At Kashou Law, APC, we understand the significant impact a car accident can have on your life. Located in San Diego, our firm is dedicated to helping San Diego car accident victims secure the justice and compensation they need to move forward. Our founder, Justin S. Kashou, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to every case as a former insurance defense attorney. With his knowledge of how insurance companies operate, Justin S. Kashou knows how to effectively advocate for higher settlements for our clients.
At Kashou Law, APC, we prioritize transparency and personalized attention. From the moment you contact us, you will receive compassionate and dedicated support. We make sure you are informed and confident throughout the legal process. Trust Kashou Law, APC to handle your car accident case with the utmost care and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Why Choose Kashou Law for Your San Diego Car Accident
When facing the aftermath of a San Diego car accident, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference. Here’s why Kashou Law, APC stands out as your trusted choice in San Diego:
- Trust and Confidence: At Kashou Law, we are committed to earning your trust as our client. You can have confidence knowing that our San Diego personal injury lawyer will personally handle your case from start to finish.
- Personalized Attention to Your Claim: We understand that a car accident can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Our team is here to provide compassionate support and guide you through each step of the legal process. As opposed to larger firms, we limit the number of cases we take on. Justin takes a hands-on approach, so each client receives personalized, one-on-one attention and a direct line of communication.
- Innovative Legal Strategies: Our deep understanding of the insurance industry, gained from Justin’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, allows him to anticipate the tactics used by insurance companies and advocate strongly on your behalf.
- Client-Centered Approach: Your needs and well-being are at the heart of everything we do. We take the time to get to know our clients, learning about their specific circumstances to provide tailored legal solutions.
Why Legal Representation is Important in a San Diego Car Accident Claim
From dealing with insurance companies to managing medical bills and recovery, the aftermath of a San Diego car accident is a stressful time. Here’s how our legal representation can assist you:
- Guidance on Relevant Laws: Car accident laws and insurance policies can be intricate and confusing. An experienced attorney like Justin S. Kashou understands the nuances of personal injury law and can guide you through every step of the legal process to avoid common pitfalls.
- Maximized Compensation: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. As a former insurance defense attorney, Justin S. Kashou has an insider’s perspective on how these companies operate. He leverages this knowledge to fight for higher settlements.
- Legal Requirements: Legal claims involve extensive paperwork, deadlines, and procedural requirements. Our truck accident attorneys in San Diego will handle all the legal complexities, from filing the necessary documents to negotiating with insurance adjusters, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Evidence Collection: Proving liability and damages requires thorough evidence collection to build your case. Our team at Kashou Law, APC will gather crucial evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Right of Way Laws in San Diego Car Accidents
Understanding and adhering to right-of-way laws is crucial in determining fault in an accident. These laws are designed to ensure the safe and orderly flow of traffic. Violations are clear evidence to establish liability. The right-of-way laws are contained in the California Vehicle Code. There are various applicable sections. Some important sections are California Vehicle Code §21950 and California Vehicle Code §21800:
“§21950: (a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.(c) The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
“§21800: (a) The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway. (b) (1) When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on his or her immediate right, except that the driver of any vehicle on a terminating highway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on the intersecting continuing highway. (2) For the purposes of this section, “terminating highway” means a highway which intersects, but does not continue beyond the intersection, with another highway which does continue beyond the intersection. (c) When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time and the intersection is controlled from all directions by stop signs, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on his or her immediate right. (d) (1) The driver of any vehicle approaching an intersection which has official traffic control signals that are inoperative shall stop at the intersection, and may proceed with caution when it is safe to do so. (2) When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time, and the official traffic control signals for the intersection are inoperative, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on his or her immediate right, except that the driver of any vehicle on a terminating highway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on the intersecting continuing highway.”
What this means is that right-of-way laws dictate who has first priority when approaching certain intersections or walkways. California Vehicle Code §21950 clearly mandates that drivers must yield to pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. This law establishes clear fault if a driver fails to yield and results in an accident. Pedestrians, however, also have the responsibility to not suddenly enter the path of a close vehicle, ensuring a balanced duty of care between drivers and pedestrians.
California Vehicle Code §21800 addresses the right of way at intersections, emphasizing the importance of yielding to vehicles already in the intersection and to the vehicle on the right if two vehicles arrive simultaneously. For example, if a driver fails to yield at a four-way stop, causing an accident, this statute assigns fault to the driver who failed to yield.
Statute of Limitations in a San Diego Car Accident Claim
The statute of limitations sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. For personal injury claims related to San Diego Car Accidents, the statute of limitations is governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure §335:
“The periods prescribed for the commencement of actions other than for the recovery of real property, are as follows: Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.”
Failing to file a claim within two years generally results in losing the right to sue for damages. This can leave you without a legal avenue to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs. For example, suppose a San Diego resident is injured in a car accident on January 1, 2023. They would need to file their personal injury lawsuit by January 1, 2025. While there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations timeline, talking to a lawyer right away is important to preserve the legal rights you have as a victim in a San Diego car accident.
Contact Our San Diego Car Accident Team Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a San Diego car accident, you don’t have to face the challenges alone.
At Kashou Law, APC, we are committed to offering compassionate, personalized legal representation to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our founder, Justin S. Kashou, leverages his extensive experience and insider knowledge of the insurance industry to fight for the best possible outcomes for our clients. We know how disruptive and stressful a car accident can be, impacting you physically, emotionally, and financially. Our dedicated San Diego wrongful death attorney is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We are available to discuss your case, answer your questions, and outline the best path forward. Let Kashou Law, APC be your trusted advocate during this challenging time. We look forward to helping you achieve justice and recovery. Call us today at (619) 963-2030.