Best Car Accident Lawyers in Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, CA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, CA?

  The non-emergency contact number for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department's police station serving the Casa de Oro-Mount Helix metro is 858-565-5200.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, CA?

  To get a copy of a police report, you may do one of the following:

  • Use LexisNexis eCrash to submit your request online https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/
  • Call 866-215-2771 from 8am to 8pm EST, Monday through Friday.
  • Send a mail request to: SDPD Records MS#726 P.O. Box 121431 San Diego, CA, 92112
  • Drop by in-person SDPD Records Division 1401 Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 from Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• What are the most common reasons why Casa de Oro-Mount Helix teenagers cause car accidents?

  Most of the time, teenage drivers cause car accidents in Casa de Oro-Mount Helix:

  • Driving while high on drugs or under the influence of alcohol
  • Due to lack of experience, like underestimating stopping distances or not knowing what to do
  • Distracted driving includes activities like using a mobile phone, sending texts, and conversing with passengers.
  • Generally not paying attention to their surroundings and not keeping a close eye out for pedestrians and cyclists.

• In Casa de Oro-Mount-Helix, how does uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage work?

  When the at-fault driver lacks liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage steps in to compensate you for your injuries. If the other driver has liability insurance but not enough to cover your medical bills and other losses, your underinsured motorist policy will kick in. Most auto insurance plans include a wide definition of "uninsured motorist," including:

  • A driver who does not have bodily harm liability insurance.
  • A driver who has a lower limit than what is needed under financial responsibility legislation.
  • A individual whose insurance rejects coverage or is declared bankrupt.
  • A hit-and-run motorist who flees the scene without being recognized

• How long does a child have to file a claim after a car accident in Casa de Oro-Mount-Helix?

  When a child is hurt in a car accident in Casa de Oro-Mount-Helix, the time limit is a little different. The time limit is still two years, but it doesn't start running until two years after the accident. Instead, the clock starts ticking when the child turns 18 years old. So, children hurt in car accidents have two years from the time they turn 18 to file a claim for damages or until their 20th birthday, whichever comes first. There are some exceptions to this rule, so if your child was hurt in a car accident, you should talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

• Who can bring a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident in Casa de Oro-Mount-Helix?

  The legislation in California allows for monetary compensation to be given to the families of those killed in an automobile accident in Casa de Oro-Mount-Helix. Often, a wrongful death lawsuit might result in two sorts of compensation: monetary and emotional. Any person who would be entitled to the deceased person's property under California's intestate rules may file a wrongful death claim in the state. This includes spouses, domestic partners, children, grandkids, and stepchildren.

• What happens after a car accident in Casa de Oro-Mount-Helix with no police report?

  When police are called to an accident scene in Casa de Oro-Mount-Helix, they sometimes find that the people involved have left or that there isn't enough information to make a full report. This makes it harder for the driver who did nothing wrong to leave a paper trail that shows what happened and who is to blame. Because of this, if you've been hurt in a car accident, you should talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. They will help you keep track of evidence (like pictures of your damaged car and statements from witnesses) and get the right medical care right away. 

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.