Car accidents have the potential to ruin your life. They can result in life-changing injuries and astronomical medical bills, not to mention pain and suffering. The stress that ensues can be overwhelming. You don’t have to go through all this alone. An experienced car accident lawyer at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys can help you get through such tough times by handling your claim as you concentrate on your recovery.
At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we are dedicated to getting you your deserved compensation to get you on the path to financial recovery. If you are a recent car crash victim, trust the skilled and compassionate personal injury attorneys at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys to come to your rescue.
We offer free case evaluations and handle auto accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Call (888) 965-3827 to set up a free consultation.
Car Accident Statistics
In 2020, around 3,723 deaths resulting from car accidents were reported in California, indicating a slight increase from 2019. Most of these fatal car accidents involved passenger cars.
How Much Does An Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most car accident lawyers charge a contingency fee instead of an hourly rate. You don’t need to worry about attorney fees or other costs when hiring an attorney who handles cases on a contingency payment plan. You only pay the lawyer after they recover money for you. Typically, a lawyer will take a percentage of whatever the judge or jury awards you. You will not be responsible for paying any lawyer fees if they do win you money.
What Should I Do Following an Auto Accident?
After a car crash, the most important thing to do is to remain at the accident scene. Do not make a run for it, even if it’s a minor crash. The Road Traffic Act requires you to stay at the scene of the crash. Here are the steps you should take after a car accident.
Contact Police
It would be best if you informed law enforcement right away. Call an ambulance, too, if there are any injuries. The responding officers will document the scene and prepare an accident report. This is important because you will need a police report when filing your claim with your insurer.
Check on Others
Check on other involved parties. Do not leave! Check if anyone needs urgent medical care and help where you can. In case of any fatalities, call the cops immediately.
Exchange Information
Gather basic information about the other parties involved in the crash. Be sure to get the phone numbers, names, drivers’ license numbers, addresses, license plate numbers, among other details. This is usually the job of investigating officers, but if they do not show up on time, it’s up to you to gather this information.
Record the Scene
Document the incident and scene. Take pictures of any visible injuries and damaged cars from different angles. Note down the names and addresses of all involved parties. Remember also to get the names and contact information of witnesses.
Never Admit Fault
Don’t take the blame for the accident. It is not your job to determine fault. Furthermore, if you admit fault for the accident, your statements might be used against you.
Seek Medical Attention
Visit a doctor to get medical treatment or a medical check-up if you do not have apparent injuries. Sometimes injuries manifest themselves after a couple of days or weeks.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer!
Get a car accident attorney right away. A car accident attorney will carry out investigations alongside experts, file your case, get your files in order and represent you in court.
Note
Compliance with the Road Traffic Act by remaining at the scene of the accident and by promptly involving law enforcement is not only a legal obligation but also a pivotal step in safeguarding your rights.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
You are not required by law to get representation. However, you would be missing out on many benefits if you do not hire a lawyer. An attorney knows the law better than you and is, therefore, better equipped to represent.
Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit
You need a lawyer to help prepare your case. An attorney will work with experts from various fields to investigate your case and determine fault. A lawyer will make sure that you file your claim within the stipulated timeline to avoid your claim being denied.
Pro Tip
Beyond mere legal representation, attorneys bring valuable expertise and resources to your case. By leveraging their network of experts across different domains, they can build a comprehensive strategy to bolster your claim’s strength and maximize your chances of success.
Settlement Negotiation
After you file your claim, an attorney can help you compute the value of your claim to begin negotiations for a reasonable and fair settlement amount.
Keep in mind that insurance companies only aim to make profits. Insurers will do their best to make sure they pay out the least amount of money possible. They might try to lowball you or refuse to payout altogether. A lawyer knows all these crude tactics used by insurance companies. An attorney will protect you from any exploitative tactics that the insurer might try to employ.
The car accident attorneys at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys are good negotiators. They will see to it that you get a fair settlement.
Local Results
Nurse Received $600,000 Settlement for Neck Injury Caused by an Accident with a Big Rig in San Diego
Case Type | Car Accident |
---|---|
Location | San Diego, CA |
Settlement | $600,000.00 |
Trial Preparation & Representation
If your case goes to trial, a lawyer can help you prepare for trial by sorting out the required paperwork, gathering evidence, taking on defense attorneys. Most importantly, an attorney will represent you in a trial before a judge.
How Much Can I Expect to Receive for My Damages?
