Common Types of Car Accidents in California

An irrational motorist in California can disrupt your life in a split second. An automobile accident’s consequences might last for years after the collision, and some individuals’ and families’ lives will never return to normal.

An accident attorney in San Diego at the Law Offices Of Keith J. Stone can assist accident victims in obtaining the compensation they are entitled to following a motor vehicle injury.

Some of the most prevalent causes of car accidents in California requiring a San Diego Accident attorney are listed below.

• Not following traffic laws
• Driving recklessly and speeding
• Road rage
• Tailgating
• Driving while distracted
• Inexperienced driving
• Driving with fatigue
• Driving while impaired
• Inclement weather conditions
• Inadequate road designs and intersections
• Dangerous road situations
• Faulty vehicle parts and maintenance

Main Types of Collisions

Head-on Crash 

People involved in a head-on accident are at significant risk of suffering catastrophic injuries and even death. When two automobiles collide head-on, the impact is more severe. For a head-on collision to be serious, vehicles do not need to be moving at high speeds. Many head-on collisions occur when a car drifts into the opposing lane of traffic due to distractions, intoxication, or other factors.

Rear-End Collisions

Neck injuries such as whiplash are the most common injuries caused by rear-end collisions. Whiplash usually heals in a few weeks, but it can cause chronic discomfort and lasting problems in some people.

Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Pedestrian deaths have risen in California and around the country. When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, they have no protection. As a result, pedestrian injuries are frequently fatal or life-threatening, and families reach out to a car accident lawyer in San Diego.

Side-Impact Collisions

When the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, a collision occurs. At intersections, mainly when performing a left-hand turn across one or more lanes of traffic, T-bone collisions are prevalent. In a side-impact collision, vehicle occupants are less protected from injury since there is less metal between them and the other vehicle to protect them from the crash.

Accidents on Bicycles

In California, bicycle accidents are very common. Bicyclists, like pedestrians, are at a high risk of catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. Bicycle helmets and other safety equipment can help minimize the risk of head injuries, but they do not protect the bicyclist’s body in the event of a collision.

Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving

Drunk driving accidents, often known as impaired driving accidents, are widespread in California. Drivers who are inebriated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol have slower reaction times. Cognitive and mental abilities get affected too. Accident victims may sustain catastrophic injuries as a result of DUI accidents.

Accidents Involving Large Trucks

A car accident attorney San Diego knows that in around three-quarters of heavy truck collisions, occupants of other cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists get killed and are prepared to empathize and help the families get compensated. A conventional passenger vehicle will not be able to endure the force of a large truck collision and a massive truck.

What are the Most Common Injuries Involved in Automobile Accidents?

Some of the most common injuries stemming from motor vehicle accidents range from the head, neck, and internal injuries to fractured bones and death. Many accident victims experience severe physical pain and suffering in addition to their physical injuries. Multiple operations and months of physical, occupational, vocational therapy and an accident lawyer San Diego are required for some victims.

For a Free Consultation, Contact The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone

A car accident in California may entitle you to compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages. Our San Diego Car Accident Attorney is dedicated to ensuring that you are treated fairly. After being wounded in a traffic accident, we strive to obtain the compensation you deserve.

 

 

 

 

You take your safety seriously. When you are watchful and vigilant and you do not take unnecessary risks. It is reasonable for you to expect others to have the same standard. When you visit a public venue or a private home, you should not fear for your safety. If you have been injured in an accident while on the premises of another, then you should hold them accountable. It is right for you to seek financial compensation for the pain, injury, and losses you have sustained. To exercise this option, you should retain a San Diego personal injury attorney. Your San Diego personal injury lawyer will help you build a case against the person responsible for the accident and the injuries it caused. 

