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San Diego Car Accident Lawyers

In San Diego, even the most cautious drivers are not immune to the risks of road accidents. These unfortunate incidents are still extremely common and are generally caused by others’ negligence, substandard roadways, or unforeseen circumstances. California witnesses over 30,000 car accidents every year that range from minor scrapes to major collisions. These incidents can lead to both minor and severe injuries, alongside substantial property damage. Such circumstances rightfully warrant substantial compensation for the parties impacted by anotherโ€™s negligence.

At Mesriani Law Group, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional legal assistance in San Diego and have more than 20 years of experience taking care of car accident victims. Our team of proficient car accident attorneys in San Diego is dedicated to upholding your rights and offering comprehensive representation through all stages of your case. We provide legal support to clients who have endured various levels of injuries from auto accidents and strive tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve.

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    Award-Winning Car Accident Lawyers

    Contact Us Today at (866) 500-7070 or Message Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation

    Why Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

    Experiencing a car accident can be a daunting ordeal. In the aftermath, it’s crucial to protect your interests including the right to compensation. Partnering with an expert car accident attorney from Mesriani Law Group ensures that you will be taken care of. We help car accident victims navigate the complex legal environment and ensure that they are made whole by assisting with the following:

    1. Thorough Investigation: Our experts meticulously investigate your accident, collecting all relevant evidence such as photographs, surveillance footage, witness accounts, and official reports.
    2. Medical Record Analysis: We obtain and have your medical records assessed by respected medical professionals to ensure a complete understanding of the severity of your injuries.
    3. Calculating Total Losses: Our team evaluates all your financial losses including missed wages, medical expenses, and potential future treatment costs, to accurately determine your total losses.
    4. Insurance Claim Filing and Negotiation: We manage the filing of your claim and handle all interactions with insurance companies while advocating for just and speedy compensation on your behalf.
    5. Litigation Support: If insurance providers fail to present a reasonable settlement, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court to fight for your rightful compensation.

    Why Choose Mesriani?

    Risk-Free Representation

    Our 'No Win, No Fee' policy stands as a testament to our confidence in our legal services. Clients are assured that they owe us nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome in their case.

    Established Success

    Since our inception in 1996, Mesriani Law Group has been synonymous with reliability and success in California. With a history of recovering hundreds of millions for our clients, our track record speaks for itself.

    Expert Legal Team

    Led by Rodney Mesriani, our legal professionals possess over two decades of expertise, exceptional legal skills, and an unwavering commitment to advocate for car accident victims.

    Diverse and Satisfied Client Base

    We take pride in representing a diverse clientele, regardless of their status or claim size. Our commitment to providing the best service possible to everyone in need of representation is reflected in our top ratings across platforms like Yelp, Avvo, and Google.

    Multilingual Communication

    Our courteous and professional team is equipped to converse in multiple languages including Farsi and Spanish to ensure all clients feel heard and understood.

    Round-the-Clock Accessibility

    We prioritize your convenience and urgency. Our team is available 24/7 for over-the-phone consultations and can meet you at a location of your choice if you cannot visit our office.

    How Can a San Diego Car Accident Attorney Help?

    Car accidents are often extremely distressing because they can leave victims grappling with property damage and varying injuries. Navigating the complexities of accident claims and seeking fair compensation can be daunting, especially for those without any legal expertise.

    At Mesriani Law Group, our certified San Diego car accident attorneys specialize in maximizing compensation for our clients. We handle a range of motor vehicle accident cases, ensuring you can focus on recovery and family while we manage the legal aspects.

    Our Approach:

    Step 1 Case Evaluation:

    We start by ensuring your case meets these criteria:

    • The defendantโ€™s negligence.
    • Documented injuries and damages.
    • A direct link between your injuries and the defendantโ€™s actions.

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    Step 2 Evidence Collection:

    Gathering evidence is an extremely important part of building a robust car accident claim. The evidence needed includes photos, videos, and witness statements. In the event that you were unable to secure the necessary evidence, our investigation should help discover clues to help build your case.

