San Diego Injury Law Center – SDInjuryLaw.com

CAR Accident

Best Car Accident Lawyer In San Diego County

Helping the victims of auto accidents.
  • Over 30 five star reviews on Google
  • Specializes in car accident cases in San Diego
  • $Millions won for auto accident cases
  • We’ve helped thousands in all types of accident cases
  • Won many cases over $6 million
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    Car Accident Case Results

    $6.25 MILLION

    MULTIPLE FRACTURES S.H.
    CAR VS PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

    $3 MILLION

    REBECCA B. - MULTIPLE FRACTURES
    CAR VS CAR ACCIDENT

    $1 MILLION

    PERSONAL INJURY M. L.
    CAR ACCIDENT

    $883,000

    BRAD B. - BACK INJURY
    CAR VS CAR ACCIDENT

    $570,000

    MICHEAL C.
    HEAD INJURY VS CAR ACCIDENT

    $319,000

    FRANK R.
    MULTIPLE FRACTURES VS AUTO ACCIDENT

    $6.25 MILLION

    SHANYE H.
    AUTO VS PEDESTRIAN – MULTIPLE FRACTURES

    $3 MILLION

    REBECCA B.
    AUTO VS AUTO – MULTIPLE FRACTURES

    Have you been injured in a car accident? Did the carelessness or inattentiveness of another driver cause the accident? We help injured victims hold careless drivers accountable for their actions and obtain justice in automobile collision matters. Serious bodily injury can have lasting future consequences on your life. You may be suffering from physical pain and unable to perform many of your daily activities. If you are unable to work, you could be losing income needed to support your family. Sizable hospital bills and other healthcare expenses can add stress. Call the Best car accident lawyer in San Diego today. Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with no upfront costs.

    Years from now, you may still be modifying your body mechanics to accommodate your injuries. The other driver needs to be held accountable. Serious vehicle collision matters are typically met with stiff opposition from the parties who should be held responsible, and particularly from insurance carriers that represent negligent drivers. You need an aggressive and Top car accident lawyer in San Diego who will zealously fight to protect your legal rights and win your personal injury claim. We have recovered millions for our clients in accident matters.

    The lawyers at San Diego Injury Law Center are passionate about justice and are always hard at work for you, fighting to receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Car accident attorney san Diego should have an approach like this: put you – the client – first. Period. By always making you our top priority, San Diego car accident lawyer can accommodate the unique needs of each case and client and make sure, from start to finish, you get the care you need and the attention your case deserves. We can help you find the right doctor or medical professional for your treatment regardless if you have health insurance.

    Here is what we’ll do for you

    Contact Our Best Auto Accident Lawyer in San Diego

    The key to recovering money following a auto accident is proving that another party acted negligently. Because California observes comparative fault, you can recover money if another party is shown to be somewhat to blame for the accident. Auto accident statistics make clear that driving in California can be life-threatening. This is true even under ideal conditions, when drivers are focused and when roadways are in good condition. The risk of an auto accident increases significantly with adverse driver behavior or road conditions. Car accidents are mostly avoidable and the cause, in most cases, is human error.
    If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, whether it’s a car or motorcycle accident, tractor trailer wreck, or ATV injury, call our car accident lawyers today or contact us online. Our Law Firm, represents clients throughout San Diego County. We will provide you with a free, no-obligation initial consultation and answer any questions you might have. Call San Diego Injury Law Center today. Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with no upfront costs. 619-338-8230

    Top Causes of Auto Accidents in California

    Auto Accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the United States. Every year approximately 30,000 Americans lose their lives in traffic accidents, and more than two million are injured. In California alone there were 2,739 persons killed and 229,354 persons injured in auto crashes in 2010. That same year Orange and Riverside Counties collectively saw nearly 300 fatal accidents and more than 20,000 accidents resulting in injury.

    AREAS OF PRACTICE

    Other Auto Accident Practice Areas

    $$Millions Recovered For Thousands of Car Accident Clients

    Distracted Driving the Main Culprit of Auto Accidents

    The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that drivers make more than 200 decisions per mile traveled. Making the correct decision in every instance requires a driver’s full attention. Unfortunately, the growing use of handheld digital devices, including iPhones creates more distractions today than ever before. A groundbreaking study published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2006 found that driver inattention was the leading factor in most crashes. According to the research, 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involve a distracted driver.

