You Deserve Compensation After A Car Accident. We Will Help You Fight For It.
Last updated on February 14, 2025
Car accidents are a leading cause of death and catastrophic injury in the United States. Hundreds of accidents occur each day in San Diego County and throughout California. While many are minor fender-benders requiring only a visit to the body shop, other accidents can be life-changing events, resulting in serious injuries, lengthy hospital stays, long periods of recovery and permanent disability.
Drivers who cause accidents due to negligence or recklessness are required to pay compensation, called “damages,” to their victims. Although all motorists are required to have liability insurance to cover such damages, nearly 15% of California drivers do not. Moreover, even drivers who have coverage are often underinsured for the damages they cause. California’s minimum financial responsibility law – requiring $15,000 in coverage for injury to one person and $30,000 for injuries to multiple people – was enacted in 1974. Nearly 50 years later, those dollar amounts still have not changed.
Navigating the liability, damages and insurance issues arising from a car accident requires experienced legal representation. That’s why you should contact our trial-tested accident attorneys at Coast Law Group LLP for a free consultation today.
Don’t Face Insurance Companies Without An Experienced Accident Attorney
California’s auto insurance companies are part of multibillion-dollar industry. These companies make money by collecting insurance premium payments, not by paying claims. They have virtually limitless resources to find reasons to deny claims, and they resist paying accident victims even when there is no legitimate dispute about liability or damages. Insurance companies recognize this leverage and seek to resolve claims quickly and cheaply – paying fair compensation to accident victims is contrary to their bottom-line interests.
Our personal injury team is comprised of highly experienced auto accident lawyers. We understand how insurance companies operate and how they often employ bad-faith tactics in an effort to force lowball settlements. Our mission is to level the playing field and ensure our clients are fairly compensated following an accident. Do not take on the insurance giants alone; put us in your corner.
Types Of Recoverable Damages
Victims of car accidents are often entitled to compensation, called damages. While the amount of recoverable damages varies by case, these may include:
- Medical expenses: These include the costs of any medical services associated with the accident, including consultations, surgeries, hospitalization, prescription medications, etc. Future medical expenses may also be recoverable if additional care is expected.
- Lost wages: If a DUI crash victim misses work because of an accident, they may be able to recover lost income, even if their paycheck was not reduced. Victims who suffer long-term injuries may also be eligible to recover future lost wages.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages include not just physical and emotional pain and suffering but also inconvenience, anxiety, humiliation, disfigurement and other types of harm.
The financial value of an accident claim can be calculated in several ways, and it is often a matter of debate. We understand how to accurately assess and document all your losses in order to maximize your financial recovery.
Understanding California’s Comparative Negligence System
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system in car accident cases. This means you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for an accident. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident and your total damages are $100,000, you would be eligible to recover $80,000. This system allows accident victims to seek compensation even in complex scenarios where multiple parties share responsibility. We can help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
What Information Do I Need To Collect After A Car Accident In Encinitas?
Following a car accident, gathering comprehensive evidence is crucial for building a strong claim. Start by confirming everyone’s safety and calling 911 if there are any injuries. Then:
- Document the scene thoroughly with photos of all vehicles involved, including damage, skid marks and the surrounding area.
- Exchange information with other drivers, including insurance details, driver’s license numbers and contact information.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- File a police report and request a copy.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses.
- Document any lost work time and income.
Remember, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, which is why prompt medical evaluation is essential for both your health and your legal claim.
Do I Need A California Car Accident Lawyer After A Car Accident?
While not every accident requires legal representation, having an experienced car accident attorney can significantly impact your case’s outcome. At Coast Law Group LLP, we bring decades of combined experience in handling complex car accident cases throughout San Diego County. Our approach differs from large, impersonal firms – we provide individualized attention to each client and case.
Our attorneys handle all aspects of your claim, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court. With deep knowledge of local courts, California traffic laws and insurance company tactics, we build strong cases that often lead to better outcomes than individuals might obtain on their own.
If You Have Been Involved In A Car Accident, We Are Here To Help
When you contact our firm, an attorney on our injury team will thoroughly review your case, independently investigate the accident, and communicate with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to. We will help you navigate the road ahead to ensure that you are treated fairly and that justice is diligently pursued.
Call Coast Law Group LLP at 760-670-4554 to discuss your options in a free initial consultation. You can also reach out online. Our firm is based in Encinitas, and we serve clients in San Diego County and throughout California.