You Must Base Your Claim on Negligence 

Premises liability claims are based on tort law. The latter is a field of law that allows persons who have suffered material injury owing to the action or inaction of another to claim compensation from them. Property owners have a legal obligation to see to the safety of people who visit their premises. If you are injured on the premises of another because they failed to keep the space in a reasonably safe condition, then you can hold them accountable. Your case will be based on the fact of their negligence. You can prove negligence by showing that they failed to take the measures that any prudent property would have taken under similar circumstances. 

Specifically, you must prove that the property owner had a duty of care, that they did not fulfil that duty of care, that their failure caused the accident, and that you suffered harm because of the accident. 

Compensation You Can Claim 

You may have a clear-cut case against the property owner. However, you will most likely have to deal with their insurance company. And the lawyers for insurance companies will try to minimize the amount of compensation you can receive. These attorneys are especially aggressive and will put up a fight. That is why you need a San Diego premises liability attorney who is equally aggressive, skilled, and determined. 

You should not work with the insurance company on your own. In fact, if they try to contact you, it is imperative that you refer them to your San Diego premises liability lawyer. Your premises liability attorney in San Diego will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company or their lawyers for the following damages: 

• Medical treatment 
• Loss of current and future wages 
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Disfigurement 
• Permanent disability 

Protecting Yourself and Your Case 

If you had an accident on another person’s property, the event may leave you temporarily confused and disoriented. But you should pull yourself together as quickly as possible. You have a roll in protecting any future case you may have against the property owner. To protect yourself and your case, you should take the following steps after the accident: 

• Go to the hospital immediately 
• Secure relevant evidence if you can 
• Report the incident to the property owner 
• Call a lawyer as soon as possible 

The more you are able to document the accident and the effect of it the easier it will be to prove your case against the party responsible. However, you may be in circumstances in which this is not possible. That is okay. Your attorney will send professional investigators to interview people who witnessed the accident and gather other types of evidence. Nowadays there is bound to be one or two people who captured the accident and its aftermath on their smartphone cameras. 

If you have been in an accident on someone else’s property, then you should speak to a premises liability lawyer in San Diego at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone.

You cannot bring back your departed loved one. You can remember them and grieve for them, but you cannot reclaim what you have lost. However, it is possible to hold people accountable for their death. If you have good reason to believe that the death of your loved one owes to the recklessness, incompetence, or violent maliciousness of another, then you should hire a San Diego wrongful death attorney and file suit against them. San Diego wrongful death lawyers have the experience and expertise to deal with these kinds of cases. 

Holding People Accountable 

A wrongful death suit is the only instrument that survivors have to hold the people who caused the death of their loved one accountable. A wrongful death suit can be filed on any occasion when the action or inaction of a person caused the death of another. Here are some of the most common cases: 

1. Accidents and product defects 

If your loved one was killed in a car accident caused by the recklessness or negligence of another driver, you can sue that person for compensation. You can likewise sue the owners of a public venue in which your loved one died owing to unsafe conditions. 

If you believe that a malfunctioning or defective part in a device your loved one operated was a direct cause of their death, then you should have the matter investigated. If you find sufficient evidence to shore up your suspicions, then you should file suit. 

2. Medical malpractice 

Doctors should have the training, insight, experience, and expertise to correctly diagnose and treat medical problems. It is one thing for your loved one to undergo a risk surgery in which you acknowledge the risks. It is quite another for them to undergo a routine surgery that leads to their death. In the latter case, you should hire a wrongful death attorney in San Diego and build a case. 

You can also build a case if your loved one was misdiagnosed and you can prove it led to their death. Physicians can also be held accountable for prescription errors that lead to death. 

3. Murder 

Murder cases are investigated and prosecuted by the district attorney’s office. However, you can also file a civil suit against the person you have good reason to believe murdered your loved one. The standard of proof is lower for a civil suit. The preponderance of the evidence will get you a win in civil court. Indeed, if the DA cannot make the case against the person suspected of the murder, they can turn the evidence they have collected over to your wrongful death attorney in San Diego who can use it in the civil trial. 

