San Francisco Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident, the other side's insurance company has one goal: close your claim for as little as possible. We make sure that doesn't happen.
Car Accidents in San Francisco BAY AreA Are More Common Than They Should Be
San Francisco consistently ranks among California's most dangerous cities for traffic. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, traffic fatalities statewide increased 7.6% in 2021 — a trend that reflects conditions Bay Area drivers deal with every day: dense intersections, aggressive merges, distracted drivers, and roads shared by cars, cyclists, and pedestrians in close proximity.
When a crash happens, the legal and insurance process that follows moves fast — often faster than the injured person is ready for. Understanding your rights early makes a real difference in what you're able to recover.
What to Do After a Car Accident in San Francisco
The decisions you make in the hours and days after a crash affect your ability to recover compensation later. Here's what matters most.
Step 1:
Call 911
Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. A police report creates an official record of the incident — it is one of the most important documents in any injury claim.
Step 2:
Document Everything at the Scene
If you're able to do so safely, photograph the vehicles, the road conditions, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Get the other driver's name, license plate, insurance information, and contact details. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
Step 3:
Get Medical Attention — Even If You Feel Fine
Some injuries don't present immediately. Whiplash, soft tissue damage, and concussions can take hours or days to become symptomatic. A medical record created close in time to the accident is far stronger evidence than one created a week later.
Step 4:
Do Not Speak to the Other Driver's Insurance Company
Their adjuster may reach out quickly and seem helpful. They are not working in your interest. Do not give a recorded statement, accept a settlement offer, or sign anything before speaking with an attorney. One signature closes the door on further recovery — permanently.
What Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident in California
California is a fault-based state, which means the driver who caused the accident — and their insurance company — is responsible for your losses. What you can recover depends on the facts of your case, but damages typically include:
Medical expenses
Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment costs
Future medical costs
Projected treatment for injuries that require long-term care
Lost wages
Income you were unable to earn while recovering
Reduced earning capacity
If the injury affects your ability to work at the same level going forward
Pain and suffering
Physical pain and the emotional toll the accident has had on your life
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash
In cases involving especially reckless conduct — a drunk driver, a driver who fled the scene — punitive damages may also be available.
Don't Settle Until You Know What Your Case Is Actually Worth
Insurance companies move quickly after an accident for a reason. Early settlements feel like relief — but they're structured to close your claim before the full cost of your injuries is clear. Once you sign, you can't go back.
We've seen what that gap looks like in practice. In one case, the insurer's opening offer was $400,000. The final settlement was $3,750,000. That difference didn't happen by accident — it happened because we built the case, didn't accept the first number, and were prepared to take it as far as necessary.
Your recovery is our job. Moving the case forward while you focus on healing is how we do it.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?
In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a private party. If the at-fault driver was operating a government vehicle — a city bus, a public works truck, a police vehicle — the deadline to file an administrative claim can be as short as six months.
Critical evidence — surveillance footage, witness memories, accident reconstruction data — deteriorates quickly. The earlier we can review your case, the stronger the position we can build.
Car Accident Questions We Hear Most Often
What should I do after a car accident in San Francisco?
Call 911, document the scene, seek medical attention promptly, and do not speak to the other driver's insurance company before consulting an attorney. What you say in those early conversations can affect your claim significantly.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault — but not eliminated. If you were 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can still recover $70,000. You do not need to be entirely without fault to have a valid claim.
What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?
California law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but not all do. If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, your own policy's uninsured motorist coverage may apply. We review all available coverage sources as part of evaluating your case.
How long does a car accident claim take in California?
It depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the insurer negotiates in good faith. Straightforward cases may resolve in a few months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or bad-faith insurer conduct can take longer. We keep you informed at every stage so you're never left wondering where things stand.
What does a car accident attorney cost in San Francisco?
We work on contingency. There is no upfront fee, no hourly billing, and no charge of any kind unless we recover money on your behalf. Your first case review is free.
What if the accident was caused by a road hazard or property condition?
If a dangerous road condition, poorly maintained parking lot, or property defect contributed to the crash, there may be a premises liability claim in addition to — or instead of — a claim against the other driver. We evaluate all potential sources of liability when we review your case.
Not Sure If Your Accident Is Worth a Lawyer? Find Out for Free
If you were hurt and someone else was at fault, it's worth a conversation. Even accidents that seem minor can involve delayed injuries, disputed liability, or insurance tactics that cost you money if you navigate them alone. Our team takes your information, Gene reviews the details, and the firm follows up on the cases it can genuinely help with. No fee, no obligation.