Carlsbad generally ranks as one of the safest cities in San Diego County when it comes automobile accidents. In 2018, there were 449 people injured or killed in crashes in Carlsbad. Out of the 59 California cities with a population between 100,001 and 250,000, Carlsbad had the 47th lowest number of injuries and deaths. Carlsbad also had the 47th lowest total in 2017, with 454 people injured or killed in crashes.

Despite the low numbers of injuries and deaths from auto accidents, each year many people in or around Carlsbad are in accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and pedestrians. These crashes cause men, women, and children to suffer minor to catastrophic injuries. Victims injured in auto accidents deserve to rest and heal without the hassle and inconvenience of dealing with a personal injury case. You deserve to have an aggressive attorney in your corner to fight for justice and maximum compensation.

Obtaining fair compensation following an injury can be nearly impossible without the help of a personal injury attorney. The at-fault party’s insurance company will often deny responsibility and minimize the value of your case. Insurance companies will say and do anything to get you to settle your case before you obtain medical treatment and get a true understanding of your injuries and the value of your case. An experienced Carlsbad personal injury attorney can stand up to the insurance company and fight to collect the compensation you deserve.

Benefits of a Carlsbad personal injury attorney from Savage Law representing you:

• A contingency fee agreement, so you don’t pay any up-front fees;
• Aggressive approach to resolve your case without unnecessary delay;
• Skill in negotiating settlement agreements with defense insurance companies and lawyers;
• Ability to see through defenses used to minimize the value of your case, and use the law to your advantage;
• Experience handling Carlsbad personal injury cases;
• Constant communication with you to provide case updates and strategy

Common Questions in Carlsbad Personal Injury Cases

What types of compensation can I receive in a Carlsbad personal injury claim?

You have a legal right to be compensated for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are verifiable money damages, such as past and future medical expenses and loss of income. Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses, physical pain, mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. California Civil Code §1431.2 provides a full list of all economic and non-economic damages available to injury victims.

How long do I have to make a personal injury claim in California?

You have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit against the at fault parties. This deadline is referred to as the “statute of limitations.” The California statute of limitations for personal injury cases is found at Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1.

The statute of limitations does not prevent you from settling your claim prior to filing a lawsuit. If you’re not able to settle your case within 2 years from your date of injury, it is extremely important that you file a lawsuit to preserve your right to make a legal claim. If the 2-year deadline passes without a lawsuit being filed, you lose your right to compensation.

What is the value of my Carlsbad personal injury case?

There is no secret formula to determine how much your case is worth. Several factors are taken into consideration in valuing your damages, including the severity of your injuries, your past and future medical expenses, past and future loss of income, and past and future pain and suffering.

It is extremely important to have an experienced Carlsbad personal injury attorney to obtain compensation for all of your economic and non-economic damages. Insurance companies routinely take advantage of injured people without an attorney, making settlement offers that severely undervalue your case. Our skilled Carlsbad injury attorneys will aggressively fight for the maximum value of your case.

Will I have to go to court if I make a personal injury claim?

It is highly unlikely you will have to go to court. If your case goes all the way to trial, you would explain to a jury how you were injured. However, if your case is settled at any time before your trial date, you will not see the inside of a courtroom.

It typically takes around a year to go to trial after filing a lawsuit in a Carlsbad personal injury case. If your lawsuit is filed at the 2-year deadline from the date of your injury, and you add a year to go to trial, you would have 3 years to settle your case without having to go to court.

Do I have to pay anything to hire you?

Savage Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay us a fixed percentage of the total amount you receive by way of a settlement or verdict. Our office will advance any costs associated with your claim, such as medical record fees, filing fees, services fees, deposition fees, and expert witnesses.

Savage Law is owned and operated by a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. As a tribute to fellow service members, our office reduces our attorney’s fees for all veterans and active duty military and spouses. Savage Law also donates a portion of our attorney’s fees to a charity of your choice following a settlement or verdict.

Should I call 911 or report the incident to the Carlsbad Police Department if I was injured?

Yes. A police report can be very helpful in establishing fault and obtaining compensation for your damages. Calling 911 It is the quickest way to report the incident and receive medical help. The responding Carlsbad police officer will conduct an investigation of your incident, including taking photographs, obtaining witness statements and contact information, and documenting how the incident occurred in a written report.

You can also report your incident and injuries to the Carlsbad Police Department by phone or in person. The dispatch phone number is (760) 931-2197, and the address of the Carlsbad Police Department is 2560 Orion Way, Carlsbad, California 92010.

Fast Facts about Carlsbad

• As of July 1, 2019, Carlsbad had a population of 115,382;
• Carlsbad is home to Legoland, an amusement park with more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, including a water park and aquarium;
• The average temperature in Carlsbad is 62.2° Fahrenheit, with the warmest month of August averaging 71.3° Fahrenheit, and the coldest month of January averaging 54.5° Fahrenheit;
• South Carlsbad State Beach includes a popular 220 site camping area;
• In Carlsbad, three lagoons cover more than 1,000 acres and include nature preserves, hiking trails, and water recreation areas.

This article was written by attorney Robert Bristow at Savage Law – Serving San Diego County. Mr. Bristow is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving a four-year tour with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion at Camp Pendleton, CA. He earned two meritorious promotions, attaining the rank of Sergeant within four years. While working in the battalion legal department, Rob became fascinated with law and decided to become an attorney.