Chula Vista Accident Attorney

Were you hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault? It would be best if you didn’t have to settle for anything less than what you’re owed. At Broadway Law Firm, you can find a Chula Vista accident attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.

With a collective experience of over 35 years, Broadway Law Firm stands out in fighting for individuals like you. Our deep understanding of the law and proven track record of winning cases sets us apart. As a personal injury law firm in San Diego County, we are committed to representing you aggressively to secure the maximum compensation possible.

We also care about you as a person. This is a tough time, and we’ll be there for you every step of the way. We’re always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Don’t delay. Call Broadway Law Firm today at (888) 824-1025. Let us fight for the compensation that is rightfully yours under the law.

Why Should You Hire a Chula Vista Accident Attorney

There are multiple benefits for you when you hire a Chula Vista Accident Attorney Broadway Law Firm:

• Peace of mind from the start: When you choose Broadway Law, you can relax knowing we’ll immediately begin working on your defense.
• No upfront costs:  We work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay anything out of pocket for our services. Our fees are a percentage of the final settlement we secure for you, and this percentage is agreed upon in advance and won’t change during your case.
• Always available: We answer your calls 24/7.
• Fast action: We get started on your case right away.
• Medical care access: We can connect you with top medical professionals if you lack medical insurance.
• Financial help: We can provide cash advances while your case is ongoing.
• We come to you: If you cannot travel, we’ll meet you at your location.

Accidents and Lesions We Work With

Here’s a list of all the types of accidents and personal injuries we usually work with. If you don’t find the one you suffered, don’t worry! Call us anyway at (888) 824-1025 so we can evaluate your case.

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Uber/Lyft Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Dog bite injuries
• Pedestrian accidents
• Premises liability
• Slip and fall

Accident Statistics in Chula Vista, CA

The data provided by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) on California Office of Traffic Safety summarizes traffic accident statistics for Chula Vista in 2021. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:

• Total Collisions: There were 984 total traffic accidents resulting in fatalities or injuries reported in Chula Vista in 2021. This placed Chula Vista 11th out of 15 rankings for cities/counties with similar populations.
• DUI-Related Collisions: DUI-involved crashes accounted for 131 accidents, ranking Chula Vista 8th out of 15 in this category.
• Age-Specific DUI: Among DUI drivers, 76 were between the ages of 21-34 (ranked 6th out of 15), and 21 were under 21 (ranked 2nd out of 15).
• Motorcycle Accidents: There were 59 motorcycle accidents resulting in fatalities or injuries (ranked 8th out of 15).
• Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents resulted in injuries or fatalities in 75 cases (ranked 11th out of 15).
• Bicycle Accidents: 36 bicycle accidents with injuries or fatalities (ranked 13th out of 15).
• Speeding-Related Collisions: Speeding contributed to 177 accidents (ranked 9th out of 15).
• Nighttime Collisions: Accidents between 9 pm and 2:59 am resulted in injuries or fatalities in 109 cases (ranked 11th out of 15).
• Hit-and-Run Collisions: There were 71 hit-and-run accidents (ranked 13th out of 15).
• DUI Arrests: Law enforcement reported 323 arrests (ranked 5th out of 15).

Dangerous Streets and Intersections in Chula Vista

Here’s a rundown of some of Chula Vista’s roads and intersections that saw a high number of crashes in 2021:

Streets

Broadway: This road likely holds the crown for being the most hazardous in the city. Traffic jams are frequent; during clear stretches, the wide lanes significantly tempt drivers to exceed the 35 mph speed limit. This combination resulted in over 70 accidents, with a concerning number (12) involving pedestrians, making it especially risky for those on foot.

H Street: Cutting through the heart of downtown, H Street is lined with high-traffic areas like the courthouse, the Chula Vista Center mall, and Scripps Mercy Hospital. The presence of these destinations contributed to the over 60 accidents that occurred on this road in 2021.

Main Street: This major east-west artery in Chula Vista’s south side experiences heavy traffic, especially near the freeway entrances for I-5 and I-805. The year 2021 saw 53 crashes on this busy road.