    Step 3 Determining Liability:

    In multi-party accidents, liability can be complex. We establish this by proving:

    • Negligence: Actions like speeding or running red lights.
    • Recklessness: DUI or drag racing.
    • Intentional Misconduct: Deliberate harm.
    • Strict Liability: Accidents due to defective products or manufacturing faults.

    Step 4 Assessing Damages:

    When injuries are sustained, it is important to understand the severity of not only the injuries but also any long-lasting impact that those injuries might have on a car accident victimโ€™s life. Damages can usually be broken down into:

    • Economic Damages: Tangible losses like medical bills, property damage, and lost earnings.
    • Non-economic Damages: More subjective impacts such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.

    Step 5 Settlement Negotiations:

    Our team engages in aggressive negotiations with insurance adjusters and ensures no bad faith tactics are used when trying to secure a fair settlement. Our goal is to win the maximum possible compensation so you can be made whole after sustaining injuries.

    Common Types of Car Accidents in San Diego

    San Diego sees various types of car accidents with some more prevalent than others. Here are some of the more common ones:

    Hit and Run Accidents: Under California Vehicle Code 20002, leaving an accident scene without identifying oneself is a criminal offense, particularly when someone is injured. This can lead to penalties including jail time and fines. To establish a hit and run, it must be shown that:

      • The driver was involved in an accident that resulted in property damage or injury.
      • They were aware of the accident and the resulting damage.
      • They intentionally failed to stop or provide personal information to the affected party.

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    Rear-Ended Collisions: Rear-end collisions frequently occur in San Diego and account for approximately 30% of traffic accidents annually (as per NHTSA). The driver who rear-ends another vehicle is typically found at fault, often due to:

      • Tailgating
      • Distracted driving
      • Speeding
      • Adverse road conditions

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    T-Bone Accidents: These side-impact crashes occur when one vehicle hits the side of another, forming a “T” shape at the point of impact. T-bone accidents can lead to a range of injuries, including:

      • Head and neck injuries
      • Back injuries
      • Pelvic and abdominal trauma
      • Chest injuries

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    Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Diego

    San Diego’ dense population and heavy traffic significantly elevate the risk of motor vehicle accidents. The most common causes of car accidents in this city include:

    • Reckless Driving: This primarily involves speeding and a blatant disregard for set speed limits.
    • Mobile Device Usage: Drivers engaging with their phones for texting or calling can lead to accidents due to divided attention.
    • Distracted Driving: Any activity that diverts a driver’s focus from the road, such as eating, drinking, or talking to passengers.
    • Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel often result in exhaustion which reduces alertness and reaction time.
    • Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or while being impaired on drugs is a major cause of car accidents.
    • Rubbernecking: This form of distracted driving occurs when drivers focus on external events like accidents instead of the road ahead.
    • Vehicle Malfunctions: Defective car parts, whether due to wear and tear or manufacturing flaws, can lead to accidents.
    • Road Hazards: Poorly maintained or constructed roads can create dangerous driving conditions.
    • Adverse Weather Conditions: Challenges like heavy rain or foggy conditions can impair a driver’s ability to control their vehicle safely.
    • Construction Zones: Lack of adequate warning signs and safety measures in active construction areas can pose significant risks for drivers.

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    Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

    Car accidents, regardless of their severity, often result in various types of injuries to those involved. These injuries generally fall into two categories:

    1. Impact Injuries: Caused by the victim’s body striking parts of the vehicle.
    2. Penetrating Injuries: Occur when objects pierce the victimโ€™s body.

    While some injuries from car accidents may heal with time or treatment, particularly severe ones may require extensive and costly medical care.

