The decision whether to hire an attorney involves many factors, questions and concerns. Some people mistakenly believe that lawyers complicate a situation. Why hire one when all they do is drag your case out too long and at the end of the case, they take part of the money that you deserve for your accident….

If this is what you think about attorneys, then you are very wrong! Believe it or not, when it comes to an accident and injury cases, having a good lawyer on your side can make a big difference in your case- in GOOD way.

As an experienced San Diego attorney who has handled over 1,000 automobile accident cases, Keith J. Stone can clarify when you should hire a lawyer to settle your case. No doubt, on any of your injury cases, call attorney Keith J. Stone for free advise for your injury claims.

The person that caused your harm, has an insurance company behind him or her. The insurance adjusters receive special training and know how to minimize what you are going through and are trained on how they word things so that the insurance company pays as little as possible.

Our purpose is to give you adequate support so you make the right decision in every step of your claim or as your case progresses. The following questions may help you decide:

• Does the cause of the accident or crash lay firmly with the other party?

• California follows what is called comparative liability.

• In this regard, at a 100% liability, is the other party, corporation or entity responsible for causing your harm? What percent? 100%, 75% or 50%-50%

• Did the police put you as partially at fault?

Questions of fault, negligence and causation are all lawyer terms. After you have been involved in an injury accident, your concern should be getting the appropriate help to get better. Let attorney Keith J. Stone help you with the various theories and laws and take the stress of the claim off you. In this regard, you can focus on getting better.

Has anyone been hurt in the accident, and how seriously?

One of the puzzle pieces that attorneys use to decide how much your case is worth is the nature and severity of your injuries as well as the amount of your medical bills. Obviously, if there is a fracture or your doctor recommends surgery, your case is more complicated than someone who suffers a minor strain that resolves in two weeks. You may receive confusing letters from your own health insurance company and/or the adverse insurance company with the various forms that they demand that you fill out.

Before you fill out any forms, you may wish to contact Keith J. Stone to assist you in your injury claim. Keith J. Stone comes from a large family of doctors. Attorney Keith J. Stone has the specialized knowledge of injuries, their effects on you, and what type of medical specialist you need to get the best possible care. During the litigation process, you will certainly value an experienced attorney like Keith J. Stone to address the medical issues that arrive and balance what the appropriate measure is in terms of reimbursing you for the harm that the other side has caused.

Does hiring a lawyer mean going to Court?

Many cases are settled prior to a lawsuit being filed. Even after the lawsuit is filed, the court does a number of procedures to have the matter resolved prior to going to trial. Some cases are suitable for mediation or arbitration. Other cases utilize a pre-trial settlement conference. Attorney Keith J. Stone stresses a team approach to his cases. The more involved you are the better. Attorney Keith J. Stone will explain every step in the process and then, together, map out the best way to resolve your lawsuit and/or claim. And in that regard, try to restore your life as best as possible.

Remember, the insurance company has lawyers on the other side- you need your own representation!

What is it going to cost? 

Attorney Keith J. Stone does not charge for an initial telephone conversation regarding your injury claim.

What do you have to lose!

Call Keith J. Stone first for any of your injury claims and you can discuss best the diverse ways you have to precede. After you have met with Attorney Keith J. Stone you will know what options you have in terms of preceding the claim by yourself, or hiring the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone. If you decide to hire us, our fees are on a contingency basis. This means that you will not be charged anything upfront in terms of fees. Fees are paid only after the case is resolved either by settlement and/or judgment.

Be prepared! Order now Keith J. Stone’s FREE auto accident glove box insert  so you and your family will be prepared in case you are involved in a car crash. Order some for your friends and family.

San Diego- based auto accident lawyer Keith J. Stone has successfully obtained the highest possible compensation for hundreds of Southern California people injured in car, truck, bus and motorcycle accidents. Call us now at 619-531-2022 for a FREE, NO COMMITMENT evaluation of your case, or send us an email with your questions.

¿Habla usted español? Tenemos una oficina bilingüe y ¡lo podemos ayudar!

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:

Now that you’ve got a good idea of what to do if you are ever involved in a San Diego car accident, below is a list of what not to do that you should familiarize yourself with. As long as you keep these 5 “don’ts” in mind, you are on the road to protecting your potential California personal injury claim.

