Best San Diego Car Accident Lawyers (2025)

Auto accidents on San Diego's busy roads demand skilled legal support to protect your rights. Our list features trusted car accident attorneys serving San Diego County. These legal professionals guide you through California's traffic laws while focusing on your well-being.

Top 19 Car Accident Lawyers in San Diego, California

Screenshot of the Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers - La Jolla Office Website
4660 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 575, San Diego, CA 92122, USA

Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers is a top-rated San Diego car accident law firm with over $100 million recovered for clients. Led by former insurance company attorney Michael Pines, the boutique firm brings 80+ years of combined experience to injury cases. Their team has secured verdicts, including $12 million for a foot injury and $10 million for brain damage.

The La Jolla firm offers direct attorney access and builds customized case strategies. They have earned recognition from Consumer Attorneys and maintain hundreds of five-star reviews. The firm works on a no-win, no-fee basis and provides complimentary case reviews.

Screenshot of the Gomez Trial Attorneys, Accident & Injury Lawyers Website

Gomez Trial Attorneys is a San Diego personal injury firm that has recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements during 20+ years of practice. Founder John Gomez, a Yale Law School graduate and former federal prosecutor, leads a team of skilled trial lawyers. Their results include a $106 million wrongful death verdict and a $16.2 million slip-and-fall settlement.

The firm handles car crashes, truck collisions, brain injuries, and wrongful death claims throughout California. With offices in San Diego and five other locations, they serve accident victims across the state. Free consultations are available, and clients pay nothing unless the firm wins their case.

Screenshot of the Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers Website

Jurewitz Law Group has recovered over $250 million for San Diego injury victims. Attorney Ross Jurewitz, a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, leads the team with a client-first approach. The firm handles auto collisions, truck crashes, motorcycle wrecks, and wrongful death cases.

Known for fighting insurance company tactics, the team prepares every case as if going to trial. This approach often results in higher settlement offers. The firm offers a no-fee guarantee and provides complimentary case evaluations to accident victims throughout San Diego.

Screenshot of the Eugene Bruno & Associates Website
3111 Camino Del Rio N Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

Eugene Bruno & Associates are experienced San Diego car accident attorneys with 85+ years of combined legal experience. The firm maintains a 99.7% success rate and has recovered tens of millions for over 5,000 satisfied clients. Eugene Bruno has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as a top litigator.

The team handles car crashes, motorcycle wrecks, truck collisions, and pedestrian accidents. Spanish-speaking staff is available, and clients get 24/7 access to their legal team. Offices are located in Mission Valley and Carlsbad. The firm charges no upfront fees.

Screenshot of the CaseyGerry Personal Injury Lawyers Website
110 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

CaseyGerry is San Diego's most experienced personal injury law firm, founded in 1947. The firm has recovered billions of dollars through 173+ seven- and eight-figure settlements and verdicts. Their attorneys include former presidents of the California State Bar and the American Association for Justice.

The team brings unmatched credentials to car accident, aviation, and product liability cases. They employ three full-time investigators and staff members with 30+ years of tenure. Other attorneys nationwide refer complex cases to CaseyGerry because of their trial-tested track record.

Screenshot of the San Diego Injury Law Center Website
4025 Camino del Rio S Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

San Diego Injury Law Center has recovered over $100 million for accident victims since 2005. Case results include a $6.25 million pedestrian accident settlement and a $3 million auto collision recovery. The firm serves all of San Diego County, from La Jolla to Chula Vista.

Their attorneys handle car wrecks, trucking crashes, slip-and-fall injuries, and wrongful death claims. Spanish-speaking staff is available. The team advances all case costs and arranges needed medical care. Free case reviews are offered, with no fees charged until clients win.

Screenshot of the Chichyan Law APC Website
400 N Brand Blvd #840, Glendale, CA 91203, USA

Chichyan Law APC provides personal attention to California car accident victims. Attorney Morris Chichyan graduated cum laude from UCLA and earned honors at Loyola Law School. He treats every injury claim as if it were his own case.

The firm handles auto collisions, truck crashes, motorcycle wrecks, and pedestrian accidents throughout Southern California, including San Diego. Clients praise the responsive communication and strong settlements. Consultations are free, and payment is due only when the firm wins.

Screenshot of the Frantz Law Group, APLC Website
402 W Broadway #860, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Frantz Law Group is a nationally recognized San Diego injury firm with 100+ years of combined experience. James Frantz, a Super Lawyer for 12 consecutive years, leads the team. The firm has represented over 9,000 wildfire victims and helped secure $15.5 billion in disaster-related recoveries.

Their attorneys handle car crashes, truck wrecks, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death throughout California. The firm operates on a no-fee basis unless they win and offers 24/7 guidance to clients.

Screenshot of the AK Injury Law Firm Website
6725 Mesa Ridge Rd STE 210, San Diego, CA 92121, USA

AK Injury Law Firm brings a unique medical perspective to San Diego car accident cases. Founder Dr. Azadeh Keshavarz is a former chiropractor who became a personal injury attorney. This background allows her to interpret medical records and counter insurance company tactics effectively.