    Distracted Driving the Main Culprit of Auto Accidents

    Cell Phones and Texting

    While it is illegal in California to use a handheld cell phone or to text while driving, many people continue to engage in these behaviors. Public perception is that texting while driving (blamed for 1,600,000 accidents per year) is a teenage problem, but adults are actually more likely to text and drive than teens. Regardless of who is texting and driving, it’s extremely dangerous. Studies show that texting while driving is six times as dangerous as drunk driving. The use of a hands-free phone, permitted for drivers over the age of 18 in California, is thought to alleviate the risk associated with cell phone use. While this is true to some extent, hands-free devices do not eliminate cognitive distraction, as talking while driving leads to so-called “inattention blindness.”

    Other Causes of Car Crashes in California

    DUI/DWI

    Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs and alcohol slows reaction times and impairs driving. Drunk driving is strongly correlated with fatal car accidents. Approximately 30 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are alcohol-related. California lost 972 people to drunk driving in 2010 and an additional 17,000 were injured by alcohol involved collisions.

    Drowsy Driving

    Driving while sleep deprived is nearly as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. 100,000 motor vehicle crashes per year are the result of driver fatigue.

    Speeding

    Speed is a factor in about 1 out of 3 fatal crashes.

    Roadway Conditions

    Snow, ice, and other adverse weather make driving more dangerous, especially when driving as described above. The roadway itself, moreover, can increase accidents. Issues such as potholes, uneven pavement, signage problems, and poor road design make crashes more likely.

    Recover Compensation Car Crash Injuries

    The people injured in a auto accident may be entitled to compensation for losses that include:

    Proving Fault in a Car Wreck:

    The Reason You Need a Auto Accident Attorney
    Some auto accidents, such as rear-end collisions, leave little doubt as to which driver is at fault. Other cases, however, depend on evidence, police reports, and eyewitness testimony. When cases are disputed, whether by the driver or the driver’s insurer, holding the negligent party responsible comes down to presenting a convincing case. This is where hiring an experienced California car accident attorney is critical, particularly when injuries are serious and medical bills runs into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

    Contact San Diego Auto Accident Attorney

    When the stakes in a car accident are high, you need an experienced auto lawyer who will fight tirelessly on your behalf. With years of experience and tens of millions of dollars recovered for injured clients, our auto attorneys know what it takes to achieve top results. Call San Diego Injury Law Center today. Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with no upfront costs. 619-338-8230

    Call For A Free Consultation

    If you or someone you love has been injured, don’t wait to take legal action. The sooner you contact San Diego Injury Law Center, the sooner your lawyer can begin gathering evidence to prepare your case for trial. Do you need some free advice from our San Diego Auto Accident Lawyers? Call San Diego Injury Law Center today. Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with no upfront costs. 619-338-8230

    San Diego County Auto Accidents

    Everyone who lives in San Diego County understands the reality that is our dependence on automobiles to get around. It’s simply a way of life here, and one that’s unavoidable. This means that on any given day, millions of people are in their cars or trucks zooming down the freeways and a crash can happen. This is when San Diego Auto Accident Lawyers can help.
    Obviously, when looking at it from a purely numerical standpoint, when you crush that many vehicles into an enclosed space at any given time, the odds of an auto accident occurring rise dramatically, and this is a growing problem in our growing community. Not to mention, the effects of any car accident can be devastating in several ways, including:

    San Diego Auto Accident Lawyers

    Clearly, these are just a few examples where San Diego Auto Accident Lawyers can help. When faced with this situation, you need to act immediately to get the legal help you deserve. Contact the San Diego Injury Law Center today to schedule an initial consultation. Our auto accident legal services will help you in your time of legal need, proving why you need a skilled auto accident attorney. Do you need some free advice from our San Diego Auto Accident Lawyers? Call Now for Free Advice! San Diego Injury Law Center.

