San Diego Car Accident Lawyers

Why Choose Silva Injury Law?

We represent injured clients throughout California who seek legal guidance after auto accidents. Our offices serve communities across the state, including clients in San Diego County.

Our San Diego car accident law firm was founded on the belief that helping others through compassionate advocacy is the best approach to legal representation. That means respect, responsiveness, and a willingness to take cases to court when necessary.

We welcome potential clients to contact us and discuss their case. Many people are unsure of the value of their claim or whether they need a San Diego auto accident lawyer. Questions can usually be answered in a short conversation.

Most Common Types of Car Accidents in San Diego

According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, San Diego reports around 5,000 injuries or fatalities from motor vehicle crashes annually. The data shows concentrated activity on major corridors such as Interstate 5, Interstate 805, and State Routes 94 and 163.

Areas with high crash rates include:

• I-5 through Logan Heights, Downtown, and Old Town;
• El Cajon Boulevard and University Avenue through North Park;
• Mira Mesa Boulevard and Black Mountain Road;
• College Avenue near SDSU; and
• Coastal routes leading into Mission Bay and Pacific Beach.

Many types of vehicle collisions take place across San Diego County. The following are some of the most common kinds of accidents we see in our practice.

Speeding

Driving above the posted limit reduces a driver’s control and reaction time. Drivers frequently exceed the speed limit on local freeways, in commercial areas, and during late-night hours. It remains one of the most cited contributing factors in car accidents.

Rear-End Collisions

This type of crash usually involves one vehicle striking the back of another during slowing or stopped traffic. It often results from a driver’s distraction, tailgating, or failure to anticipate sudden stops. Intersections and freeway ramps are particularly high-risk areas for rear-end collisions.

Head-On Crashes

A head-on crash can happen when a driver crosses the center line or enters a roadway in the wrong direction. Such events are more common on undivided highways or in situations involving impaired drivers. In these situations, drivers are often more likely to ignore road signage and lane markings.

Sideswipes

A sideswipe may occur when a vehicle drifts from its lane or merges without checking blind spots. Busy merging zones and multi-lane roads see higher rates of this collision. Drivers unfamiliar with the area or distracted by navigation are frequently involved.

T-Bone Accidents

This impact type refers to one vehicle striking the side of another at a perpendicular angle. It usually stems from disregard for a traffic signal or a failure to yield. Intersections remain the most common setting for these incidents.

Drunk or Impaired Driving

Crashes linked to alcohol or drug use are reported regularly across San Diego, especially near nightlife areas. Local law enforcement frequently conduct DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to detect impaired drivers. Despite these efforts, alcohol and drugs remain a persistent factor in traffic collisions.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

These crashes involve three or more vehicles and commonly occur on highways during high-speed or congested conditions. Factors such as chain reactions, sudden stops, or poor visibility can also contribute. Determining fault in these situations often requires close analysis of traffic cams, witness statements, and police reports.

California Laws That Apply to Car Accident Cases

Car accident injury claims in San Diego fall under California civil statutes. Some of these laws include:

Fault-Based Liability

California is an at-fault state. The person who caused the collision is responsible for the damages they cause. This may include medical bills, lost employment, and pain-related compensation.

Comparative Fault

An injured driver may bear part of the responsibility for their injuries. In California, this does not prevent recovery. It reduces the recovery amount in proportion to their fault. For example, someone found twenty percent at fault would have their compensation reduced by twenty percent.

Statute of Limitations

You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a car accident injury claim. Some cases involving public agencies must be reported within six months. Failing to meet these deadlines may prevent recovery altogether. You may contact Silva Injury Law if you are unsure whether your claim is still within the required timeframe.

Insurance Reporting

California drivers must exchange information and report crashes that result in injury or death to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Our San Diego car accident attorneys help clients recover compensation under California law. That compensation falls into two categories: economic and noneconomic.

Economic damages include:

• Medical bills from hospitals, doctors, and rehab;
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity if you are unable to return to work;
• Damage to your car or other property; and
• Home nursing care or long-term medical equipment.

Noneconomic damages provide compensation for:

• Physical pain;
• Emotional suffering or distress;
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD;
• Loss of enjoyment of life; and
• Permanent disfigurement or disability.

Occasionally, punitive damages may be awarded in some cases, such as those involving drunk or reckless drivers.

What You Can Do After a Car Accident in San Diego

It’s not always possible to act immediately after a car crash, especially if you’re hurt. 

But if you’re in a position to do so, the following steps may help your case:

• Call the police and request a report;
• Request medical attention at the scene or as soon as possible;
• Photograph visible damage or physical injuries when safe to do so;
• Report the injury to your employer if you are unable to work;
• Keep copies of all bills, receipts, and prescriptions;
• Make a list of each medical facility visited;
• Note the date, time, and location of each appointment; and
• Save any voicemails, letters, or texts from insurance companies.

Speaking with a San Diego car accident lawyer may help clarify the next legal steps. We can communicate with the insurance companies and assist with documenting how your injuries relate to the crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Other Driver’s Insurance Cover My Costs?

If the other driver is at fault, their coverage is supposed to pay for your injuries, missed work, and damage. We review the available policy limits and handle claim submissions on your behalf.

What Happens If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own policy may pay. Our lawyers check the insurance policies involved and identify all possible recovery sources.

What If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene of the Accident?

In hit and run cases, we work to determine whether your uninsured motorist coverage applies. Police reports and witness accounts may also help identify the driver. Even if the at-fault party is never found, compensation may still be available through your own auto policy.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in San Diego Help?

An attorney can help manage communications with insurance companies, collect medical records, and document how the injuries affect your daily life. Many cases resolve without filing a lawsuit, but we are ready to go to court when needed. After representing clients across the state, we know the San Diego courts, judges, and insurers.

Talk with a San Diego Car Accident Attorney Today

If you’re looking for someone to explain your rights after a crash, we want to speak with you. 

Silva Injury Law serves clients in San Diego and nearby areas, including La Jolla, Clairemont, National City, Hillcrest, North Park, El Cajon, and Imperial Beach.

We never charge upfront fees, and you don’t pay unless we win. When you need a compassionate, results-driven San Diego car accident attorney, the team at Silva Injury Law is here to help. Call (209) 600-4389 or send us a message online today for a free consultation.

Resources:

• California Civil Code § 1714, link.