San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer

Zentz & Zentz offer client-focused legal representation in a wide variety of personal injury claims. We know that every client’s experience is unique and strive to provide fully individualized legal representation through each phase of every personal injury case we accept. We handle all kinds of personal injury cases including:

• Car accidents. These incidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries throughout the U.S. If another driver caused an accident with your vehicle, you likely face complex insurance-related issues and difficult recovery from your injuries.
• Boating accidents. Boating is popular throughout southern California, but it is also dangerous for several reasons. If you were injured in a boating accident, we can help you determine liability and secure compensation for your losses.
• Dog bites. California enforces strict liability for dog owners whose pets injure others. If someone else’s dog bit or otherwise injured you, the owner is responsible for your damages.
• Motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are fun to ride but are inherently dangerous due to their small size and lack of safety features. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident someone else caused, we’ll help you hold them accountable.
• Premises liability. Property owners must ensure their properties are safe for lawful visitors. If you believe a recent injury occurred because of a property owner’s failure to do so, we’ll help you build a personal injury claim.
• Slip and fall accidents. If you suffered a slip and fall on someone else’s property due to a safety hazard the owner should have foreseen, we can assist you in filing a personal injury claim under California’s premises liability laws.

These are just a few examples of the types of personal injury claims we can help you address. Every case is different, and every client will be confronted with unique challenges and opportunities as they work toward recovering from their losses. The right San Diego personal injury lawyer on your side can make a significant impact on the outcome of your case.

The majority of personal injury claims filed in California pertain to auto accidents. While you can typically file an insurance claim for some coverage after an auto accident in San Diego, there is no guarantee that your insurance claim settlement will fully cover your losses. You may need to take further legal action against the at-fault driver when your damages eclipse their available coverage. Unfortunately, many people make critical mistakes immediately following auto accidents that interfere with their ability to recover as fully as possible. It’s essential to know what to do after an auto accident.

You have just been involved in an accident on the busy streets of San Diego due to someone else. What should you do?

• Call 911 for injuries and assistance
• Exchange insurance information with the other driver(s)
• Photograph or video all damage to your vehicle and/or any noticeable injuries
• Go to the emergency room or doctor if you feel any pain or discomfort
• File a claim with the other driver(s)’ auto insurance
• Call our office for help.

Connecting with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident is one of the best ways to preserve your right to recovery. Your attorney should move quickly to assist you with an insurance claim against the at-fault driver's auto insurance policy, and if you have remaining damages, you can rely on your legal team to help you compile your personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

A car accident is just one example of a personal injury that might happen in San Diego. No matter what your personal injury claim entails, you have the right to claim compensation for your losses under California law. The first phase of building a personal injury case requires proving the defendant directly caused your damages and that they did not result from some other cause. The second phase is providing evidence that shows the full extent of your damages.

California state law allows a personal injury plaintiff to claim compensation for any and all economic damages resulting from a defendant’s actions. Once the plaintiff and their attorney prove the defendant liable for the plaintiff’s injury, the economic damages the plaintiff can obtain include:

• Medical treatment costs. This includes both immediate costs and anticipated future medical costs the plaintiff requires. Some injuries will heal relatively quickly, while more severe injuries may require months or years of rehabilitative care. The defendant is responsible for all of the plaintiff’s medical treatment costs.
• Lost income. The plaintiff may be unable to work for an extended time due to their injury, and the defendant is liable for the income the plaintiff loses during this time. In the event a plaintiff is permanently disabled from their personal injury and cannot return to work, the defendant is liable for the plaintiff’s lost future earning potential.
• Property damage. When a defendant’s actions also result in damage to the plaintiff’s property, the plaintiff has the right to include repair or replacement costs in their claim.

Beyond economic damages, California state law also allows personal injury plaintiffs to recover compensation for their pain and suffering. Their San Diego personal injury attorney will help them determine a fair amount to include with their claim, based on the severity of the plaintiff’s injury and the likelihood of them experiencing permanent medical complications from their experience. California does not limit pain and suffering compensation in personal injury claims aside from medical malpractice claims, in which plaintiffs can only obtain up to $250,000 in pain and suffering compensation.

A personal injury can be a life-changing experience, and it is understandable to have lots of questions about your rights and legal options after this kind of experience. Zentz & Zentz have assisted many past clients through difficult personal injury cases, and the following are some of the most common questions our clients have about their claims.

Q: What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take in California?

A: Most personal injury attorneys offer contingency fee billing, which means a client only pays legal fees if the attorney wins the case and there are no upfront costs for representation. The contingency fee is a percentage of the client’s case award. Most personal injury attorneys will take between 25% and 40% of a case award, and the exact percentage will typically vary from case to case.

Q: Is It Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?

A: You may wonder why you should pay for an attorney if your case seems perfectly straightforward. The reality is that any personal injury claim can be much more difficult than it appears at first. Working with an experienced attorney not only increases your chance of success, but also allows you to rest and focus on your recovery while your attorney handles your legal affairs on your behalf.

Q: How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take to Conclude?

A: Most personal injury claims settle outside of court within a few weeks, up to a month or two, depending on how fast the parties involved can reach a mutually agreeable settlement. When settlement isn’t an option, a personal injury case can potentially require several months or even more than a year to conclude.

You probably have many questions specific to your personal injury claim, and it’s vital to get the answers you need as quickly as possible, no matter what your claim entails. The sooner you speak with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney, the better your chances will be of success with the claim and the more likely you will be to maximize your recovery.

The attorneys at Zentz & Zentz are ready to hear from you and explain how our firm can provide the guidance and support you need as you work toward recovery from your damages. If you are ready to discuss your legal options with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, contact us today and schedule a consultation to learn more about the legal services we offer.