San Diego Car Accident Lawyers

At Harker Injury Law, our skilled San Diego car accident lawyer is committed to providing one-on-one attention and aggressive representation. We are protective of our clients because we have stood by friends and family members who suffered life-altering car accident injuries, so we know how vicious insurance companies can be in putting profits before people.

You can trust our dedicated personal injury law firm to:

Provide a direct line of communication between you and your attorney, not hand you off to an assistant or a paralegal
Answer your calls and texts, including at night and on the weekend
Manage all aspects of your personal injury claim so you can focus on your health
Keep track of your doctor appointments so we can check in on how you are feeling
Contact creditors who may be hounding you for payment related to your accident, and explain that your claim is pending

Our firm is sensitive to the financial pressure many of our clients are under. We provide free, no obligation initial consultations to review your legal options. And we do not charge anything upfront to get started on your personal injury claim. In fact, you can rest easy knowing that you only pay us if and when we recover money for you!

Contact us today to learn how we can help.

Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident?

Many people wonder if they should try to handle their car accident claim on their own. The truth is: If you have been injured in an auto accident, you should at least consult with a personal injury attorney to learn about your legal rights.

Remember, insurance companies deal with car accident claims on a daily basis. They have teams of attorneys on their side. Insurance companies know the system is complicated, and they are ruthless when it comes to minimizing payouts and outright denying injury claims.

At Harker Injury Law, our experienced San Diego car accident attorney has a long track record of success in taking on these giant insurers and securing maximum compensation for deserving clients. Our personal injury team is aggressive in building a strong case for accident victims by:

Launching an immediate investigation into the crash
Collecting any crash photos, accident reports, witness statements, and evidence from the scene
Identifying all possible sources of financial compensation, including coverage from your own insurance policy
Talking with your doctors, family, and friends about how your injury has affected you physically and emotionally
Consulting with medical experts and life care planners to determine how your injury will affect you into the future

Although most claims end with a car accident settlement rather than going all the way to a jury verdict, our team always prepares for a case as if it is going to trial. This type of thorough preparation gives us an edge as we negotiate with insurance companies for full and fair compensation. And it means our team is ready to take your car accident case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer a just payout.

Schedule your free consultation today to discuss the details of your case, and let our knowledgeable San Diego car accident lawyer build a smart legal strategy for you.

How Much Is Your Car Accident Claim Worth?

The financial repercussions that come with any auto accident can be overwhelming. But when you are left to cope with serious injuries, your financial burdens are amplified.

Unfortunately, insurance companies may try to take advantage of you during this vulnerable time by offering a quick settlement that covers your immediate expenses. Do not sign anything or accept any money from an insurance company without speaking to our San Diego car accident attorney about how much your claim is really worth.

We will assess all the damages you are facing, both now and into the future, in order to demand full and fair compensation for:

Your medical bills, including ER visits, follow-up doctor appointments, medications, and any assistive mobility devices you may need
Estimated costs of future treatments you may need for your injuries
Damage to your vehicle, including a reduction in the car’s resale value
Lost wages, including payment for vacation days or sick time you had to take
Reduced future earning capacity if you have to take a lesser-paying job due to your injury
Physical and emotional pain and suffering

There is no way to accurately assess damages immediately after an automobile accident. In order to know the true value of your claim, your doctor will need time to evaluate and treat your injuries. And it is important to get a realistic estimate of how your injuries will affect you into the future.

Our dedicated legal team will fight to make you financially whole again after a motor vehicle accident. Our goal is to help you reach maximum medical improvement and move forward with your life free from any crash-related debt. If your crash has caused a permanent disability, we will fight for the financial compensation you need to support yourself and your family in the future.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims in California

Uninsured motorist coverage (UMC) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are essential protections for car accident victims, ensuring compensation when the at-fault driver’s insurance—or lack thereof—fails to cover your losses. In California, these coverages are included in car insurance policies unless waived in writing, offering critical financial protection during the insurance claims process.

UMC covers damages if you’re hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit-and-run accident. It includes uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), paying up to your policy limits regardless of the at-fault driver’s ability to compensate. This protection reduces reliance on private health insurers and government programs like Medicare or Medi-Cal for injury-related costs.

