San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

You drive safely, stay alert, and do your part to avoid accidents. But no matter how careful you are, you can’t plan for someone else’s negligence. And suddenly you’re expected to handle the onslaught of calls from insurance adjusters, medical providers, and repair shops.

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we make things simpler, not harder. For over 47 years, our lawyers have stood up for crash victims across San Diego County, winning more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements.

We don’t just take cases. We take care of people. You won’t get pushed around or handed a cookie-cutter strategy. We treat every case like it’s personal, because to you, it is. Whether you’re dealing with insurance pressure, unsure about your injuries, or just trying to figure out your next step, a San Diego car accident attorney will guide you through it. 

Call us now at (619) 236-9363 or contact us online for a free consultation.

“There is truly something special about the authentic care and compassion that was exhibited by Thorsness Bartlotta McGuire during my dad‘s wrongful death lawsuit. What stands out most is how our interaction with the team was always focused on getting to know who he was as a person and who we are as a family, allowing us to focus on our grief and healing.

But behind the scenes, they were hard at work on our behalf, ultimately curating a meaningful resolution that shielded us from emotional depositions and testimony. From day one, this stellar group has made an indelible impact on our family and our future, and I am grateful for knowing Vince, Chris, Kevin, Karl, and Pam - truly the best!”

- Julie F. | Client

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

You see the flashing lights. The traffic is backing up. The wrecked cars on the shoulder. Most of us have driven past crash scenes like these.

Unfortunately, car accidents in San Diego aren’t rare. They're a serious and ongoing issue across the county. Even if you’re a careful driver, the choices others make, like speeding, texting behind the wheel, or driving under the influence, put you and other drivers at risk daily.

Here are key statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and other sources to put the problem in perspective:

• In 2022, there were 4,851 fatal and injury collisions in San Diego County. This resulted in 286 victims killed and injured.
• here were 734 collisions involving alcohol, showing a serious trend of impaired driving on our roads.
• 623 collisions in San Diego were speed-related, proving that speeding continues to be a major factor in crashes.
• Pedestrians were involved in 556 collisions, with a tragic 67 fatalities and injuries. Bicyclists were involved in 334 collisions, resulting in 47 fatalities and injuries. This highlights how vulnerable people on foot or by bike are in our city.
• San Diego reported 13,531 DUI arrests in 2022,
• San Diego ranks 7th among major U.S. cities for DUI rates. Impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of serious crashes.

Studies show that even with a decline in California’s population, fatal car crashes have risen by 17% since the pandemic. The biggest culprit? Interstate 5 in San Diego.

Interstate 5 in San Diego County is one of California's most dangerous roads, ranking No. 3 on ConsumerAffairs' list of the ten deadliest roads in the state. In 2022, there were 21 fatalities on I-5 in San Diego County, an increase from 19 deaths in 2018.

Common Causes of San Diego Car Accidents

Most people think car accidents are just “part of living in a big city,” like San Diego. But the truth is, crashes don't just happen. They're almost always the result of someone’s choice:

• Distracted Driving
• Speeding
• Driving Under the Influence
• Unsafe Lane Changes
• Following Too Closely
• Poor Road Conditions
• Improper Turning 
• Failing to Yield 
• Not Following Traffic Signals or Signs

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we’ve been helping San Diego car accident victims for decades, and we’ve seen the patterns. Behind nearly every case is a preventable cause and a driver who wasn’t thinking about how their reckless actions could change someone else's life forever.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to our San Diego car accident lawyers today online or by calling (619) 236-9363.

Checklist: Dos and Don’ts After a Car Accident in San Diego

What you do in the moments after a crash can have a big impact on your health, your legal case, and your ability to recover fair compensation.

Below is a simple checklist to guide you through the immediate aftermath of a collision, including what to avoid and what to prioritize.

What Not to Do After a Crash

• Don't Leave the Scene: Never leave the scene of the accident until it’s appropriate to do so. Leaving can result in legal consequences.
• Don't Admit Fault: Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as this can be used against you later.
• Don't Engage in Arguments: Stay calm and avoid getting into arguments with other drivers or passengers.
• Don't Forget to Call the Police: Failing to report the accident to the police can complicate your insurance claim.
• Don't Neglect Documentation: Don’t forget to document the scene. Failing to take photos or gather witness information can hurt your case.

