Were you injured in a car accident in San Diego, California? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers at (619) 777-5555 for a free consultation with a San Diego car accident lawyer.
Auto accidents in San Diego can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and pain that disrupts daily life. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make all the difference. We will investigate your crash, gather evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Mission Legal Center for Help After a Car Accident in San Diego, CA?
When you’ve been injured in an auto accident, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Mission Legal Center, our team brings over 43 years of combined experience in personal injury law, giving us the skills and insight needed to take on even the toughest claims. We have successfully recovered tens of millions for accident victims, helping clients rebuild their lives after devastating crashes.
As trusted San Diego personal injury lawyers, we know how insurance companies operate and fight tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. From investigating your crash to negotiating a fair settlement or taking your car accident lawsuit to trial, we are committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.
Contact our San Diego office today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn how we can put our experience to work for you.
Our San Diego Car Accident Attorneys Have Helped Clients Recover Tens of Millions of Dollars
At Mission Legal Center, our track record demonstrates our dedication to securing justice and fair compensation for those we represent.
Some of our standout case results include:
- $1,100,000 vehicle collision case
- $205,000 for a knee injury from an auto accident
- $275,000 Uber accident
- $275,000 pedestrian accident
These results reflect our experience, dedication, and proven ability to take on tough cases. While every personal injury case is unique, our attorneys are ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
After a crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by medical bills, missed work, and constant calls from insurance companies. Hiring an experienced lawyer ensures you don’t have to face these challenges alone. An attorney not only guides you through the legal process but also fights to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
A good legal team can provide:
- A level playing field: Insurance companies have teams of legal advisors and adjusters working to minimize what they pay. Without legal representation, you may be at a disadvantage. A skilled auto accident attorney levels the playing field by negotiating aggressively and making sure your claim is taken seriously.
- Access to experts: Strong cases often require expert testimony, accident reconstruction, or evaluations from medical professionals. A dedicated personal injury attorney has access to a network of trusted specialists who can provide the evidence needed to prove fault and support your claim for damages.
- Accurate valuation of your claim: Many accident victims underestimate the true value of their case. An attorney understands how to calculate both economic and non-economic damages, including future medical costs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering, so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Peace of mind: The aftermath of a crash is stressful enough without legal complexities. Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney handles paperwork, deadlines, negotiations, and court appearances if necessary.
When your health, finances, and future are at stake, having a dedicated law firm by your side can make all the difference. With the right legal representation, you can feel confident knowing your case is being handled with skill and determination, while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
The moments after a crash can be overwhelming, but the steps you take can make a big difference in your case. Always prioritize safety by calling 911 and seeking medical attention right away. Your medical records will be a crucial part of your claim. If possible, document the scene by taking photos, gathering witness information, and exchanging contact and insurance details with the other driver.
Avoid admitting fault, even casually, and notify your insurance company. Finally, consult with a legal team as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your claim.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims?
When you’ve been injured in an auto crash, the aftermath can affect nearly every part of your life. Victims in San Diego may be entitled to recover different types of damages depending on the circumstances of their crash and injuries.
These damages are generally grouped into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages represent the financial costs of your accident—the losses that can be calculated with bills, pay stubs, and receipts.
These may include:
- Emergency medical care, hospital bills, and ongoing treatment
- Prescription costs, physical therapy, and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to work
- Car repairs or replacement of your vehicle
- Other related property damage claims
These damages are intended to restore you financially and ensure you aren’t left paying out of pocket for an accident someone else caused.
Non-Economic Damages
Some losses don’t come with a receipt but are still deeply felt.
Non-economic damages compensate for these personal hardships, such as:
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression after the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of daily activities and hobbies
- Scarring, disfigurement, or permanent disability
These damages acknowledge the profound ways an accident can change your life, even beyond financial setbacks.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, a court may award punitive damages. Unlike economic or non-economic damages, these are not about compensating you for your losses. Instead, punitive damages are meant to punish especially reckless or intentional misconduct—such as a driver who was excessively speeding, racing, or driving under the influence—and deter similar behavior in the future.
By pursuing all available damages, crash victims in San Diego can seek compensation that addresses not just their medical expenses and lost income, but also the lasting physical and emotional toll of the wreck.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
At our firm, we understand that no two accidents are alike. Different types of crashes involve unique causes, injuries, and legal issues.
Our experienced team is equipped to handle a wide variety of claims, including:
Speeding Accidents
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries. We hold reckless drivers accountable when speeding leads to devastating crashes.
Head-On Collisions
Often among the most serious types of accidents, head-on crashes can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. Our San Diego head-on accident lawyers work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for victims.
Highway Crashes
High speeds, heavy traffic, and large commercial vehicles make highways especially dangerous. We investigate highway accidents thoroughly to determine fault and liability.