    Causes of Car Accidents

    Many times, accidents are caused by any of the following:

    Aftermath of a Car Accident

    Oh no, this can’t be happening, you think to yourself in the instant you realize you’ve been in a car accident. But it is. And what you do next can make all the difference in the world.
    Follow these basic steps:

    San Diego Injury Law Center

    The last step could be the most important. That’s because anything you say to the other driver or to any insurance company could ultimately be used against you. Working with the San Diego Auto Accident Lawyers at the San Diego Injury Law Center will allow you to have an experienced professional handle the situation, and that includes your insurance company. You wont have to worry about answering correspondence or saying the wrong thing during a conversation. Contact San Diego Injury Law Center today if you’ve been injured in an automobile accident to get this process started. Do you need free advice from our San Diego Auto Accident Lawyers? Call Now for Free Advice! San Diego Injury Law Center 619-338-8230.

    Who is at Fault in Different Types of Accidents?

    Who’s at fault for your crash? If the answer is the other driver, then you need to build a case against the other party. To help you build that case, it is important to make sure the evidence supports your assertion that the other party is at fault. Often the fault for an accident is due to the perceptions we have about how accidents happen. Therefore, let’s examine a few different types of crashes to understand more about who is at fault. Keep in mind that every car crash is a little different. Your collision might have mitigating circumstances that affect the outcome of the case.

    Three Common Types of Crashes

    #1 Who is at fault in a rear-end car accident?
    According to the NHTSA, 40% of accidents each year are rear-ended collisions. The vast majority of these accidents find fault with the driver who rear-ended your car. It is easy to prove the other party responsible for most rear-end accidents. There are exceptions to the rules. For example, if someone backed up at an intersection and hit your car, then it is not your fault.
    They can’t blame you for bumping into the back of their car when your car was at a standstill. Also, the other driver might be partially at fault if they slammed on the brakes or made an erratic maneuver that caused you to rear-end their car. To prove your case in a rear-end collision (T-bone, changing lanes, etc.), you need a few items: Police report Insurance report on both vehicles damage Intersection traffic signals or signage photos/videos Witness statements Traffic camera footage Optional: any nearby business camera footage Optional: expert witness testimony

    #2 Who is at fault in a T-bone car accident?

    A T-bone crash is not always as cut and dry for who is at fault. Usually, a T-bone happens at an intersection like a stop sign or light. Generally, if the other party ran the red light, then the responsibility for the T-bone collision is with the other driver. For a stop sign, the driver to the right has the right of way.
    The biggest exception to this rule is if the other driver was at the intersection first. As you can tell, the key to winning a T-bone case is knowing who has the right-of-way at the intersection. Finally, just because the other vehicle hit the side of your car, does not mean you are the victim. It is possible to run the red light, and the other driver can hit the side of your car.

    #3 Who is at fault in a car accident changing lanes?

    Similar to a T-bone collision, lane change collisions are often the responsibility of the person who was changing lanes. A driver must check before merging into a lane before they move. That said, it is not always the driver changing lanes fault. There are examples of how the other driver could be at fault for a lane change even if you were the one changing lanes.
    One common example is if the other driver does not have their lights at night or in the fog despite the lack of visibility. Also, if the other driver was speeding or driving too fast for the conditions on the road, they could be responsible for the accident. Finally, if a driver sped up or slowed down as the vehicle moved into their lane, they could be at fault for the crash.
    In California, when both parties are at fault for the crash, you can still sue the other party for damages as long as they were more than 50% at fault. For example, maybe the courts rule the other driver was 70% at fault, and you were 30% at fault. You then reduce your settlement by 30%. If the original ruling was $50,000, the new payout would be $35,000.
    Lane changing accidents often define the fault to multiple drivers depending on the situation. Without knowing the specifics of your case, it is impossible to determine what a judge or jury might say.

    Call Now for Free Advice!

    619-338-8230

    Traffic Tips

    If you are involved in a vehicle accident that occurred in California, you must report it to the DMV if:
    Each driver must make a report to DMV within 10 days, whether you caused the accident or not and even if the accident occurred on private property. You can mail the completed Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California form to the address on the form.

