San Diego Car Accident Attorneys
If you have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle wreck, you can count on the San Diego Car Accident Lawyers of Bisnar Chase to deliver you the justice and settlement you deserve. We have experienced auto collision attorneys who will remain on your side, fight for your rights and ensure that you are fully compensated for your losses.
The outcome of a personal injury claim can have long-term financial repercussions.
At Bisnar Chase, we have over 40 years of experience have held 96% success rate in winning clients the maximum compensation they need to recover.
Contact us now at 1-800-561-4887 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
San Diego Car Accident Statistics
San Diego car accidents have increased over the years. Factors that have contributed to these accidents include distracted driving and drivers operating a vehicle under the influence. It has also been reported that San Diego is one of the deadliest counties in California with over 201 fatal car accidents over a collective amount of years.
According to reports more people are dying on California roads. "Traffic deaths in California rose 13 percent — more than double the national increase."
One of the main causes of car crashes in San Diego County was speeding. In San Diego cars have proven to be deadlier than guns. Speeding not only puts other motorists at risk but a speeding ticket can also be expensive.
Section 22350 of California vehicle code :
“No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and surface and width of, the highway. In no event, shall a speed such as to endanger the safety of persons or property.”
San Diego Motor Vehicle Accident Frequently Asked Questions
If you have been injured in an auto accident you may find yourself confused and distressed. After seeking medical attention and confirming with the authorities that no one was severely injured, you probably are wondering what your next step will be.
The law firm of Bisnar Chase is here to provide you with the answers you need for questions like:
- How much time do I have to file a personal injury claim? The California Courts state that a person has "Two years from the injury. If the injury was not discovered right away, then it is 1 year from the date the injury was discovered." Legal experts say that you should not speak to an insurance company until you have spoken to a lawyer. Remember the sole duty of an insurance company is to give you the lowest amount of compensation for damages you have faced after your car accident.
- Can I file a claim on behalf of my family member? If you have experienced the death of a loved one due to someone's negligence you have the right to file a wrongful death claim. The law allows any surviving family members such as children, parents or spouses to file a claim on the behalf of the deceased. If the car crash victim was a minor then the parents would have to file on behalf of the child. Most of the time minors are unable to collect their settlement until they are 18 years old.
- What type of evidence do I need to strengthen my motor vehicle accident case? Having evidence such as witness accounts, photographs or police reports would be valuable in proving negligence for your San Diego car accident claim. Auto collision victims make the mistake of not taking photos of the scene itself. It is important to take pictures of the surrounding area. Keep these questions in mind. "Was there any property damage to objects such as telephone poles or traffic lights?", "Are there skid marks on the road that can indicate the other driver was speeding?", "Was their alcohol inside of the car of the other driver?"
- How do I collect damages if I am self-employed? If you are self-employed trying to earn compensation can be lengthy and complex. If you are self-employed you may be referred to as an independent contractor. Your legal advisor will base your missing wages on your past employment. This may not be the only option you can take though if you are self-employed and find yourself injured after a car accident. Contact a San Diego car accident lawyer to discover more ways of winning the compensation you need to recover.
- Who do I turn to for legal representation? The San Diego auto accident attorneys of Bisnar Chase have collected over $500 million in winnings for victims of catastrophic car accidents. Our personal injury law firm has sustained a 96% success rate for the last 40 years. When you call our law offices today you will receive a free consultation with a top-notch legal expert. Contact us at 1-800-561-4887.
Common Types of San Diego Car Wreck Injuries
Hundreds of people are injured in San Diego car accidents every year. Victims of vehicle collisions often face significant challenges when it comes to recovering fair compensation for the injuries and damages they have sustained.
Common physical injuries that are experienced during a car crash include:
Head injuries: Many people after a car accident experience what is known as whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth leaving the injury victim with symptoms such as dizziness, numbness in arms or stiffness in the neck. In serious motor vehicle collisions, auto collision victims can suffer from a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury is the skull pummeling into an object like a car window or steering wheel. Head injuries that are commonly experienced in a catastrophic car crash can be open head wounds, concussions or hematomas.
Back injuries: Victims of car accidents can experience either mild or major types of back injuries. Experts refer to back soreness after an accident as disogenic pain. Disogenic pain is related to any damage that has debilitated any one of the spinal discs in the back. Back injuries can not only cause severe discomfort but can also be paralyzing if the injury goes beyond a sprain. Constant physical therapy may be an option for treatment after an accident in order to regain mobility for everyday tasks. If the back injury proves to be minor, experts say that medications and cold or hot compressions can help alleviate the pain.
Broken bones: It is common for car accident victims to experience multiple fractures after a collision. Broken bones can occur in an accident due to a person being crushed by a car, a victim being thrown with great force in or out of the car or a person striking a part of the car. Some bones that are normally broken during an accident include bones in the legs, arms, clavicle, hips or ribs. People who experience fractures in the face may need dental reconstruction to repair missing or replace teeth.
