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San Diego Car Accidents
San Diego, with a 2018 population of 1.425 million, is California’s second largest city and the eight largest in the country. The city’s large population, large number of tourists to the area, and huge commuting community mean that roads are congested, and injury-causing accidents occur daily. According to the latest report from California’s Office of Traffic Safety, 5,644 individuals were injured or killed in the city limits during 2017 and 11,753 people during the same time period in San Diego County.
Common Causes of San Diego Car Accidents
San Diego is a busy area with hundreds of thousands of people commuting to the area daily from cities as far away as Los Angeles and Riverside. The sprawl of cities in San Diego County, as well as the massive freeways that cut through the area including the 5, 805, 15, and 8, mean drivers on city streets as well as major highways need to exercise caution to avoid accidents. However, congestion, road rage, poor driving conduct, and distraction all mean that some accidents occur even when you take proper precautions and practice safe driving. Car accidents are commonly caused by:
- Tailgating
- Racing
- Speeding
- Distracted driving such as texting and driving
- Improper lane change
- Road hazards and defects
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Mechanical failure
- Failing to yield
- Driving too fast for existing road conditions.
However, any number of reasons can result in catastrophic accidents. In March 2020, a driver was killed when his vehicle struck a curb and crashed into a tree on Black Mountain Road.
Injuries Caused by San Diego Car Accidents
Even if you’re not hurt, car accidents can be frustrating. However, when injuries happen the consequences affect your life much more seriously – physical and emotional pain, massive medical bills, inability to work, and property damage to your vehicle can turn your life upside down. A driver’s negligence behind the wheel can easily cause serious or even fatal injuries to unsuspecting victims, including:
- Whiplash,
- Internal bleeding,
- Lacerations and contusions,
- Broken bones,
- Back and spinal cord injuries, and
- Head injuries including potentially fatal traumatic brain injuries.
What to Do After a San Diego Car Accident
Even though you may be overwhelmed after a car accident, there are a few important steps to take.
- Notify law enforcement – Call 911 immediately. Notify law enforcement and give a detailed statement to help them prepare an accident report.
- Gather relevant evidence and documents – If you can, gather evidence related to the accident and your injuries. Photograph the scene, the vehicles, and any evidence such as skid marks that may suggest fault. Get eyewitness contact information. Get a copy of the completed accident report from the local police station or your insurance company. Keep copies of your medical records, evidence of lost wages such as pay stubs, and receipts from any bills related to your damages.
- Get Medical Attention Immediately – It’s important to seek medical attention even if you believe you weren’t hurt in the accident. Not only will an evaluation help you look after your health and establish documentation for your injures, it may save your life. Some injuries don’t present symptoms immediately but can be fatal if left untreated.
- Say as Little as Possible – Your words can be used against you, so try to avoid admitting fault or apologizing. Don’t speculate about your injuries (or lack of injuries), don’t say you’re “okay” or “fine,” and don’t guess if you’re not sure of the answer to any questions. Also, avoid giving recorded statements to insurers unless you’ve consulted an attorney first.
- Contact an Experienced San Diego car accident attorney – A car accident can be a traumatic, confusing, and frustrating experience even if you’re not injured. To avoid additional headaches while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery, it’s advisable to contact a knowledgeable San Diego car accident attorney for help managing the aftermath and recovery process.
Recovering for your San Diego Car Accident Claim
After a San Diego car accident, you should be compensated for all your injuries inflicted by another person’s negligence or reckless behavior. Victims most commonly begin pursuing compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for injuries sustained in the accident. If you hire an experienced San Diego car accident attorney, they can handle communications with the insurer, conduct investigations to determine fault and the value of your case, and negotiate on your behalf to get the best offer possible. If a fair settlement offer can’t be reached, you may need to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages from the responsible party.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Suits
Depending on your situation, you will need to file either a personal injury or a wrongful death lawsuit to pursue damages for your injuries. Though nothing will undo the trauma you’ve experienced, you may be entitled to compensatory damages for personal injuries such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. If a San Diego car accident resulted in the death of your loved one, you may be entitled to damages from a wrongful death suit for financial harms you’ve suffered as a result of the death and the value of lost companionship, love, and support in the household.
Speak to An Attorney About Your San Diego Car Accident Case Today
If a car accident occurs in or around San Diego and you’re injured or lose a loved one as a result, take steps as quickly as possible in order to get the compensation you deserve. One important step is contacting an experienced San Diego car accident attorney like Alan Daneshrad. Mr. Daneshrad and his team can help avoid headaches related to dealing with insurance companies, fight for maximum compensation for your injuries, and look out for your best interests, and build the best case possible. You should be able focus on recovering from your tragic, needless injuries and getting your life back on track.
The skilled team at Daneshrad Law has the knowledge, drive, and resources to thoroughly review the facts, investigate your case, and aggressively litigate your claim. We deliver tenacious, committed representation but also communicate compassionately with you while we litigate on your behalf. Don’t let your San Diego car accident personal injury or wrongful death case wreck your peace of mind. We offer a free, no risk, no obligation consultation to talk about your case. Call us at (310) 858-8239 or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation. Let us review your case, answer your questions, and get started today.