The firm prepares every case for trial, which creates stronger negotiating positions. They handle auto collisions, truck crashes, and dog bite injuries. Complimentary consultations are available.

Screenshot of the Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire LLP Website
2550 Fifth Ave Floor 11, San Diego, CA 92103, USA

Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire LLP is a Tier One San Diego personal injury firm that has recovered over $2 billion since 1978. The team has earned 28 Outstanding Trial Lawyer Awards and consistent recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Partner Vincent Bartolotta was named ABOTA California Trial Lawyer of the Year.

The firm handles car wrecks, medical malpractice, business disputes, and mass torts. They also perform pro bono work for disaster victims. Free case evaluations are available on a contingency-fee basis.

Screenshot of the Hanecak Law Inc Website
4445 Eastgate Mall Suite 200-2079, San Diego, CA 92121, USA

Hanecak Law Inc is a San Diego car accident firm led by attorney Daniel Hanecak. The practice focuses on auto collisions, truck crashes, rideshare accidents, and bus incidents. Dan provides direct client contact rather than handing cases off to paralegals.

Free consultations are available by phone, video, or in person. The firm works on a contingency basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless they receive compensation.

Screenshot of the Traffic Accident Law Center Website

Traffic Accident Law Center brings 35+ years of experience to San Diego motor vehicle cases. The firm has represented hundreds of clients in car crashes, truck wrecks, bicycle collisions, and pedestrian accidents. Notable results include a $350,000 truck accident settlement.

The team handles negotiations with insurance companies so clients can focus on recovery. Free consultations are offered, and there are no upfront fees.

Screenshot of the Bertsche Louis J Law Offices Website
2727 Camino del Rio S Ste 223, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

Law Offices of Louis J. Bertsche has served San Diego injury victims for over 30 years. Attorney Bertsche recovered millions of dollars for clients and teaches at the USD School of Law. He was named a Top Attorney by the San Diego Daily Transcript.

The firm handles car crashes, truck wrecks, spinal cord injuries, and medical malpractice. Free consultations are available.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Kroger-Diamond & Campos APC Website
7220 Avenida Encinas #203, Carlsbad, CA 92011, USA

Kroger-Diamond & Campos has represented San Diego County injury victims since 1981. Founding partner Catharine Kroger-Diamond earned Super Lawyers recognition from 2019 to 2026. She speaks English, Spanish, Dutch, and French.

The Carlsbad-based firm handles car accidents, wrongful death, and traumatic brain injuries. Free consultations are provided.

Screenshot of the Scott M. Blumen, Attorney at Law, APC Website

Scott M. Blumen is a Certified Legal Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law who also handles personal injury cases. Since 1989, he has helped San Diego clients with auto accidents, construction injuries, and slip-and-fall claims. His results include a $7.2 million work injury settlement.

The firm specializes in crossover cases involving both injury claims and workers' comp. Free consultations are available.

Screenshot of the The Law Offices Of Allan S. Field Website

Allan S. Field has represented San Diego accident victims for over 25 years. The firm handles auto crashes, slip-and-fall accidents, and wrongful death claims throughout Southern California. Thousands of clients have trusted the practice with their injury cases.

Free consultations are offered, and no fees are charged unless the case is won.

Screenshot of the Shamon Law, APC Website
8880 Rio San Diego Dr # 800, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

Shamon Law is an undefeated San Diego personal injury firm with over $100 million recovered for clients. The team earned National Trial Lawyers Top 100 recognition. They handle car wrecks, motorcycle crashes, and wrongful death claims from their Mission Valley office.

Consultations are free, and there are no fees until clients receive compensation.

Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Stephen L. Waldman Website
2333 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

Stephen L. Waldman has represented San Diego injury victims for over 30 years. He has recovered more than $50 million through verdicts and settlements. The firm handles car crashes, truck wrecks, and premises liability cases.

Free consultations are available on a contingency-fee basis.

Screenshot of the Savary APC Website
402 W Broadway UNIT 1500, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Savary APC has served San Diego injury victims since 1994. Attorney Scott Savary graduated from USD School of Law and has helped hundreds of clients achieve fair settlements. The firm handles auto accidents, wrongful death, and assault cases.

Consultations are available seven days a week. No fee is charged unless the case is won.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the best car accident lawyer in San Diego?

Start by looking for attorneys who specialize in car accident and personal injury cases. General practice lawyers may lack the specialized knowledge needed for complex insurance negotiations and California traffic laws.

Check each attorney's track record with cases similar to yours. Look for verdict and settlement results, client reviews on Google and Avvo, and whether they have trial experience in the San Diego Superior Court.

Schedule consultations with at least three lawyers before deciding. Most car accident attorneys offer free initial meetings, so take advantage of this to compare your options.

What qualifications should I compare when choosing a car accident attorney?

