Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident in San Francisco can be a tiresome task for one person to handle. You need a seasoned San Francisco car accident lawyer to advocate for your rights and steer you towards the compensation youโre entitled to. You need a team who truly cares and has actual experience winning cases in court, not just through outside settlements.ย
At West Coast Trial Lawyers we will do our duty to ensure that you are fairly represented in the California court system and receive fair compensation for any car accident claim you may have. We are a reputable law firm with over 20 years of legal experience and our team of car accident attorneys are well versed in handling car accident cases.ย
From rear-end collisions to drunk driving accidents, our team of dedicated lawyers are ready to help you through the legal process and are available 24/7 to answer any questions and concerns you may have. No matter what kind of accident you have been involved in, our team will be there with every step of the way to make sure you are on the right path of recovery.
To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.
Whoโs Fighting for You? | Founder and President of West Coast Trial Lawyers
Neama Rahmani, co-founder and President of WCTL, and leader of our San Francisco car accident team. Fresh out of Harvard Law Schoolโwhere he graduated among the youngest in its historyโNeama began his legal career as a U.S. Federal Prosecutor. Later, he served as Director of Enforcement for the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, fighting corruption in the mayor’s office.
You might also recognize him from his legal commentary on networks like CNN, Fox, and BBC, where he shares his expert legal analysis on trending topics to a global audience. Neama currently uses his vast experience and knowledge to lead our car accident lawyers team toward achieving justice for accident victims.
Why Choose Us as Your San Francisco Car Accident Lawyers
Choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in your car accident claim. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys are renowned for competence, transparence, responsiveness, a wealth of experience in handling car accident cases.
We’ve been consecutively nominated, year after year for Best Trial lawyer and Trial Lawyer of the Year. Our law firm has secured close to 2 billion dollars in awards for clients and garnished hundreds of 5 star customer ratings on Google, Yelp and other platforms. If that is not enough, hereโs why WCTL is the right choice for your case:
- Seasoned Expertise- Our car accident lawyers bring over 20 years of experience to the table, handling even the trickiest cases. Weโre experts in Californiaโs car accident laws, which helps us fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Proven Results- Weโve secured over $1.7 billion in recoveries for our clients. Our attorneys go all-in to get the best possible outcome for every accident victim.
- Always There for You-ย We listen closely to your story and tailor our approach to your unique situation. Unlike some firms, weโre available 24/7 and will even come to you when itโs most convenient.
- You Pay Zero Upfront Fees- We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. If you are searching for the best car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, you can trust WCTL to handle your case with experience and dedication.
Important Statistics About San Francisco Car Accidents
San Francisco stands as California’s second most densely populated city, home to nearly one million residents within its 49.2 square miles, or roughly 7×7 miles. Given this density, it’s inevitable to see a high number of accidents occurring. San Francisco has become a hub for booming tech, culture, and unfortunately, many accidents.ย
Over 55,000 distracted driving tickets were issued by the California Highway Patrol just in 2021. Back In 2018, traffic accidents took 48 lives per every 100,000 people in the city by the bay. The city still boasts one of the highest property values in the country and claims to be the epicenter of innovation. With Twitter, Uber, Open A.I, Google and many more companies still headquartered in San Francisco county.
Common Types of Car Accidents in San Francisco
San Franciscoโs bustling streets and highways can be a hotspot for San Francisco car accidents. Common causes can range from a variety of reasons and no matter what the reason was, if you have been involved in a car accident it is imperative that you understand the different types of accidents to have a better understanding of your case.ย ย
Single Car Accidents
A single-vehicle accident is an accident that causes damage to only one vehicle. This type of accident typically occurs when a driver is attempting to avoid crashing into another driver, or if the driver loses control and swerves into something because of a road hazard or poor weather conditions.
According to a 2021 Fatality Facts report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, about 55% of fatal car accidents are derived from single-vehicle accidents in California. In these cases, the liability tends to be on the driver, however, if there is substantial evidence that the accident was caused by a third party then they can be potentially held liable for all damages.
Multi-Car Accidents
A multi-vehicle accident is when two or more vehicles are involved in a collision. These types of traffic accidents usually take place in heavily congested locations where several drivers are traveling near each other. Multi-car traffic accidents are usually caused by negligent drivers who were either speeding, tailgating, or driving under the influence or from a lack of sleep.
The 2021 Fatality Facts report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has discovered that roughly 45% of fatal auto accidents are from multi-car accidents and pileups. In cases such as these, the driver who caused the accident will be held liable for all damages and injuries.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision is a type of auto accident where the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions strike one another at a significant speed. This type of auto accident is highly likely to cause serious injuries or fatalities due to the amount of force inflicted onto the drivers. Some of the most common factors that can contribute to a head-on collision are impaired driving, distracted driving, and even mechanical failures.
