Were you recently hurt in a car accident in San Diego, California? A car accident claim allows you to seek compensation for medical treatment and the many other losses that accompany a crash. Contact the San Diego car accident lawyers at Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation at (858) 551-2090 to learn more about your rights.
We have over 80 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $100 million for injured Californians. Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury and car accident cases. We’re ready to stand up for you.
Why Choose Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers After a Car Accident?
Insurance companies can complicate the claim process. They may blame you for the accident or devalue your damages so they owe less. You deserve an experienced San Diego car accident attorney to even the playing field and get you the compensation you deserve.
At Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, our San Diego, CA, firm offers:
- Decades of experience handling serious car accident cases
- A history of significant settlements and verdicts (tens of millions recovered)
- Access to top medical specialists, accident reconstruction experts, and financial analysts
- Personalized client service at every stage of your case
- Contingency fees in all car crash cases
Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego personal injury lawyer. We’re here to help you navigate every step of the process.
1. Steps Immediately After a Crash
You should take certain steps after a collision to protect your rights and your health.
At a minimum, you should:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- California law requires you to report crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage.
- If it is safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic and turn on hazard lights.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including names and contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
It is also helpful to gather evidence at the scene, including photos of damage, injuries, and road conditions. These details support your version of events and help prove fault later in the process.
2. Report the Accident to Your Insurer
You should also notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Even if you were not responsible for the collision, most policies require you to promptly report the crash. Failing to notify your insurer could affect your coverage.
However, this part of the claims process requires caution. When speaking with an adjuster, you should provide basic facts and avoid admitting fault. You should never give recorded statements without first getting legal advice.
3. First-Party vs. Third-Party Claims in California
California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the crash is financially liable for damages that result.
You may file third-party claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover money for:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle repairs
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
You can also file a first-party claim with your own insurance. These policies are often used when other coverage is unavailable or insufficient. Medical payments coverage (MedPay), Collision coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) are common examples.
4. Observe the Do’s and Don’ts After a Crash
Your actions in the days and weeks after a collision can affect your case.
Your do’s include but are not limited to:
- Seeking medical care, even if you feel fine.
- Following treatment plans and attending appointments.
- Keeping records of medical bills, prescriptions, and repair costs.
- Tracking how the injury affects your daily life.
- Saving receipts, wage loss documentation, and communication with insurers.
- Staying organized strengthens your claim.
Your don’ts include:
- Do not admit fault at the scene or to insurers.
- Do not sign settlement documents without reviewing them with an attorney.
- Do not post photos or accident details on social media (insurers can use these against you).
- Do not ignore symptoms or skip medical treatment.
A bonus don’t – don’t miss the deadline. California generally gives two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but exceptions can shorten this time limit.
5. Filing Your Claim
Once you’ve reported the accident and gathered documentation, you can file a claim online, by phone, or through an attorney.
The insurance company will assign an adjuster to review:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Repair estimates
- Photographs
- Witness statements
After evaluating the evidence, the insurer may:
- Accept liability and offer compensation
- Accept liability but offer a reduced settlement
- Deny the claim
Initial offers are often far below what a case is worth. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf and build a strong case for full compensation.
6. Settlement and Litigation
Most car accident claims resolve through settlement — over 90%. However, litigation is sometimes necessary, especially when liability is disputed. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be inevitable.
Contact Our San Diego Car Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in San Diego, California, you have rights. The car accident claim process can be complicated without experienced legal representation. Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can help you navigate every stage of your claim and work to get you maximum compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego car accident attorney to learn more about your rights and options.