    Typical Car Accident Injuries Include:

    • Head Injuries: These injuries result from the head hitting the steering wheel, windshield, or windows and can lead to facial cuts, bruises, and potentially serious brain injuries or internal bleeding.
    • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Involves bruising, tearing of brain tissue, or blood vessel damage which is caused by hard impacts or piercing injuries sustained in high-speed collisions.
    • Chest Injuries: These can occur when the upper body impacts the steering wheel or dashboard and lead to bruised or fractured ribs, muscle strains, or internal organ damage.
    • Injuries to Limbs and Lower Extremities: Due to limited legroom, collisions can cause crushing injuries, cuts, bruises, fractures, and dislocations in the legs, ankles, and feet.
    • Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash is a prime example and involves neck and upper back muscle and ligament stretching from sudden impacts. Other injuries include contusions, sprains, tendonitis, and strains.
    • Spinal Cord Injuries: These serious injuries can result in paralysis (quadriplegia, tetraplegia, paraplegia) due to trauma to different vertebrae.
    • Broken Bones: These range from simple fractures that need casts to complex breaks requiring surgery. These commonly affect the lower legs, arms, clavicles, hips, ribs, and face.
    • Burns: These injuries are caused by exposure to fire, steam, chemicals, or electricity in accidents. They can vary from minor injuries treatable with first aid to severe burns requiring surgical intervention, skin grafts, and extensive recover time.
    • Wrongful Death: Tragically, some crashes lead to fatalities, often due to:
      • DUI or drunk driving
      • Distracted driving, including mobile device use
      • Speeding
      • Failure to obey traffic signals
      • Other forms of driver negligence

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    California Car Accident Laws

    Understanding California’s car accident laws is crucial for anyone involved in such incidents because it aids in avoiding mistakes that can impact compensation claims. Key aspects of these laws include:

    1. Statute of Limitations: This law sets deadlines for filing claims. In California:
      • Injury claims must be filed within two years from the accident date.
      • Property damage claims have a three-year filing window.

    Fault-Based Car Insurance System: California follows a fault-based system for car insurance, requiring all drivers to have adequate coverage, which includes:

      • Bodily injury coverage: Minimum of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
      • Property damage liability: Minimum of $5,000.

    Liability Laws:

      • Comparative Fault: This rule allows for both the plaintiff and the defendant to share liability for an accident. Victims can still receive compensation even if they are partly responsible for the accident, but their reward will be reduced according to the percentage of blame they share.
      • Apportionment of Fault: When multiple parties contribute to an accident, each is financially liable in proportion to their degree of fault.

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    What to Do After a Car Accident?

    Experiencing a car accident can be a traumatic event. However, certain actions are critical to protect your legal rights and ensure fair compensation. Here’s what to do after a car accident:

    1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize addressing any injuries. Call for medical help immediately for yourself and any passengers involved. Provide detailed information about the crash and your symptoms to the medical responders. Undergo a thorough medical examination and follow all prescribed treatments for optimal recovery.
    2. Contact the Police: It’s crucial to have police document the accident. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records because this will be an important document for your legal claim.
    3. Gather Evidence: Collect as much information as possible at the scene. Note down contact details of all parties involved, take photos and videos of the accident scene, and seek statements from any witnesses. This evidence is vital for supporting your claim.
    4. Avoid Admitting Fault: In the aftermath of an accident, it’s important not to make any statements that could be construed as admitting liability. Anything you say could be used against you and impact your ability to seek compensation later.
    5. Consult with a Car Accident Attorney: An experienced car accident attorney can provide invaluable guidance. Our team at Mesriani Law Group has over two decades of experience in California car accident cases and is well-equipped to assist you in securing the maximum compensation for your claim.

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    Common Mistakes Made After a Car Accident

    After a car accident, it’s natural to feel disoriented, but it’s crucial to avoid certain missteps that could negatively impact your legal case. Understanding these common errors can help protect your interests and ensure a smoother claims process. Here are the most frequent mistakes people make after a car accident:

