$200 MILLION+
Personal Injury Settlements and Cases Won in California.
Learn your next steps here and get the maximum compensation with our step-by-step walkthrough
Driving in San Diego is a pleasant trip. It offers stunning coastal views and the energy of a vibrant city. However, even on the most idyllic drives, a car accident can strike.
Recent data shows that the county saw 13,533 car crashes in 2023, most of which were caused by unsafe speeding. Its daily average of car accidents involves alcohol (2,596), distracted driving (1,259), and drug-related causes (260) in the past three years.
Car accident aftermaths can be overwhelming. Adding to the burden are medical bills, legal complexities, and financial stress. With expert assistance from a car accident lawyer in San Diego, you can cope with the legal process while understanding your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Since various types of car accidents in San Diego result in common injuries, you must know how to protect your rights. This guide provides the support and information you need to navigate this challenging situation.
Table of Contents
Having a reliable and experienced lawyer after a car accident in San Diego can be beneficial. RMD Law has long been a trusted ally for Californians, focusing on personal injury claims with a client-centered approach.
Our attorneys are specialists in car accident cases, bringing expertise and dedication. We’ve secured over $200 million in settlements and verdicts, including:
Choosing RMD Law means working with a firm experienced in San Diego car accident claims. We’ll guide you through the legal process, manage your claims effectively, and fight for the compensation you deserve. An RMD Law attorney will be with you every step of the way.
Accidents can happen at any time. Take note of the common types of car collisions in San Diego below to stay alert on the road.
A rear-end collision happens when one vehicle hits the back of another, often due to sudden stops, tailgating, or distracted driving. In 2023, San Diego recorded 4,047 rear-end crashes—292 involving a motorcycle, 71 for bikes, and 29 for pedestrians. Over 50% of this type of crash occurred on the highway.
This accident occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other. With high speeds and direct impact, these accidents are hazardous.
While less common than rear-end accidents, San Diego still witnesses 842 cases in 2023, killing 34 civilians and injuring 1,295. This figure underscores the need for attentive driving and adherence to traffic laws.
High speeds, sharp turns, or collisions can cause cars to flip onto their sides or roofs and result in serious injuries or fatalities. It often involves SUVs and trucks because of their massive size and height. In 2023, San Diego had 177 rollover accidents, with 54 involving motorcycles and 14 for bikes.
Also known as T-bone or broadside accidents, side-impact collisions happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. They usually occur at intersections.
In 2023, San Diego reported 1,555 side-impact collisions, killing 14 people and injuring 2,215. Nearly 10% of these accidents also involved a bike. The limited protection makes T-bone crashes especially hazardous.
This type of accident occurs when vehicles leave the road and hit objects like trees or barriers, often due to loss of control or impaired driving. San Diego recorded 742 off-road crashes in 2023, producing 24 casualties and 873 injuries.
San Diego residents know the “Fatal 15,” or intersections, where most car accidents happen. These locations are:
Several factors contribute to their dangerous nature:
Car accidents in San Diego typically happen for these reasons:
No matter how small, a car accident can leave a lasting mark on your health. Here are some common injuries that arise from even minor collisions.
Being in a car accident can be scary and stressful. Knowing what to do next can protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here’s what to do after a car crash in San Diego.
First, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Do you feel any pain or dizziness? Do you have wounds or broken bones? If you or anyone involved in the accident can’t move, it’s best not to force it as it can worsen injuries and wait for the medical response team.
If your vehicle blocks traffic or poses a safety hazard, move it to a safe location off the roadway. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares, if available, to alert other drivers.
California law mandates that drivers stop at the scene and provide reasonable assistance to those injured. Call 911 or the police to report the accident and request medical attention if necessary.
Exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Get their name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle license plate number. You should also note their vehicle’s make, model, and color. If possible, get the names and contact information of witnesses, too.
Document the scene by taking photos or videos from multiple angles. Capture any visible damage to vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and relevant landmarks. This documentation can support your insurance claim and any legal proceedings.
Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, seeing a doctor after an accident is crucial. Some injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not manifest right away. Getting a medical evaluation ensures a proper diagnosis and documentation of any injuries.
Contact your insurance provider immediately to report the accident and initiate the claims process. In addition, consult a car accident lawyer in San Diego to manage the process and provide the details of the accident and any evidence or documentation you’ve gathered.
Moreover, avoid giving recorded statements; insurance companies can use those against you later. Let your car accident lawyer in San Diego handle everything to protect your interests.
Following a car accident in San Diego, proving fault is crucial for securing compensation for injuries and damage. Here are the key pieces of evidence that you should gather to strengthen your case.
Pictures speak a thousand words. Capturing the damage to vehicles involved, skid marks on the road, traffic signal positions, and the overall accident scene provide valuable visual documentation.
Security cameras from nearby buildings or businesses might have captured the accident on video. This footage can be incredibly valuable in establishing the sequence of events and potentially identifying any traffic violations.
If you or the other driver involved has a dashcam, the footage offers a crucial first-hand perspective of the accident. It can be beneficial when there are discrepancies in witness or driver statements.
Third-party witnesses can provide unbiased accounts of what happened. Their statements can corroborate your version of events and strengthen your case.
While driver and passenger statements can be helpful, remember that they might be biased. However, these accounts can still provide details about the events leading up to the accident and any injuries sustained.