The amount of money you can expect to receive depends on your damages and losses. The total for a car accident settlement should include your financial losses and an extra amount for your pain and suffering. You can only receive car accident settlement money if you meet California’s legal standards for compensation.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
Car accident victims in San Diego, California, can recover both compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages include all the financial and non-financial damages incurred.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are all the calculable financial losses and expenses you have incurred due to the accident. They include:
- Medical treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Property/vehicle repair or replacement
- Rehabilitation or therapy
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are all the damages that are not quantifiable. Car accident victims can receive compensation for non-financial damages, which may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Amputation or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life or activities
Tip
When seeking compensation for non-economic damages after a car accident, it’s crucial to document the impact of your injuries thoroughly. This documentation can include medical records, therapy sessions, journal entries detailing your emotional state, and testimonies from friends and family.
Punitive Damages
Unlike the other two counterparts, punitive damages are not compensatory. Rather, they aim to deter and punish the at-fault driver from ever engaging in similar egregious behavior in the future. Courts in California may award punitive damages to injured car accident victims when they find the guilty party to have been grossly reckless or negligent.
Further Reading
- Damages and Settlement: What Can I Recover?
- Can You Still Collect Damages if You Don’t Have Car Insurance?
How Is Fault Determined?
Since California is a comparative fault state, responsibility for San Diego accidents is divided among anyone and everyone who is at fault for the accident. This means that if you are found to share blame for your crash injuries, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are found to hold.
For instance, if you are involved in a crash, and the court determines that you shoulder 30 percent of the responsibility, the court will withhold 30 percent of the damages awarded to you.
How Long Do Auto Accident Victims Have to File a Claim in California?
You have two years beginning from the date of the accident or discovery of injury to bring forth a civil claim against the responsible party. If you don’t bring your claim forward within this period, you may not be able to pursue compensation anymore.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me During the Claims Process?
An auto accident lawyer can be an invaluable asset when filing your car accident claim. They can handle everything on your behalf, including but not limited to:
Report the Claim
Having handled many similar cases before, no one understands the claim process better than a car accident attorney. This is how an auto accident attorney can help file your insurance claim.
Investigate and Gather Information
Lawyers have many resources at their beck and call. A lawyer will seek the help of experts from various fields to help investigate your claim and gather crucial evidence. In addition, a lawyer will have a claims valuation expert compute the value of your car accident claim.
Appeal an Unfair Settlement or Denied Claim
If you are dissatisfied with the ruling or settlement verdict, an attorney can help you appeal the decision. An attorney can also help you appeal a denied claim.
What Can I Do if Insurance Denied My Claim?
If insurance denies your claim, all is not lost. Do not panic because insurance denies car accident claims for numerous reasons. You can file a formal complaint with the insurance department in California. Has the insurance company denied your claim after a car accident? Let our experienced and dedicated car accident lawyers fight for you.
Do I Have a Case?
Once our teams evaluate the details of your case, we can establish whether your claim is legitimate and tell you if you have a case after a denied claim.
How Can I Obtain an Accident Report?
First things first, you must be a party of interest to get a copy of your Traffic Collision Report. A party of interest can be a driver, passenger, vehicle owner, property owner, a victim’s legal guardian, or a parent of a minor.
The San Diego Police Department allows you to get a copy of your car accident report in person, by mail, or online. Alongside your request should be a $12 money order or check payable to San Diego’s city treasurer. You can request and order an online copy after searching for your report on the eCrash site.
After my car accident, KEVIN CROCKETT it’s been with me all the way and has showed what makes him a great attorney, mr. Crockett is a great person. I am extremely happy for all you done.
Donald Yupa
San Diego, CA Resident
San Diego Car Accident FAQs
Compensation for whiplash and anxiety after a car accident varies based on the severity of the injuries and the impact on your daily life. Settlements can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting with a lawyer can help you estimate a suitable compensation amount.
Factors that can reduce the amount paid in a claim settlement include shared fault in the accident, pre-existing conditions, and insufficient documentation of injuries or damages. Additionally, policy limits of the insurance coverage can also limit the settlement amount.
In California, insurance companies are required to report accidents to the DMV if the damage exceeds $1,000 or if there are any injuries. This reporting helps in maintaining accurate driving records.
To ask for a settlement offer, start by gathering all necessary documentation, such as medical bills and proof of lost wages. Submit a detailed claim to the insurance company, outlining your injuries and losses, and state a clear settlement amount you believe covers all your damages.
For pain from a herniated disc, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are commonly recommended. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan, especially if over-the-counter options are insufficient.
Back pain after a car accident can last from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the injury. If your back pain persists beyond a few weeks or worsens, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out serious injuries.