5 Things You Should Not Do if Involved in a San Diego Car Accident 

1. Don’t flee the scene – The cause of an accident can create an initial reaction to drive away from the scene to avoid legal issues and the anxiety that it might be your fault. It’s against the law to flee if you’re involved in a San Diego car accident. Also, if injured, you will severely hinder your right to file a California personal injury claim. 
2. Don’t position yourself to further injury – If you’re involved in a San Diego car accident be extremely cautious in your movements after the fact. Don’t stand on the side of the car facing traffic. If you don’t take safety measures after your involvement in a San Diego car accident, filing for a California personal injury claim may be discouraged. 
3. Don’t say “sorry” – By apologizing, you are essentially declaring fault on yourself. If involved in a San Diego car accident, this will definitely hurt your chances of filing a California personal injury claim with a San Diego car crash lawyer. 
4. Don’t trash evidence – Don’t touch or remove anything from the crash site. Think of every piece having a link back to how the crash happened and who was at fault. In addition, everything damaged may be compensated for once you’ve sought help from a San Diego car crash lawyer. 
5. Don’t agree/accept anything until seeking a lawyer – A San Diego car crash lawyer specializes in this line of work and knows what’s fair and what’s acceptable. It is best to call a San Diego car crash after you’ve been seriously injured in a San Diego care crash.

Because everything you do-or don’t do-after a serious injury accident can affect your injury claim be sure that you take steps to get experienced legal help on your side.

Help After a San Diego Car Crash

When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is involved in a San Diego car crash know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The San Diego car crash lawyers at the law offices of Keith J. Stone are here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about filing a California personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 619-531-2022 or toll free at 888-59-HELP-NOW.

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:

When you call your insurance company, after you’ve been in an accident in San Diego, there are 5 things you shouldn’t say when seeking compensation you deserve for your damages and injuries. Contact a San Diego car accident attorney to be the most effective with pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages.

5 Things Not to Say After Your Accident in San Diego

After an accident, you will most likely be upset and not quite yourself. But you’ll need to do your best to avoid saying the wrong thing.

To ensure you do not adversely affect your case, don’t say

1. What I think happened was – if the police, other driver involved in your accident in San Diego, or your insurance company asks you questions, answer honestly and factually. Sometimes less is more. If you guess about what happened and your guess is wrong, it will be reported as though it did happen and it may hurt your claim for receiving compensation.
2. I’m so sorry – don’t ever say sorry after you’ve been in an accident in San Diego. By saying sorry, you’re basically admitting fault to your accident in San Diego and this could destroy your chances of receiving any compensation for your injuries and damages.
3. I feel fine – after your accident in San Diego, don’t say you feel fine, even if you do feel fine. The reality is you may sustain internal injuries that are unknown to you right after your accident in San Diego.
4. Yes, I will sign a release waiver for my medical records – giving any insurance company permission to look at your medical records will give them ammunition. They will blame previous health issues for your injuries, rather than your accident in San Diego.
5. I’ll take that settlement – your insurance company will try to give you the minimum amount to compensate you for your damages and injuries. Don’t accept a settlement offer from your insurance company until you speak with your San Diego car accident attorney.

When you’ve been involved in an accident in San Diego, it’s not mandatory to immediately call your insurance company. If you sustain injuries, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

When you talk to your insurance company, answer questions honestly and factual. Don’t give them additional information and don’t agree, sign, or accept anything from your insurance company until you’ve spoken to your San Diego car accident attorney.

Your San Diego car accident attorney is an expert in dealing with your claim and is familiar with insurance companies not providing the compensation needed to cover your personal injuries. After you’ve been involved in an accident in San Diego, contact a San Diego car accident attorney to pursue the most out of your claim.

Help After an Accident in San Diego

When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in an accident in San Diego, know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Your San Diego car accident attorney at the law offices of Keith J. Stone are here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 619-531-2022 or toll free at 1-888-59-HELP-NOW.

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:

California accident statistics have been improving from year to year but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear from getting into a serious accident in San Diego. Every year, many drivers are involved in an accident in San Diego, in which they and/or their passengers sustain serious or fatal injuries.

Fatal California Accident Statistics

California accident statistics are dropping by the hundreds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2005, California reported 4,333 fatal car accidents. The California accident statistics have been dropping ever since and the recently reported California accident statistics from 2009 indicate there were 3,081 fatal car accidents.