Focus on these key factors when evaluating attorneys:

  • Experience level – How many years have they handled car accident cases? Have they worked on cases involving your type of injury?
  • Trial record – Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will go to court if needed.
  • Resources – Serious cases require accident reconstruction experts, medical consultants, and investigators. Ask if the firm has these connections.
  • Communication style – Will you work directly with the attorney or mostly with paralegals?
  • Case volume – Lawyers handling too many cases may not give yours enough attention.

How much do San Diego car accident lawyers charge?

Most car accident attorneys work on contingency fees, meaning they only get paid if you win. The standard rate ranges from 33% to 40% of your settlement or verdict.

The percentage often depends on when your case resolves. Many firms charge 33% if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed and 40% if it goes to trial.

Ask about additional costs upfront. Court filing fees, expert witness fees, and medical record requests are typically deducted from your settlement separately from the attorney's percentage.

What is the deadline to file a car accident lawsuit in California?

California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and the court will almost certainly dismiss your case.

Some exceptions can shorten or extend this window. Claims against government entities like the City of San Diego or Caltrans require filing an administrative claim within six months under the California Government Claims Act.

If the injured person was a minor or mentally incapacitated, the deadline may be extended. An attorney can evaluate whether any exceptions apply to your situation.

What questions should I ask during a free consultation?

Use your consultation to gather specific information about how the attorney would handle your case:

  1. Who will actually work on my case day-to-day?
  2. How many car accident cases have you taken to trial?
  3. What is your honest assessment of my case's strengths and weaknesses?
  4. How long do you expect my case to take?
  5. What is your communication policy—how quickly do you return calls?
  6. Have you handled cases against the specific insurance company involved in my accident?

Pay attention to how the attorney answers. Vague responses or promises that sound too good may be red flags.

How much is my car accident case worth?

Your case value depends on several factors that are unique to your situation. No ethical attorney can guarantee a specific amount before reviewing the evidence.

Key factors that affect compensation include:

  • Medical expenses – Past bills and estimated future treatment costs
  • Lost income – Wages missed during recovery and any reduction in future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering – California allows recovery for physical pain and emotional distress
  • Property damage – Vehicle repair or replacement costs
  • Injury severity – Permanent disabilities or disfigurement increase case value significantly

California follows pure comparative negligence rules, so your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're found 20% responsible, you receive 80% of the total damages.

Should I hire a lawyer for a minor car accident?

You may not need an attorney if you only have minor property damage and no injuries. Small claims court in San Diego County handles disputes up to $12,500 without lawyers.

However, consider hiring an attorney if:

  • You have any injury symptoms, even ones that seem minor now
  • The insurance company disputes fault
  • The other driver was uninsured
  • You're being pressured to accept a quick settlement

Some injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, don't show symptoms immediately. What feels minor today could develop into chronic pain requiring ongoing treatment.

What happens if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

California requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on all auto policies, so your own insurance may cover your injuries. This coverage pays your medical bills and lost wages when the at-fault driver lacks insurance.

California Civil Code §3333.4 (Proposition 213) limits your recovery if you were also uninsured at the time of the accident. Under this law, uninsured drivers cannot recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Your attorney can file a claim against your UM policy while also exploring whether the at-fault driver has any assets worth pursuing. Sometimes drivers carry insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover serious injuries.

How long does a San Diego car accident case take to resolve?

Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries often settle within 6 to 12 months. More complex cases involving disputed fault, serious injuries, or uncooperative insurance companies can take two years or longer.

Your case timeline depends on:

  • How long do you need medical treatment (settlements typically happen after you reach maximum medical improvement)
  • Whether the insurance company makes a fair offer
  • Court schedules if a lawsuit becomes necessary

Rushing to settle before you understand your full medical needs can cost you money. A good attorney will advise you when accepting an offer makes sense versus when patience will lead to better compensation.

What damages can I recover after a car accident in California?

California law allows accident victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages.

Damage TypeExamples
EconomicMedical bills, lost wages, property damage, future medical care, reduced earning capacity
Non-economicPain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring or disfigurement

In rare cases involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness, you may also recover punitive damages. These are meant to punish the defendant rather than compensate you.

California has no cap on personal injury damages in most car accident cases, unlike medical malpractice claims, which are limited under MICRA.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Your actions right after a crash directly affect your ability to recover compensation later.

At the scene, call 911 and request a police report. Exchange information with all drivers involved and photograph vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.

Seek medical attention within 24 to 48 hours, even if you feel fine. Insurance companies use gaps in treatment to argue your injuries weren't caused by the accident.

Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver's insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim.

How do I know if a car accident lawyer is legitimate?

Verify any attorney you're considering through the State Bar of California's website. This free search shows their license status, practice areas, and whether they've faced any disciplinary actions.

Be cautious of lawyers who:

  • Contact you unsolicited after an accident (this violates California ethics rules)
  • Guarantee specific settlement amounts
  • Pressure you to sign a contract immediately
  • Have mostly negative reviews or no online presence at all

Ask for references from past clients with similar cases. A confident attorney should have no problem connecting you with former clients willing to share their experience.