Auto Accidents

We understand serious accidents

Car accidents are an unfortunate but common reality on California roads and highways, especially in busy cities like San Diego and Los Angeles. While sitting in traffic caused by a crash can be frustrating, being involved in a car accident yourself is far more traumatic—physically, emotionally, and financially.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in California, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and insurance company pressure—all while trying to recover. The aftermath can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced California car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, determine the complexity of your personal injury claim, and guide you through every step of the legal process.

At Peña Law, our female-founded personal injury firm combines compassion with cutting-edge AI-assisted case analysis to identify every factor that strengthens your claim. We represent women, families, and injury victims across California—fighting for maximum compensation and holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.

If you’ve been in a car accident in San Diego, contact our team today to get clear, honest answers and personalized guidance on your next steps.

Two cars in a collision on a city road

We’re here to listen… and to help!

At Pena Law, we are determined to help those who have been harmed at no fault of their own to recover maximum compensation for medical bills & expenses, lost wages, physical & emotional pain and suffering, and damage to your vehicle. Our consultation is free, and we will provide you with a timeline or a brief overview of the steps involved in pursuing your case.

Contact us for a free consultation

What should I do if I am in an auto accident?

1. Seek medical attention

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in California, your top priority should always be to seek medical attention. Even if you believe you’re uninjured, it’s critical to be examined by a medical professional—some serious injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding may not appear immediately.

Once you’ve made sure you’re safe and not being rushed to the hospital, take a few proactive steps to protect your legal rights:

  • Document the scene by taking clear photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.

  • Collect witness information, including names and contact details.

  • Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, even casually. Anything you say after an accident can later be used against you in a personal injury claim or insurance dispute.

2. Notify your insurance

But do not provide a recorded statement until you speak to an attorney.

3. Talk to an attorney

Not every attorney will be upfront or candid about whether you truly have a valid claim. At Peña Law, our goal is simple — to give you honest legal advice, not false hope. We pride ourselves on being a female-founded, client-focused San Diego personal injury firm that only takes cases that will genuinely benefit our clients.

When you contact Vanessa Peña, you can trust that she’ll give you a straightforward assessment of your situation. She is selective in the cases she accepts, always putting each client’s best interests first. We never encourage unnecessary litigation or take attorney fees when it’s not warranted. Our mission is to empower you with knowledge so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.

Some minor car accident claims — especially those involving property damage and no injuries — can be handled by individuals without legal representation. However, it’s critical to consult with a trusted car accident attorney before assuming you can manage the case on your own. Even seemingly simple claims can become complex when insurance companies dispute liability, delay payment, or undervalue your losses.

At Peña Law, our  experienced staff helps evaluate your case with accuracy, ensuring no opportunity for compensation is missed. If you believe you may have an auto accident claim in California, reach out to our team today for a free consultation and a clear, honest assessment of your next steps.

contact us today for a free consultation.

UNINSURED MOTORIST? 

Being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver can be incredibly frustrating — we get it. If you’ve been in a car accident in California and the driver who hit you either doesn’t have insurance or carries too little coverage to pay for your damages, you may still have options to recover additional compensation.

Most drivers in California carry an “uninsured motorist” (UM) or “underinsured motorist” (UIM) policy as part of their own auto insurance coverage. These policies can help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage when the at-fault party’s insurance is insufficient or nonexistent.

However, filing a UIM or UM claim is not as simple as calling your insurance company. There’s a very specific legal process and timeline involved, and one mistake could limit your recovery. That’s why it’s best to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who understands how to handle underinsured and uninsured motorist claims.

At Peña Law, our female-founded law firm combines personal service with advanced AI-powered legal tools to analyze insurance policies, uncover hidden coverage, and fight for the maximum compensation available under your plan.