Contact Experienced Car Accident Lawyers
The aftermath of a car accident can turn your life and that of your loved one upside down, especially if you have sustained severe injuries and have a mountain of medical bills.
At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we understand the implications of a car accident and can handle every aspect of your claim, and give you ample time to recuperate. We are committed to recovering compensation for our esteemed clients in San Diego and all over California. Get in touch with the Text Kevin Accident Attorneys at (888) 965-3827 for a free case review.
San Diego FAQs
San Diego offers a wealth of attractions, including the famous San Diego Zoo, beautiful beaches like La Jolla Cove, and historical sites such as the USS Midway Museum. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene.
In San Diego, popular areas to stay include the Gaslamp Quarter for its lively atmosphere, La Jolla for luxury accommodations and ocean views, and Mission Bay for family-friendly resorts close to the beach.
San Diego is named after Saint Didacus (San Diego in Spanish), a Spanish Franciscan friar who lived in the 15th century. The city was named by Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo when he landed in the area in 1542.
San Diego is renowned for its diverse cuisine, including fresh seafood, authentic Mexican dishes, and farm-to-table dining experiences. Areas like Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter offer a variety of dining options from upscale restaurants to casual eateries.
As of the most recent estimates, San Diego has a population of approximately 1.4 million people, making it the second-largest city in California and the eighth-largest in the United States.
San Diego primarily sources its water from the Colorado River and the California State Water Project. The city also invests in water recycling programs and desalination to diversify its water supply.
San Diego Points of Interest
A massive urban park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.
Location:
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website:
balboapark.org
World-renowned zoo within Balboa Park, featuring a wide variety of animals and habitats.
Location:
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Website:
sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org
A museum located on the aircraft carrier USS Midway, showcasing naval aviation history.
Location:
910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Website:
midway.org
Preserves and recreates the historic heart of San Diego as it appeared in the 19th century.
Location:
4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110
Website:
parks.ca.gov
A waterfront shopping and dining complex with a scenic view of the harbor.
Location:
849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Website:
seaportvillage.com
Home to the San Diego Padres, this baseball stadium also hosts concerts and events.
Location:
100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Website:
mlb.com
San Diego Auto Body Shops
Location:
5233 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Website:
fixautousa.com
Location:
2285 Manya St, San Diego, CA 92154
Website:
crashchampions.com
Location:
7515 Dagget St, San Diego, CA 92111
Website:
caliber.com
Location:
7860 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Website:
penskecollisioncenter.com
Location:
3777 Gaines St, San Diego, CA 92110
Website:
bodyshopexpress.com
Location:
5670 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Website:
maaco.com
San Diego Neighborhoods We Serve
- 4S Ranch
- Allied Gardens
- Avaron At Del Sur
- Bay Ho
- Bay Park
- Bay Terraces
- Bird Rock
- Birdland
- Black Mountain Ranch
- Black Mountain Ranch South Village
- Black Mountain Village
- Black Mountain Ranch West
- Carmel Mountain Ranch
- Carmel Valley
- City Heights
- City Heights Park
- Clairemont
- Clairemont Mesa West
- Clairemont Mesa East
- College Area
- Coronado
- Crestmont
- Del Mar Heights
- Del Mar Mesa
- El Cerrito
- Encanto
- Fairmont Village
- Hidden Valley
- Hillcrest
- Jamacha-Lomita
- Kearny Mesa
- Kearny Mesa Townhomes
- La Jolla
- La Jolla Shores
- La Jolla Village
- La Mesa
- La Playa
- La Presa
- Lake Murray
- Liberty Station
- Lincoln Park
- Linda Vista
- Lomita
- Lower Hermosa
- Mira Mesa
- Miramar
- Miramar Ranch North
- Mission Bay
- Mission Bay Park
- Mission Beach
- Mission Valley
- Mission Valley East
- Morena
- Muirlands
- Muirlands West
- North City
- North Clairemont
- Oak Park
- Pacific Beach
- Pacific Highlands Ranch
- Paradise Hills
- Pelacio Del Mar
- Point Loma
- Point Loma Heights
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Encantada
- Rancho Peñasquitos
- Ridgeview/Webster
- Rolando Village
- Roseville – Fleet Ridge
- Sabrea Springs
- San Carlos
- Santa Monica
- Scripps Ranch
- Serra Mesa
- Sorrento Valley
- South Park
- Southcrest
- Southcrest Park Estates
- Torrey Highlands
- Torrey Highlands Village
- Torrey Hills
- Torrey Pines
- Torrey Preserve
- University City
- Valencia Park
- Village of La Jolla