Getting into a car accident in San Diego, whether it’s on I-5 during rush hour or at an intersection in the Gaslamp Quarter, can significantly impact your life and future. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 4,851 victims in San Diego were injured and killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2022. Overall, 4,428 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in the State of California.
Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney in San Diego can give you important information about your rights and legal options during this difficult time. At Jacoby & Meyers, your goals are our goals. We will prioritize your satisfaction, healthy recovery and success as your car accident attorneys in San Diego.
Our roster of outstanding San Diego personal injury lawyers have years of experience in automotive accident law and are distinguished in this field. Contact our local San Diego law office today to discuss your case for free with an attorney.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers
- We have proven success in this practice area. Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in settlements for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This includes $19 million for a rideshare accident case and $17.5 million for a bicycle vs. truck accident case.
- We have a long track record of making our clients happy and whole again. Our law firm believes every accident victim deserves justice. We have earned the trust of tens of thousands of clients by providing unparalleled customer service.
- There are no fees unless we win your San Diego car accident case. You will be charged $0 upfront for our work on your case. You will only pay an attorney’s fee if we secure financial compensation on your behalf, and only then out of the award won.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Diego
San Diego is known as the “birthplace of California” and “America’s Finest City,” with roughly five million permanent residents. In addition, attractions such as SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo bring in thousands of tourists every day. Unfortunately, this can lead to heavy traffic and congestion on San Diego’s roads.
If a driver in San Diego violates the responsibility to drive safely and prudently, he or she could cause a serious car accident. Common causes of car crashes in San Diego County include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting or using a phone
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Failing to obey traffic signals
- Adverse weather conditions affecting road safety
- Infrastructure issues specific to San Diego
Identifying who is liable, or financially responsible, for your car accident in San Diego takes understanding the cause of the crash. Determining liability often takes an analysis of evidence such as police reports, traffic citations, eyewitness testimonies, surveillance footage and input from accident reconstruction experts.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle
Jacoby & Meyers has been providing individuals and families with high-quality legal and medical services for over 50 years. Our lawyers are advanced, highly trained and educated in the field of automotive law in California.
We accept all of the following types of car accident cases in San Diego, among others:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone or side-impact crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Vehicle rollovers
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Sideswipe accidents
- Accidents involving bicyclists or pedestrians
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents
The type of car accident can point to causation; for example, a rear-end collision could be caused by a rear driver following too closely or driving while distracted. As your attorneys, we will investigate to understand all of the key aspects of your crash case.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in San Diego
When you file a car insurance claim, the insurance company will analyze the actions you took in the aftermath of the car accident to search for reasons to deny your claim or reduce your payout. It is important to take the correct steps to build the strongest claim possible, as well as to protect your physical safety and well-being.
Here’s what to do:
- Pull over close to the scene of the accident. Ensure your safety and check for injuries.
- Contact law enforcement and file a police report by calling 911 from the scene.
- Gather evidence, including photos, witness contacts and driver information.
- Seek medical attention. Keep in mind that you may be injured even if you aren’t showing immediate symptoms.
- Notify your insurance company of the crash and file a claim.
- Keep up with your doctor’s treatment plan and collect copies of your medical records.
- Consult with a car accident attorney in San Diego before accepting any settlements.
Avoid common mistakes such as admitting fault, apologizing for the car accident, skipping or delaying medical treatment, and accepting the first settlement offered. Work with an attorney from the very beginning of your case to improve your odds of success.
Understanding California Car Accident Laws
After a car accident in California, the fault system allows those who are injured to file claims against the driver or party responsible for causing the crash. Motor vehicle drivers in California are required to carry liability insurance to ensure that they can pay for medical bills and property repairs after causing accidents.
To file a claim, you must act quickly. Under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, you have no more than two years from the date of your car accident or the date that you discover your injuries to file a related personal injury claim. If you wait too long and miss your deadline, your legal options become extremely limited.
If you are found partially at fault for the car accident during your case, this will not automatically bar you from receiving financial compensation. Under California Civil Code §1714, an individual can still recover a compensatory award if he or she is allocated a percentage of fault; however, any financial recovery awarded will be diminished by an equivalent percentage.
Contact Our San Diego Car Accident Lawyers Today
Jacoby & Meyers has been representing clients since 1972. If you have been injured in a car accident in San Diego, our team can put you on the road to recovery while prosecuting your legal claim. We are experienced litigators who specialize in negotiating and dealing firsthand with insurance companies to leverage successful case results for our clients.
Find out how we can help you during a free case evaluation at our local San Diego law office. Call us at (619) 789-5497 or contact us online 24/7. We will fight for the justice you deserve.
Jacoby & Meyers San Diego Office
Address: 4025 Camino del Rio S. Unit 300, San Diego, CA 92108
Phone Number: (619) 789-5497
Our hotlines are open 24/7 Monday-Friday. All calls and car accident case reviews are free of charge. We offer extremely flexible appointments and will not hesitate to travel to meet with you if you are injured.