Disclaimer: *Steve and Rich Barnes have obtained millions in recoveries for their clients and have supervised over $2.5 Billion Dollars in settlements.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
San Diego is the second-largest city in California, with 1.3 million residents citywide and 3 million residents countywide. With such high population numbers, it’s no surprise that San Diego accounts for over 49,000 motor vehicle crashes per year.
At The Barnes Firm, our team of experienced San Diego car crash lawyers will work hard for you to help you get the best result possible for your case. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in or near San Diego, call the trusted car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.
After being injured in a car accident, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney at The Barnes Firm can help you get your questions answered and help you understand what your case might be worth. Our team of car accident lawyers work tirelessly to help our clients get the best result throughout the greater San Diego area. Call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 and find out what your case is worth – it could be the best call you make.
| Settlement | Type of Accident | Description |
|---|---|---|
| $2,010,000.00 | Car Accident | Client injured after being rear ended. |
| $500,000.00 | Car Accident | Client was injured in a rear-end accident. |
| $300,000.00 | Car Accident | Client was hit head-on, sustaining ankle and neck injuries. |
| $215,000.00 | Car Accident | Client susatined head, back, neck, and shoulder injuries in a car accident. |
| $200,000.00 | Car Accident | Client was rear-ended - sustaining head, shoulder, and rib injuries. |
Being in a car accident can be traumatic and leave you with many questions. If you have been injured in a car accident, our team of experienced San Diego car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm recommend you take the following steps:
Remember, the steps you take after a car accident can be as important as the accident itself. Taking the right steps can ensure your safety and secure the compensation you deserve.
San Diego, with its beautiful coastline, bustling city life, and major freeways, sees a high volume of traffic daily. While many drives are smooth and uneventful, accidents, unfortunately, do occur.
Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of car accidents in San Diego:
The prevalence of smartphones and other electronic devices has made distracted driving a leading cause of accidents, not just in San Diego but across the country. Texting, checking GPS, or even changing the radio can divert a driver’s attention long enough to cause an accident.
High-speed roads like the I-5, I-8, and I-15, combined with the impatience of drivers, often result in speeding, a significant contributor to accidents. Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
Despite rigorous law enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns, drunk or drug-impaired driving remains a pressing concern in San Diego, leading to numerous preventable accidents each year.
While San Diego is known for its sunny and warm climate, the occasional rain can make roads slick and hazardous. Many drivers are unaccustomed to wet conditions, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.
Intersections are common spots for collisions, often caused by drivers who attempt to beat a red light or who fail to stop entirely at a stop sign.
This includes aggressive maneuvers, tailgating, and changing lanes without signaling. Such behaviors can easily startle other drivers and lead to accidents.
Drivers who are tired or drowsy can have slowed reaction times or might even doze off at the wheel, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
Potholes, uneven road surfaces, or a lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents. While drivers are always urged to be cautious, sometimes unforeseen road conditions can lead to mishaps.
Occasionally, car accidents are caused not by the actions of the driver but by a vehicle malfunction, such as brake failure or a tire blowout.
Novice or young drivers might not have the experience to handle complex traffic situations or might be more prone to take risks, increasing the chance of collisions.
In summary, while San Diego offers a scenic driving experience, many factors can contribute to car accidents. Awareness of these common causes and practicing safe driving habits can go a long way in reducing the likelihood of accidents on the road.
“I have experienced first hand how devastating a serious injury can be for individuals and their families. When I was a teenager, I was a passenger in a catastrophic automobile accident that forever changed my life. Despite the years of rehabilitation and the permanent scarring, my most painful memory wasn’t physical; it was of the strain that the financial uncertainty placed on my family. I’ll never forget the concerned look on my parents’ faces as they sifted through the mountain of unpaid medical bills.”
Our team of San Diego car accident lawyers have experience handling all types of car accident cases, including:
If you were injured in a car accident, your number one priority should be recovering from your injuries and The Barnes Firm is here to help you do that. When you partner with our team of San Diego car accident lawyers, we will launch a full investigation into your accident and the circumstances surrounding it, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and prepare everything needed to take your case to trial if necessary. After an accident, don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer from the insurance company. Call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 and find out what your case is really worth.
California car accident laws are the rules and regulations that govern the rights and responsibilities of drivers and passengers involved in motor vehicle collisions in the state:
In California, you can file a claim against the party or parties responsible for your car accident if you can prove liability. Even if you are found to be partially at-fault for your accident, you can still recover compensation. At The Barnes Firm, our experienced car accident attorneys have successfully handled cases holding the following parties responsible:
Car accident claims in California can be very complicated. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm will help navigate the laws and liability of your car accident to help you get the best result possible.
If you were injured in a car accident, it is wise to seek medical attention, no matter the severity of your injuries. A medical professional can help treat and diagnose any injuries you have after an accident. After seeking medical attention, call an experienced attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our team of San Diego car accident lawyers have helped car accident victims with many injuries, including:
Medical bills from these injuries may start to pile up after a car accident. Hiring a trusted car accident attorney at The Barnes Firm can help you obtain the compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident.