According to a 2021 Crash Type Infographic by the National Safety Council, roughly 27% of all head-on collisions are fatal accidents. In the same report, 29% of all accident victims involved in head-on collisions end up perishing, and the liability in these types of collisions are usually at the fault of the negligent driver.
Rear End Accidents
One of the most common types of car accidents, a rear-end accident is when one driver crashes into the back of another vehicle. Rear-end accidents are typically less intense and serious due to the amount of protective measures in place. However, they tend to happen when a driver is not paying attention to the road, the distance between each car, or their speed.
The California Office of Traffic Safety has reported in a Speeding Collision Report that approximately 35% of all speeding related car accidents were rear-end accidents. As such, rear-end crashes are usually faulted to the one who hit the vehicle’s rear bumper plate, but in rare circumstances, a manufacturing defect can be the cause of the accident. With that in mind, either the car manufacturer or a negligent mechanic may be held liable for all incurred damages and injuries.
Hit and Run Accidents
A hit and run accident is when a driver crashes into another vehicle, pedestrian, or property and leaves the scene immediately after. Doing this goes against California Vehicle Code 20002, and anyone failing to comply will face up to 6 months in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. Depending on the severity of the accident, the one responsible not only is going to be held liable for all damages and injuries, but they will face misdemeanor and possibly felony charges.
When determining why someone would commit a hit and run accident, most studies and research have determined that most hit and run accidents are derived from drunk driving accidents, and according to a hit and run study conducted by the AAA, the motivation is linked to the incentive of avoiding responsibility for one’s actions. The time of the incurred accident can also potentially incentivize people to run after an accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident in San Francisco
After a car accident do the following:
- Safety First! Get medical attention if youโre injured. At the accident scene, it is important to gather evidence such as photos, witness statements, and police reports to support your claim.
- File a claim with all the information you have, including the other driverโs details and witness statements if available. But, donโt speak to the other partyโs insurance provider, they may use your words against you. Identifying all parties involved is crucial for a successful claim.
- Call a car accident lawyer in San Francisco to handle all the legal and insurance negotiations so you can focus on recovery without the added stress. If the at-fault party is a government entity, you must follow the California Tort Claims Act which includes filing a claim within six months and specific procedures post-claim rejection.
Trying to handle a car accident claim on your own will not only get you less money than you deserve but itโs more stressful than you think. The insurance companies are not on your side. They are trained to pay car accident victims less than what they deserve. Their success is entirely dependent on making money by paying you less than what they collect in premiums.
Our experienced team of San Francisco car accident attorneys will take care of everything for you. We will file a claim with the insurance companies, help with your medical treatment, take care of all the paperwork, build a strong case for you and help you get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.
Legal Insights on California Car Accident Laws
Californiaโs car accident laws may be intricate, but grasping these laws is fundamental to steering your personal injury claim. From comparative fault to the statute of limitations for filing a claim, each aspect of the law can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
Comparative Fault in Auto Accident Claims
California operates under a pure comparative fault system that permits recovery of damages even if the injured party is primarily at fault. This means that in determining fault, the jury or adjuster compares each partyโs contribution to the accident and assigns a percentage of fault to each.
An injured partyโs compensation will be decreased by their assigned percentage of fault in the accident. Therefore, familiarization with the nuances of Californiaโs comparative fault laws is essential as it directly influences the potential compensation outcomes for accident victims. We highly advise clients to contact us even if they think the accident was their fault.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California, including car accidents, is two years from the date of the injury. However, if the injury was not discovered right away, the statute of limitations is one year from the date the injury was discovered.
Claims against government agencies in California have a shorter statute of limitations, requiring an administrative claim to be filed within six months of the incident. Following a denial of an administrative claim by a government agency, the claimant has six months from the denial date to file a lawsuit in court. Comprehending these timeframes is key to avoiding missing the chance to seek compensation for your injuries.
West Coast Trial Lawyers is Here to Help
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be a daunting process, especially when seriously injured. However, with the right legal guidance and representation, it becomes less overwhelming. From immediate actions at the accident scene to negotiating with insurance companies, and understanding Californiaโs car accident laws, an experienced car accident attorney can make the journey less stressful.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we believe in providing empathetic representation, robust legal strategies, and comprehensive support to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. In the end, itโs not just about winning a case; itโs about helping our clients rebuild their lives after a traumatic event.
Call us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a San Francisco car accident lawyer!
Helpful Articles From Our Car Accident Attorneys
At WCTL, we are committed to providing our clients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their car accident case. Here are some helpful articles from our Auto Accident Lawyers:
