San Diego Car Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one suffer a car crash, it’s important to rely on local San Diego car accident attorneys who are familiar with the area, its people, and the unique needs and challenges they face every day. A San Diego car accident attorney can make the difference between obtaining full compensation for your damages or receiving only a small portion—or sometimes nothing at all.

With Megeredchian Law, you have a much greater chance of successfully standing up to insurance companies and securing the compensation you are entitled to by law. Our San Diego car accident attorneys know the law, bring extensive experience negotiating both in and out of court, and understand all the tactics insurers use to undervalue your claim. We combine aggressive representation with compassionate service to deliver what our clients deserve: justice and fair compensation.

Schedule a free consultation by calling (866) 359-0807. We’ll evaluate your case in a few minutes. If you qualify, we’ll assign the best car accident lawyer in San Diego for your specific needs. Don’t worry about paying out of pocket: our fees come from the final settlement we obtain for you. And if we don’t recover any money for you, you don’t pay us.

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney in San Diego?

Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident? Don’t you end up with less money if you have to pay one? The truth is, you’re not obligated to hire a lawyer to pursue compensation—you can choose to represent yourself. But in reality, that option fails 9 out of 10 times for a very simple reason: you’re not a lawyer, you don’t know the law, and you don’t have the experience (or the stomach) to face insurance companies. These companies will use every tactic—sometimes not so pleasant—to deny or minimize your compensation.

Hiring an auto accident lawyer in San Diego takes that burden off your shoulders and gives you two essential things after an accident: peace of mind and the time you need to recover. A car accident attorney can help you obtain evidence, organize all the necessary paperwork, meet critical deadlines, and guide you with expertise and care throughout the entire claim process—from filing to receiving your settlement check.

When you hire Megeredchian Law, you also gain a full range of advantages over other car accident attorneys in San Diego:

Speak directly with an attorney—no virtual assistants or call centers.
Rental car provided while your vehicle is repaired or replaced.
Access to a physician in your area if you don’t have health insurance.
Cash advances before settlement if you’re experiencing hardship.
Recovery of medical bills, lost wages, treatments, and more.
Spanish-speaking services available for you or your loved ones.
Contingency fees – meaning you don’t pay out of your pocket for our legal representation.

Find a local San Diego car accident attorney near you—available 24/7 at (866) 359-0807.

501 W. Broadway, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Our auto accident lawyers in San Diego handle all types of vehicle crashes. Whether you were hit by another car, a truck, or private or public transportation, we have a solution for you. Below are some of the most common types of car accidents we handle in the San Diego area. If you don’t see your type of accident listed, don’t be discouraged—call us at (866) 359-0807 for a free case evaluation and find out in just minutes if you qualify for compensation.

Hit and Run Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a hit and run crash, getting fair compensation can feel impossible when the driver flees the scene. A San Diego hit and run attorney can help investigate your case, work with law enforcement, and explore every possible source of compensation, including your own insurance policy. At Megeredchian Law, we fight to ensure victims of hit and run accidents are not left to shoulder medical bills, lost wages, and pain on their own.

Drunk Driving Accidents (DUI)

Being struck by an impaired driver often leads to devastating injuries and lifelong consequences. With a San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer on your side, you can hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue maximum damages for your medical care, property losses, and emotional suffering. Our team understands how DUI cases work in California and has the experience to protect your rights against both insurers and reckless drivers.

Rear-End Collisions & Whiplash Injuries

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of crashes in San Diego, and they often cause painful neck and back injuries. If you’re wondering who is at fault in a rear end accident, California law usually places responsibility on the driver who struck from behind. However, insurers may try to shift blame or minimize your injuries. Our whiplash injury attorneys in San Diego are prepared to prove liability, document your medical treatment, and secure full compensation for your recovery.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims

Not every driver on the road carries enough insurance—or any at all. When you’re injured by someone who lacks coverage, you’ll need a skilled uninsured motorist lawyer in San Diego to pursue compensation through your own policy or other legal avenues. At Megeredchian Law, we guide clients through these complex claims, ensuring that a negligent driver’s lack of insurance does not leave you without the financial support you need to heal and move forward.

