can't thank Mr. Adam Hepburn and his firm for their stellar work throughout our entire legal case. If I had any questions or concerns, Mr. Adam Hepburn would quickly address my concerns either via email, cell phone or even on text. Mr. Adam Hepburn was very truthful, thoughtful when explaining the facts of my case, and extremely professional. If you're on the fence with hiring Adam Hepburn and his firm, don't be, he's the best in the field. Adam won my case! Must hire him and his firm if you need his type of services.
FergalFergal
15:00 20 Apr 22
Michael and the team at HHJ Trial Attorneys have taken the best care of our Clients after they have being involved in road accidents. The care, attention and commitment they provide to all their clients is extraordinary as are their life enhancing results - HHJ Trial Attorneys = Best In Class.
Anne FranksAnne Franks
14:41 20 Apr 22
Michael at HHJ Trial Attorneys is a professional Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers group. This group is very is highly recommended! They are very professional compared to other firms. If you are looking for a quality group of attorneys that will get the job done, this is the one to call!
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