The O.J. Simpson case is the most famous example of this happening. After Simpson’s acquittal in the criminal trial, the family of Ron Goldman sued him in civil court and won. 

Not Everyone Can File a Wrongful Death Suit 

Surviving spouses, children, and parents have a right to file a wrongful death suit. Some states extend this right to siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren under certain circumstances. If you were not married to the deceased but had a long-term relationship with them, it may also be possible for you to have standing in such a suit—especially if you have children with them and were financially dependent on them. A wrongful death attorney San Diego can help you establish your right to sue. 

You can recover the following damages: 

• Funeral and burial costs 
• Loss of their expected income 
• Loss of the value of services that they would have provided 
• Loss of care, guidance, love, and companionship 

Before you file your suit, you should contact a wrongful death lawyer in San Diego. A wrongful death attorney will know how to build a solid case for your compensation. If you are looking to get justice for your deceased loved one, you should speak to a wrongful death lawyer San Diego at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone.   

You drive to survive. You don’t take unnecessary chances on the road, and you follow all the rules. But this is not always enough. It is not uncommon for other drivers to speed, get distracted, or make unwise moves on the road. Such recklessness can lead to an accident. Not all such accidents are catastrophic. You may get into a minor fender bender with another driver—the kind of accident that is more of an annoyance than a serious problem. 

If you are in a minor vehicle accident, you may think it unnecessary to report it to the authorities. There are good reasons why you should. 

After a vehicle accident, no matter how minor, you should immediately call the police. While waiting for the police you can exchange information with the other driver. When the officers arrive, they will ask you questions about the accident. You should tell them what you know, but you need not say anything that puts you at fault for the accident. Making a false statement to the police is a crime, so you should avoid doing it. But if the officer asks you a question that you are uncomfortable answering, you can tell them that you would rather speak to your San Diego car accident attorney first. 

Once the officer has all the information from both parties, they will file a formal report. 

Filing a Car Accident Report 

In the state of California, drivers involved in accidents that result in injury or death must contact the police and make a written report within 24 hours of the incident. You must file a report with the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the accident. 

You should also review your insurance policy to determine how long you have to file a report with them. Before doing so, you may want to contact a car accident attorney in San Diego. In most instances, you will need to file a claim soon after the accident. California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims and a three-year time limit for property damage claims. 

When you speak to the officer who arrives at the scene and they take your statement, this is essentially filing your car accident report to the police. As far as the Department of Motor Vehicles, you can submit your report online by downloading an SR 1 from their website. 

You should be aware that not filing a report can put you on the wrong side of the law. You must report the accident, no matter how minor or who was at fault, if it involved injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. 

Why It is In Your Interest to Report the Accident 

A car accident may seem minor because you do not feel pain, dizziness, or any other symptoms that indicate a serious injury. However, you never know what will happen in the future. You may have suffered an internal injury in the accident, and the symptoms may not appear until much later. If this is the case, a police record of the accident will be helpful. 

A San Diego personal injury attorney can help you make a case against the other driver. You will need to make a claim against them, and this starts with official documentation of the accident. You have up to two years after the injury is discovered to make a claim. But to get your lawsuit off the ground, you must have proof that it actually occurred. And the easiest way to demonstrate this is to have a police, DMV, and insurance report on file. 

A San Diego personal injury lawyer can help with all of this. You should call the San Diego personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone to review your legal options.             

You are a careful driver. You follow all traffic rules and never take unnecessary risks. Other drivers are not so conscientious. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you have the right to claim compensation. A San Diego personal injury attorney can help you do so. 

When There Is No Doubt 

It can be difficult to determine the exact causes and circumstances of accidents. It can be even harder to establish liability. However, there are some accidents in which there is little doubt as to what happened and who is liable for it. A no-doubt liability accident is one in which it is quite obvious to all parties which driver was at fault and thus liable for damages. 