Rear-End Collisions
These common accidents may seem minor, but they can cause whiplash, back injuries, and long-term pain. Our San Diego rear-end accident lawyers fight for financial compensation even when insurers try to downplay your injuries.
Parking Lot Accidents
Tight spaces and distracted drivers often lead to collisions in parking lots. Whether you or a family member was struck as a driver or pedestrian, we can help you pursue a personal injury claim.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes
When several vehicles are involved, determining liability becomes complex. Our San Diego multi-vehicle accident attorneys sort through the evidence, such as police reports and surveillance, to identify responsible parties and pursue fair compensation.
Intersection Crashes
Failure to yield, running red lights, or distracted driving frequently cause serious accidents at intersections. We gather witness statements, video, and reports to prove fault.
DUI Accidents
Collisions caused by impaired or drunk drivers are entirely preventable. We fight aggressively to hold these drivers accountable and seek justice for victims.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Auto accidents happen for many different reasons, but most crashes share common factors. Understanding these causes can help identify who is responsible and strengthen your claim for compensation.
Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone behind the wheel
- Speeding or driving too fast for the road and weather conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless or aggressive driving, including tailgating or unsafe lane changes
- Failing to yield the right of way at intersections
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Poor weather conditions combined with unsafe driving behavior
Recognizing these common causes is the first step in proving fault and holding negligent drivers accountable. An experienced attorney can investigate your case and build a strong claim for the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents
Traffic accidents can cause a wide range of harm, from minor bruises to life-changing, serious injuries. Even accidents that seem “minor” at first can result in severe medical complications.
Some of the most common injuries we see in these cases include:
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding
- Cuts, burns, and severe lacerations
- Knee, shoulder, and joint injuries
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
No matter the type of injury, you deserve proper medical treatment and fair compensation for your losses. Our attorneys are here to fight for the resources you need to heal and move forward after a crash. We also help families pursue compensation in wrongful death claims after fatal collisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto accidents often leave victims with more questions than answers. Here are some additional FAQs that can help you better understand the process after a crash:
Can I Get Money If I Was Partly at Fault for My Auto Accident?
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the crash. Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, your settlement or verdict is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found 20% responsible for the crash, you could still recover 80% of your damages. Because insurance companies often try to exaggerate a victim’s share of fault, having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer?
At Mission Legal Center, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means our attorney fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict we win for you. If your legal representative doesn’t recover compensation, you don’t owe them anything.
This arrangement makes quality legal representation accessible to accident victims, allowing you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal bills.
How Long Do I Have to File an Auto Accident Lawsuit in California?
Under California law, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is critical—if you miss it, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
Because evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and build a strong case.
What Is the Average Settlement for an Auto Collision?
There is no true “average” car accident settlement because every case is unique. The outcome depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical care, how much time you’ve missed from work, and the long-term impact on your quality of life.
Insurance coverage and questions of fault also play a major role. An experienced law firm can evaluate your case and help you pursue the maximum compensation available.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Auto Accident Case?
The timeline for a motor accident case varies depending on the circumstances. Some claims settle within a few months when liability is clear and injuries are straightforward. Others can take longer, especially if there are disputes about fault, complex medical issues, or if the case goes to trial.
Your attorney will work to move the process forward efficiently while also ensuring that any settlement fully accounts for your injuries and future needs.
Is California a No-Fault Insurance State?
No, California is not a no-fault insurance state. Instead, it follows a fault-based, or “tort,” system for motor vehicle crashes. This means that the driver who causes the crash is financially responsible for the resulting damages.
If you’re injured in a California crash, you can file a claim directly against the other driver’s insurance company to recover damages. However, you must be able to prove that they are the party responsible for your losses.
Because insurers often try to dispute fault, having an experienced attorney on your side can make a big difference in protecting your rights.
San Diego Auto Accident Statistics
San Diego County is among California’s most traffic-dense regions, and the numbers reflect that reality. In 2022, the Traffic Safety Dashboard for the San Diego region (SANDAG) recorded over 8,000 total crashes, resulting in approximately 121 fatalities and more than 7,000 injuries.
Within those collisions, common crash types included rear-end collisions, broadside crashes, and head-on collisions. Vulnerable road users were also affected: in 2022, there were nearly 59 pedestrian fatalities, and two bicyclists lost their lives in accidents.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our San Diego Car Accident Attorneys
At Mission Legal Center, we understand the overwhelming challenges a vehicle collision can create—from medical bills and lost income to the stress of dealing with insurance companies. You don’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Our San Diego car accident attorneys are here to protect your rights, fight for fair compensation, and provide the guidance you need every step of the way. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve—contact us today and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