From 2005 through 2009, the California accident statistics show the miles traveled in California dropped too. In 2005, the California accident statistics for total vehicle miles traveled was 329,267,000 miles. In 2009, the California accident statistics reported 324,486,000 total vehicle miles traveled.

Therefore, the California accident statistics don’t justify that the roads are safer for travel, although fewer people on the road may be a good thing. However, it’s overwhelming to find the California accident statistics reported the majority of fatal accidents in San Diego were due to drivers driving under the influence.

Fatal California Accident Statistics Involving DUI

In relation to the California accident statistics of fatal crashes in 2005 reaching 4,333 total fatalities, 1,298 of the drivers had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. In 2009, 950 of the 3,081 total fatal accidents in California involved a driver with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.

You should take into consideration that these California accident statistics are only based on fatal car accidents and don’t include serious injuries or police reports. For example, the California Highway Patrol just released a newsletter proclaiming they arrested 210,000 drivers for driving under the influence in 2009.

The point is, you are still at risk for being in an accident in San Diego and you should know that if you’re involved in an accident in San Diego because of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation.

Contact a San Diego auto accident attorney to review your case and see if you’ll be able to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. Your San Diego auto accident attorney is familiar with the California accident statistics and is here to protect your personal injury claim when serious injuries or wrongful death occur in your accident in San Diego.

Help After an Accident in San Diego

When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in an accident in San Diego, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The San Diego auto accident attorney at the law offices of Keith J. Stone are here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 619-531-2022 or toll free at 1-888-59-HELP-NOW.

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:

A distracted driving accident in San Diego can cause major injuries and damage. If you are the victim of a distracted driving accident in San Diego, you should contact a San Diego car accident lawyer to review your case and to see if you are eligible to receive compensation for your physical, financial and emotional suffering.

The cause of a distracted driving accident in San Diego is when a driver looks away from the road, has his or her mind somewhere else, or his or her hands are off of the wheel. Many types of distractions on and off the road can cause a distracted driving accident in San Diego.

Common Types of Distracted Driving in an Accident in San Diego

Distracted driving could be the result of:

• cell phone usage, such as talking, texting, or searching the Web;
• reaching for something in the car, such as the radio or a fallen object;
• looking at something outside of the car, such as an accident, billboard or scenery;
• reading the newspaper, a book or work documents; and
• putting makeup on.

These common types of distractions that can result in a distracted driving accident in San Diego can make the driver inattentive, reduce his or her reaction time for unexpected stops or other occurrences on the road, and cause the driver lose control of the car.

In the event that you are the victim of a distracted driving accident in San Diego, you can suffer serious injuries that could be life-threatening. A San Diego car accident lawyer is familiar with the types of occurrences that can cause a distracted driving accident in San Diego. Your lawyer will interview witnesses and investigate the circumstances of your accident and help pinpoint the type of driving distraction that ultimately caused your accident and injuries.

You and your family should not be liable for the physical, financial and emotional costs of your distracted driving accident in San Diego that was the result of another driver’s negligence. After you have been involved in a distracted driving accident in San Diego and are seriously injured, seek medical attention immediately, then contact a San Diego car accident lawyer for a fair and accurate evaluation of your case. You deserve to get your life back on track, and your San Diego car accident lawyer is passionate about helping you pursue the compensation you need.

Help After a Distracted Driving Accident in San Diego

When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a distracted driving accident in San Diego know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The San Diego car accident lawyer at the law offices of Keith J. Stone are here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 1-619-531-2022 or toll free at 1-888-59-HELP-NOW.

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:

Most car accidents are caused by a driver’s negligence. Driving requires your full attention to be safe, responsible and aware and avoid a crash in San Diego. If you do become involved in an accident, a San Diego car accident lawyer can help.