    Compensation

    Once you are receiving medical treatment and your personal injury attorney has taken appropriate steps toward ensuring you receive needed treatment and that the cost for the care is being handled through your case, the next question you will need to address is financial compensation. While the question, “how much money will I receive,” may not always be the first thing on your mind, it is certainly an important consideration that will become important down the road. At some point, hopefully you will be fully healed from your injuries and on the road to recovery. Once your health issues are addressed, the subject of compensation will be at the forefront of your case and you want to be sure that you have in select the right attorney to ensure you are paid the maximum compensation.

    How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

    There are various forms of financial compensation available to you as an injured victim. Medical bills are usually covered as long as you were not at fault. You are entitled to payment for the cost of both past and future medical care. In addition, in most cases your lawyer will recover compensation for your pain and suffering, any lost wages or future loss of earning capacity, and loss of companionship for wrongful death cases.

    Medical Bills

    First item of compensation in any personal injury case is recovery of medical bills that you have incurred and may continue to incur. Generally, as long as the charges are reasonable and there is no over-billing or excessive treatment, you have a right to collect all of the charges billed by hospitals, doctors and other medical providers. The cost for services already rendered is more straightforward.
    The cost for future care can be a complex issue. Your doctors will need to give their opinion, in the form of reports or testimony in court, that the future care is both necessary and related to the incident that forms the basis of your personal injury claim.

    Pain and Suffering Damages

    Of the various forms of damages available to an injured victim, pain and suffering damages is the type of financial compensation that one is referring to when they ask, “How much is my personal injury case worth?” The law permits a jury to award you any amount of money it decides. Your lawyer will therefore utilize his or her experience, and knowledge of jury verdicts in similar cases, to advise you as to the amount you are likely to receive for your pain and suffering.

    Cap on Pain and Suffering In Med Malpractice Cases

    In cases involving medical malpractice, there is a cap on pain and suffering that limits that amount of a damages award that you can obtain against a doctor, hospital, or health care provider.

    Lost Wages

    In most cases, you can recover your lost wages for time you were unable to go to work as a result of an accident caused by the neglect of another person. A claim for lost wages must be reasonable based on the nature and extent of your injuries.

    Future Loss of Earning Capacity

    If you are unable to perform the same type of work you had performed in the past and will suffer a loss of earning capacity in the future as the result of an accident caused by the carelessness of another person, you can also recover financial damages for your future loss of earning capacity.

    Loss of Enjoyment of Life

    A serious and debilitating injury can prevent you from taking part in sports or recreational activities that you regularly engaged in prior to your injury.

    Personal Injury Attorneys You Can Trust

    San Diego is one of the most populated cities in America, with a current population of almost 2 million people. Our attorneys help injured victims seek compensation for suffering an injury from another person’s negligence. Our injury attorneys will do everything in our power to ensure you get the maximum compensation for suffering an injury. It is important to know that at San Diego Injury Law Center, we solely practice personal injury litigation.
    We have over 20 years of experience fighting insurance companies to make sure our clients receive a fair settlement. Your insurance company should offer a reasonable settlement that includes medical expenses and lost wages, therefore our skilled San Diego car accident attorneys are prepared to fight in court. Your top priority after an auto collision should be taking care of yourself and your family. Leave the rest to us.
    Call us today to discuss your case. The initial consultation is free and we get nothing unless we win your case. We are available to meet in our Mission Valley office or can make arrangements to come to you. Car accidents can be deadly and devastating, but most can be prevented with proper care and precautions. Drivers who are negligent behind the wheel or those who drive recklessly can be held responsible for their behavior. If you or a loved one was hurt due to the actions of another driver, you may be entitled to seek damages for your losses and medical expenses. San Diego Injury Law Center is a car accident law firm that can help you and your family after a crash. If you have questions about your rights after your accident, call us to learn more. We not only practice personal injury; our attorneys have over a decade of trial experience. Since most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee, you should strongly consider hiring a law firm with successful trial experience who the insurance companies know are confident in filing a lawsuit and trying the case if required.

