Auto Accident Injury in San Francisco, CA

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in San Francisco? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around San Francisco, CA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in San Francisco, California

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. According to Vital Signs, in 2016, 301 drivers in the Bay Area died in car accidents. The California Office of Traffic Safety also estimates that 16,039 people suffered serious injuries in 2018 traffic accidents. This is the highest in five years. In 2014, serious injuries totaled 10,711. Road design, exceeding the established speed limits and driving while impaired are the top contributing factors for accidents in the Bay area.

One unique fact about San Francisco is that per capita, it had the lowest death rate of any regional county in 2016. Compared to the rest of the region, San Francisco has reduced speeds and shorter travel distances. Even so, San Francisco does not have the safest roads.

As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around San Francisco, CA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

In San Francisco, auto accident victims can request an incident report online, which is the quickest and most secure option. With the online method, citizens can create an account and keep up with their report’s progress. Victims can also download and complete a Request for Incident Report form in their preferred language or go to the SFPD Police Headquarters in person. Submitting a request through the office requires a photo ID. A third option for requesting an incident report is to mail a completed physical request form along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

  • Full name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Driver’s license state and number
  • Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury in San Francisco

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Burn injuries
  • Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
  • Brain and head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries

The CDC estimates a total cost of $75 billion for the medical costs and productivity losses related to car crash injuries and deaths. The more severe a person’s injuries are and the longer the recovery period, the higher the individual costs.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in California

Liability Laws for San Francisco

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

While some states operate on a no-fault car insurance basis, California requires determining who is at fault for an accident. It is also a pure comparative negligence state, so injured parties can recover damages even if they are 99% at fault for the incident. Local lawyers understand how local insurance companies work.

Statute of Limitations in San Francisco

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a court claim, while others may give you up to six years. California has a two-year statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents. Victims who only want compensation for vehicle repairs have three years to take legal action. 

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Injury Lawyer Near San Francisco, CA

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in California!

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.