Car accidents disrupt lives in an instant. Between medical bills, lost income, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. At The Law Office of Kevin Lemieux, APC, we answer your questions with clarity, compassion, and the confidence that comes from decades of combined experience.
Below are answers to some of the questions our car accident attorneys hear most often from people involved in San Diego car accidents.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
Your safety comes first. If possible, move to a safe location, call 911, and request medical help. Even if you feel fine, you should still be evaluated by a medical professional because many injuries appear hours or days later. Document the scene with photos or video, gather contact information from witnesses, and exchange insurance information with the other driver.
Once you have received medical care, call us. Early legal guidance helps protect your rights and ensures that substantial evidence is preserved. We take over communication with insurance companies so you do not feel pressured or confused by their tactics.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Having experienced legal representation often leads to significantly better outcomes. Insurance companies tend to minimize injuries, question treatment, and pressure people into accepting low settlements. When you work with us, we evaluate your injuries, losses, and long-term needs, then present your case in a clear, persuasive way.
Because The Law Office of Kevin Lemieux, APC is known for thorough trial preparation, insurers understand that we are ready to take a case before a jury if needed. That reputation can influence how seriously they treat your claim from the start.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Claim in California?
In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to compensation. Claims involving government agencies have much shorter timelines, sometimes as short as six months.
Because the timeline varies depending on the circumstances of your accident, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. The earlier we begin building your case, the stronger your position may be.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
California uses a comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible. Your percentage of fault reduces your compensation. For example, if you were awarded $50,000 but are found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $40,000.
Insurance companies often try to increase your share of blame to reduce their financial responsibility. Our team challenges those attempts using evidence, expert analysis, and careful case preparation.
How Do I Pay My Medical Bills While My Case Is Pending?
Many clients worry about medical bills piling up while waiting for a settlement. In California, you may use your health insurance, Med-Pay coverage from your auto policy, or a lien arrangement with certain providers. We help you explore every option so you can receive necessary medical treatment without delaying your recovery. When your case resolves, these bills are reimbursed from your settlement or verdict.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
Depending on your injuries and the impact on your life, you may pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing or future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Car accidents produce both immediate and long-term losses. Our role is to demonstrate the full scope of what you have experienced and ensure that your claim reflects the true impact of your damages.
Will My Case Go To Trial?
Most car accident cases settle, but some require litigation to achieve a fair result. We prepare every case thoroughly with a trial in mind. This approach benefits clients in two ways: it strengthens your claim during negotiations, and it ensures we are ready to present a compelling case if the insurance company refuses to be reasonable.
Attorney Kevin Lemieux is respected for strong trial advocacy, which can make insurers reconsider low settlement positions when they realize we are fully prepared to go to trial.
The Insurance Company Wants a Recorded Statement. Should I Give One?
You should speak with us before giving any recorded statement. Insurance adjusters often ask questions designed to limit the value of your claim or shift blame onto you. Once our team represents you, we handle all communication and ensure that you do not feel pressured into saying something that could be used against you.
What If the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
California requires drivers to carry insurance, but many do not. If an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you, you may still recover compensation through your own policy’s UM/UIM coverage. Our firm reviews all available policies to identify every possible source of compensation.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve a Car Accident Case?
The timeline varies based on the severity of injuries, the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Some cases resolve in a few months; others may take longer when medical treatment is ongoing, or liability is disputed. We keep you informed throughout the process so you always know where your case stands and what to expect next.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Your Firm?
We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees, and we only receive payment if we recover compensation for you. Our approach ensures that everyone has access to representation, regardless of financial circumstances.
Speak With a San Diego Car Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a collision, you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. Our team at The Law Office of Kevin Lemieux, APC, is ready to protect your rights and guide you through the claims process from start to finish. Attorney Kevin Lemieux has been practicing since 2003 and is respected in San Diego for strong trial work, which is a quality that gives our clients an advantage both inside and outside the courtroom.
For immediate help, call (619) 488-6767 or contact us online today.
Car accidents disrupt lives in an instant. Between medical bills, lost income, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. At 
Your safety comes first. If possible, move to a safe location, call 911, and request medical help. Even if you feel fine, you should still be evaluated by a medical professional because many injuries appear hours or days later. Document the scene with photos or video, gather contact information from witnesses, and exchange insurance information with the other driver.
