Car Accident FAQ

Experienced San Diego Car Accident Attorney Fighting for Your Rights

Q: What types of cases do you handle?

A: I devote 100% of my practice to litigation. I handle all types of cases involving serious injury or death, including all types of car accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, boating accidents and vehicle versus pedestrian accidents. Also, dog bite injuries and injuries to children. Over the past 24 years, I have developed expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic and neurological injuries and I use that to ensure my clients receive the best medical treatment possible.

Also, I meet with all new clients personally and I handle all aspects of your case from start to finish. Although I have assistants and other lawyers who may assist on your case, I will keep you informed of all developments on your case. I respond personally to all client emails and I am available to answer questions whenever you call (and if not, I'll get back to you before I leave the office). Each client is treated with respect and each client's case is important.

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

A: If you were injured in San Diego, hiring a San Diego attorney 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 may not be qualified to litigate your claim in a California court. It is in your best interest to hire a San Diego attorney 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 big 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 be paid far higher compensation for your injuries. Several insurance industry studies show that accident victims who are represented by an attorney receive substantially higher settlement offers. That's something the big 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 that they can boost profits by refusing to pay claims. The bottom line for these big insurance companies is profit. These companies 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 avoid paying claims and even offers prizes and cash incentives to the claims adjusters who deny the most claims! People who try to fight these big insurance companies alone are often faced with aggressive claims reps who will attempt to delay or derail your case in the hopes that you will just 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 the amount of 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 an experienced lawyer to represent your interests.

Q: The insurance company offered to settle my case. What should I do?

A: Do NOT accept any settlement offer from an insurance company without first consulting an experienced injury lawyer. Early "low ball" offers from insurance companies are common, especially before the victim has hired a lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you determine the true value of your case and whether the settlement offer is reasonable. If you are considering a settlement offer from an insurance company, you may be underestimating the true, long-term cost of your injuries. You've got nothing to lose by talking to me before accepting an offer from the insurance company.

Q: What is my case worth?

A: Each client is unique and each case is unique and that's why I offer free, no pressure consultations by phone or in person so that we can discuss the particular facts of your case. Each case is evaluated on over 20 factors, including the nature and extent of your injuries, medical treatment, future medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, physical and emotional pain, impact on lifestyle, and other factors.

Q: What are your fees?

A: Like most attorneys in this area, 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 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 and throughout Southern California, including Chula Vista, Otay Mesa, Bonita, National City, Imperial Beach, Jamul, Campo, 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 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 validated valet parking. 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, contact a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer at the LAW OFFICES OF EUGENE G. BRUNO, PC to find out about your rights and get the compensation you deserve.