Examples of no-doubt liability accidents include: 

1. Rear-end accidents 

Drivers should leave a decent amount of braking space between their car and the car ahead. This is fundamental to good driving practice. If you have been smashed into from behind, the driver who did it will almost always be held responsible, no matter what your reason for stopping. The only way that you can be held responsible for such an accident is if you had a malfunctioning brake light. 

2. DUI accidents 

Drugs and alcohol diminish a person’s ability to see, hear, and judge. Anyone who is under the influence of such substances does not have full use of their cognitive and motor functions. If a drunk or drugged up driver has caused an accident, they will be cited for it and criminally charged. They will also have civil liability. 

If you were seriously injured in a DUI accident, the insurance company of the drunk driver cannot reject your claim for compensation. 

3. T-bone collisions 

These are also known as left-turn accidents. Drivers who want to make a left-turn must ensure the road is clear before doing so. A driver who ignores this rule can smash into the side of a vehicle entering the intersection. If you were t-boned by another driver, you are the injured party. The only way that you can be held responsible for such an accident is if you were speeding or running a red light when you were struck by the vehicle. 

Why You Will Still Need a San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer 

The sequence of events that led to the accident may be quite clear. It may be impossible for anyone to dispute who is at fault for the crash. You will nevertheless need a car accident attorney in San Diego. 

To get the compensation you are entitled to, you will need to draw up and submit a range of documents. Even in a no-doubt liability case, the amount of money that you receive will be open to negotiation and dispute. A San Diego car accident attorney will ensure that you get a fair settlement. The only way to maximize your compensation is to prove the extent of the injuries you have suffered and the damage done to your vehicle. Only a lawyer with the knowledge, traffic law expertise, and resources can ensure that you receive what is rightfully yours. You will need to be assessed by independent medical experts. The long-term effects of your injuries and the debilitating effects they have had on your body will need to be proven. You will also need to be compensated for the revenue you have lost because of your injuries. These tasks are best left to attorneys who know how to get results. 

If you have been in a car accident, you should consult with the San Diego personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone. They will help you review your legal options.   

You take your safety seriously when on the road. You put the well-being of yourself, your passengers, and your fellow drivers first. You follow the rules and resist taking unnecessary risks. Unfortunately, these are not habits shared by all drivers. And if you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence and inattention, then you should seek compensation.

As an accident victim, you have rights. Hiring a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney is the best way to preserve them.

Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident 

A car accident can cost you a great deal in money, pain, and stress. If the accident is severe enough to cause serious injury, it can put you in the hospital for some time. A serious car accident can make a current medical condition worse, it can cause disfigurement, it can make it impossible for you to return to your line of work, and it can even lead to permanent disability.

If your finances were already in a precarious state, a car accident can trigger a complete financial collapse. If you are like most people, then you are without the cash reserves to deal with medical bills, loss of income, and expenses for long-term treatment. It is right for you to seek compensation from the person who caused the crash.

To do so, you will need to build a case—starting immediately after the accident. 

You Have The Right To:
• Seek compensation if you have suffered an accident caused by another
• Call the police and file an official report with them regarding the accident
• Speak to people who witnessed the accident, which includes recording their statements on your cell phone camera and directing them to make statements to the police
• Take photos of the damage done to your car and the accident scene
• Take photos of your injuries after you are admitted to the hospital for treatment
• Seek and obtain medical attention, which should include a full examination and a record of injuries found and treatment administered
• Remain silent, which means that you do not have to answer questions by police that suggest you were at fault for the accident

What You Should Not Do:
• Your rights are accompanied by responsibilities. If you are to build a case for compensation, you must stay within the boundaries of law and do nothing to undermine your claim.
• You should not:
o Admit to wrongdoing to the police or anyone else
o Leave the scene, as it is illegal, and you can be criminally charged for doing so
o Agree to speak to an insurance company representative without your San Diego personal injury lawyer
o Agree to any offer made by the insurance company without your San Diego car accident attorney

Your Lawyer is Your First and Only Line of Defense 

You should contact a car accident or Personal Injury Attorney in San Diego soon after the accident. Your lawyer will be the only person who puts your interests first. They will be your advocate and defender, and they will work tirelessly to get you the money you deserve.

