San Diego Car Accident Attorneys

Motor Vehicle Accidents in San Diego

Thank you for visiting My San Diego Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney. We will attempt to give you as much information about Motor Vehicle Accidents in San Diego as possible on this site. Additionally, you can visit our “Why hire us” page to see what separates us from the other Motor Vehicle Accident lawyers in and around San Diego.

If you have been the victim of another person’s negligence, you could have more than initial medical bills and car repairs to deal with. If you have been injured seriously, you could face years of medical treatment, loss of income and reduced quality of life. The emotional and financial stress can be devastating. Call us at the Motor Vehicle Accident Law Offices of “insert attorney name” in San Diego. We will make sure you receive a fair settlement.

Overview

You must prove that the at-fault driver was negligent and did not use care in operating his or her vehicle.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, in the United States:
- Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for people ages 3 to 35
- Thousands of pedestrians are killed by automobiles each year
- Someone is involved in an auto accident every 10 seconds
- Millions of people are injured in vehicular accidents each year
- Thousands of people die each year from auto accidents
- Over 30% of auto accidents are caused by drunk drivers

Common causes of automobile accidents:
- Driver negligence/recklessness
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs
- Failure to yield – at intersections, making turns
- Tailgating – not keeping your distance from vehicle in front
- Road conditions – potholes, construction
- Fatigue
- Auto defects
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Weather conditions – rain, fog

Common injuries that occur:
- Whiplash
- Broken legs or arms
- Spinal cord, head, back, neck injuries

California State Car Accident Law

If you have been injured in an auto accident, you can file a claim for:
- Damages
  - Medical expenses
  - Property damage
  - Lost wages
  - Pain and suffering

California State Insurance Coverage

California Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law requires all California drivers to have at least minimum insurance coverage for their automobiles:
- $15,000 - death or bodily injury for 1 person
- $30,000 - death or bodily injury for more than 1 person
- $5,000 - property damage
Comprehensive, uninsured motorist, medical insurance is not required by California law.
Collision insurance – voluntary insurance which will pay for repairs on your vehicle.
California drivers are required to have at least minimum liability insurance to cover injury or property damage.
- Some counties have The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program available – low cost, reduced limit auto coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage will come from your own insurance policy.
Uninsured – The at-fault driver does not have liability insurance to pay for medical expenses and damages to your property.
Underinsured – The at-fault driver has minimum insurance coverage and not enough to pay for your damages.

What to do if an auto accident happens

Call the police or highway patrol– wait for them.
Call an ambulance if anyone is injured.
Get the information from other driver:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Driver’s license
- Insurance company name
Get names and numbers of all passengers and witnesses.
Make a note of the date, time, location and conditions (road, weather) surrounding the car accident.
Keep a camera in your car – take photos of your injuries, damages and road conditions.
Do not admit to any fault and do not settle with the other driver.
Call your insurance company as soon as you can and give them all the details.
See a doctor even if you feel okay.
Get a copy of the police report.
Contact one of our Motor Vehicle Accident attorneys.

Personal Injury

Bodily injury caused by another person’s negligence while driving.
You can be compensated for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional stress
- Disfigurement
- Etc.
There is a Statute of Limitation in filing a personal injury claim; file as quickly as possible.

Wrongful Death

The death of a loved one due to another person’s negligence or a wrongful act while driving.
You must prove that the other driver was negligent of:
- Damages
- Causation
- Etc.
An heir of the person who was killed can file for compensation of:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Financial support – lost future wages, benefits
- Love that has been taken away
- Comfort, care, companionship
You can also file for punitive damages if the other party is found legally responsible.
There is a statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim.

Conclusion
If you are involved in an auto accident in San Diego, you will need the expertise of an attorney from the Motor Vehicle Accident Law Offices of “insert attorney name”. We have the expertise you need in order to reach a fair settlement.