Car accidents happen daily in San Diego; no two accidents are alike. The circumstances surrounding your injuries and losses from a car accident are unique to you and deserve the dedicated attention of an experienced car accident attorney in San Diego. At the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, we understand the challenges and obstacles that car accident victims face on their road to recovery.
As a full-service law firm, we have a team of skilled lawyers, investigators, and the financial resources necessary to manage your case efficiently from start to finish. We aim to secure the maximum legal compensation you deserve for your injuries—not just what the insurance companies are willing to pay.
Choose a car accident lawyer who prioritizes your best interests. Choose the personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg.
Call us now to learn how we can assist you and your family. We’re here for you 24/7.
Don’t Let an Accident Define You—Claim What You’re Owed in San Diego!
If you have been in a car accident, you might wonder whether hiring an auto accident attorney is necessary. While minor accidents can be resolved directly between those involved or through insurance providers, not every situation is simple. Even accidents that initially seem minor can become complicated over time. For instance, injuries might take days or weeks to show symptoms, or the other party might fail to honor agreed-upon compensation.
In specific situations, hiring an accident attorney is essential. If your accident caused serious or permanent injuries that impact your ability to work or enjoy life, contacting an experienced car accident lawyer should be your first step. Similarly, if there are complications with insurance or disputes about fault, having an attorney on your side can make all the difference.
Everyday Situations That Require an Attorney
- Disputes Over Fault: The parties involved cannot agree on who caused the accident.
- Refusal to Pay Damages: The other party or their insurance company denies your rightful compensation.
- Involvement of a Government Entity: If the accident involves a government vehicle or entity, unique filing deadlines and legal requirements apply.
Think You Don’t Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident? Think Again
A car accident can turn your world upside down in an instant. While you may think you can handle the aftermath alone, the reality is far more complicated. In California, a “fault” state, the at-fault party is responsible for injuries and damages. Proving fault and seeking fair compensation can be challenging, mainly when insurance companies prioritize their profits over your recovery.
Working with an experienced San Diego car accident attorney can change the outcomes. While not all lawyers may handle these things appropriately, anyone who has practiced law for some time does much more than shuffle papers—they guard your rights, collect essential proof, and bargain fiercely. Whether it involves obtaining liability, establishing a defense, or coping with recalcitrant insurance companies, your best weapon remains your lawyer.
Think You’ve Got a Fair Offer? Why You Shouldn’t Settle So Quickly
This is the most crucial advice any lawyer will give anyone before they talk to the other party’s insurance company after a car accident. Insurance companies will always go out of their way to ensure they have paid the lowest amount they can give you for your losses in the shortest possible time. Evaluating your damages and losses independently is almost impossible, especially if you do not work with a qualified car accident attorney.
That’s why we encourage you to contact the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg immediately after your accident. We have the personnel to ensure you get the amount you are entitled to. We will handle the contact with the insurance company, and if they are unwilling to provide fair compensation, you should not worry about going to court.
Years of practice and millions of dollars collected for clients guarantee the successful handling of even the most intricate car accident litigation. It’s essential not to take anything less than what you deserve.
Our personal injury attorneys in San Diego specialize in handling car accident claims related to:
- Defective Highway Design
- Distracted Driving
- Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Road Rage Accidents
- Wrong-Way Driving Accidents
- Head-On Collisions
What Am I Entitled to? Exploring the Types of Compensation Available to You
If you have ever found yourself involved in an accident, it is essential to know the compensation you may be awarded, which is more than repairs to your car. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life, you can recover damages for several key areas:
Medical Expenses:
You are entitled to compensation for medical costs incurred due to the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and mental health counseling. This also includes any future medical care required for long-term recovery.
Property Damage:
If the other party is at fault, you can claim compensation for damage to your vehicle and personal property, covering repair or replacement costs.
Pain and Suffering:
This refers to non-economic damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident. It may also include loss of consortium or negatively impacting your relationships.
Lost Wages:
If your injuries prevent you from working, you are entitled to compensation for lost income during your recovery and possibly for future income loss if your ability to work is permanently impaired.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Car Accident Attorney
When hiring a car accident lawyer, asking the right questions is crucial to ensuring they fit your case best. Here are the key questions you should ask:
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
- What happens if I lose? Will I be responsible for any costs?