    1. Withholding Information from Your Lawyer: Full disclosure to your attorney is key. Omitting details can hinder their ability to build a claim which reduces your case’s chance for success.
    2. Delaying Medical Attention: It’s important to seek medical treatment immediately after the accident to document your injuries accurately.
    3. Ignoring Medical Advice: Failing to follow your doctor’s prescriptions and treatment plans can demonstrate that your injuries are not as severe as you claim to adjusters.
    4. Choosing an Inexperienced Lawyer: Ensure you have a skilled attorney with a track record in car accident cases to represent you.
    5. Not Being Transparent About Past Injuries: Failure to disclose any previous injuries or lawsuits to your lawyer can impact your claim as injuries can be attributed to previous accidents.
    6. Underestimating Your Injuries: Properly assess and communicate the extent of your injuries to avoid undervaluing your claim.
    7. Discussing Your Case: Keep the details of your case private and avoid sharing them with uninvolved parties.
    8. Posting Online About the Accident: Sharing details about your accident or injuries on social media can be used against you in your case.
    9. Talking to the Other Party’s Insurance Company: Direct all communication through your lawyer to prevent the insurance company from using your words against you.

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    Understanding Your Car Accident Police Report

    In the aftermath of a car accident, one crucial step is obtaining a copy of the police report. This document is often a key piece of evidence in a car accident lawsuit and is regarded as one of the most authoritative sources of information about the incident. The police report typically includes:

    • Accident Details: Time and location of the accident.
    • Accident Description: Information about the accident, including injuries and damages.
    • Driversโ€™ Information: Names, addresses, birthdates, and license numbers of all drivers involved.
    • Insurance Details: Insurance companies and policy numbers for all parties.

    To obtain a copy of the report, visit or send a request to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The request process involves submitting a CHP 190 form, the Application for Release of Information, along with a copy of your driverโ€™s license. The cost of a CHP report ranges from $10 to $40, depending on the length of the report.

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    How Do You Prove Negligence & Liability in a Car Accident Claim?

    In car accident claims, demonstrating negligence is often central to establishing liability. The injured party (plaintiff) typically needs to prove that the at-fault party (defendant) was negligent which involves four key elements:

    1. Duty of Care: The plaintiff must first establish that the defendant owed them a duty of care. This means the defendant was expected to operate their vehicle responsibly and with consideration for the safety of others.
    2. Breach of Duty: The plaintiff must then demonstrate that the defendant breached this duty. This breach occurs when the defendant acts in a manner that a reasonable person would not, under similar circumstances, knowing that it could cause harm to others.
    3. Causation: Itโ€™s crucial to show that the plaintiff’s injuries and damages were directly caused by the defendant’s negligence. This link between the breach of duty and the resultant harm is essential.
    4. Damages: Finally, the plaintiff needs to quantify the losses suffered due to the accident. This includes tangible losses like medical expenses and lost wages, as well as intangible damages such as pain and suffering.

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    Compensation for Car Accident Victims in California

    California car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the various damages and injuries they have endured. While each case is unique, there are common categories of compensation that your car accident attorney will likely include in your demand letter to the defendant. These typically encompass:

    1. Medical Expenses: Coverage for existing medical bills as well as anticipated future medical costs and treatments.
    2. Disability Accommodations: Costs for both temporary and permanent accommodations due to any disabilities resulting from the accident.
    3. Lost Income: Compensation for current lost wages and potential future income loss.
    4. Vehicle Repair or Replacement: Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle post-accident.
    5. Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical, mental, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
    6. Wrongful Death: In cases of fatal accidents, compensation for the loss of a loved one.
    7. Life-Altering Damages: Compensation for severe and permanent changes to the victimโ€™s quality of life.

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    No Win, No Fee

    Absolutely No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

    Mesriani Law Group has over two decades of experience in protecting victims of car accidents as well as employment and labor law violations in California.

    Through our wealth of experience, we understand that the main reason why victims of accidents or of unjust treatment by employers are hesitant to file cases or claim damages against the parties at fault is because of the high legal fees.

    In order to resolve this matter and help more people get the best compensation they deserve from the people who caused their injuries, pain and suffering, and losses, we decided to offer a No Win No Fee guarantee to all our clients. This means that you donโ€™t have to pay us anything for our top legal services, regardless of the complexities of your claims, if we are not able to provide you with the justice you deserve.