    Car Accident FAQ's

    THE INJURIES A CAR ACCIDENT IN CALIFORNIA CAN CAUSE

    Car accident injuries in California can cause minor to severe injuries. Injuries can be physical, emotional, financial, and so forth. Furthermore, car accidents can even cause death. In the United States nearly 8,000 people die every year as the result of a car accident. If death or injury is the result of a car accident, you likely have a case to sue in California. To confirm your case, take advantage of a free consultation with the San Diego Injury Law Center. As an elite group of top-rated and highly educated attorneys we are committed to our underlying mission of helping others.

    Car Accident Injuries in California can cause the following.

    • Traumatic brain injury
    • Broken or fractured bones
    • Spinal cord injury
    • Internal bleeding
    • Limb amputation
    • Burns
    • Emotional distress
    • Concussions
    • Whiplash
    • Whiplash

    If you’ve been in a car accident, we encourage you to seek medical attention as soon as possible – even if injuries are not obvious. The adrenaline and shock of the accident can mask injuries. It’s common that in the hours, days, or months following a car accident that injuries surface. The sooner these injuries are documented by a medical professional, the better, as the documentation can be used as proof in court. 

    Should I file a lawsuit in California for my car accident?

    Car accidents can call for a lawsuit, but only under certain circumstances. To determine if you can sue or not, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Here are some of the guidelines that outline if you have a lawsuit in California.

    • Determine if you have the right to sue.

    To be eligible to sue you must be directly affected by the accident. The legal term for this qualification is called “standing.”

    • To initiate a lawsuit, you must be a natural person or legal entity.

    Any number of “natural persons” can be on either side of a lawsuit. As an individual you’d be a natural person filing a lawsuit. As a corporation, you’d be a legal entity. 

    • Must have legal capacity to file a lawsuit. 

    In order to file a lawsuit, you must have the legal capacity to do so. For example, if you are legally disabled, you’d likely need a legal representative such as a parent or executor to file a lawsuit. 

    How Do I File a Car Accident Lawsuit?

    Before actually filing a lawsuit, there are several actions that take place. These actions can include establishing your case, outlining evidence, determining who to sue, determining what to sue for, and so forth. It’s best to enlist the help of a personal injury attorney to file a car accident lawsuit in California. And, since the San Diego Injury Law Center only collects payment when they win your case, getting an attorney is accessible for just about anyone. While they will be compensated from the total settlement awarded, they can help you maximize the settlement amount and get the justice you deserve. All the while, they can save you time and stress during the process. You’ve already experienced a traumatizing and painful accident, invest in an attorney and keep your extra efforts focused on yourself and your well-being. 

    Types of car accident cases we handle:

    SDInjuryLaw has served San Diego County for fifteen years and counting. We handle all types of car accident and personal injury cases. For the best representation without spending a fortune, call SDInjuryLaw. Afterall, we are personal injury experts. Here are just a few of the types of car accident cases we can help with:

    California accident laws: 

    In the busy and populated state of California, car accidents are a daily occurrence. To take legal action after a car accident, you’ll need to prove liability or negligence. Even drivers that are partially at-fault, can still pursue legal action if they can prove the above factors. Car accident claims may seem simple, but they are far from that. To get the best results possible, work with an experienced personal injury attorney. In contrast to what you might believe, attorneys can help you win more money – without costing you money upfront. Contact SDInjuryLaw at 619-338-8230 for a free consultation and don’t pay us, until we win!

    California Statute of Limitations 

    In California, the statute of limitations for adults after a car accident is two years from the date of the car accident and or injury discovery. The statute of limitations for a child after a car accident is extended until they reach 18 years old. If the statute of limitations has passed, you cannot file a claim.  If you have questions or need clarity on whether you have a case or not, contact SDInjuryLaw now. 

    California Insurance Requirements 

    California law states that all drivers are required to have auto insurance. However, many drivers on the road do not have insurance, and or enough insurance for various reasons. A shocking 15% of drivers in California are uninsured drivers. As a responsible citizen and driver, do yourself and others the favor of getting insurance (and enough of it). It’s an investment that can protect you and others on or near the road. 

    Minimum California Car Insurance Coverage

    The minimum insurance coverage required by California is bodily injury liability coverage of $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident minimum and property damage liability coverage with a minimum of $5,000. However, as we all know, the law is not always abided by. For financial and other reasons, drivers may have no insurance or not enough insurance, both of which are problematic. 

