Legal Services
Law Offices of Brett C. Peterson
The Law Office of Brett Peterson is a San Diego personal injury law firm built around direct, hands-on legal representation.
San Diego, CA
About Law Offices of Brett C. Peterson
The Law Office of Brett Peterson is a San Diego personal injury law firm built around direct, hands-on legal representation. Unlike larger firms where clients may be passed from an intake team to junior attorneys or staff members, Brett Peterson personally handles each case from the initial consultation through investigation, negotiation, litigation, and resolution.
With more than two decades of experience in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and civil litigation, Brett provides individualized guidance, clear communication, and dedicated advocacy throughout the legal process. Clients work directly with the attorney responsible for their case—not through layers of representatives—helping ensure that their concerns are heard, their questions are answered, and their legal strategy is tailored to their circumstances. The firm is committed to pursuing fair compensation while providing the personal attention and accountability that injured individuals and their families deserve.
Licenses & credentials
- Brett Cole Peterson is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Brett Peterson in San Diego and has been an active member of the State Bar of California since December 9, 1998. He holds California State Bar No. 199183, earned a B.A. in Quantitative Economics and Decision Science from UC San Diego in 1995, and received his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1998. Before opening his own practice in 2008, he spent approximately 10 years at a leading plaintiff personal-injury firm and also gained civil-defense litigation experience. His firm represents clients in personal injury, car and motor-vehicle accidents, truck accidents, premises liability, dog bites, wrongful death, medical malpractice, birth injuries, and workers’ compensation matters.
Services
- Car Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Wrongful Death
- Workers’ Compensation
- Premises Liability
- Employment Discrimination
- Brain Injury resultant from vehicle accidents
Service areas
Law Offices of Brett C. Peterson serves customers in:
- San Diego
- Imperial Beach
- Coronado
- La Mesa
- Lemon Grove
- El Cajon
- Santee
- Poway
- Del Mar
- Solana Beach
- Encinitas
- Carlsbad
- San Marcos
- Escondido
- Vista
- Oceanside
- Bonita
- Spring Valley
- Rancho San Diego
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Lakeside
- Alpine
- Jamul
- Fallbrook
- Ramona
- La Jolla
- Clairemont
- Pacific Beach
- Mission Valley
- Tierrasanta
- Chula Vista
- National City
Common questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident in San Diego?
After a car accident in San Diego, ensure everyone's safety and move vehicles to a safe location if possible. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any injuries. If injuries are apparent, seek medical attention immediately. Report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Avoid making statements that admit fault. Contacting a San Diego car accident lawyer soon after can help protect your rights and guide you through the next steps.
When do I need to hire a car accident lawyer for my claim?
You should consider hiring a car accident lawyer when your injuries are serious, there is a dispute about who was at fault, or if the insurance company offers a settlement that seems too low. A lawyer can help navigate complex legal procedures, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your best interests. Even if you think your case is straightforward, a lawyer can often secure a more favorable outcome than you might achieve on your own. It's especially beneficial if you're dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care needs.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in San Diego?
Most San Diego car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you typically don't pay any upfront fees or hourly charges. Instead, the lawyer's fee is a percentage of the compensation they recover for you, either through a settlement or a court award. If your case is unsuccessful, you generally don't owe any attorney fees. It's important to discuss the contingency fee percentage and any potential costs like court filing fees or expert witness charges during your initial consultation so you understand the financial agreement completely.
What types of damages can I recover after a car accident?
After a car accident, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These often include economic damages such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages (past and future), and property damage to your vehicle. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish a grossly negligent party. A lawyer can help assess all potential damages relevant to your specific case.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you typically have two years to file a lawsuit in court. However, there are exceptions that can shorten or extend this period, such as claims against a government entity. It's crucial not to delay seeking legal advice, as gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time. Missing the deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
What is the process of filing a car accident claim?
The process typically begins with reporting the accident to your insurance company and seeking medical attention. Next, you'll gather evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Your lawyer will then send a demand letter to the at-fault driver's insurance company. This usually leads to settlement negotiations. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed, moving into the discovery phase where information is exchanged. Most cases settle before trial, but some proceed to court for a jury verdict.
Should I speak with the other driver's insurance company after an accident?
It is generally advisable to be cautious when speaking with the other driver's insurance company. While you must cooperate with your own insurance provider, anything you say to the other party's insurer could be used against you or interpreted to minimize your claim. It's best to direct all communications through your car accident lawyer. Your lawyer can handle all negotiations and ensure that your rights are protected, preventing you from inadvertently harming your case by providing too much information or making statements that could be misconstrued.
How is fault determined in a car accident in California?
Fault in a California car accident is determined by assessing negligence. This involves looking at factors such as traffic laws violated, witness statements, police reports, and accident reconstruction if necessary. California uses a 'pure comparative negligence' system. This means if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you would receive 80% of the total damages. Your attorney works to demonstrate the other party's full liability.
What if the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance?
If the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance, your options for recovery can become more complex. You may need to rely on your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, if you have it. UM coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. If you don't have UM coverage, you might need to pursue a personal lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver, though collecting damages from an uninsured individual can be challenging. A lawyer can help explore all available avenues for compensation.
How do I choose the best car accident lawyer in San Diego?
When choosing a car accident lawyer in San Diego, look for someone with significant experience specifically in personal injury law and a proven track record of successful outcomes in car accident cases. Consider their reputation, read client reviews, and ensure they communicate clearly and respond promptly. It's also important to choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with and who understands your unique situation. Most offer free initial consultations, allowing you to interview several attorneys before making a decision.
What does a car accident attorney do?
A car accident attorney represents individuals injured in vehicle collisions. Their primary role is to protect your rights, investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate your case in court. They handle legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery. This includes filing paperwork, meeting deadlines, and aiming to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
When should I contact a car accident attorney after a crash?
It is advisable to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible after a collision, ideally within a few days. Prompt legal advice helps preserve evidence, avoid common mistakes when speaking with insurance adjusters, and ensure all necessary documentation is filed correctly. Delaying contact can complicate your claim and potentially reduce your chances of recovering full compensation.
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