    We offer this because we are confident that our experience, expertise, and dedication will always translate to getting the maximum compensation you deserve at the swiftest possible time. Call our top attorneys right away for any car accident-related concerns and we will provide you with the best legal service and personalized client care you deserve.

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    Free Consultation with A Mesriani Car Accident Lawyer

    Mesriani Law Group is dedicated to helping victims and their loved ones who sustained injuries and damages and lost their lives in car accidents through the injury claim process in San Diego. We handle a majority of auto accident cases on a No Win, No Fee basis. We only charge a fee if we are successful in winning your case and getting you the maximum compensation you deserve. Give us a call now for a free consultation.

    Contact Us Today at (866) 500-7070 or Message Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation

    Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

    Who can file a car accident injury claim?

    In a car accident injury claim, the person who can file is typically the individual who has suffered injuries as a result of the accident. This includes drivers, passengers, cyclists, or pedestrians injured due to another party’s negligence. In cases where the injured party is a minor or incapacitated, a legal guardian or family member may file the claim on their behalf.

    When should you contact a car accident lawyer?

    It is advisable to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident, especially once any immediate medical needs are addressed. An early consultation with a lawyer can help you understand your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and navigate the complexities of insurance claims and potential legal proceedings effectively. Acting swiftly can be crucial for a successful outcome of your claim.

    What kind of cases do car accident lawyers handle?

    Car accident lawyers handle a variety of cases involving motor vehicle accidents. This includes collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and cyclists. They deal with issues ranging from minor injuries to significant ones, wrongful death claims, insurance disputes, and questions of liability and negligence.

    What is fair compensation for a car accident?

    Fair compensation for a car accident depends on several factors including the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, lost income, medical expenses, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life. It may also include non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The goal is to adequately cover all the financial and emotional impacts the accident has had on the victim’s life.

    Absolutely No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

    Mesriani Law Group has over two decades of experience in protecting victims of personal injury accidents as well as employment and labor law violations in California.

    Through our wealth of experience, we understand that the main reason why victims of accidents or of unjust treatment by employers are hesitant to file cases or claim damages against the parties at fault, and this is because of the high legal fees.

    In order to resolve this matter and help more people get the best compensation they deserve against the people who caused their injuries, pain and suffering and losses, we decided to offer a No Win No Fee guarantee to all our clients. This means that you donโ€™t have to pay us anything for our top legal services, regardless of the complexities of your claims, if we are not able to provide you with the justice you deserve.

    We offer this because we are confident that our experience, expertise and dedication will always translate in getting the maximum compensation you deserve at the swiftest possible time. Call our top personal injury attorneys right away for your personal injury accidents or our best employment and labor law attorneys in California for any employee related concerns and weโ€™ll assure you of nothing but the best legal service and personalized client care you deserve.

    What Our Clients Have To Say

    I cannot emphasize enough the level of their professionalism and effectiveness. It was great working with Rodney and the whole team at the Mesriani Law Group. The compensation they got me was more than I expected. I highly recommend them. With the Mesriani Law Group you’ll be in the right hands when you have an accident. They’ll take care of your case like no one else and get the maximum that you deserve.

    mesrianilaw-google-ratings
    5/5
    George Yadegar

    After contacting many different lawyers and law firms to discuss my legal issue, I was lucky enough to come across Mesriani Law Group. They took the time to listen to all the details of my case patiently & kept me updated through out the process on a regular basis. His team was very responsive and accessible both via email and phone. Rodney Mesriani and his team did a fantastic job. Let me add that Cory, Stephan and Brandon were very helpful along the way.
    Highly recommend this law firm.

    mesrianilaw-google-ratings
    5/5
    Ali Daneshgar

    My insurance gave me the run around for a horrible car accident I was involved in. I was getting so frustrated until i contacted Rodney and his team. Not only was his staff super professional, they actually cared and followed up with me. My case has been settled and I couldn’t be happier. Hopefully I don’t get into any more accidents but if I do, I know where to go. Thanks for having my back Rodney!!!

    mesrianilaw-yelp-ratings
    5/5
    Maya R.

    Award-Winning Car Accident Lawyers

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