- What are your fees?
- What resources do you have to fight my case?
- How long have you been handling car accident cases?
- How long will it take to resolve my lawsuit?
- What can be done to improve my chances of a successful outcome?
The Legal Process and Time Frames
Involvement in a car accident requires distinguishing between a lawsuit and an insurance claim before proceeding to action. The public must compare it with mediation because they are distinct procedures, although both may lead to a settlement. This section is devoted to considering a personal injury lawsuit, which is the only way to go to court if compensations through insurance are unfair.
In civil law, car accident litigation refers to a legal claim brought by the aggrieved party, the plaintiff, against the culprit auto owner, the defendant.
Here’s an overview of the legal process and the time frames involved:
Filing the Complaint
Disputes arising from car accidents involve going through the following legal processes: the first is filing a complaint to the court. This document outlines:
- Details of the accident
- Kinds of loss are sought (Medical expenses, loss of wages, suffering, and respective amount.).
- The rationale for the filing of the case in law
In California, you can bring an action and sue for a personal injury within two years of the accident. However, it depends on some exceptional cases. The law prescribes a definite period from which a specific action is to be done; hence, timely action is always preferable.
Serving the Complaint
Once the complaint is filed, the defendant must be formally notified—a process called serving the complaint. Your attorney ensures this step follows strict legal guidelines, proving that the defendant has been informed of the lawsuit.
Defendant’s Response
After receiving the complaint, the defendant files a response, which may:
- Admit or deny the allegations
- Present legal defenses
It established that this response is the precursor for the next phase in the lawsuit.
Discovery Phase
In discovery, the parties collect evidence for use and share that evidence with the other side. This phase can involve:
- Document requests
- Interrogatories or written questions
- Deposition (statements in court that an officer of the court records).
Discovered helps both parties present their case by availing of all the necessary information they may require.
Settlement Negotiations or Trial
This shows that most car accident cases are settled, especially by compromise, without going to trial. However, if no settlement is made, the case goes to trial.
Moreover, both sides submit proof at trial, examine witnesses, and debate their material before a judge or the jury. After the trial, a judgment is made for and against the plaintiff, depending on whether they will be paid or how much.
Other Important Questions To Consider:
I’m Undocumented—Can You Still Take My Case?
Yes, we can. In California, your immigration status does not affect your personal injury case. If someone’s negligence caused you harm, you can seek compensation, regardless of your immigration status. Our attorneys are committed to safeguarding your privacy and preventing any questions about your immigration status from being brought up during your case.
Additionally, if English isn’t your primary language, we work with licensed interpreters who can ensure your story is accurately conveyed in the courtroom.
Can I Take Legal Action If I’m Partially Blamed for My Car Accident in California?
You can still take legal action in California, even if you’re partially at fault. California follows a “comparative fault” rule, meaning your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you carry. For instance, if you’re 40% at fault, your potential recovery will be reduced by that amount.
An experienced lawyer can assess the details of your case to help determine the extent of your liability and ensure you’re not unfairly penalized.
What If I Was Working at the Time of My Car Accident?
If you were working during the accident, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim and pursue a personal injury lawsuit against any third parties involved. This can be a complex situation, but we’ve got you covered. Our firm has a team of auto accident lawyers and a specialized workers’ compensation department, ensuring you get the support you need for both claims.
Let the Expert Car Accident Attorneys at the Law Office of Howard Kornberg Fight for the Compensation You Deserve!
The Law Office of Howard Kornberg was founded on the core principles of compassion, service, and results. With over 35 years of experience, we’re committed to offering top-tier legal representation and outstanding customer service. Our firm’s success and longevity directly reflect our dedication to clients and their well-being.
Over the years, The Law Office of Howard Kornberg has helped countless car accident victims recover from life-altering accidents, securing over $1.6 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients*. We handle every detail of your case, from start to finish, ensuring you get the full compensation you deserve.
Our firm’s resources and experience allow us to defeat the most formidable opponents, including large corporations and insurance companies. We are not a referral service; we don’t settle your case for less just to close it out. We fight for the best possible outcome.
IF WE DON’T WIN, YOU DON’T PAY. That’s our promise to you.
Call The Law Office of Howard Kornberg today at 619-257-4443 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 and can visit your home or hospital if needed.
