AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYER

The leading cause of death for those under age 35, automobile accidents cause over 40,000 deaths each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), someone in the United States is involved in a car accident. Automobile accidents cost our nation’s economy over $150 billion each year. Over 3.2 million people were injured in auto accidents in the United States alone, in 2000.

It is important to know what to do when confronted with a serious car accident in San Diego.

• The first step is to call the police and/or paramedics. A quick call to 911 will solve both problems. Not only do you need to report the accident as quickly and accurately as possible, but you should get medical attention for all involved, including yourself.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. Make sure to get their full name, address, contact numbers, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance provider, and policy number.
• Take down notes of all you remember from the accident. It’s always handy to keep a notepad and a disposable camera in your car at all times in case such an incident occurs. Jot down details, including time of day, weather, traffic conditions, speeds and directions of cars involved, pedestrians, etc. Snap a few pictures of the scene, the damage, and your own injuries (if they are visible—they may not surface for days or weeks, in some cases).
• Get statements from any witnesses. What did they see? Take notes.
• Without pointing blame at any parties involved (leave that duty to experienced attorneys after analyzing all information), give your account to the police.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. If this is delayed, the other party involved may argue that your injuries were obtained after the incident, not by their negligent driving. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, costs, prescriptions, and surgeries.
• If you have been seriously injured in a San Diego automobile accident, it is imperative to seek the help of an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible.

The most detailed and difficult part of an auto accident claim is determining and proving negligence of a party. An attorney will examine a number of sources to elucidate this information, in order to prove their negligence caused your serious injuries and thus earn your compensation for such trauma. A person may be deemed negligent for recklessly operating their vehicle. This may include speeding, disobeying traffic signs or signals, failing to signal while turning, driving far below the speed limit, driving inappropriately for the current weather conditions, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. An experienced attorney with knowledge of motor vehicle accident liability should be obtained as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are fully assessed and protected.