Car Accident FAQ

Let a Tough San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Fight for You

Q: What types of cases do you handle? Will you handle my case personally?

A: I handle all types of cases involving serious injury or death, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, boat accidents and pedestrian accidents. Over the past 24 years, clients with serious orthopedic and neurological injuries have come to rely on me to ensure they get justice under the law. Sometimes justice comes at the negotiating table, and other times it comes in the courtroom. I devote 100% of my practice to litigation.

I meet with all my clients personally and will keep you informed about your case from start to finish. My staff is trained to help, but its never a problem if you prefer to speak to me directly. Each client is treated with respect and each client's case is important. I respond personally to all client emails and I answer my cell phone.

Q: I was visiting San Diego and was injured in a car accident. Do I need a San Diego car accident lawyer?

A: Hiring a San Diego car accident lawyer may substantially increase your overall compensation. In most cases, if a lawsuit is necessary, it must be filed in San Diego County Superior Court. A lawyer in the state where you live is not qualified to litigate your claim in a California court. It is in your best interest to hire a San Diego car accident lawyer who is familiar with the local courts and judges. I have successfully represented clients from 32 states and countries.

Q: Do I really need a lawyer?

A: The insurance companies will tell you that you don't need a lawyer, but what they won't tell you is that hiring a lawyer means you will receive far higher compensation for your injuries. Insurance industry studies prove that accident victims with a lawyer receive substantially higher settlement offers. That's something the insurance companies don't want you to know.

The American Association for Justice recently published a study entitled, "The 10 Worst Insurance Companies in America." Allstate, State Farm, Farmers, and AIG all made the 10 worst list. According to AAJ, these companies have learned they can boost profits by refusing to pay claims. The bottom line for these big insurance companies is profit. They may advertise themselves as "good neighbors" or "you're in good hands" but when it comes to protecting their bottom line, they will intentionally deny your claim, or try to get away with paying as little as possible on your claim. In the case of Allstate, there were corporate training manuals that instructed claims adjusters how to deny claims and cash incentives to the claims adjusters who deny the most claims! People who try to fight the big insurance companies alone often are faced with aggressive claims reps who will attempt to delay or derail your case so you will give up and go away.

To make sure that you're not taken advantage of, talk to me and know your rights! I know the rules, I know the claims process, I can tell you what you're entitled to, and I will fight for every penny of compensation you deserve.

Q: The insurance company isn't cooperating. What should I do?

A: Insurance companies are not in the business to cooperate. No matter how much they tell you that they will work with you to get your claim resolved, it is their job to minimize your compensation.

The only way to get the big insurance companies to cooperate and treat you fairly is to force them to do so by hiring a tough San Diego car accident lawyer.

Q: The insurance company wants to settle. What should I do?

A: Do NOT settle before talking to an experienced car accident lawyer. "Low ball" offers are common. An experienced lawyer can help you determine the true value of your case and tell you whether a settlement offer is reasonable. Don't underestimate the true, long-term cost of your injuries, including future medical treatment and lost income. You've got nothing to lose by talking to me.

Q: What is my case worth?

A: Each client is unique and each case is unique. That's why I offer a free, no pressure consultation by phone or in person so I can get to know the particular facts of your case. Each case is evaluated on over 20 factors, including physician's diagnosis, MRI/CT or other imaging studies, length and cost of medical treatment, need for future medical treatment or rehabilitation, lost income, physical and emotional pain, impact on lifestyle, and other factors.

Q: What are your fees?

A: Like most attorneys, my fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgement. This type of fee is called a contingency fee, because it is contingent upon recovering money for you. If I don't recover money for you, you don't owe me anything.

A contingency fee means you will not have out of pocket expenses to pay for legal services when you may be out of work due to your injury. The exact percentage depends on how long it take to resolve your case, whether its resolved by settlement or trial, and other factors. Fees range from 25% to 40%. I am completely transparent about my fees because I deliver results that exceed the cost of my fees. Remember, you do not pay me a fee until I win your case ... and I will win it.

Q: What areas of San Diego do you serve?

A: I handle cases from all over San Diego County, including Chula Vista, Otay Mesa, Bonita, National City, Imperial Beach, Jamul, Campo, La Mesa, El Cajon, Lakeside, Ramona, San Diego Country Estates, College Area, Mission Valley, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Mira Mesa, Tierrasanta, Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Oceanside, La Mesa, El Cajon, Lakeside, Ramona, San Diego Country Estates and anywhere else you are.

My office is conveniently located in Mission Valley, within easy walking distance from the Rio Vista trolley station. I offer plenty of free parking and even free valet parking service. If you're not able to make it to the office during regular work hours, I can arrange for after hours or weekend consultations. If you can't make it to the office, I can come to you.

If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident, motorcycle or any other type of accident, call a San Diego car accident lawyer to find out about your rights and to get the compensation you deserve.