San Diego Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been in a car accident in San Diego, you’re not alone. Every year in the state of California alone, hundreds of thousands of automobile accidents result in serious injury, emotional trauma, and significant financial stress for California drivers. In 2019, there were 3,737 people killed and 269,031 people injured from motor vehicle collisions in California.
Knowing what to do after a car accident can be overwhelming. Our firm can help you understand what steps to take next to ensure fair compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in San Diego
Accumulate Evidence
After a car accident, gathering evidence is extremely important. Evidence can include photos and videos of the vehicles and site of the accident, witness statements, documents, objects, and any other relevant information. Evidence can help to determine how and what the accident occurred.
Document Information
Record all details about the accident. This could include the date, time, location, weather conditions, and any other contributing factors. If possible, obtain the other driver’s identity, insurance information and find out if he/she was working at the time of the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident can be vital to a future case. Many times symptoms may not be obvious in the chaos and adrenaline rush following a car accident, but seeking medical help ensures your injuries are promptly documented, diagnosed, and treated. Medical records often serve as vital evidence during legal proceedings. Medical records offer important insight into the extent of injuries and future health implications.
File an Accident Report
In California, it’s mandatory to report car accidents to the local authorities. If the accident involves injury or death, or if property damage exceeds $1,000, you must submit an SR1 form within ten days. Additionally, filing an accident report is an important part of documenting the details of the accident and creating an official record.
Consult Conger Law
Conger Law specializes in car accident cases in San Diego. The earlier in the process you contact our office, the sooner we can help you determine your next steps.
Common Causes and Frequent Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents in San Diego
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Understanding some of the most common car accident injuries and their likely causes can help victims manage the situation and determine the legal recourse available.
Injuries sustained in a car accident can be influenced by several circumstances, including:
- The size and weight of the vehicles involved
- The seating position of the individuals in the car
- The direction from which the impact occurred (frontal, side, or rear)
- The speed at which the vehicles were traveling
- The use of seatbelts by the occupants
- The deployment of airbags
- The age, physical condition, and medical history of those involved
Injuries caused by car accidents generally fall into two principal categories: impact injuries, like concussions or spine injuries resulting from forces to your body, and penetrating injuries, such as cuts from flying glass or airbags. The most commonly seen injuries resulting from car accidents in San Diego include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Injuries to the back and spine
- Nerve damage
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Whiplash
Each accident is unique and involves many factors. Conger Law can help determine the best course of action based on your situation.
What Can a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Do For You?
Car crashes can result in high medical costs, long recovery times, and intricate insurance claims. Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and insurance companies. A car accident lawyer can help by providing assistance and expertise to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Navigating the Legal Maze
Lawyers know how to navigate the complex California legal system and provide guidance with respect to insurance claims and settlement negotiations. There is a two-year statute of limitations that applies under California car accident law. We ensure victims receive fair treatment from insurance companies and other at-fault parties.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are notorious for offering low-ball settlements or denying claims completely. Ryan Conger uses his years of experience working on both sides of these claims to effectively negotiate with insurance companies.
Compensation for Your San Diego Car Accident
The physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burden of a car accident can be overwhelming. The goal of the insurance company is to undercompensate you. We work tirelessly to get our clients full compensation, including reimbursement of medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and most importantly, pain and suffering.
Below are the types of compensation available to injured car accident injury victims.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are monetary losses with a clear financial impact. If your loss due to the accident comes with a receipt, bill, invoice, or any financial proof, it likely falls under the category of economic damage.
Commonly encountered economic damages resulting from car accidents include:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Medication expenses
- Long-term healthcare expenses
- Lost income during recovery
- Decrease or loss in future earning capacity
Maintaining documentation is key to claiming the full extent of your economic damages. It’s important to hold onto every relevant receipt, invoice, or bill related to your case.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are harder to define. These losses include things that do not possess a finite monetary value, but are incredibly important.
Commonly encountered non-economic damages resulting from car accidents include:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or physical disfigurement
- Long-term disability
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of companionship, love and support
To calculate non-economic damages like pain and suffering, a lawyer must establish these items affect your daily life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages can be thought of as punishment damages and are imposed on a liable defendant over and above compensatory damages. Punitive damages are typically only awarded when a defendant’s actions are exceptionally harmful.
