Car accidents occur every day in San Diego, California. These collisions can be traumatic, so it can be difficult to know what to do in the aftermath of a car accident, especially if you are dealing with painful injuries. An experienced San Diego car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex insurance claim process and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Since 1978, thousands of clients throughout Southern California have trusted the San Diego injury lawyers at Miller & Steele Law Firm for help after being injured by the negligence of others. We have successfully recovered over $300 million for our deserving clients. Turn to our trusted legal advocates for a free consultation to learn about your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Why Do I Need a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer?
When you are involved in a car accident, you become part of an adversarial process. You will likely make an insurance claim. Whether you are filing your claim against the at-fault driver or your own insurance provider, the insurance company’s goal is the same: to minimize the amount of compensation you receive. Insurance companies rake in millions of dollars every year by paying less in claims than they receive in premium payments.
As such, you should not trust the insurance company’s representatives to have your best interests in mind. Instead, expect it to do everything possible to limit your financial recovery.
Having a car accident lawyer on your side can help you level the playing field. An experienced San Diego 18-wheeler accident attorney can help by:
- Explaining your legal rights and options during a free case evaluation
- Investigating the accident and determining the factors that contributed to your accident
- Collecting and gathering evidence to support your version of events
- Providing tailored legal advice and guidance during every phase of your case
- Requesting medical records
- Working with expert witnesses, as necessary
- Handling claim paperwork, legal filings, and communications with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiating for fair compensation
- Representing you in court, if necessary
Learn more about the critical role we can play in your case when you call for a free consultation.
California Car Accident Laws
California is an at-fault state for car accidents, so the driver found at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages they cause through their negligence. In many situations, car accident claims are resolved by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Per law, all drivers must maintain minimum liability insurance to pay for the damages they cause others through their negligence in the following amounts:
- $30,000 in bodily injury for one person
- $60,000 in bodily injury for more than one person
- $15,000 in property damage
Bodily injury benefits pay for medical treatment, compensate for loss of income due to injury, and compensate for pain and suffering. Property damage benefits pay for vehicle repairs or the replacement cost of a vehicle if repairs exceed the vehicle’s value.
You may be able to recover compensation up to the at-fault driver’s policy limits. However, this amount is sometimes insufficient. In such situations, you may be able to seek compensation under your own policy’s underinsured motorist coverage or sue the at-fault driver or other responsible parties directly.
California operates under a pure comparative negligence system, so even if you contributed to the accident, you can still seek compensation from other at-fault parties in proportion to their degree of fault.
If you must file a lawsuit, you have two years from the accident date to file your case. Otherwise, your claim can be time barred, and you can forfeit your right to recover compensation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Diego
Car accidents typically occur because of driver error, negligence, or poor decisions, such as:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Impaired driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Unsafe lane changes or passing
Other causes can contribute to motor vehicle accidents, too, such as:
- Vehicle defects
- Negligent maintenance
- Improper road design or infrastructure
- Poor road or weather conditions
An experienced attorney can investigate your case and determine how it happened and who is at fault for it.
What Types of Compensation Are Available to Car Accident Victims?
Car accident victims can recover compensation for the economic and non-economic damages they sustain due to the accident. Economic damages are monetary losses that directly result from the accident, such as:
- Current medical bills, including hospitalization, ambulance rides, and surgical costs
- Ongoing medical expenses, including medication, medical devices, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as rental car expenses and rideshare costs
Non-economic damages are paid to compensate for losses that are not as easy to quantify, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Permanent impairment or disability
- Chronic pain
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Psychological trauma
- Reduced quality of life
- Inconvenience
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
The potential value of your case will depend on the value of the damages you suffered, and other factors, such as:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- Who is responsible for your injuries and their insurance coverage
- Whether you contributed to the accident
- Whether you are able to return to work
- How your life is affected because of the accident and your injuries
You can learn more about the potential value of your claim by talking to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Evidence to Prove Liability in a San Diego Auto Accident Case
To recover the compensation that you deserve, your car accident attorney will need to gather evidence to prove the other driver was at fault for the accident, such as:
- Cell phone records that demonstrate distracted driving
- Dash cam footage
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance records
- Medical records that link your injuries and the accident
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction specialists
Contact Our San Diego Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
You don’t have to go through the complex legal process alone. An experienced attorney from the Miller & Steele Law Firm can guide you through it and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation with a dedicated San Diego auto wreck lawyer.