Dealing with insurance companies, defense attorneys, paperwork and court procedures on your own can be extremely stressful and challenging. Let us take this burden off your shoulders, especially at a time when you and your loved ones should be focusing on recovery and returning to normalcy. We, at Bisnar Chase, are experts in personal injury and will inform you of your legal rights and options. We can assure you that we will get you the settlement you deserve.
Damages You Can Claim After A San Diego Car Accident
People who were injured in car accidents are not the only ones who are affected financially and emotionally after a crash. The families of the injured can also face some setbacks if the person who was involved in the accident was the sole breadwinner of the household. Fortunately, injury victims can be compensated for their losses after a wreck.
Below are the damages that are frequently claimed in a car accident lawsuit.
- Damage to the vehicle: Car crashes can cause an extensive amount of damages to a vehicle and some cars are even totaled. What many do not take into account most of the time is the expenses that come with towing the car to a junkyard or dealership. The insurance company will determine if your car is salvageable and if it is, are they willing to pay for the damages? If you feel as though you are not being offered enough compensation by an insurance company speak to an auto accident lawyer in San Diego to explore your legal options.
- Medical bills: Countless accident victims do not know that when they are rushed to an emergency room for immediate medical treatment they soon after have to pay a fee for the use of an ambulance. Not only that but they are left with medical expenses for exams such as x-rays and CAT Scans. Compensation associated with medical bills can often change due to the progression of your injury. If for example, you were initially diagnosed with a minor head injury and later on a blood clot or hematoma developed your lawyer can make adjustments for the amount of compensation you should obtain.
- Lost wages: When filing a claim one of the damages that your auto accident attorney in San Diego will fight for are terms known as "loss of income" and "lost earning capacity". Loss of income is associated with the current state of employment for the accident victim. Victims of vehicle collisions often have to take time out of work to recover from their injuries. Employees may have to use sick and vacation days and may even lose out on promotions due to their injury. A lost of earning capacity is related to the accident victims ability to make earnings in the future.
Comparative Fault in California
In California, comparative fault means that both parties involved in an accident can file for compensation for losses. Comparative fault also states that not only one person can be completely liable for a collision. Liability is complex and often times a hard aspect to prove.
When the fault is shared this can lead both parties to "split the bill" on damages that were caused in the accident.
The steps you take after being involved in a San Diego traffic accident could affect your ability to receive compensation for the crash. You must determine if you or anyone else has been injured before anything else. If someone has sustained an injury, you must remain at the crash site and notify the authorities.
It is also helpful to:
- Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver or drivers involved.
- Write down the name and phone number of anyone who may have witnessed the crash.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the crash site and of your injuries.
- Write down exactly when and where the crash took place.
- Get your side of the story into the police report. Later, you can request a copy of the report from the traffic division.
- Seek out immediate medical attention to document your injuries and increase your chances of making a full recovery.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Vehicle Crash
Dealing with insurance companies is one of the most frustrating aspects of pursuing compensation for a car crash. Insurance adjusters are highly trained to look for any reason to deny your claim. You must refuse to have your conversations recorded and make sure that you are prepared before making the phone call. We also urge you to have notes available about the crash in front of you and remain concise and brief with your answers.
If it is clear that the other driver was responsible for the accident, the insurance company may offer you a small settlement to make the case go away. It is important that you do not sign any paperwork without first having your attorney look at the offer.
Once you accept a settlement, you will no longer be able to receive compensation for the crash. Rushing into a quick settlement is one of the most common mistakes car accident victims make during the claims process. Bisnar Chase is knowledgeable when it comes to car accident cases and will help you make the best decisions in these situations.
Filing an Auto Accident Claim in San Diego
If you are not offered an adequate settlement that covers all of your losses, you may have it in your best interest to file an injury claim against the at-fault driver. Filing a lawsuit is sometimes the only way to get fair compensation for your considerable losses.
For your claim to be successful, you will have to show that the at-fault driver was negligent in some way. If you are successful in showing that negligence was a contributing factor in the collision, then, financial support should be available for your financial, emotional and physical losses.
The Value of your Accident Injury Claim
Since every claim is different, there is no magic formula to determine how much your claim is worth without reviewing the specifics of your case. Victims of San Diego crashes may never return to work or earn what they once were capable of earning. In such cases, support may be available for future lost income as well. It is also possible to receive compensation for non-economic losses. Pain and suffering should be included in claims involving serious injuries. Keep a journal of your daily struggles since the crash.
Because there are so many variables when dealing with an accident injury, we recommend you contact one of our highly experienced San Diego car accident lawyers for a Free case evaluation to review your legal options.
Why Choose Bisnar Chase's San Diego Car Accident Lawyers?
If you have been injured in a car accident, call us immediately to see how we can assist you with your personal injury. With no obligation, you have nothing to lose and you may be entitled to compensation. Call the Personal Injury Lawyers at Bisnar Chase at 1-800-561-4887.
With over 40 years of experience and $500 Million won in settlements and verdicts representing our clients, we have the resources and have the experience in a variety of practice areas.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.