San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer
Request Free ConsultationSeek a Personal Injury Attorney Who Will Fight For You
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a preventable accident, you need experienced legal representation. A serious injury can lead to pain and suffering, significant medical expenses, temporary or permanent disability, and negatively impact your ability to work and earn income. You need a San Diego personal injury lawyer to fight for your case to ensure you receive rightful compensation.
While these unfortunate events are traumatic, a San Diego personal injury attorney can help to ease your anxiety over financial concerns and help ensure that our clients get the compensation they need to move forward. At the Haffner & Morgan personal injury law firm, our San Diego personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to get you the help you need and maximize your financial recovery. Contact us for your free consultation today.
Why Choose Haffner & Morgan Personal Injury Lawyers?
When it comes to your personal injury case, choosing Haffner & Morgan means selecting a legal powerhouse that thrives on aggressive, straightforward, and effective legal representation. Here’s why we’re the right choice for you:
- We have over 2o years of legal experience
- Our team has a 99% success rate
- Experience tailored attention that understands your unique needs
- We offer free consultations to get the information you need
- We only get paid when you get paid
When you choose Haffner & Morgan, you’re choosing ethical and aggressive attorneys that go the extra mile for our clients. Every case at Haffner & Morgan is personally handled by an attorney with assistance from our staff. When necessary, we have the experience and expertise to litigate claims all the way through obtaining victory at trial.
Meet Attorney Christian C. Haffner
Attorney & Managing Partner
Christian C. Haffner is a seasoned San Diego personal injury attorney and Managing Partner at Haffner & Morgan. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he earned his Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 2005, where he led the Student Bar Association. With over a decade of experience in plaintiff’s civil litigation, Christian has successfully secured substantial verdicts in state and federal courts, displaying expertise across all case stages. Active in legal associations, he is a member of the Consumer Attorneys of California and Consumer Attorneys of San Diego.
Meet Attorney Timothy T. Morgan
Attorney & Managing Partner
Timothy T. Morgan, a San Diego native and Managing Partner at Haffner & Morgan, graduated from UCLA in 2007 with a double major in Political Science and History. He earned his Juris Doctor from USD Law School in 2011 and has excelled as a trial attorney since passing the bar exam. Specializing in personal injury cases, Tim handles all stages, from negotiation to trial. Tim’s dedication to detail and personalized service is evident in his commitment to maximizing each case’s value. Active in legal circles, he is a member of Consumer Attorneys of California and Consumer Attorneys of San Diego.
Relevant Case Results | 99% Success Rate
- $5.6 Million – Personal Injury Judgment – Back injury while working
- $3.5 Million – Car Accident Settlement – Spine injury from T-bone accident
- $1.48 Million – Side Impact Car Accident – Orthopedic injuries
- See more relevant case results here.
What Our Clients Are saying About Us
“I am attorney that has referred several personal injury cases to Haffner & Morgan over the past few years. In each instance, they have achieved an excellent result and have gone the extra mile to get the job done. Tim and Christian are really smart guys and are enjoyable to work with. I highly recommend.”
“This team has an amazing quality service and are truly high caliber professionals! I am grateful for Joe, Christian, and Tim. You guys are heaven sent. From day 1, I felt the family treatment and empathy on my situation. If you need their legal service, look no further. I’ve been to 2 other offices before being referred to this office. It’s the only office that returned calls on time, responds to email less than 24 hours, and best of all, there’s always someone to answer your questions without waiting for months.
Thank you so much for helping me get to the finish line, you are a Blessing!”
“Tim and Christian are the best, most professional lawyers I have ever dealt with. They helped me out after I was rear ended in an accident and took care of everything for me. It was the easiest process I’ve ever dealt with and Tim made sure I was compensated fairly. The firms communication was excellent and they fought for me every step of the way. I couldn’t recommend a firm more!”
Contact Haffner & Morgan Today
Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall injury, or are dealing with the aftermath of any personal injury incident, our team is ready to advocate for your rights. Trust Haffner & Morgan to be your partners in seeking justice and obtaining the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Table of Contents
- What Is Personal Injury Law?
- What Are Some Recoverable Damages in Personal Injury Cases?
- Types of Cases We Handle
- What Will Your Personal Injury Lawyer Do For You?
