Understanding recoverable damages after a San Diego car accident is an important step in evaluating your legal options. Even in crashes that seem minor at first, the financial and emotional impact can be lasting. An experienced attorney can help you assess the full scope of your losses, identify who may be liable, and build a strong claim that accounts for both short-term and long-term consequences. Whether your injuries are physical, emotional, or financial, working with a knowledgeable legal team can help you navigate the process and pursue compensation with confidence.
A person involved in a motor vehicle crash in San Diego may be eligible to recover compensatory damages, which are meant to help with healing and expenses after an injury. These can be divided into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover out-of-pocket expenses tied directly to the crash, including ambulance fees, emergency care, hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication. Lost income is also a major component, especially if you cannot return to work for an extended period or experience a reduced earning capacity. In more serious cases, future medical care and long-term disability costs could also be factored into the damages.
Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life are less straightforward but just as important. An attorney can support your claim by gathering medical records, expert evaluations, and testimony to help demonstrate the personal impact of your injuries.
In rare cases, a San Diego court may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages after an auto accident. These damages are not designed to compensate the injured party but to punish particularly dangerous or egregious behavior by the at-fault driver.
Under California Civil Code § 3294, punitive damages may apply if the responsible party acted with fraud, malice, or oppression, such as in a DUI crash or a hit-and-run involving reckless disregard for safety. Because these damages are not automatically included and require clear evidence, a skilled legal team can investigate the circumstances of the crash and determine whether pursuing punitive damages is possible.
Understanding how fault is assigned is essential when evaluating what damages may be recovered after a San Diego car crash. California follows a pure comparative negligence model, outlined in California Civil Code § 1431.2. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you could still pursue damages. Your total award would simply be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame.
For example, if you were found to be 20 percent responsible for a crash, you could still recover 80 percent of the total damages. A lawyer can help address claims of shared fault and present a case that reflects the full extent of your damages.
Recovering after a collision is not just about healing physically—it is also about regaining a sense of control over your life. If you were injured in a crash, a car accident lawyer can be your ally in understanding what damages are available to you and how to pursue them effectively.
Recoverable damages can play a significant role in your recovery after a San Diego car accident.. With over seven decades of legal experience, our team at CaseyGerry takes a client-first approach to every case. We work to ensure your voice is heard, and your needs are fully represented throughout the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your recovery and help you explore your legal options. Reach out to us today to learn how we can support your recovery and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under California law.
