The aftermath of a car accident can be an overwhelming experience, to say the least. While you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party, it can be challenging to determine the best course of action and your next steps.
Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our San Diego car accident attorneys have over 80 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $100 million for injured clients throughout California.
Contact our law office in San Diego, CA, today at (858) 551-2090 to arrange a free consultation.
How Pines Salomon Can Help With Your San Diego Car Accident Claim
A car accident claim involves far more than filing paperwork. Insurance companies are focused on limiting payouts, and they often use strategies that pressure injured people into accepting less than they deserve. Having an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer on your side can set you up for success and level the playing field with the defendant.
When you hire Pines Salomon, we will:
- Investigate the cause of your accident
- Collect the necessary evidence
- Determine the full value of your damages
- Manage all of the communications with the insurance companies
- Negotiate a settlement that reflects the impact of your injuries
- File a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer
Contact our San Diego car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
If you’re unsure what to do next, keep reading to find out how to protect yourself and build a strong claim after a crash in San Diego, California.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
Your health should be your first priority. It’s important to receive medical attention regardless of whether you’ve sustained an obvious injury. Some types of injuries, including concussions, do not always show symptoms right away.
Medical documentation can also play a major role in your personal injury claim. The insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries were unrelated to the accident, so getting prompt treatment helps establish a clear record linking your injuries to the crash.
From there, follow your recommended treatment plan and keep copies of your medical bills, prescriptions, and visit summaries. These records can later support your claim for damages as well.
Step 2: Report the Accident
After any accident resulting in injury and/or significant vehicle damage, you are required to report it to law enforcement. In San Diego, the police will usually come to the scene to document what happened and draft a crash report on your behalf, but you may need to take steps to do so if they don’t.
The police report can become valuable evidence when determining fault. It may include:
- The officer’s observations
- Driver statements
- Witness accounts
- A diagram of the crash scene
Be honest and factual when speaking with police officers at the scene, but avoid admitting fault and apologizing to anyone about the accident.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If it is safe to do so, take steps to gather information while you’re still at the crash site. Useful evidence includes:
- Photos of any property damage
- Photos of the roadway, traffic signs, and weather conditions
- Contact and insurance information for all drivers
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
This information can help your attorney determine what happened and strengthen your case as much as they can. Evidence collected at the scene is often more reliable than accounts gathered later when memories fade.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
California requires drivers to report accidents to their insurance company within a reasonable timeframe. Most insurers expect notification within a few days, but keep in mind that the insurance companies are not on your side (even your own).
When making your report:
- Provide basic facts only.
- Do not guess about your injuries.
- Do not give a recorded statement.
- Do not accept fault.
The adjusters you speak with may try to use what you say against you; speaking with a lawyer first can help you avoid costly mistakes and maintain your right to full compensation. If the other driver’s insurer has already contacted you, it’s best to redirect them to your personal injury attorney.
Step 5: Understand Your Legal Options
Car accident victims in San Diego may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
- Long-term impairment
- Loss of quality of life
California follows an at-fault system, meaning the party who caused the crash is responsible for covering these damages. You may be able to file an insurance claim and/or personal injury lawsuit against the driver and other liable parties.
Contact Our San Diego Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation After an Accident
If you were involved in a car accident in San Diego, California, Pines Salomon can help you pursue maximum compensation. Our San Diego car accident lawyers have recovered over $100 million for our clients to date and will make your case our priority if you hire us to represent you.