- Negotiating on a Settlement
- Steps to Take After an Injury
- What Types of Injuries Are Common Grounds for a Personal Injury Claim?
- Common Tactics Insurance Providers Use
- San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs
What Is Personal Injury Law?
California’s personal injury law deals with litigation related to accidents and injuries resulting from someone else’s negligence. Not only do we expect a certain duty of care from those around us, whether they’re other drivers on the road or medical professionals responsible for our care, but in some circumstances people actually have a legal obligation to adhere to expected standards of behavior that don’t put others at risk. Those who are injured as the result of someone not adhering to those standards have the right to pursue legal claims against the negligent person or entity in order to gain monetary compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. In most cases, these claims settle out of court through negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company. A skilled, diligent San Diego personal injury lawyer can help you get the best possible outcome for your claim or advocate on your behalf should the case go to court.
What Are Some Recoverable Damages in Personal Injury Cases?
If a settlement cannot be reached, a personal injury victim can proceed to bring the case to court. Compensation for accident damages might include:
- Medical expenses
- Expenses for property damage (cars, bikes, etc) and irreplaceable items
- Lost Wages
- Pain and suffering costs
- Lowered quality of life costs
- Impairment costs
- In some cases, punitive damages
What are Punitive Damages?
In accident cases involving particularly egregious behavior on the part of the defendant such as extreme acts of recklessness, a jury could award punitive damages. These are non-economic damages intended to “punish” the at-fault party and to deter them from repeating the reckless or malicious behavior. While some states place caps on the amount of punitive damages a judge or jury can award, California’s Civil Code 3294 does not place caps or limits on punitive damages. However, The United States Supreme Court prohibits excessive punitive damages and requires that these damages remain reasonable and in proportion to the harm caused by the plaintiff’s actions.
You can ask a lawyer if punitive damages might apply to your personal injury case in California.
Types of Cases We Handle
According to the CDC, in 2019, approximately $4.2 trillion dollars were spent treating personal injury cases resulting from negligence or wrongdoing. In San Diego, a dynamic and growing city, specific factors contribute to common personal injury claims:
Car Accidents
San Diego’s bustling streets contribute to a high volume of car accidents. These incidents often result in injuries ranging from whiplash and fractures to more severe conditions. To prevent car accidents, drivers should adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions, and prioritize safe driving practices. Our attorneys understand the intricacies of these cases, working to secure compensation for victims affected by these frequent incidents.
Truck Accidents
As a major transportation hub, San Diego experiences its share of truck accidents. Collisions involving trucks can lead to catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. With the presence of busy highways and shipping routes, our legal team specializes in handling the complexities of truck accident cases, ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face unique risks on San Diego’s roads, including 493 reported accidents resulting in injuries and deaths in 2021. Injuries can range from road rash to severe head injuries. Safety measures, including helmet use and defensive riding, are crucial for preventing motorcycle accidents.
Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft contribute to the traffic landscape and lead to unique challenges in accident cases. Our attorneys are well-versed in the unique challenges posed by accidents involving these services, providing expert representation to individuals involved in Uber and Lyft accidents.
Brain Injuries
Personal injury cases often result in severe consequences, with brain injuries being a prevalent outcome. These injuries can have a lasting impact on victims’ lives. Advocacy for preventative measures, such as improved safety regulations and public awareness campaigns, is crucial to reducing the incidence of brain injuries.
Haffner & Morgan are experienced in handling cases where individuals have suffered brain injuries due to the negligence of others. We fight aggressively to secure compensation for the long-term impact of these injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents (Premises Liability)
In a city with numerous public spaces, slip and fall accidents are prevalent, leading to injuries like fractures and sprains. Property owners play a pivotal role in prevention by maintaining safe conditions, addressing hazards promptly, and providing adequate warnings.
Our legal team is adept at handling premises liability cases, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve for injuries sustained due to hazardous conditions.
Defective Product Accidents
Innovation in San Diego brings about defective product incidents. Victims can suffer injuries ranging from burns to organ damage. We advocate for clients who have been harmed by faulty products, holding manufacturers accountable for ensuring consumer safety.