Compensation After a Car Accident

After a car accident in San Diego, victims may be entitled to recover several forms of compensation. This typically includes reimbursement for medical bills (such as emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care), coverage for property damage to repair or replace your vehicle, and payment for pain and suffering related to physical injuries and emotional distress.

An experienced San Diego car accident attorney can assess the full scope of your losses, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers to maximize the value of your claim. Without legal guidance, insurance companies often undervalue these categories, leaving victims with only a fraction of what they deserve.

Can I sue for lost wages after a car accident?

Yes—if your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for both past wages you already lost and future income you are expected to miss due to ongoing disability or reduced earning capacity. This can also extend to lost opportunities such as promotions, bonuses, or self-employment income, provided you can show documentation like pay stubs, tax returns, or employer statements.

A skilled San Diego car accident attorney will calculate these losses in detail, ensuring that your claim reflects the full financial impact the accident has on your career and long-term stability.

Car Accident Settlements in California

Car accident settlements in California can vary greatly, but they typically cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Beginning January 1, 2025, state law raised the minimum auto liability coverage to $30,000 per injured person / $60,000 per accident (bodily injury) and $15,000 for property damage. This increase means that in many smaller cases, victims will now have access to higher settlement amounts than before.

That said, the value of a settlement is not unlimited. Three major factors determine the outcome:

Pure comparative negligence – California allows you to recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your share of responsibility. For example, if you are 30% at fault in a $100,000 case, your award drops to $70,000.
Insurance policy limits – In most cases, your recovery cannot exceed the defendant’s insurance coverage. Only in rare situations can a plaintiff collect more, usually by pursuing the defendant’s personal assets or additional coverage.
Proof of causation and damages – To succeed, you must show that the accident directly caused your injuries and financial losses. Insurers often argue that injuries were preexisting, exaggerated, or unrelated, so strong medical records, expert testimony, and detailed documentation are essential.

If the accident involves a government vehicle or public agency, stricter rules apply under the California Government Claims Act, which generally requires filing a formal notice of claim within six months. By contrast, while many minor or moderate cases settle quickly, serious accidents involving permanent disability, loss of future earning capacity, or lifelong medical care often require litigation. In those cases, filing a lawsuit and pushing toward trial is often what compels insurers to pay fair value.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change, and every case is unique. For advice specific to your situation, consult with a licensed California car accident attorney.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in San Diego vs. Nationally?

The average car accident settlement in San Diego often trends higher than the national average due to California’s increased minimum insurance requirements (effective 2025), higher medical costs, and the generally higher cost of living in Southern California. Nationally, settlements for moderate injury cases may fall between $15,000 and $75,000, while in San Diego, similar cases can reach well above that range. Regional wages, expensive medical treatment, and California’s comparative negligence system also influence case values, along with the long-term impact an injury has on the victim’s ability to work and maintain quality of life.

How Much to Expect from a Car Accident Settlement in California

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much to expect from car accident settlement California. Minor cases involving soft tissue injuries may resolve for amounts in the tens of thousands, while serious accidents involving broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disability can exceed hundreds of thousands—or even millions. Factors influencing the final settlement include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, insurance policy limits, and any percentage of fault assigned to you under California’s comparative negligence law.

How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?

Many clients want to know: how long does a car accident lawsuit take in California? While every case is unique, the process usually follows this general timeline:

Hiring a lawyer (Day 1): Your attorney begins gathering evidence, contacting insurers, and protecting your rights.
Investigation & documentation (1–3 months): Police reports, medical records, bills, employment data, and witness statements are collected while you undergo treatment.
Filing the claim (2–6 months): Once your medical condition stabilizes, your lawyer submits a demand package to the insurance company.
Negotiations with insurers (3–9 months): Back-and-forth offers and counteroffers occur; many cases settle here.
Filing a lawsuit (6–12 months after accident): If negotiations fail, your attorney files in court. Discovery—depositions, evidence exchange, and expert reviews—can last 6–12 months.
Mediation or settlement conferences (12–18 months): Courts often require attempts at resolution before trial, and many cases end here.
Trial (18–36 months): If settlement fails, trial may add several months depending on court scheduling and appeals.
Receiving payment (30–90 days): Once a settlement or judgment is final, insurers typically issue payment within one to three months.