Even if the accident and the injuries you sustained because of it seem straightforward, you must prove every claim that you make. Your lawyer will know how to gather the evidence necessary to link the actions of the other driver to the resulting accident and your pain and suffering. Your lawyer will also know how to communicate and negotiate with the insurance company. They will ensure you get a settlement that is commensurate with all that you have been through.

Protect Your Rights By Contacting Us 

If you have been injured in an accident, you should call the San Diego Personal Injury Attorneys at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone. They will ensure that your rights and interests are protected. 

Driving your car becomes more of a challenge once you have a baby. You have this new little life that you need to protect, and there are some things that you should do differently when you are driving with an infant in the car. Here are some precautionary steps that you should take in order to keep your baby safe while driving.

Make Sure The Baby’s Car Seat Is Installed Correctly 

There may come a time to where you are in a car accident and have to seek the assistance of San Diego Personal Injury Attorneys. It’s imperative that your baby is as safe as possible if you are in a car accident. This is why you need to make sure that your infant’s car seat is installed properly. Make sure that it doesn’t wiggle at all when you try to move it around. It should be securely attached to the seat at all times. The car seat should also be age appropriate. Your infant shouldn’t be in a car seat that’s too big or too small for them.

Get Rid Of Distractions

Many drivers are distracted these days. They may not give driving their full attention as they are busy worrying about texts, Bluetooth, or a ringing phone. When you also bring a crying baby into the mix, you may end up involved in an accident and need to contact a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney. This is why it’s necessary to get rid of these distractions. Most mobile phones have a mode to let others know you are driving and not available. If not, it’s good idea to turn your ringer off, and leave your phone in your purse or glove compartment to limit distractions while you are driving. All of them can wait until later.

Be A Defensive Driver 

Unfortunately, a lot of people aren’t great at driving. They are either distracted or make careless mistakes. You need to be on the lookout for these types of drivers, or you will end up needing to contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer because you are in a car accident. To lessen the likelihood of this happening, you need to be a defensive driver. If it doesn’t come naturally to you, there are numerous classes that you can take in order for you to improve your driving skills. You may be able to complete some of these classes online.

Don’t Unbuckle Yourself To Soothe Your Baby

Even if you are a passenger in the car, you could still be doing some things to put you or your baby in harm’s way. Some parents will unbuckle themselves in order to soothe their baby when they are crying. If you do get into a car accident, you could wind up with serious injuries because you didn’t have your seat belt on. If your baby needs to be soothed, have the driver pull over. Don’t unbuckle yourself until the car is in park.

Having a baby brings with it a lot more responsibilities. This includes when you are driving in the car with them. 

If You Should Need Assistance 

By utilizing the above tips, you can lessen the likelihood of being hurt in a car accident and needing a San Diego car accident attorney. However, you may find yourself in a car accident even if you take necessary precautions. If you need a car accident or Personal Injury Attorney in San Diego, contact the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone. We can meet with you to discuss the details of the incident, and we can go over the next steps that you may be able to take. Don’t go through this trying time alone. We are here to help you.

Start Collecting Evidence at the Accident Scene: Take Pictures

If you are capable of walking around and taking pictures at the accident scene, you need to do so. Try to take as many pictures as you can so your San Diego car accident attorney can use them to show how the accident occurred, how much damage the accident caused to the vehicles involved and how severe your injuries are. 

Find Someone to Treat Your Injuries

Your health should be your primary concern after a car accident. As soon after the accident as you can, you should go to see a doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or other medical provider so your injuries can be assessed and treated. The last thing you want is to give the injuries time to worsen and cause you even more problems than they would have if they had been treated promptly. The defense will try to argue “you cannot be hurt that bad if you waited to see a doctor”.