Intersections

Orange & 4th/Quintard Intersection: This five-way intersection holds the dubious distinction of being the most dangerous intersection in Chula Vista in 2021, with six crashes. The unusual layout and the heavy traffic volume on Orange and Quintard contributed significantly to this number.

Orange & Melrose Intersection: Located just west of I-805 and near the Orange Village Plaza, this intersection experiences heavy freeway and local shoppers traffic. Five crashes occurred at this busy spot in 2021.

Common Types of Injuries in Accidents

Accidents happen in different ways and can cause a wide range of injuries. Here are some of the most common types of injuries across various types of accidents:

• Soft Tissue Injuries are injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They are commonly caused by sudden impacts, twists, or strains. Examples include whiplash, sprains, and strains. While soft tissue injuries often heal independently with time and rest, they can cause significant pain and discomfort.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of an impact during an accident can cause bones to break or fracture.  This is especially common in falls, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents.  Broken bones typically require casting or splinting to heal correctly.
• Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from minor bumps and bruises to life-threatening traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).  TBIs can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional problems.  It is essential to seek medical attention immediately following a head injury, even if it seems minor.
• Spinal Cord Injuries are some of the most serious injuries that can occur in an accident. They can damage the nerves that carry messages between the brain and the body, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, and other impairments.
• Internal Injuries:  Internal injuries can be challenging to diagnose because there may not be any external signs of injury.  However, they can be severe and even life-threatening.  Internal injuries can include bleeding, organ damage, and puncture wounds.
• Cuts, Burns, and Lacerations are injuries to the skin or other tissues.  While minor cuts and scrapes may heal independently, deeper cuts and burns may require medical attention to prevent infection and scarring.
• Psychological Injuries:  Accidents can also cause psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  PTSD can cause a variety of symptoms, including anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares.

Common Causes of Accidents

• Distracted driving: This is the number one cause of accidents in Chula Vista, all over California, and across the United States. Distracted driving can take many forms, including texting, talking on the phone (even with a hands-free device), eating, drinking, grooming, or using a GPS device.

• Speeding: Speeding is a significant factor in many severe and fatal accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.

• Driving under the influence (DUI): DUI is another major cause of accidents in California. Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time.

• Reckless driving: Reckless driving includes any behavior that shows a disregard for the safety of others on the road. This can include speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and failing to yield the right of way.
• Not observing traffic rules: This includes failing to yield the right of way, following too closely, making illegal turns, and disobeying traffic signals.

• Drowsy driving: Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to make mistakes, such as drifting out of your lane or having slow reaction times.

• Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving includes behaviors like tailgating, speeding, cutting off other drivers, and yelling or making obscene gestures.
• Poor weather conditions: Rain, fog, snow, and sand can all make driving more hazardous. It’s essential to slow down and adjust your driving to the conditions.
• Vehicle malfunctions: In some cases, accidents can be caused by vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failure or tire blowouts. It’s important to have your vehicle regularly serviced to help prevent these types of accidents.
• Road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven pavement, and missing signs, can also contribute to accidents.

How to Know if You Have a Personal Injury Case

Here’s a breakdown of some basic things to consider to determine if you have a legitimate claim.

Injuries and Losses

• Harm Suffered: You must have endured an emotional or physical injury.Financial Impact: This could include medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other expenses due to the injury.

Fault of Another Party

• Carelessness: You need to show the other person acted irresponsibly, meaning they didn’t behave with reasonable caution.Obligation to Safety: The responsible party was responsible for keeping you safe.
• Breach of Duty: Their actions or inaction broke this duty.Direct Cause: This breach directly led to your injury.

Gathering Proof

• Medical Documentation: Records of your injuries and medical care.Official Reports: Police reports, incident reports, or any official event documentation.
• Witness Accounts: Statements from people who saw what happened.
• Photographic Evidence: Pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
• Professional Opinions: Sometimes, experts must explain certain parts of your case.