Pedestrian Accidents
With a vibrant city comes increased pedestrian traffic, leading to pedestrian accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, San Diego witnessed 516 reported pedestrian accidents that resulted in a death or injury in 2021.
At Haffner & Morgan, our legal team is dedicated to securing justice and compensation for pedestrians harmed due to others’ negligence.
Dog Bites/Attacks
In a city where pets are prevalent, dog bites and attacks can occur. These attacks can result in severe injuries and emotional distress. We have experience in handling these cases, ensuring victims receive compensation for injuries and emotional distress caused by dog-related incidents.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, some personal injury cases result in wrongful death. Our attorneys offer compassionate support to families dealing with the loss of a loved one due to another party’s negligence. We pursue wrongful death claims vigorously, aiming to provide closure and financial support for those affected.
While these represent common personal injury claims, our legal expertise extends beyond these categories, addressing a wide range of cases where others are clearly at fault for preventable injuries. If you’ve been harmed, our dedicated attorneys at Haffner & Morgan are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Haffner & Morgan at (619) 541-8787 to secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait, take the first step towards justice and schedule a consultation today.
What Will Your San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer Do For You?
Personal injury law is complex and involves substantial sums of money. A San Diego personal injury lawyer represents you in the case of an accident, addressing the legalities of your claim while you focus on your recovery. Insurance companies exist to make profits and typically try to low-ball payouts or deny claims completely for a variety of reasons. A skilled personal injury lawyer knows how to best represent your case either in negotiations for a settlement or in a courtroom. A San Diego personal injury lawyer aids and accident victim in the following ways:
- Works on a contingency basis to investigate claims
- Gathers evidence to support injury claims, such as police reports, witness statements, employment records, doctor’s notes, and medical bills
- Sends a demand letter to the defendant’s insurance company for a sum that covers the claim
- Prepares complaints against defendants if negotiations with the insurance company are not successful
- Represents clients in court to argue aggressively for full compensation for their injuries.
If you were injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, the attorneys at Haffner & Morgan can evaluate your claim and provide the representation you need through the entire claims process, beginning with negotiating a settlement after gathering evidence.
Negotiating on a Settlement
A settlement is the process of dealing with personal injury cases outside of court. It is not yet a lawsuit. The plaintiff can negotiate with the defendant. After the settlement is reached, you will sign an agreement that you will no longer take the case to court. On average, personal injury settlements range from $3,000 to $75,000.
Steps To Take After an Injury
If you experience an accident, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Report the accident to the police and request a copy of their report. Ask your doctor to take detailed records and be sure to report all of your injuries and every symptom. If you’re physically able to record witness names and statements with your phone, it will help the investigation later. Be sure to do the following:
- Keep track of all medical reports and bills
- Request copies of witness statements and police reports
- Take photos of the accident scene if at all possible
- Follow your doctor’s orders and keep every appointment for follow-ups and recommended treatment and rehabilitative therapies
- See a therapist if you experience any symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Your actions following an accident can help your lawyer to prove your case in order to obtain a settlement or to represent your interests in court.
What Types of Injuries Are Common Grounds for a Personal Injury Claim?
Successful settlement demands and court litigation for personal injury claims often arise from serious injuries that can have life-altering effects on the injured party, including both economic and non-economic ill effects. Some of the most common injuries that these cases address include the following:
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries ranging from moderate to severe concussions to brain bleeds and permanent disabilities
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Amputations
- Blunt force trauma with organ damage
- PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional anguish
These physical and emotional injuries may have life-altering effects that are either temporary, long-lasting, or permanent. Those who suffer them due to the reckless actions or careless negligence of another deserve compensation for the economic and non-economic damages they’ve caused.
