Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego, CA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in San Diego, California?

  The San Diego Police Department receives non-emergency matters at 619-531-2000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in San Diego, California?

  The San Diego Police Department takes report requests in person at the SDPD Records Division, 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, or through mail at SDPD Records MS#726, P.O. Box 121431, San Diego, CA 92112.

• Is it possible for a cyclist accident victim in San Diego to obtain damages from an errant motorcyclist if the former was not wearing a helmet?

  Yes, it is possible for a cyclist who in San Diego was not wearing a helmet to obtain damages for the negligent acts of another. While it is common for personal injury defendants to claim that the plaintiff was at fault, the applicable state law imposes a pure comparative fault paradigm. This means that a plaintiff who is partially at fault can claim reduced damages even if the majority of the blame lies with the claimant.

• If a person is seriously hurt in a car crash in San Diego, who should they call first: a lawyer or a doctor?

  If a person in San Diego is seriously hurt it is preferable to call a doctor first. It is difficult to protect one's rights if there are severe injuries involved and the lawyer will be useless for averting catastrophic injuries or death. While insurance companies will often take advantage of the plaintiff's vulnerability and a lawyer could defend against deceptive practices, health comes first.

• What should a claimant prove when filing a wrongful birth case in San Diego?

  Yes, a parent in San Diego can file a wrongful birth case in San Diego if the doctor fails to diagnose a genetic defect. Medical professionals must perform the requisite diagnostic procedures to detect inherent birth issues because the mother has the right to prevent conception or terminate the pregnancy.

• When are punitive damages due in personal injury cases filed in San Diego?

  Punitive damages are due for personal injury suits in San Diego when the defendant acts with oppression, malice, or fraud. The law imposes this class of compensation as a punishment in civil law to discourage deliberately harmful behavior. This may be awarded in instances of drunk driving or whenever a defendant tries to conceal evidence.

• Why do many personal injury lawyers in San Diego specifically cover mesothelioma cases?

  Mesothelioma cases in San Diego and elsewhere have become their own class of personal injury suits because of the widespread use of asbestos in infrastructure for over 100 years. Mesothelioma is a specific kind of cancer that often grows in the lung tissues, and it is tied to asbestos inhalation. Deaths and lifelong suffering are common, and lawyers have taken notice.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.