Time Limits to Sue

• Deadline to File: In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. You must complete this deadline to avoid losing your right to sue.

What Type of Compensation Can You Receive in a Personal Injury Case?

When you’ve been injured, you can recover two main types of compensation: economic damages directly caused by the injury and non-economic damages that compensate for the impact the injury has had on your life.

Economic damages encompass the out-of-pocket costs and lost income you’ve experienced. This includes all past and future medical expenses, from hospital stays and surgeries to doctor visits, therapy, medications, and any ongoing care you may require. You can also recover compensation for lost wages if your injury prevented you from working. 

If the injury permanently affects your ability to work and earn a living, you may be compensated for the reduction in your future earning potential. Additionally, damages can cover the cost of repairing or replacing any property damaged in the incident, such as car repairs after an accident. 

Finally, any extra expenses incurred due to the injury, like transportation to doctor visits or hiring help with housework, can also be recovered.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective and aim to compensate for the impact the injury has had on your well-being. These include the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced. Additionally, you can recover damages for any psychological effects of the injury, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. 

If the injury negatively impacts your relationships with your spouse or family, you may also be compensated for that loss. Finally, if your injury prevents you from doing the activities and hobbies you used to enjoy, you can recover damages for this loss of enjoyment in life.

How Long Does It Take to Receive My Compensation?

The wait for personal injury compensation in California can differ greatly depending on several reasons. Here’s a general idea of how long it might take:

• Settling Without a Lawsuit: This can happen in 6 months to a year. Many cases are resolved before a lawsuit is filed, often within this timeframe.
• Lawsuits Involved: If a lawsuit is needed, the process could stretch to several years or even longer. This is especially true if the case goes to trial and then through appeals.

Remember that this is just a typical outline of how things usually go. Your situation might move faster. Speak with your Chula Vista accident attorney to get a clearer picture of how long your specific case might take.

How Much Time Do I Have to Start a Claim?

The statute of limitations in California sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to sue. Let’s break down the critical time limits for different types of cases:

For Most Personal Injury Claims

The standard time limit for suing over a personal injury in California is two years. This applies to many situations, including car accidents, slips and falls, and other incidents where someone else’s negligence caused your injury. The clock starts ticking on the date you were hurt.

For Claims Against Government Agencies

If you’re injured due to the actions of a government agency in California, the process is different. You must file an administrative claim directly with the agency within six months of your injury. This is like a formal notification of your claim. If the agency denies your claim, you have six months from that denial date to file a lawsuit in court.

Can I Receive Compensation if I am Partially at Fault?

Yes, you can still receive compensation if you are partially at fault for an accident in California. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means that even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 30% to receive $70,000.

This system allows injured parties to recover compensation even when they share some blame for the incident.

Useful Links In Case of Accident in Chula Vista

• DMV
• Chula Vista Police Department
• Chula Vista Fire-Rescue Department
• San Diego County Sheriff
• Chula Vista Hospitals
• Triple A Chula Vista
• San Diego County Court

How Much Does Hiring a Chula Vista Accident Attorney Cost?

Broadway Law Firm operates on a “no win, no fee” basis. This means that personal injury victims can fight for what they deserve without any upfront financial burden. Our payment is part of your compensation, but only if your case succeeds. For complete clarity, we’ll draw up a detailed written agreement outlining how fees and expenses are handled.

The most significant advantage of this approach is that you can prioritize healing from your injuries without worrying about legal costs. You can also feel confident that we’re fully committed to getting you the maximum possible compensation for your damages. Simply put, if we don’t win your case, we don’t get paid, and there’s no charge to you.

Make a Free Consultation with a Chula Vista Accident Attorney

Hiring a Chula Vista accident attorney from Broadway Law Firm is the safest way to obtain the maximum compensation for the damages you suffered from your accident. Our experts fight fiercely with insurance companies and their lawyers and will give their 101% for you to receive up to the last penny owed by law. Call us today at (888) 824-1025 to make a free consultation.