If you do not have a primary care doctor you may consider an urgent care or local ER.

If  you need a referral we can help you see a specialist.

Keep Copies of All the Documents You Need to Prove All Your Injuries, Losses and Damages

If you want the responsible party’s insurer to pay you fair compensation, you will need to be able to prove all your injuries and damages to them through documentation. Keep every document you have that is in any way related to medical treatment you received or money you lost due to your injuries.

Keep a look out for liens and collection letters. You want to give your attorney all crash related data you have received.

Contact San Diego Car Accident Attorney at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone

When you need a San Diego car accident attorney, look no further than the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone. Attorney Stone has over 30 years of experience fighting insurance companies on behalf of accident victims who have been injured as a result of another party’s negligence or careless conduct.

So when enough is enough Call Keith J. Stone and let us right your wrong!

Be Patient and Understanding, YOUR MEDICAL CONDITION MAY NEED TIME TO HEAL

Before you get one dime from the at fault insurance company they will require you to sign a release that discharges the other driver and that insurance company for all known and unknown injuries, In this regard you want TO MAKE SURE you are aware of all of your injuries and have a good feel about your medical future. The Law offices of Keith J Stone can help.

If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run driver, you will feel bewildered that someone could cause you serious injuries and then simply drive away. Unfortunately, this happens every day. While you will be dealing with serious injuries from the accident, it is important you take care of certain important details that could prove crucial to winning a personal injury lawsuit.

 

Call Police to the Scene

Whenever a hit-and-run accident takes place, always make sure you make a 9-1-1 call to law enforcement. By doing so, police will rush to the scene and begin an investigation that will hopefully lead to the driver who hit you and then fled the scene. Along with this, officers will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence, and complete an accident report, all of which will be crucial to your hit and run attorney in San Diego at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone.

 

Speak to Eyewitnesses

In many of these accidents, there are always other drivers, pedestrians, or others who witnessed what happened. Since their accounts can provide important information about your accident and help police catch the hit-and-run driver, make every attempt to speak to them and obtain their contact information and statements about the accident. Once you do, turn over this information to your hit and run attorney in San Diego at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone.

 

Document Your Injuries

Since you will have serious injuries, always get medical treatment so that your injuries are properly documented in your medical records. In doing so, this will strengthen your case and make it harder for insurance companies to deny you compensation.

 

To make sure the hit-and-run driver responsible for your injuries is held accountable for their actions, consult at once with a hit and run attorney in San Diego at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone.

If you have been injured in an accident, then there are important steps you should take. By following these suggestions, you will improve your chances of successfully recovering a settlement to compensate you for your injuries. A Car Accident Attorney in San Diego from the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone can discuss with you the options that are available. Following are some suggestions on what you should do after being injured in an accident.

 

1. Contact law enforcement

Many car accidents are not reported to the police. Police investigations and reports can be helpful in a car accident case to help preserve evidence and information. The police may also help determine which party is at fault.

 

2. Seek medical treatment

Immediately seek out medical treatment for the injuries you sustain in the accident. This is important for your health and it will also help documents your injuries. Be sure to provide a complete description of all injuries you are experiencing from the accident, even if they seem minor. Also, follow any recommended treatment that your doctor provides.

 

3. Document everything

Try to keep detailed records of the accident, your injuries, your recovery and anything else related to the accident. Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries. Identify persons who witnessed the accident and obtain their contact information. Keep a journal where you describe the accident, your injuries, symptoms, and your recovery.

 

4. Contact an attorney

As soon as possible after the accident, contact a Car Accident Attorney in San Diego. An attorney will provide you with legal advice that is specific to you and your case. An attorney can help you preserve evidence and begin the claims process. An attorney will help protect your rights and will strive to help you recover a fair settlement.

 

If you have been injured in an accident, contact the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone to discuss your case.