    What should I do if I am in an accident?

    Immediately after the accident occurs you should get to safety (but stay at the scene) and call 911 if there are injuries. If there are no injuries you can call 911 or the police. At the scene of the accident the following information should be collected:

    • Names
    • Addresses
    • Telephone numbers
    • Driver’s license numbers
    • License plate numbers
    • VIN numbers
    • Witness information (name, telephone number, address)
    • Photos of the damages and scene (anything that can be used as proof)
    • Insurance information

    Accidents resulting in $750 or more in damages must be reported to the DMV within 10 days. If you fail to notify the DMV, you risk suspension of your driver’s license. Once you’ve cleared the scene of the accident, contact the SDInjuryLaw Center if you’ve been injured by another party during an accident. SDInjuryLaw will gift you a free consultation to provide free legal counsel as to what legal actions you may be able to take to help with compensation. 

    Should I call my insurance company?

    Yes, your insurance company should be contacted immediately after an accident, once you’ve ensured all parties (including yourself) are safe and well. While you should contact insurance as soon as possible, be careful sending them documents right away. Insurance companies are always trying to save money. A phone call to a personal injury attorney should be of equal priority if you’ve been seriously hurt or injured. If you are hurt or injured (physically or emotionally), after a car accident call SDInjuryLaw. We are available 24/7 to help. 

    How soon should I call a lawyer?

    You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident. Use your judgment when it comes to the timing of top priority activities. Make sure you are safe and stable. If you are able to call insurance and an attorney same-day as the accident, it may be wise to contact an attorney first. 

    What if the accident was my fault?

    If the accident was your fault completely, you can be held accountable to cover damages for the injured party. If you are partially at fault, and injured, you may be able to sue still. If you are uncertain, contact an attorney. Furthermore, if you are at fault and have experienced property damage and injuries, you can file a claim with your personal insurance provider (depending on your policy) to try and receive compensation. 

    What if the other driver flees the scene?

    If you’ve been involved in an accident where the other driver flees the scene, call the police right away. Best case is the police are able to find the offender. It may be tempting to chase down the driver yourself if you see them, but refrain. If possible try to collect their license plate number or physical description as these details may help identify them later on. If you’ve been injured, contact a personal injury attorney as they can help with hit and run accidents. 

    How much do accident lawyers charge in California?

    In California, and other states, it’s common for personal injury or car accident attorneys to work on contingency fees. This means that they will receive an agreed upon percentage of the awarded settlement, if and when you win the case. Contingency fees are usually about 33% of the total awarded settlement. 

    If you don’t win the case, you may not have to pay – but agreement terms can vary. There can be other fees associated with the case, that you’ll have to pay whether you win or lose. Before taking legal action you should ask your attorney for an estimate of fees, win or lose.

     If you’re in the San Diego area and need the advice of a personal injury lawyer, the San Diego Injury Law Center can help. We offer free consultations to determine if you have a viable case and you pay nothing until we win your case. 

    Should I get a lawyer after a car accident in California?

    It’s smart to consult with a lawyer after a car accident if you’ve been injured. Remember that injuries or damages can be in the form of lost wages, physical injury, emotional injury, and so forth. Even if you are partially at fault, you may be able to receive additional compensation. Pursuing a car accident claim can be complicated. By hiring an attorney you can increase your chance of winning or settling the claim while maximizing the outcome. When choosing an attorney, be sure to check out reviews and do your due diligence. Hiring an experienced attorney that will treat you right and advocate for your best interest will make all the difference. San Diego Injury Law Center proudly has five-star reviews and a promise to deliver top-notch service. 

    How long does a car insurance company have to settle a claim in California?

    California requires car insurance companies to settle claims within 85 days following the date of filing. By hiring an attorney, you can expedite the amount of time it takes to settle your claim and receive the compensation you need to make a full recovery. 

    Can someone sue you after insurance pays in California?

    There’s the chance that someone can sue you, even after insurance pays in California. Keep in mind though that if insurance was involved in a previous lawsuit that has been settled, they cannot be sued again in most cases. In accidents where severe injuries occur, the plaintiff might come after you before insurance settles the claim as they are desperate for the money. 

