San Diego Car Accident Lawyer
San Diego car accident representation for freeway and surface-street crashes, hit-and-run, DUI, and uninsured motorist claims — no fee unless we win.
California Car Accident Legal Representation
Experienced car accident attorneys handling all types of motor vehicle collisions in California. We handle rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, T-bone accidents, hit-and-run cases, drunk driving accidents, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents, and uninsured motorist claims.
California auto insurance minimum: $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 (effective January 2025). We fight to recover full compensation beyond policy limits when possible.
Free consultation: (818) 514-7680.
Fees, Costs and Case Results
Where representation is offered on a contingency basis there is no attorney fee unless we recover, and the firm advances case costs — filing fees, expert witnesses and medical records — which are then repaid out of any recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. The specific terms that apply to a matter are set out in the written fee agreement for that matter.
Where this site refers to a verdict, settlement or court order, that result was dependent on the facts of that case, and results will differ if based on different facts. Past results do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other matter, and no particular outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I have to file a car accident claim in San Diego?
- California's statute of limitations for car accident injury claims is two years from the date of the crash under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, and claims for property damage alone have a three-year limit under Code of Civil Procedure § 338. If a government vehicle or a dangerous road condition contributed — for example, a Caltrans or City of San Diego vehicle — you must first file a government claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Because these deadlines are strict, contact a San Diego car accident lawyer promptly.
- What is the minimum car insurance required in California?
- California requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, and those limits increased on January 1, 2025 under Senate Bill 1107 to $30,000 for injury or death of one person, $60,000 for injury or death of more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage. Many serious crashes cause damages that exceed these minimums, which is why your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is so important — we identify every policy that may apply to your injuries.
- How is fault determined in a San Diego car accident?
- Fault is based on negligence. We prove the elements under CACI No. 400 — duty, breach, causation, and damages — and frequently rely on negligence per se (CACI No. 418) when a driver violated the California Vehicle Code, such as speeding, running a red light, unsafe lane changes, or driving under the influence. Evidence includes the police or CHP report, photographs, dashcam and surveillance video, vehicle damage, electronic data, and witness statements. We move quickly to preserve this evidence before it disappears.
- What if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
- You may still recover through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which California insurers must offer and which applies to hit-and-run and uninsured at-fault drivers, and through underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage when the at-fault driver's limits are too low. These claims have their own deadlines and procedures, and insurers do not always pay fairly even on your own policy. We handle UM/UIM claims and, when necessary, arbitration.
- What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
- You can still recover. California follows pure comparative negligence under Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804, which reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault but does not bar it, even if you were mostly at fault. For example, if your damages are $100,000 and you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover $80,000. Insurers routinely overstate a victim's fault to reduce payouts, so it is important to have a lawyer protect your percentage.
- What compensation can I recover after a San Diego car accident?
- California allows recovery of economic and non-economic damages: past and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, vehicle repair or total-loss value and diminished value, and — under CACI No. 3905A — pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Serious crashes can cause whiplash, fractures, or catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain or spinal cord injury requiring lifelong care. Punitive damages may be available where the driver was drunk or acted recklessly.
- Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
- Be careful. The at-fault driver's insurer may call quickly and ask for a recorded statement or offer a fast, low settlement — both designed to limit what you recover before you know the full extent of your injuries. You are not required to give them a recorded statement. We recommend speaking with a San Diego car accident lawyer first; we then handle all communications with the insurers so your words are not used against you.
- How much does a San Diego car accident lawyer cost?
- We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no attorney's fee unless we win. We advance the costs of investigation, accident reconstruction, medical records, and expert witnesses, and recover our fee only from the settlement or verdict. The initial consultation is free and confidential, so you can pursue full compensation without out-of-pocket risk while you recover.
Contact Trembach Law Firm
Trembach Law Firm, APC
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350, Calabasas, CA 91301
Phone: (818) 514-7680
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