In summary, straightforward cases can resolve in under a year, while complex or heavily disputed lawsuits may take two to three years—or longer—before you receive your settlement check.

What to Do After a Car Accident in California

Check for injuries and call 911 immediately – Report the crash to police and request medical assistance if anyone is hurt.
Move to safety if possible – If vehicles are drivable, move them to a safe spot to avoid further collisions.
Exchange information – Collect driver’s license, insurance, vehicle registration, and contact details from all parties involved.
Gather evidence – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
Identify witnesses – Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash.
File a police report – California law requires reporting crashes involving injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000 (DMV Form SR-1 within 10 days).
Seek medical attention right away – Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like whiplash or concussions) may appear later.
Notify your insurance company – Report the accident promptly, but avoid making recorded statements without legal advice.
Document everything – Keep copies of medical bills, repair estimates, lost wage documentation, and all accident-related expenses.
Consult a California car accident attorney – A lawyer can protect your rights, negotiate with insurers, and pursue maximum compensation.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics 2024/2025

In 2024, San Diego County recorded about 12,800 crashes, with roughly 285 fatalities and more than 17,000 injuries.
Rear-end collisions accounted for nearly 30% of all reported traffic accidents.
The county averaged about 35 accidents per day in 2024.
Projections for 2025 suggest around 200–210 traffic deaths, which would be fewer than the 284 reported in 2022.
Young drivers between 20–29 years old and older adults over 80 years old remain the groups most often involved in fatal collisions.

Most Dangerous Streets and Intersections for Car Drivers

Clairemont Mesa Blvd & Doliva Drive — consistently flagged in crash-data “Fatal 15” lists.
Rosecrans St & Moore St — heavy traffic, multiple collision reports.
University Ave & Alabama St — high vehicle and pedestrian activity.
University Ave & 1st Ave (Hillcrest) — dense mixed use, shops, foot traffic increase collisions.
El Cajon Blvd & 30th St — nexus of traffic, bus routes, nightlife creating T-bone, pedestrian risk.
El Cajon Blvd & 36th St — poor lighting and frequent speeding make it dangerous at night.
University Ave & 52nd St — heavy traffic, complicated sight lines, common crashes.
Market St & 6th Ave — major artery intersection with high cross-traffic and signal complexity.
Broad stretch of Interstate 15 between Miramar Way and Scripps Poway Parkway — high speeds, heavy volume, frequent severe collisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?

Yes. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and having a lawyer greatly increases your chances of full compensation.

How much is my car accident case worth?

It depends on your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and fault percentage. Each case is unique.

Who is at fault in a rear end accident?

In California, the driver who hits from behind is usually at fault, but exceptions exist if the lead driver acted negligently.

Can undocumented people file for compensation?

Yes. California law allows undocumented individuals to pursue injury compensation regardless of immigration status.

Can I claim compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Under California’s pure comparative negligence law, you can recover damages, reduced by your share of fault.

Is my car accident settlement taxable?

Generally, compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering is not taxable, but punitive damages may be.

Talk to the Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Diego

Hiring experienced, local San Diego car accident attorneys offers benefits you simply can’t ignore.

Remember: you only get one chance to claim compensation for your accident. Having the best car accident lawyer in San Diego by your side can be the difference between receiving full compensation to cover all your damages—or only a fraction of them. Don’t make a decision you’ll regret; hire the right legal help from the start.

Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 to schedule a free consultation. Our experts will evaluate your accident and let you know within minutes if you qualify for compensation. Pursue maximum recovery with a proven law firm.

San Diego Car Accident Attorneys