The responding police officer will investigate the accident scene, interview involved parties, and create a report. This summary often includes a diagram of the accident scene, citations issued (if any), and the officer’s preliminary assessment of fault.
While not always conclusive, the police report holds significant weight and can be a persuasive piece of evidence.
A car accident attorney in San Diego can assist you in establishing fault and receiving proper compensation. It might not be smooth and easy, so you need guidance. Here are the reasons why you should have a lawyer by your side.
San Diego car accident lawyers are well-versed in California’s specific traffic laws and personal injury statutes. This local knowledge is invaluable when building a case that ensures you receive fair compensation.
Gathering and organizing medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other accident-related documents is tedious and daunting. San Diego auto accident lawyer will take care of this process, effectively and efficiently collecting, organizing, and presenting all necessary documentation to the insurance company or court.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate aggressively on your behalf to ensure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
auto accident lawyer in San Diego will answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide the emotional support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Of course, they will also represent you in court if necessary, protecting your rights every step of the way.
Navigating the legalities of car accidents is often confusing. But you don’t handle it on your own—invest in a credible auto accident attorney in San Diego. Below are some compelling reasons why this is a wise decision.
An experienced attorney will be your trusted advisor, guiding you through each step, answering your questions, and ensuring you understand your rights and options. They are an invaluable source of support during a stressful time.
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. They might downplay the severity of your injuries, offer a settlement that falls far short of what you deserve, or even deny your claim altogether. A car accident attorney can identify and challenge any unfair biases, ensuring you get fair treatment throughout the claims process.
Negotiating with insurance companies requires skill and experience. Attorneys understand the actual value of your claim and know how to negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement that covers all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you need to establish liability. Your car accident lawyer in San Diego will gather evidence, analyze witness statements, and work tirelessly to build a strong case that proves the other party’s negligence caused your injuries.
Determining the full extent of your current and future damages is crucial. A car accident attorney in San Diego will work with medical professionals to assess your injuries, calculate lost wages, and account for all relevant losses in your claim.
If you can’t reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, your lawyer can advise whether filing a lawsuit is the best action. They will handle the entire litigation process, represent you in court, and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
If the other driver wrongly accuses you of being at fault, you can dispute it in the following ways.
If you disagree with the police report or the insurance company’s assessment, collect any evidence that contradicts their findings. This might include:
Visit the police station that created the original report and request to file a supplemental report. This way, you can document your version of events and any additional details that might have been missed initially.
An experienced car accident lawyer in San Diego can be your strongest advocate when disputing fault. They can analyze the evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. They can also negotiate with the insurance company to ensure a fair settlement and represent you in court if necessary.
You may face financial losses after a car accident. But California law is on your side, letting accident victims like yourself seek compensation for various damages. Here are the types of compensation you might be entitled to.
No one wants to be involved in a car accident. However, it’s important to act quickly and assert your rights when it happens.
RMD Law is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of auto accident cases. Our expert auto accident attorneys in San Diego are serious about helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
The distance between San Diego and LA is approximately 127 mi, depending on which part of LA it is.
Enjoy the nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter.
The University of California San Diego is esteemed for its:
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. It’s important to know where to get help and medical care. Here are some San Diego facilities that can assist you.
You can contact the autobody shops below for car repairs.
Families across San Diego trust our firm to handle car accident claims with dedication and care. Here’s what they’ve shared:
After a car accident in San Diego, follow these steps:
The following evidence is necessary to defend yourself in a car accident case:
In general, California allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years from the accident date. Consult an accident lawyer in San Diego immediately after the accident to ensure you meet deadlines and protect your rights.
California follows a comparative negligence rule, which can reduce compensation if you’re partially to blame for the accident. An experienced attorney can help you understand your liability and get maximum compensation.
Learn more about car accidents here.
It’s easy to assume that cars without human drivers would crash less. But the data says otherwise—at least for now. Here’s why you shouldn’t be complacent – and why speaking to a self-driving car accident lawyer could make all the difference after a crash.
Avoiding the common mistakes some accident victims make after a crash is essential to protecting your rights and building a stronger motorcycle accident personal injury claim.
San Diego, California, is the dream destination for many motorcycle enthusiasts. Its scenic routes and favorable weather conditions have inspired motorists to take their bikes
We can walk you through the legal implications of your situation
We care about your recovery. We stake our reputation on it.
Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Ryan is a caring and experienced litigator. He defended scores of depositions and understands what it takes to move a case in California.
Ariana Martin is one of RMD Law’s skilled personal injury lawyers. She brings a lot of legal experience to the table, having worked previously in the field of insurance defense.
At RMD Law, we believe that reputation is everything. When clients trust us with their cases, we do everything in our power to help guide them. That means personal service and sharp advocacy. We care about the details of your case because that is how we can get you the best settlement.
We are San Diego personal injury lawyers servicing all of California. Our attorneys regularly handle cases from all over the state.
Get the recovery you are entitled to regardless of what the police report may say.
Learn More
No matter the complications in your case, we know how to get results.
Learn More
Equipped to fully investigate your accident and determine the liable party.
Learn More
Life-changing injuries need experts in their corner.
Learn More
RMD Law is a California Personal Injury law firm. We help victims who have been injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. RMD Law offers free no-obligation case evaluations for our clients.
Business Hours
Open 24/7
Business Hours
Open 24/7
Business Hours
Open 24/7
Business Hours
Open 24/7
Disclaimer: The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