What to Do at a Car Accident Scene

• Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid if you are able and it is necessary.
• Secure the Scene: Move vehicles out of traffic if possible, turn on hazard lights, and use cones or flares if available to alert other drivers.
• Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s), take photos of the scene and damages, and collect witness statements and contact information.

Types of Collisions Our San Diego Car Accident Attorneys Handle 

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we’ve supported people across San Diego in recovering after all kinds of motor vehicle accidents. From major highway collisions to hit-and-runs in local neighborhoods, we’ve seen it all, and we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Here are just some of the accident types we handle:

• Rear-End Collisions
• T-Bone / Broadside Accidents
• Head-On Collisions
• Rollover Accidents
• Sideswipe Accidents
• Intersection Accidents
• Chain Reaction Collisions
• Hit-and-Run Accidents
• Highway and Freeway Accidents
• Single-Vehicle Collisions
• Accidents Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
• Truck Accidents (Big Rigs, 18-Wheelers, Tractor-Trailers)
• Vehicle and Pedestrian Accidents
• Vehicle and Bicycle Accidents

If you don’t see your exact type of crash here, don’t worry. At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we have experience in everything from car accidents to truck and motorcycle accidents. We encourage you to get in touch with us to tell us about your specific situation by filling out our quick online form or calling (619) 236-9363.

Why You Shouldn't Talk to Insurance Companies Without a San Diego Auto Accident Attorney Lawyer

After a car accident, one of the first calls you’ll get is from an insurance adjuster. They might say they just need “a quick statement” or “a little more information to process your claim.” But make no mistake, their goal isn’t to help you.

Even casual comments like “I’m okay” or “I didn’t see them coming” can be twisted to reduce the value of your claim. You might not even realize what’s being held against you until it’s too late. And once you’ve given a statement, it’s nearly impossible to take it back.

They may try to get you to admit partial fault, downplay your injuries, or settle quickly for far less than you deserve. That’s why the best thing you can do after a crash is to say as little as possible and call a San Diego car accident lawyer you trust.

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we deal with insurance companies every day, and we don’t let them push our clients around. We know their tactics. We know the law. And we know how to protect your case from the start.

San Diego Car Accident Laws 

Understanding your rights after a car accident is critical, especially in a state like California, where liability and fault play a major role in how compensation is determined. At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we believe that informed clients make empowered decisions.

California Is a Fault-Based State

California follows a fault-based system. This means the driver who caused the accident is legally responsible for the damage, both to people and property. If another driver hit you due to speeding, distracted driving, or any other form of negligence, their insurance is typically responsible for covering your losses. You have the right to file a claim with their insurance company or pursue a lawsuit if needed.

You Can Still Recover Compensation, Even If You Were Partially at Fault

California uses a rule called pure comparative negligence. Under this rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 25% at fault, you would still receive $75,000. Our job is to minimize your share of the blame and prove the other party bears the greater responsibility.

California's Minimum Insurance Requirements

State law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance:

• $15,000 for injury or death to one person
• $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $5,000 for property damage

Unfortunately, these amounts are often not enough to cover serious injuries or losses. This is why we also advise clients to understand their own coverage, especially if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Your Legal Duties After an Accident

If you’re involved in a crash in California, you are required to:

• Stop at the scene
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
• Report the accident to the police or California Highway Patrol if there are injuries or significant damage
• File a report with the DMV within 10 days if the accident caused more than $1,000 in damage or any injury or death

Injuries Our San Diego Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You With

Even a crash that seems minor at first can lead to serious, lasting injuries. At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we help injury victims get the medical care, legal support, and compensation they need to move forward. Here are some of the most common injuries we see after car accidents:

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
• Broken Bones and Fractures
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
• Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma
• Burns and Road Rash
• Psychological Injuries, including PTSD and Anxiety

No matter what type of injury you’re facing, you deserve a legal team that takes your recovery as seriously as you do.

Who Can a San Diego Car Crash Lawyer Hold Liable?