    Is California a no fault state for auto accidents?

    No, California is not a no fault state for auto accidents. No fault means that drivers involved in a wreck or accident will seek financial benefits from personal insurance companies, regardless of whose fault the accident was. Since California is a no fault state, claims are filed with the insurance company of the at-fault party. Therefore the at-fault driver will need to be identified which is usually determined by insurance companies. 

    How long after a car accident can you sue in California?

    California has a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the accident. To ensure you are protected you should pursue legal action as soon as possible. SDInjuryLaw can help you pursue legal action sooner than later since they don’t require payment until they win your case! Once your case has been won, we will receive a percent of the settlement. 

    Who determines fault in an auto accident in California?

    Generally in California, insurance companies determine who is at fault in California. The at-fault party’s insurance company will be responsible for providing compensation for damages. What they are required to cover can vary depending on the coverage paid for by the customer. 

    How much can you get for pain and suffering from a car accident in California?

    Pain and suffering claims can vary depending on the severity of the damages. In California there is no cap for pain and suffering claims. The exception to this would be malpractice cases that have a cap of $250,000 for pain and suffering, unless negligence can be proven. 

    Can both drivers be at fault in California?

    While it can add confusion, both parties can be at fault for a car accident in California. The percent at which each party is at fault can vary. How much at fault one is for the accident can dictate how much compensation they may receive. 

    Can I be sued personally for a car accident in California?

    If you are at fault for an accident, you can be personally sued in California. In most cases, individuals will be personally sued if their insurance company is unable to provide enough compensation for damages. Alternatively, your insurance company may not be able to offer any compensation, thus making you the next option for compensation. This is one reason why it’s important to select the right insurance plan with adequate coverage, even if it costs more on a monthly or annual basis. 

    Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident in California?

    Even if only involved in a minor accident, you should consult a personal injury attorney if there are any injuries. More compensation than you think may be available, without a lot of effort. After the minor accident, be sure to get a medical evaluation for an accurate report of medical injury as result of the accident. If you had to take time off work or pay for child care if you were unable to care for your children, these items may be part of the claim for compensation. 

     Can you get compensation if the accident was your fault in California?

    In California, both parties can be at fault. For example, one party may be 40% at fault and the other 60%. In the scenario, both parties could be eligible for compensation. 

    What Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in San Diego? 

    In your local neighborhood you can probably call out a few roads or intersections where you often see accidents. While these may not be officially reported as dangerous roads, they may soon be. Be sure to take extra caution in these areas and remind your family and friends too as well. Here are some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in San Diego due to their high number of accidents reported:

    • 36th St & El Cajon Blvd
    • Clairemont Mesa Blvd & Convoy St
    • Convoy St & Engineer Rd
    • 10th Avenue & E St
    • 11th St & A St
    • 15th St & F st
    • 15th St & Market St
    • 16th St & Commercial St
    • 16th St & Logan Avenue
    • 20th St & University Avenue

    Note that Market St and 6th Avenue, Interstate 8, and Interstate 5 are also well-known for accidents. 

    What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?

    Most car accident lawsuits end in settlement, thus meaning they never make it to trial. While settlement amount averages vary, depending on the data and source, here are some averages according to the Insurance Information Institute. 

    • Average claim settlement for bodily injury following a collision: $20,235 (2020)
    • Average claim settlement for property damage following a collision: $4,711 (2020)

    A few factors that can affect settlement amounts include the following:

    • Insurance coverage
    • Liability
    • Injury severity
    • State laws
    • Financial loss

    How Can I Obtain a Copy of My Car Accident Report?

    To obtain a copy of a collision report investigated by the CHP (California Highway Patrol) there are two ways to do so. The first is to visit a CHP office and pay a nominal fee. You can also request a copy by mail by completing the CHP 190 (Application for Release of Information). You’ll need to mail the form along with a copy of your driver’s license to the appropriate address. To obtain a copy of this report, visit the CHP website. The second way to request a copy of an accident report in California is to go through your insurance, which may save you the report fee.

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