Common Tactics Insurance Providers Use to Deny Claims or Lower Settlements
An experienced personal attorney understands how to negotiate the best possible settlement in your personal injury case because they are fully versed in the tactics that insurance companies commonly use to undervalue claims or deny them outright. These providers have a business model that relies on profits made by taking in more money in premiums than they pay out in claims and settlements. For this reason, insurance adjusters have the job responsibility to find reasons to devalue your personal injury claim. Some common tactics they use include the following:
- Calling you very soon after an accident with a low-balled settlement offer before you may even be aware of the extent of the physical, financial, and emotional damages related to your injury
- Recording phone conversations and using your words out of context against you later, despite coming across as concerned and friendly during the call
- Asking for medical authorization to review your medical records under the guise of examining evidence of your injury and then seeking through past records to find reasons to claim your pain is due to a pre-existing condition; for example, a previous complaint of back pain even if it was years prior to the accident
- Claiming your injury can’t possibly be from the accident; for example, when a vehicle sustains only minor damage but causes you severe whiplash with ongoing related pain and neurological effects
- Disputing some of your medical treatments as unnecessary
- Prolonging and delaying the process in order to wear you down so you’re more likely to accept a low settlement offer
It’s best to direct all communications with insurance companies directly to your lawyer and don’t answer their questions. Avoid posting on social media until your claim is settled. Even if you have severe neck pain but manage to smile for a photo at a tailgating party this could be used against you as a way of attempting to show that you’ve exaggerated your injury claim.
San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs
What is the Statute of Limitations in San Diego Personal Injury Cases?
The Statute of Limitations refers to the time period in which a personal injury claim must be filed. Under California law, the statute of limitations is typically 2 years with some limitations causing the time frame to be shorter or longer. A San Diego personal injury attorney from Haffner & Morgan can help you get your filing in order so you don’t miss this deadline.
Exceptions to California’s 2-Year Statute of Limitations
In most cases, filing a personal injury claim after the 2-year statute of limitations is past results in the case being thrown out, but a few exceptions apply in California courts. If it takes some time to discover the injury or to connect the symptoms you’ve experienced to an accident, the statute of limitations begins on the date you learn of the injury or should have reasonably discovered the injury. If an injury occurs to a minor, they have 2-years from the date of their 18th birthday to file a claim.
Why Doesn’t My Own Insurance Cover My Claim After an Injury?
Because California is an at-fault insurance state, it matters who causes an accident or injury. Your own insurance isn’t going to pay out on a claim for an injury caused by someone else who has their own insurance coverage. Note, however, that this doesn’t mean you leave your insurer out of the loop. You are still required to notify your insurer after an accident. Your insurance provider will only pay out on a claim for an injury caused by someone else if the at-fault party was uninsured or wasn’t identified, and even then it often requires an attorney to demand payment on your claim since your insurance may deny the claim or undervalue it.
Filing a claim with your own insurance company also causes your monthly premium rates to rise.
In most cases, it’s best to file a claim with the insurance provider of the person at fault for your injury in accordance with California’s pure comparative (at-fault) insurance laws.
How Can a San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer Can Assist Me?
Some ways a San Diego personal injury attorney can assist might include:
- Investigating your claims to determine if your case worth taking to court
- Gathering evidence
- Sending a demand letter to defendant
- Protecting you from settling early with insurance companies
- Preparing motions and pleadings
- Representing you through trial
Will I Have to Go to Court for a Personal Injury Claim?
The overwhelming majority of personal injury claims resolve in an out-of-court settlement. An experienced personal injury attorney investigates your claim to prove liability on the part of the person or entity at fault and then drafts a demand letter to the appropriate insurance company outlining the details of the claim. Typically there will be back-and-forth negotiations but most claims end in a fair settlement agreed upon by both parties. However, if you have a compelling case, your attorney will be ready to litigate the matter aggressively in court if needed to secure ample compensation for your injury. Cases that resolve in court have a slightly lowered chance of a payout but tend to have more substantial payouts compared to a settlement. Your attorney will advise you on whether or not it’s best to accept a settlement in your case or pursue the matter in court.
How Long Does a Typical Personal Injury Case in San Diego Take?
Though some cases progress quickly, the average timeframe for a personal injury case to resolve is 6 months to 1 year when it ends in a settlement. Cases that go on to litigation in a courtroom may take up to two years for the process to end in a decision. In most cases, your attorney can give you a good idea of the approximate amount of time you can expect your case to take.
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Contact Haffner & Morgan Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a personal injury due to the negligence of someone else, the Haffner & Morgan legal team we fight for you in your personal injury claims to get you the compensation you deserve. A personal injury can hinder your ability to live your life, and our law firm wants to help you get back to living as soon as possible.
Our San Diego personal injury attorneys will make sure you get the best representation to take your case on. Contact us today for your free consultation.