Car accidents can happen anywhere and to anyone. If you need help after a car accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced Chula Vista car accident lawyer who can discuss your recovery and your needs. With an attorney by your side, you can have a zealous advocate who can help maximize your recovery and provide invaluable legal assistance.
At Mitchell Law Corporation, we make sure your health and financial recovery are our priority. We represent victims of car accidents across Southern California, and we can fight to get the compensation you deserve for your recovery.
In Chula Vista, car accidents can cause a variety of different injuries, such as:
For help with any injuries, please reach out to the team at Mitchell Law Corporation. Our compassionate and ethical Chula Vista Car Accident attorneys can discuss your accident. Contact our office to discuss the damages to which you may be entitled after a vehicle collision.
In Chula Vista, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, sometimes called damages, after an accident. California uses a pure comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover financially from the party that caused the accident even if you share a bit of the fault yourself. The amount you ultimately are awarded is typically reduced by the percentage of your responsibility for the accident.
For example, if you claim $10,000 in damages after an accident, a court examines whether you contributed to your own accident when deciding what to give you. If the other driver runs a red light and collides with your car, but you were also technically speeding, a court might determine you were 20% at fault for the accident. You may be awarded $10,000 for the accident, which would be reduced by the 20% you were at fault, and our total awarded damages would be $8,000.
Since fault arguments are complicated and fault can be in dispute, it’s important to retain a skilled advocate after a wreck. With an attorney, you can have confidence that you can walk away with the maximum compensation for your vehicle damage and injuries. An attorney can help you pursue:
Punitive damages aren’t available in every case. Speak with an experienced Chula Vista personal injury attorney to discuss the damages that may be awarded in your specific case.
Accidents happen suddenly and are often stressful. Yet, there are some initial steps you can take after an accident to help your own recovery. It’s important to:
Avoid discussing the accident details with anyone other than your hired attorney, which includes avoiding posting about your accident or your injuries on your social media accounts. Insurance companies often scroll through accounts to use your photos and statements against you, and it's easier to just avoid social media after an accident, even if you think your profile is set to private.
As said above, get medical attention after an accident. Injuries that are left untreated can cause long-term complications. Even if you feel fine, having help from a qualified professional can help boost your claim.
An attorney for the other at-fault driver may later argue that you can’t be as hurt as you claim because you didn’t even go see a doctor after the accident. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s helpful to get medical treatment right after an accident.
Motor vehicle accidents are an ongoing concern in our state. In one year, California recorded 3,737 fatalities and 269,031 injuries from motor vehicle accidents. The California Office of Traffic Safety reported a 7.6% increase to 3,980 fatalities in 2020 and 4,285 fatal accidents recorded in 2021.
With even more people back on the roadways after COVID-19, California saw 4,428 fatalities and 17,770 serious vehicle-related injuries in 2022. Having an understanding of common causes of accidents can help you avoid becoming part of these statistics.
There are some common causes of accidents in our area, including:
There are additional ways an accident can occur. Regardless of the cause of your accident, you have a limited amount of time to pursue a claim for your accident-related damages under California’s statute of limitations. If you blow this deadline, you are typically prevented from having a financial recovery. To ensure you don't accidentally miss the deadline for your case, contact a personal injury lawyer at Mitchell Law Corporation to schedule a case review.
While you are not required to hire a lawyer, they can provide invaluable legal assistance with a car accident claim. If you have sustained severe injuries or substantial property damage, speaking with a lawyer is an important first step after a car wreck. A lawyer can help:
It’s important to retain a Car Accident Lawyer in Chula Vista with substantial experience resolving accident claims. At Mitchell Law Corporation, our accident team delivers skilled representation and can use our experience to help give you a higher likelihood of financial recovery.
A: Each Chula Vista attorney determines their own attorney fees, and most car accident lawyers use a contingency fee agreement. This means they don’t charge any upfront costs, and you only pay them if they win your case, which is usually an amount or percentage specified in your fee agreement. Your attorney's fees typically come out of your total award if you win your case. You can discuss a written fee agreement at an initial consultation with an attorney.
A: The amount you can expect to get for your car accident depends on the severity of your injuries, the vehicle damage you sustained, whether you may need ongoing medical care, and, often, the experience level of your attorney. More serious accidents with long-term injuries typically see higher accident settlement payouts. Every settlement is unique, and it's important to understand the settlement terms before formally concluding your case by settlement. Consult an attorney for more information about settlements.
A: For a Chula Vista car accident case, you can typically prove which driver caused the accident, the at-fault driver, by gathering evidence from the accident. Gathering compelling evidence can be challenging, and an attorney can help you get witness statements, police reports, photos, and more. Initially, an insurance company may make its own determinations of fault for a settlement. But if your case goes to court, a jury or judge determines fault for the purposes of awarding damages.
A: Right after a car collision, it’s important to get medical attention immediately. Check whether everyone involved is okay and get medical attention if necessary. California car collisions must be reported to the police, your insurance carrier, and the DMV. If someone was injured or killed, you must file a report with the police right away and within 24 hours of the accident. Don't leave the accident scene. Give police details about the accident, and consider hiring an attorney.
Talk to a trusted California-licensed car accident attorney right away. Our aggressive attorneys are ready to advocate on your behalf and get you the financial recovery you deserve. We can discuss car accidents all throughout Southern California, and we can discuss your legal options.
We can help you make an informed decision about a personal injury claim. With law offices in San Diego, Riverside, and Los Angeles, our offices are convenient no matter where you live in Southern California.
Don’t leave money on the table. Work with our team of zealous advocates who understand how to maximize your financial recovery for your vehicle damage and medical bills. Contact Mitchell Law Corporation for a free consultation with an experienced Chula Vista Car Accident attorney.