Sometimes referred to as “exemplary damages,” punitive damages attempt to punish the defendant with the goal of preventing the defendant and others from engaging in the same bad behavior in the future. Common examples of the type of action resulting in punitive damages are driving under the influence or drag racing.
Get in Touch with the Right San Diego Accident Attorney
Car accidents can be frustrating and even devastating, but we’re here to help. If you or a loved one have been in a car accident in San Diego, don’t face it alone. Conger Law Injury Attorneys stand ready to offer expert legal counsel and strong representation. We offer consultations at zero cost, providing an opportunity to understand your options without any undue pressure. Call us at (619)-569-1919 or fill out our quick online form today.
Citations
Statute of Limitations for California Car Accident Cases – Forbes Advisor
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/california-car-accident-laws/#statute_of_limitations_for_california_car_accident_cases_section
MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS, Public Health Services, Community Health Statistics, County of San Diego
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/CHS/Motor%20Vehicle%20Collisions_PPT_10.26.23_FINAL.pdf
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San Diego Car Accident FAQ
When you’re hurt in a San Diego car accident, recovery can be difficult. You have questions you need answered, and you may have trouble getting those answers, as well as the support you need for your claim. That’s where a lawyer can help you.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and you have questions about your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lawyer for answers. Our team is here to help, starting with a free consultation. We also offer answers to some of the most common questions we receive at our firm, so you have an idea of what we can offer for your claim.
How long do I have to file a car accident suit in California?
The statute of limitations for car accident cases in California is two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, like most things, there are certain exceptions that can change the timeline. It is always wise to file your suit as soon as possible to prevent missing any deadlines. If you are unsure whether your case is still valid, it would be wise to consult with an attorney. Your lawyer can determine whether you’re within the right time limits and whether there are any other factors impacting your claim that may extend your time limits.
What should I tell my insurance company?
In an ideal world, your attorney will handle all communications with your insurance company to ensure that you are not taken advantage of. However, if you choose to contact your insurance company yourself, here are some things to keep in mind. Firstly, stick to the facts. Give them all the general information, such as your name, the name of anyone else present or involved in the accident, and details of the accident like location and time. Be certain to avoid any implications of fault, no matter how small. Any admission of guilt, even accidental, can and will be used to devalue your claim. Even a poorly timed “I’m sorry” could have disastrous consequences. Don’t describe your injuries to your insurance adjuster, and do not let them bully you into accessing your medical records. Do not make any unfounded guesses about the accident. Stick to the facts - only information that you are 100 percent certain is true and correct. Do not let an insurance adjuster record your statement. This is a practically guaranteed way to make a mistake that comes back to haunt you. Again, the best course of action when handling your insurance companies is simply to pass the responsibility on to your car accident attorney as soon as possible.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
Car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Essentially, if your attorney does not win your case, you don’t owe them any money. You only pay your attorney if you win - and what you pay is a percentage of your winnings, instead of money directly from your pocket. If you are still feeling concerned about affordability, most attorneys, including Conger Law Injury Attorneys, offer a free consultation fee. You may choose to use this time to discuss fee structure in addition to your case.
What is Attorney-Client Privilege?
Essentially, attorney-client privilege means that anything you tell your lawyer is 100 percent confidential. You do not need to tell your attorney to keep things to themselves because they are obligated to do so. Unless you consent to a release of information pertaining to your case, your attorney is legally required to keep everything you tell them confidential.
What are my rights as a car accident victim?
Firstly, you can deny giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company. The adjuster may apply pressure to attempt to get you to give a statement, but you have everything to lose and nothing to gain by speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. You have the right to compensation for any physical, mental, emotional, or financial losses you’ve experienced as a result of your car accident. You also have the right to sue any and all parties involved in your car accident. If you believe any or all these rights have been denied or impacted during the aftermath of your car accident, your lawyer can help you get answers, take action, and get the compensation you’re due following the accident.
Get In Touch
Conger Law is here to help. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you take the right steps toward recovery.