Distractions are incredibly common and come in three different forms: visual, cognitive and manual. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 80% of crashes take place because of a form of driver distraction.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the top 5 distracted drivers typically fit into one of the following categories:

1. The cell phone user – The amount of drivers using a cell phone while operating a vehicle has increased within the last few years. Even with a hands-free cell phone system in place, studies have reported that drivers are too engaged in the conversation to give full attention to the road.
2. The crash diet – Eating while driving doesn’t simply involve chewing and driving, as it may seem. There are many other distractions, such as opening packages, reaching for food items, possible spills and consequent clean-ups, etc.
3. The parent – When driving with children or pets, it is important to make sure they are not going to distract you while driving. Make sure that all pets are secure, and do not allow your pet to sit in the front seat with you. Make sure your children know and understand that you must concentrate to drive (some recommend that you give them a book, game or toy to occupy their time along the drive).
4. The multi-tasker – Do not attempt to read, groom yourself, smoke, make phone calls, use a laptop or write notes while behind the wheel.
5. The young driver – The reported leading cause of death for drivers aged 15-20 is car crashes, making up almost 1/3 of deaths for this age group. If you have a teen driver, make sure he or she is aware of how serious driving is and that he or she will designate the appropriate care and attention to the road. Help your teen develop strategies to keep passengers and fellow teenagers well behaved and under control.

Your San Diego car accident lawyer can work with you to investigate whether the other driver was acting negligently at the time of the crash.

Help After a San Diego Car Accident

When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a San Diego car accident know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The car accident lawyers at the law offices of Keith J. Stone are here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 619-531-2022 or toll free at 888-59-HELP-NOW.

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:

When choosing a new car you should consider which model will help keep you the safest in a car accident in San Diego. Even if your car is highly rated for safety you may still need a San Diego auto accident attorney in the event you’re the victim of a serious accident.

Safety ratings help you decide which vehicle is best to for you and your family.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Picks for 2011 Cars

Every year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reviews the test data of numerous car models to determine the safest consumer picks. This year, 66 vehicles met their standards. Their standards were raised last year to include roof strength as a major parameter of safety.

Among the top 66 safest vehicles are several models made by: 

• Hyundai/Kia;
• Volkswagen/Audi;
• General Motors; and
• Ford/Lincoln. 

Each company had more than 10 of their 2011 models make the grade. Subaru was also ranked one of the best leading manufacturer’s in automobiles by having at least one of its vehicles win in each category.

The complete list can be found on the IIHS website with extensive details on the individual ratings of each model tested.

How Safety Ratings Protect You in a Car Accident in San Diego

Performance in high-speed crash simulations, both front-end and side impact, as well as rollovers earns a car a ranking of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Testing for the effectiveness of a car’s seat and head restraints for protection against neck injuries during rear impacts is also ranked.

To qualify for the IIHS’s Top Safety Picks list, a vehicle must register a “good” rating on all of these tests. The 2011 model year has produced many more approved vehicles than years past, giving drivers more choice when it comes to choosing a safety-approved vehicle.

Even if you drive a vehicle that’s high-ranking in safety tests these precautions cannot account for negligent drivers. All vehicle models are susceptible to being involved in a serious car accident when other factors interfere with your driving safety.

There is still a risk of serious accidents while on California roads no matter what safety features a vehicle offers. If you find yourself or a loved one suffered serious injuries from a car accident in San Diego – no matter if you were the driver, passenger, or a pedestrian – a San Diego auto accident attorney can help.

Help After a Car Accident in San Diego

When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a car accident in San Diego know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. A San Diego auto accident attorney at the law offices of Keith J. Stone is here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim.

We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 619-531-2022 or toll free at 888-59-HELP-NOW.

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:

Many times teenagers are contributing factors in a crash in San Diego, California, and they’re usually the one’s getting blamed for it. Although a teenager may not be the one who caused the accident, there are some valuable notions that should be taken into consideration, especially when you’re meeting with a San Diego car accident lawyer about filing a claim for your accident that involved a teen.

Factors That Put Teens at High Risk for a Crash in San Diego, California

The reason for a teenager causing an accident may not always be due to reckless driving – sometimes it’s just because the teen is new to the road. 

