San Diego Car Accident Attorney

Car Accident Attorney in San Diego, California

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. When you’re dealing with serious injuries and insurance companies that seem more interested in protecting their bottom line than helping you recover, the legal complexities can feel insurmountable.

At Setareh Law, we understand the challenges you’re facing after a car accident in San Diego. Our experienced legal team has recovered over $250 million for injured clients throughout California. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we secure a favorable outcome for you.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in San Diego?

The moments following a car accident are critical for both your health and any potential legal claim. Your immediate priority should always be seeking medical attention, even if you don’t feel seriously injured right away. Many car accident injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms until hours or days later.

After ensuring everyone’s safety, document the scene as thoroughly as possible. Take photographs of the following:

• All vehicles involved
• Any visible injuries
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs or signals

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and collect contact details from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.

Contact law enforcement to file an official police report, which will serve as crucial evidence for your claim. Be honest about what happened, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident. Insurance adjusters may use any statements you make against you later, so it’s essential to stick to the facts of what you observed.

How Do I Prove Fault in a San Diego Car Accident Case?

Establishing fault in a car accident requires demonstrating the other driver acted negligently and that their negligence directly caused your injuries. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident.

Evidence Collection Methods

Typical forms of evidence used to prove fault vary depending on the specific circumstances of your accident.

Essential evidence includes:

• Police reports and official accident documentation
• Witness statements from people who saw the collision occur
• Traffic camera footage and surveillance video from nearby businesses
• Accident reconstruction analysis performed by qualified experts

Your attorney will examine multiple sources to build the strongest possible case for your claim.

Physical Evidence Analysis

Physical evidence from the scene can be compelling in establishing liability. Skid marks, damage patterns, and debris location all tell a story about how the accident occurred and who was responsible for causing it.

Your attorney will also examine factors such as traffic violations, cell phone records to check for distracted driving, and vehicle maintenance records that might have contributed to the accident. This comprehensive approach helps ensure no stone is left unturned in proving your case.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a San Diego Car Accident?

Car accident victims in San Diego may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages depending on the circumstances of their case. Economic damages cover your tangible financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate you for the pain and suffering you’ve endured.

Economic Damages

Economic damages typically have specific dollar amounts attached to them, making them easier to calculate than other forms of compensation.

Economic damages include:

• Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, and ongoing care
• Lost wages from time away from work during recovery
• Future medical care costs for long-term treatment needs
• Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings

Keep in mind, accurately projecting future costs requires careful analysis and often expert testimony.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages encompass your physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact the accident has had on your relationships. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes cost the United States hundreds of billions of dollars annually when accounting for both economic losses and quality of life impacts.

While these damages are more subjective, they represent a significant portion of many car accident settlements. Your attorney will work to document how the accident has affected every aspect of your daily life.

What Makes a Car Accident Case Complex in San Diego?

Several factors can complicate car accident cases and make professional legal representation essential. Multi-vehicle accidents involving several drivers and insurance companies require careful investigation to determine each party’s level of responsibility.

Cases involving serious injuries require extensive medical documentation and expert testimony to properly value future care needs. These injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Permanent disabilities

Determining the full scope of available insurance coverage can also be challenging. In addition to the at-fault driver’s policy, you may be able to recover from your own uninsured motorist coverage, umbrella policies, or commercial insurance if the accident occurred during work hours.

Contact Setareh Law for Your San Diego Car Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in San Diego, you don’t have to face the legal battle alone. Our experienced team of San Diego personal injury lawyers understands the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts, and we’re prepared to fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. With over 60 years of combined experience and more than 400 five-star reviews, we have the knowledge to handle even the most complex car accident cases.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your situation while you’re focused on recovering from your injuries. Contact Setareh Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options. Call us at (310) 659-1826 or contact us to get started on your path to recovery.