San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Representing all of San Diego County in every type of Car Accident Case

There are a substantial number of serious car accidents each year in California. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that in 2014 there were 3,074 fatalities. Thats why these cases are serious. If you get in a car accident call a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer to help. Automobile accidents can be stressful, particularly when substantial damage or personal injuries are involved. There are a few critical things, however, that individuals must remember to do after a car accident. By following these basic steps, individuals can minimize the amount of damage and to make sure that the case remains as strong as possible in proceeding against an insurance company or court of law.

Car Accidents are common in San Diego

Each year there are more fatal car accidents in the state of California than any other U.S. state. This alarming fact is likely due to the fact that California has such a high population with millions of drivers on the road. These automobile accidents are caused for a variety of different reasons including but not limited to speeding, distracted drivers, drugs and alcohol, traffic light and sign violations, as well as mechanical issues.

From previous years, we have a rough estimate that approximately 3,000 fatal car accidents occur each year in the state of California. In fact, automobile accidents are among one of the leading causes of death for children and young adults worldwide. Unfortunately, the number of car accidents reported each year has continued to grow.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

What to do Immediately After a Car Accident

Whether you are the victim or wrongdoer in an automobile accident, it is always important to know how to handle these types of situations. Knowing what to do in these emergency situations can make the difference between life or death for you or another individual involved in the accident. It may seem like common sense, but if you are conscious after the collision, immediately call emergency personnel to the scene. This will allow them to assess any injuries and provide medical treatment if necessary. Getting medical treatment as soon as possible following the accident will provide greater chances that the individuals involved will survive.

Another important thing to remember is that your adrenaline will likely be high after the automobile accident. You may be seriously injured and should check yourself for injuries. If you see blood or protruding bones, it is probably best to wait for emergency personnel to assist you. The last thing you want is to further injure yourself by walking on a broken bone or fracture. In addition, if you have sustained a back injury during the automobile accident is it crucial that you stay still in the same position until help has arrived.

Document Details of the Car Accident

If  you did not endure any injuries during the accident, it is also important to take photos of the scene. Having photos of the scene will allow you to have concrete evidence to provide to your insurance company. These photos can often help determine who is or is not at fault as well as any indicators of what may have caused the accident. These photos can also help if the other party is claiming injuries that may not have even been possible given the circumstances of the accident.

Aside from the above procedures, it is also recommended that you see if any of the cars involved in the automobile accident have any current company recalls. If you find that the accident was due to any mechanical issues, such as failed breaks, faulty engine or tires you may have a huge lawsuit on your hands. A personal injury lawyer in San Diego can help with this type of scenario. In this scenario, it is highly likely that the automobile company would be fully responsible for this accident. Even if there are no current recalls, if the car or car parts are not up to the Federal Standards, this too can be a lawsuit.

Amount of Time to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in San Diego

In the state of California, the law requires that all personal injury claims be filed with a 2-year period as well as all property damages to be filed with 3 years. Because these cases can be very time consuming and a lengthy process, we highly recommend you act fast. If for some reason you submit a personal injury claim after the 2-year deadline, it is not impossible, however it would require a valid reason for the extension and it becomes a more challenging process.

The state of California requires all drivers to have valid automobile insurance while operating their vehicle. All insurance companies include at the very least a minimum liability coverage in the case of an accident. If you find yourself in an automobile accident, whether you’re the victim or perpetrator, you are required by law to have the valid automobile insurance in your car. If you do not have auto insurance at the time of an accident your car will likely be impounded or towed from the scene and your license can be suspended. In addition, if you caused the accident you will be personally responsible for paying any damages or medical bills for both parties involved in the accident.

Five Tips to Follow After a Car Accident

We have compiled a list of what are some key things to do after a car accident. These are simple tips but would help you gain thousands if you do them correctly

  • Avoid Taking Responsibility For The Car Accident

Individuals must avoid making statements or saying anything that acknowledges responsibility for a motor vehicle accident because these types of statements can later be used against an individual. It is easy for individuals who are involved in a car accident to become nervous or excited. These emotions can negatively affect an individual’s handling of an accident. Instead, individuals do best to remain calm and handle events in a resolved manner

  • Contact Emergency Services At The Car Accident Scene

When the situation requires, individuals should use emergency services. Law enforcement can prove helpful is the other drive is uncooperative, while medical assistance can be necessary if anyone involved in the accident is injured. After a motor vehicle accident, individuals must take special care to not leave the scene of the accident. If you leave the scene of an accident before emergency personal arrives then you will be charged with a crime.

  • Keep All Documentation For Your San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

People must make sure to keep documentation of all paperwork about the accident including medical bills, police reports, and any other written information that records either how the accident or the resulting damages occurred. Drivers who are not happy with one particular estimate can obtain second or third estimates from other repair shops.

  • Seek Medical Treatment At The Advice Of Your Car Accident Attorney

If you are visibly injured during a motor vehicle accident, you should seek medical treatment. Not only is it important to maintain your health, seeking medical treatment also provides a record so that you can later show an insurance company your condition.

  • Take Photos of the Scene

Nowadays, many people carry smartphones with cameras. If available, use a camera to take photographs of various elements of the accidents including property damage to vehicles and any other objects, the specific location where the accident, and any visible injuries that were caused by the accident. Individuals should make sure to talk to witnesses after an accident and to gather contact information for these witnesses. Eye witness accounts often prove advantageous in arguing how a motor vehicle accident occurred. Your attorneys will re visit the scene and often document the crash site as well.

It can be quite a scary situation when a car accident occurs. There are sometimes injuries or severe property damage and no one can predict what the future will hold. An attorney can take the burden off of you and get you the recovery you deserve.

Experienced San Diego Car Accident Attorneys

To speak with an experienced automobile personal injury attorney, call a San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer today for a free consultation. One of our trusted attorneys can discuss the details of your accident and go over all the options to assist you in your lawsuit. You may be confused, worried and and not know what to do after an accident, this is why we have a team of professional and experienced team of attorneys on your side.

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