• Inexperience: Even though teenagers are tested and take a driver’s course before they can obtain licenses, the road, what can happen on the road and enabling them to drive without supervision are all still very new to them.
• Time: Paired with inexperience, most likely, a new teenage driver probably isn’t familiar with night driving. Driving at night requires skill, experience and focus. Compared to daytime driving, you may not be able to see a mile’s length ahead of you, which makes it hard to see unexpected objects such as a parked car on the side of the road or an animal.   
• Friends: Teens are notorious for packing their buddies in their cars to go for a ride, especially with a brand-new license in hand. Teenagers like to goof off, but the car isn’t a place for goofing off. A driver’s focus needs to be on the road for awareness of other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. 
• Type of Vehicle: In the event of a crash in San Diego, a teenager riding in a small vehicle may sustain fatal injuries because smaller vehicles have fewer safety features and a weaker exterior that could cause the vehicle to crush a car on impact; however, a bigger car, such as a pickup truck or SUV is just as dangerous because of its bigger structure. The exterior and foundation of a bigger vehicle may protect a teenager upon impact, but a larger vehicle is harder to handle. 

Teenagers should practice road safety and follow the laws of the road because there are other people who share the road. If you’re seriously injured in a crash in San Diego, California, that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should contact a San Diego car accident lawyer to discuss filing a claim.

Help After a Crash in San Diego, California

When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a crash in San Diego, California, know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Your San Diego car accident lawyer at the law offices of Keith J. Stone is here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 1-619-531-2022 or toll free at 888-59-HELP-NOW.

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:

California seat belt laws could play a role in the outcome of your California personal injury claim. If you were injured in an accident, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer in San Diego, CA to discuss your case.

Being properly restrained could mean the difference between life and death and because no one can predict an auto accident, no chances should be taken.

California Seat Belt Laws

Under California seat belt laws, the driver and passengers must wear a seat belt or appropriate type of restraining system. These laws are in place in order to reduce the number of severe injuries and deaths that occur on the roads. This means that you can’t transport people in your vehicle if you don’t have enough seat belts. It also means that 2 people can’t share a seat belt.

Drivers must also be aware of the appropriate types of infant car seats and booster car seats that are recommended for certain heights and weights. Those who no longer fit in an infant seat or booster seat are required to wear a seat belt that straps across them.

In most cases children under the age of 1, who weigh less than 20 pounds or use a rear-facing child passenger restraint system, shouldn’t be placed in the front seat of a vehicle that has airbags.

How Seat Belt Laws May Affect Your California Personal Injury Claim

The state of California follows comparative negligence when it comes to determining fault for your California personal injury claim. This means that a percentage of responsibility for the accident is assigned to the parties involved. So even if you are 99% at fault, you can still recover damages; however, you will only be entitled to 1% of those damages.

Failure to wear a seat belt in California could mean that your settlement will be diminished. Violating traffic laws will put some of the fault on you. So even if the other person was the direct cause of the accident, your failure to fasten the seat belt (or other passengers in your vehicle), could mean that you won’t recover as much as you could have.

If you have questions concerning your accident and determining who was negligent, then your next step should be to speak with a personal injury lawyer in San Diego, CA. A lawyer can assist you with every step of your claim, from the initial filing until you reach a final settlement.

Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer in San Diego, CA

When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a California car accident, know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The personal injury lawyers at the law offices of Keith J. Stone are here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 1-619-531-2022 or toll free at 1-888-59-HELP-NOW.

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:

The holiday season brings with it joy and family, as long as dangerous roads and drivers. Between Thanksgiving and the end of New Year’s weekend are the DUI high points for the year.

Holiday and travel are a dangerous combination. Starting with the night before Thanksgiving, which is considered the busiest bar night of the year. Thanksgiving weekend is also the most traveled holiday period of the year, with almost 90% traveling by car. Federal traffic safety data shows that the daily death toll from drunk driving during the holiday season is significantly more than the rest of the year.

According to the NHSTSA, between 2001-2005 an average of 36 fatalities occurred per day in the U.S as a result of crashes involving an alcohol impaired driver. The number increases to 45 per day during the Christmas period and escalates even higher to 54 per day over New Years!

Another report shows that between 1998 and 2008 there was an average of 572 deaths annually on U.S highways during Thanksgiving holiday. 36% of those deaths were alcohol related, which makes an average of 51 per day. The national safety commission blames speeding and tired and/or sleepy drivers, as well as those who have in taken alcohol, for the high number of deaths.

Make sure to not drink and drive! Take a taxi.

If you are hit or injured by a drunk driver this holiday season make sure to call our offices for legal advice or representation. No good can come out of an accident, especially one that involves substance abuse! We will make the legal aspects easier so you are able to continue with your life as normally as you can. Remember to be safe and remind others to do the same!

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California: