El Cajon Car Accident Lawyer

Nestled in the heart of San Diego County, California, El Cajon is a bustling city known for its beautiful downtown and landmarks such as the Olaf Wieghorst Museum. It also boasts a close proximity to major roadways such as Interstate 8 and State Route 67. These areas see heavy traffic, and car accidents are common. If you find yourself injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, an El Cajon car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation.

Since 1996, our team has been advocating for the rights of individuals in and around the area of El Cajon. When a car accident occurs through no fault of your own, it can turn your life upside-down. You may find yourself dealing with mounting medical debt, all while being unable to return to work and earn a living wage. During these difficult times, having skilled legal representation on your side is essential.

At Mitchell Law Corporation, we understand that the impact of a car wreck goes far beyond the initial accident itself. From broken bones to spinal cord injuries, these crashes can follow you for weeks, years, and even your entire life. Our personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for you and do everything we can to ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. With a team fluent in Spanish, we are here to serve clients from all backgrounds.

In 2022, the state of California saw roughly 4,428 fatal car crashes along roadways and highways. However, this number does not consider the sheer number of injuries that occur because of car crashes. San Diego County, home to El Cajon, has some of the highest concentrations of these injuries and crash fatalities, thanks to the multiple large roadways running through or by the city. In El Cajon, there are several different types of car accident scenarios that can take place. Some of these types of accidents tend to cause more severe injuries than others, but all can result in devastating situations. Some common types of accidents in El Cajon include the following:

• Rear-end collisions: These accidents can occur when the front end of one vehicle impacts the back of another vehicle. These accidents can sometimes be referred to as whiplash accidents, as whiplash is a common resulting injury. It may take several days to feel the symptoms of whiplash, which is why it is so important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after suffering a car crash in El Cajon.
• Head-on collisions: These vehicle accidents typically occur when one vehicle crosses the center lane of a two-lane roadway and strikes the front of another vehicle head-on. These accidents tend to be the most dangerous and often result in the most injuries and even fatalities. These accidents can happen suddenly and can be difficult to avoid. The most common injuries can include broken bones, brain trauma, and even death.
• Side-impact crashes: These collisions are known as T-bone accidents, and they happen when the front of one vehicle impacts the side of another vehicle, making a “T” shape. These accidents tend to happen most often at intersections when a driver fails to yield while turning into cross traffic or does not follow posted traffic signals. In 2022, these accidents accounted for 22% of traffic fatalities nationwide.
• Rollover wrecks: Though these accidents are far and few between, they can still account for a large portion of fatalities when they do occur. These kinds of accidents typically occur in rural areas or along long stretches of highway, and the injuries that result are often catastrophic. The most common factors that cause these accidents include impairment by alcohol or drugs, or driving at excessive speeds.

If you have suffered in any of these types of car accidents in El Cajon, the team at Mitchell Law Corporation is here to help. Our El Cajon Car Accident Lawyer can review your accident, help determine its cause, and hold the liable party accountable for their actions and for the harm you have sustained.

Accidents can happen all along the busy streets of El Cajon for many reasons. Many of these reasons are avoidable. However, when they occur, there is typically an at-fault party. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in El Cajon include the following:

• Reckless driving: For over two decades, speeding has been a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities nationwide. Other actions of reckless driving can include failing to yield, ignoring traffic signs and signals, tailgating, or drag racing. If you have lost a loved one due to reckless forms of driving, the team at Mitchell Law Corporation understands your pain and is here to act as your wrongful death attorney.
• Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol: When an individual drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their judgment can become impaired, leading to a higher risk of causing a traffic accident. In California, it is illegal to drive with a BAC (blood alcohol content) level of 0.08% or higher. Drugs, such as controlled substances and even some prescription medications, can also impair driving.
• Distracted driving: There are several actions that can cause accidents in El Cajon, such as distracted driving. These can include texting and driving, eating, drinking, or grooming while driving, adjusting the radio or temperature controls, reaching for something in the vehicle, or interacting with other passengers. Any action that takes your eyes off the roadway and your hands off the wheel can be considered distracted driving.

There are several steps that you should take after being in a car accident if you are physically capable of doing so. These steps can include:

• Move yourself to a place of safety off the roadway and call 911
• Report the accident to the police
• Receive emergency medical care at the scene
• Exchange information with other involved parties, such as license numbers and contact information
• Document the scene with photos and/or videos
• Document your injuries through videos or photos
• Obtain the contact information of any potential witnesses
• Seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
• Report the accident to your car insurance company
• Contact a car accident attorney who can help you negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement

Thanks to the large population and concentration of people in and around the El Cajon area, this city is no stranger to car accidents. El Cajon has higher crash rates in certain areas thanks to the design of the roadways and the volume of traffic, among other factors. The roadways in and around El Cajon that carry the highest risks include:

• Interstate 8, especially in areas near Main Street or the Greenfield Drive interchange
• State Route 67, especially during busy hours, as people travel to and from work
• Fletcher Parkway, as it boasts many commercial developments
• El Cajon Boulevard, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic
• Broadway, as it has a mix of both commercial and residential traffic

Q: How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Cost in California?

A: It can be difficult to offer an actual amount as to how much a car accident lawyer might cost to hire in California. This is because there are several variables involved in these cases, which can impact the final cost analysis of a case. These variables can include the duration and complexity of the case and the experience and skill level of the attorney.

Q: How Can an Attorney Help Me in a Car Accident Case in California?

A: When you hire an attorney to assist you in a car accident case in California, there are several actions they can take on your behalf. First, they can review your case and help determine the cause of the accident and who the liable party is. They can then help gather evidence to support your claim and enter negotiations with the liable party to reach a fair settlement.

Q: What Damages Can You Recover in a Car Accident Claim in California?

A: Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you may be able to recover damages in a car accident claim in California. These can include damages for all medical expenses such as surgeries or medications, lost wages, any lost earning ability you may suffer if you are unable to return to work, pain and suffering damages, emotional distress, mental anguish, and wrongful death damages.

Q: What Injuries Are Common in a Car Accident in El Cajon?

A: There are several different injuries that can occur in a car accident in El Cajon. These injuries can include broken bones, road rash, severe burns, cuts, bruises, and lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, injuries to the spinal cord, damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, damage to nerves, neck injuries, and whiplash.