Every car accident is different so the financial compensation you receive will depend on the circumstances surrounding the crash. After thoroughly reviewing your accident, our experienced team of San Diego car accident lawyers can help secure compensation for:
The Barnes Firm will work hard to help you recover all compensation for your accident case. Call us today to get started filing your car accident claim.
California has a statute of limitations for car accident claims. A statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a lawsuit.
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the accident or injury. The statute of limitations for property damage claims is three years from the date of the accident. There are some exceptions and circumstances that can extend or shorten these deadlines, such as filing a claim against a government entity, discovering the cause of injury later, or having a minor plaintiff.
Selecting the right car accident lawyer in San Diego can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
No, California is not a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. In California, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages. This means if you’re involved in an accident in California, you have the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or sue the at-fault driver for damages.
Consider hiring our lawyers for a car accident in the following scenarios:
Remember, our car accident lawyers can provide guidance, ensure that your rights are protected, and aim to get the best possible outcome for your case. It’s always a good idea to consult with our firm after an accident to understand your options.
Whether the accident is big or small, contacting an experienced auto accident lawyer is crucial to your case. At The Barnes Firm, our experienced car crash lawyers will work hard to get you the best result possible for your case.
If you or a family member has been injured in a San Diego auto accident, find an auto accident lawyer near you at The Barnes Firm today. Whether you have a question or would like to start a personal injury claim, our attorneys are available 24/7 to help. Call (800) 800-0000 today for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.
Our office is located at 655 W Broadway, Ste. 940, near the heart of Downtown San Diego, just minutes from the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy.
A short drive away, you’ll find the scenic Embarcadero, home to the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, Balboa Park, and beautiful waterfront views.
With easy access to major highways and public transportation, our location provides convenience for clients across San Diego’s top neighborhoods.
The Barnes Firm offers legal representation for personal injury claims in the following neighborhoods and districts of San Diego:
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Client Reviews
The Barnes Firm was very friendly, always quick to respond to our calls, emails. When we had any questions or concerns they were there to walk us through everything. Would definitely recommend them to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will honestly fight for you and has your best interest in mind.
Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
One issue that often prevents accident victims from getting legal representation is concerns about cost. California car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay anything upfront for representation. Instead, you will pay a percentage from your settlement. If you do not win your case, you do not pay attorney fees. Your financial status should not prevent you from getting justice.
Learn more: How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for a Car Accident Case?
The amount you can recover for your car accident will depend on your case worth. Some factors to consider include injury severity and medical treatments. You might be eligible to recover compensation for:
Learn more: How much to expect from a car accident settlement in California?
You can take legal action against anyone who causes you injury or harm. When another driver is negligent, they must pay for their losses. You can file an insurance claim with their insurance company. However, if that does not pan out, the next step is filing a formal lawsuit.
Insurance companies have 85 days in California after a filling to issue a decision. That is a little less than three months. If a lawsuit is filed, it will take more time—most car accident cases (74%) resolve within 540 days. The National Center for State Courts average is closer to 486 days. Overall, 5% of accidents were resolved within a year. The average timeline will vary as numerous factors can shorten or extend the timeline.
You should get a lawyer even for a minor car accident. You might think you can handle a simple claim, but the insurance company will still push back to deny your claim. If they approve your claim, they may offer you less than your case worth.
If you’re at–fault, several things can happen. The injured victim can file a claim against you to recover damages. However, they may have contributed to the accident, which can help you reduce your liability.
Learn more: What happens if i’m at fault in a car accident California?
California works on vicarious liability. This law means a car owner is responsible for whatever happens when they lend their vehicle to someone. So the driver and the vehicle owner can share responsibility.
Learn more: What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in California?
You must call the police to report the accident. Then, you must gather evidence at the scene and get medical attention. You should also speak to a California car accident lawyer to start your claim.
Many factors can impact how long it takes to settle a claim. Your case may take longer if you suffer a severe injury. If you are still undergoing medical treatment, that can also lengthen the time frame. The insurance company policies will also impact case length. They may intentionally be delaying the process.
Needing to work with experts or file a formal lawsuit will also be an issue that can lengthen your settlement. When you file a formal complaint, the litigation process gets even longer. Another reason your car accident settlements take so long is because you do not have appropriate legal representation.
If the driver does not own the vehicle, you can file a claim with the owner’s insurance company. If the owner knowingly let the unlicensed driver take the car, they are liable for your damages.
Learn more: What happens if an unlicensed driver has an accident with my car?
Often, crash victims do not get medical attention. They may think their injuries are minor and do not require treatment. Sometimes, they do not want to deal with the inconvenience of making and attending doctor appointments. Sometimes, the lack of visible physical injuries is the reason. No matter why you are delaying your medical treatment, you must not. Failing to get medical attention can lead to serious legal issues.
While it is best to get medical attention immediately, you should see a doctor as soon as you feel any symptoms. Medical records are crucial as they will create a foundation for your case. It might be too late if you wait months or years after the accident to see a doctor. It is advised to go within a few days or a week.
Car accidents stay on your driving record for three years. If a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials were involved, it could stay for ten years.
Learn more:How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record in California?
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