Liability means who is responsible for the damages. In most cases, the at-fault driver is liable. However, it’s not always that simple. Depending on the situation, other parties might be held responsible, including:

• The Driver: This is the most common party to hold liable if they were negligent, distracted, or under the influence.
• The Employer: If the driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer might be held responsible.
• The Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defective car part, such as a faulty brake system or a tire, caused the crash, the manufacturer could be liable.
• A Government Agency: Sometimes a government body, like the City of San Diego or Caltrans, could be at fault if the accident was caused by poor road maintenance, a missing stop sign, or a broken traffic light.

Types of Damages and Compensation a San Diego Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to various types of damages and compensation. These include:

Non-Economic Damages 

Non-economic compensation refers to damages awarded for the consequences of injuries that are not necessarily physical. These damages define the extent to which the law can act in favor of a victim seeking justice for the trauma they may have experienced, such as:

• Pain and Suffering is a common form of non-economic compensation, covering the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the injury. This includes chronic pain, mental anguish, and an overall reduction in quality of life.
• Loss of Consortium compensates for the negative impact on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family. This can involve loss of companionship, affection, and support.
• Emotional Distress includes anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life accounts for the inability to participate in hobbies and activities that the victim once enjoyed.

These damages are subjective and can vary widely from case to case since they aim to help victims address the profound, life-changing effects of their injuries. 

This ensures that victims receive fair and just compensation beyond mere financial losses. But it’s best to consult a car accident injury attorney in San Diego to understand all your options.

Economic Damages

• Economic compensation refers to tangible, measurable financial losses resulting from an injury. These damages cover the direct costs incurred by the victim due to the accident. Key types of economic compensation include:
• Medical Expenses cover all healthcare-related costs, including hospital bills, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any necessary ongoing medical treatment. It ensures that victims are not burdened by the high costs of their medical care.
• Lost Wages if an injury prevents the victim from working, economic compensation can cover the income lost during the recovery period. This includes both past and future earnings if the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability.
• Property Damage to cover the cost of repairing or replacing any personal property damaged in the accident, such as a vehicle or bicycle.
• Rehabilitation Costs, including expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any other forms of rehabilitation necessary to restore the victim’s health and ability to function.

Economic compensation aims to make the victim financially whole, covering all out-of-pocket expenses and losses directly attributable to the accident, thus providing a foundation for their recovery and financial stability.

Additional Punishments Awarded

Punitive damages, also known as punishment damages, are a type of compensation awarded in cases where the person at fault acted in a particularly harmful or reckless way. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Punishment damages are awarded in addition to regular compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other direct costs. They are used when the actions of the person who caused the accident were especially careless or intentional. 

For example, if someone was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and caused a serious accident, they might have to pay these extra damages.

The goal of punishment damages is to send a strong message that such behavior is unacceptable, promote safer behavior, and prevent future accidents by making an example out of particularly bad conduct.

The numbers show that having the right advocate can lead to a much stronger outcome. For example, a study by Martindale-Nolo found that people who had a lawyer after a personal injury received an average of $77,600 in compensation, compared to just $17,600 for those who went through the process alone.

Put Your Trust in a San Diego Auto Accident Attorney at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire

Our law firm has recovered more than $2 billion for clients in the San Diego area and beyond, including $20.3 million for a client who was left quadriplegic after a rollover accident and $6.25 million for a TBI victim of a car accident on the I-5. 

We fight equally for all our clients. Whether you drive a Cadillac or a Honda Civic, the San Diego car accident attorneys at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire ensure experienced and aggressive representation for every accident victim. 

We give every client the same level of service, effort, and respect. Whatever your lot in life, our duty is to make sure your compensation fully covers the medical bills and future care needs, lost wages and projected earnings, disability, disfigurement, and pain and suffering. We love what we do, and we take our job seriously.

But we will put our experienced litigators up against any insurer, any big corporate defendant. In cases of catastrophic injuries or fatal car accidents, we invest in accident reconstructionists, life care planners, economists, and other experts to prove liability and calculate the damages.

Reach out to Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire today online or by calling (619) 236-9363.

Proudly Representing San Diego, CA Residents