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Top San Diego, CA Car Accident Lawyers Near You

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San Diego Car Accident Information

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Lead Counsel independently verifies Car Accident attorneys in San Diego by conferring with California bar associations and conducting annual reviews to confirm that an attorney practices in their advertised practice areas and possesses a valid bar license for the appropriate jurisdictions.

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Are You the Victim of a Car Accident?

If you have been in a car accident, whether you are injured or not, and whether you were at fault or not, it is in your best interest to be represented by a San Diego lawyer specializing in car accident law. Now is not the time to handle things on your own.

Car Accident Legal Issues

You may have heard that the driver who runs into the back of another vehicle is at fault. That is not always true. For example, if the car in front abruptly stops and you do not have time to stop, you may not be at fault unless you were following too closely or speeding.

In a serious collision that involves injury or death, determining what happened is crucial in order to win your case in civil court. If you think you were not hurt, think again. Injury to the neck and back, commonly known as whiplash, may not be immediately noticeable. It could be days or even months before you feel pain. It is best to keep a diary regularly detailing how you feel to help prove your injury.

What should you do after a car accident?

After a car accident, you should call the police to give a statement and file a report. You should always get checked by a doctor or by first responders at the accident scene. Adrenaline may mask the pain of injuries right after your accident, and having documentation will help your claim. If you are able, you should also take pictures of the accident scene.

How much can you get in a car accident settlement?

Your settlement will depend on the seriousness of your injuries and what kind of financial damage those injuries cause. If you require extensive medical care and miss a lot of time from work, your claim will likely be more valuable. It will also depend on what the defense offers and what they feel they can prove if a case goes to trial. An attorney can help make a reasonable estimate of current and future losses.

How long do you have to make a car accident claim?

All states have statutes of limitations for filing personal injury and car accident claims. In many states, there is either a limit of two or three years to file a claim. It is important to talk with an attorney to make sure you do not miss any deadlines for taking action.

Can you get money without a lawyer?

In many car accident claims, the negligent driver’s insurance company may make you a quick settlement offer. In all likelihood, this settlement offer may not be enough for any financial losses that you have yet to consider, such as ongoing medical needs. So while it is possible to collect compensation without an attorney’s help, having a skilled car accident attorney evaluate your case and negotiate on your behalf could increase your chances of recovering more than that initial settlement offer.

What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?

Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances – such as being charged with a crime – where you should always seek experienced legal help.

How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation

Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.

How will an attorney charge me?

A reputable attorney will be very upfront about how he/she will charge you. The three most common fee structures that attorneys use to charge for their services are:

  • Bill by the hour
  • Contingent fee agreement
  • Flat fee agreement

Depending on your specific legal situation, it’s possible that only one type of fee structure is available. For instance, criminal defense attorneys almost always bill by the hour. In a flat fee arrangement, an attorney accepts a one-time payment to help you resolve your issue. With a contingent fee agreement, the client pays little to nothing upfront and the attorney receives a percentage of the money recovered if you win your case.

Common legal terms explained

Affidavit – A sworn written statement made under oath. An affidavit is meant to be a supporting document to the court assisting in the verification of certain facts. An affidavit may or may not require notarization.

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