San Diego Car Accident Lawyers

As one of the largest cities in the United States, there are countless car accidents that take place in San Diego on a regular basis. There are several causes associated with these car 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.

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 of car accidents that you may experience: 

• 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” car accidents, 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 pileup car accidents 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 of this type of car accident. 
• 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. 

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 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.

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.

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.

The value of a car accident claim is calculated by taking into account various factors related to the accident and the resulting damages. These factors 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. 

Our personal injury 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 seirously 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.