If you have been involved in a car accident, learn about your auto accident lawsuit options by contacting our office — serving Vista, La Jolla, and all of San Diego County.
Phillips & Pelly
12520 High Bluff Dr. Ste 220,
San Diego, CA 92130
P/ 858.452.7766
North County
P/ 760.945.9962
Central County
P/ 858.794.1700
Auto and Car Accident Facts for Injured Victims in Vista and San Diego
Due to the ever-growing population in the United States, injuries resulting from car accidents are also on the rise. These collisions are often caused by negligent drivers who are found to be guilty of DUI or who are uninsured motorists. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car or other auto during an accident, you may wish to learn about your lawsuit options. For victims in Vista, Poway, and throughout San Diego, the attorneys of Phillips & Pelly can help people injured in car accidents to recognize their rights and fight for justice.
Auto Accident Causes
An auto accident involving injuries can have a multitude of potential causes, ranging from poor road design to negligent driving. When filing a car accident lawsuit, you should choose attorneys familiar with Vista and San Diego highways, side streets, and other roads. Local knowledge of such details can mean the difference between a mediocre settlement and one that is ample enough to cover your medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. Causes of the average auto accident in San Diego include:
Driver negligence – Negligence can encompass behaviors such as speeding, driving while talking on a cell phone, so-called "road rage," or simply not paying attention to the road.
Driving under the influence (DUI) – It is estimated that 40 percent of all auto accident fatalities are caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Poor road design – Sometimes, faulty road design or construction zone signage can be to blame for an auto accident. A lawsuit brought against San Diego traffic authorities or a construction company requires a great deal of expertise and research.
Faulty Equipment – In the case of brake failure or other defect in either your car or another, the fault might lie with the car manufacturer or distributor.
No matter what the basis of your car accident lawsuit, the San Diego attorneys of Phillips & Pelly will work with you to compile all the pertinent details of your case. We will shoulder the burden of speaking with witnesses, acquiring medical records, and combing through police reports to find the evidence we need to represent you.
Types of Car Accident Lawsuits
Depending on the cause of your collision and the type of injuries resulting from your car accident, you may wish to investigate a number of lawsuit options with our legal team serving Vista and the rest of San Diego County. Compensation guidelines vary in accidents involving DUI versus those caused by uninsured motorists or those involving motorcycles. If a loved one was killed in an auto accident, our attorneys can file a wrongful death case that will take into account the lost income and loss of companionship caused by the death.
If you were recently involved in an auto accident and are confused about what type of lawsuit might apply to you, the San Diego law firm of Phillips & Pelly is ready to assist you. Contact our personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Immediately after a car accident, try to assess the extent of damage to both vehicles and determine whether anyone has been injured. If someone has been hurt, call 911. While waiting for the police to arrive, try to remain calm. Do not discuss the accident with the other party or any witnesses. Your statements should be made only to a police officer for inclusion in the police report. Any other statement you make about the auto accident could have a negative effect on a lawsuit. San Diego police officers are trained to collect all pertinent information at an accident, including visible damage, weather and road conditions, and the condition of all drivers involved.
It is important to get the other driver's full information so your insurance company can act quickly. You will need to obtain as much of the following as possible:
- Driver's name, phone number, and address
- Driver's license information
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and description of vehicle
As soon as possible after getting this information, call your insurance company. It may help to have the police officer at the scene talk to the insurance agent, as he or she will be able to give detailed information and will not be emotionally affected by the day's events.
Even if you are unsure whether DUI or other form of negligence was to blame for your car accident, you should discuss a lawsuit immediately with competent San Diego lawyers. In the early days and weeks after an auto accident, it may be difficult to assess the amount of medical attention you require, and whether your insurance company is willing to pay your bills.
Contact Our Car and Auto Accident Lawyers
To learn more about whether your car accident warrants a lawsuit, contact Phillips & Pelly, representing clients in Vista, Rancho Bernardo, and all of San Diego's communities. You can talk to an experienced personal injury attorney who can answer your questions and help you with all your legal needs.