UIM, on the other hand, applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short of covering your damages. It bridges the gap between your total losses and the at-fault driver’s policy limits, up to your own policy limit. Additional insurance sources like Med-Pay or workers’ compensation can offset UIM payouts.

At Harker Injury Law, we specialize in helping car accident victims navigate underinsured motorist coverage and the complexities of the insurance claims process. Our personal injury attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies use to delay, undervalue, or deny claims, and we are prepared to counter them at every turn. We work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, whether through negotiations with the driver’s insurance company or by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. With our dedicated team on your side, you can trust that your rights are protected, and your case is handled with the expertise and determination it deserves.

California’s 2025 Auto Insurance Changes

Starting in 2025, California will significantly increase its minimum auto insurance liability requirements, according to Senate Bill 1107. The current (2024) limits—$15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage—will double to $30,000, $60,000, and $15,000, respectively. This change is driven by rising medical costs, inflation, and increasing vehicle repair expenses, which often leave accident victims with insufficient coverage under current limits.

These updates aim to provide drivers with better financial protection. With higher coverage requirements, accident victims are less likely to face out-of-pocket expenses for medical bills or property damage, which previously could exceed the available coverage. The new limits also reduce the likelihood of car accident lawsuits to recover remaining costs, offering greater peace of mind and financial security.

However, the increased coverage requirements will likely result in higher insurance premiums. Drivers with minimal coverage or in high-risk categories could see significant premium adjustments. Insurers will automatically update policies at renewal to comply with the new limits, making it essential for drivers to review their coverage and budget accordingly.

While the changes may seem burdensome initially, they ultimately provide stronger safeguards against escalating accident-related costs, helping California motorists stay financially protected in the event of a collision. At Harker Injury Law, we aim to keep you informed and prepared for these changes so you can make informed decisions about your auto insurance coverage. Understanding these updates is crucial to ensure you comply with the new requirements while minimizing potential financial impacts.

Can I Still Be Compensated if I’m Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Under California’s comparative negligence laws, even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover compensation in a car accident lawsuit. The court will determine your percentage of liability and reduce your total compensation accordingly. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.

Motor vehicle collisions are rarely straightforward, and it’s not uncommon for the other driver’s insurance company to argue that you share some fault to reduce the settlement amount. At Harker Injury Law, our attorneys are skilled at navigating such challenges and will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your car accident to identify the true causes and responsible parties.

California’s Statute of Limitation for Car Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, acting quickly is crucial. While there’s no required waiting period to start your claim, filing early offers significant advantages, such as easier access to witnesses with fresh memories. Consulting with our San Diego car accident lawyers promptly ensures you can build a strong case and avoid missing critical deadlines. But, as a general idea:

For adults, California’s statute of limitations allows two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline—even by a few days—can permanently bar your right to seek compensation. Exceptions exist but are rarely applicable, making timely action essential.
For minors, the two-year statute of limitations begins on their 18th birthday, giving them until age 20 to file a claim. However, certain exceptions might apply depending on the circumstances.

At Harker Injury Law, we understand how vital it is to meet these legal deadlines. Our legal team is here to guide you through the process, protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Have You Lost a Loved One in a Car Accident?

We know that there is no amount of money that can make up for the loss of a loved one, but your family shouldn’t have to carry the financial burdens associated with a death due to negligence. You may have a right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Talk to our experienced team today about who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim in California and how we can help you during this difficult time.

Meet with Our Compassionate Personal Injury Lawyer Today

After a serious motor vehicle accident, you need a personal injury attorney who is sympathetic to your needs and has the resources to stand up to large insurance companies. At Harker Injury Law, our team has extensive experience and a successful track record of winning full and fair compensation for our injured clients. We are personally vested in every case we handle, and we are driven by our compassion for our clients.

Whether you have been injured in a wreck in San Diego, Escondido, Riverside, or the surrounding areas, our law firm is here to help. Schedule a free consultation today to talk about your car accident case, and let us fight for your rights.