San Francisco Accident Lawyers
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Our San Francisco Accident Lawyers Offer Personalized Legal Support For Every Client
Accidents can happen unexpectedly, but some are preventable. Holding the responsible parties accountable is an important step toward moving forward. If you or someone you know has been in an accident in the Bay Area, our San Francisco accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free and confidential case consultation.
San Francisco is known to many as the home of the historic Golden Gate Bridge and the world-famous chocolate company Ghirardelli. With over 800,000 residents, it’s the fourth most populous city in the state. Unfortunately, living in a densely populated city can increase the risk of accidents. Whether it’s a car collision, a slip-and-fall, or a sideswipe, San Francisco experiences a wide range of accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident, consulting with accident lawyers can help you understand and protect your rights.
Our San Francisco accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims pursue fair compensation for the damages they have suffered. With experience in personal injury law, Arash Law is dedicated to guiding you from the initial consultation through every stage of your case. We will advocate for your interests throughout the process.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Can Our Experienced San Francisco Accident Lawyers Help With Your Case?
Our goal is to help you pursue the most favorable settlement for your injuries and property damage. Getting injured in an accident can result in enormous medical bills, as well as loss of income, since you might need time off work to recover. You may be entitled to compensation if someone else caused your injuries and pain and suffering.
Over the years, our San Francisco accident lawyers have worked to hold responsible parties and their insurers accountable. Our personal injury attorneys represent clients who have unjustly suffered injuries and trauma in otherwise preventable accidents.
With many years of combined legal experience, we apply our knowledge and strategies to address the issues that arise in personal injury claims. Whether through negotiation or litigation, our goal is to seek fair outcomes for our clients.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses. Our San Francisco injury law firm can handle the legal matters of your case, offering guidance and support throughout the process.
Common Accidents In San Francisco, CA
Our San Francisco attorneys assist in some of the most common accident cases in the Golden Gate City:
Car Accidents
Crashes or collisions involving cars occur due to speeding, distracted driving, or DUIs. These may involve single or multiple vehicles. In 2021, 12,330 people died due to speeding-related wrecks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Reckless behavior is one of the most widely reported causes of death on the streets of California and beyond.
Car accidents can range from minor fender-benders and sideswipe crashes to more serious rear-end and head-on collisions. Regardless of the type of accident you’re injured in, our car accident lawyers in San Francisco can help you pursue compensation for your damages.
Truck Accidents
Be it an 18-wheeler, garbage truck, or delivery truck, accidents involving big rigs are among the most serious and deadly due to their sheer size and weight. There are several factors at play in a truck crash, including multiple parties that may be involved, making it more difficult to prove the negligent parties’ liability. Our San Francisco truck accident attorneys understand this well and are ready to represent you in your time of need.
Motorcycle Accidents
These are commonly reported in California and other states. According to the NHTSA, riding a motorcycle remains more dangerous than driving other vehicles. Motorcycle accidents are life-altering. Due to the lack of barriers around motorcyclists, they usually get potentially fatal injuries. It is highly important to use proper safety gear, including DOT-compliant full-face helmets.
Construction Site Accidents
Construction workers perform a variety of tasks, from small residential projects to large commercial developments. Unfortunately, their work often involves significant safety risks, making construction accidents a common concern. Even just being on a construction site can expose them to dangers, such as getting hit by falling debris.
Product Liability
Manufacturing companies can face liability for a defective product, regardless of their intent. This means there is no need to prove negligence on the part of the defendant in these cases. However, your product liability lawyer in San Francisco must prove the product was unreasonably hazardous and that it caused your injuries. If proven, you can file a claim against multiple parties, from the designers and manufacturers to retailers.
Premise Liability
Under premises liability law, property owners, whether small businesses or large corporations like Walmart, may be held responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property. The owner can be held liable for damages if the property is not maintained or if they are unable to warn others of safety hazards.
Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall incidents, which fall under premises liability, can occur in various places, such as shopping centers, restaurants, or grocery stores. Property owners and managers have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for visitors. This includes promptly addressing spills or clutter and placing warning signs to alert guests to any potential slipping or tripping hazards. Slip-and-fall accidents can result in serious injuries and time away from work. For those affected, slip-and-fall lawyers in San Francisco can provide legal assistance.
Work-Related Accidents
Any industry can experience workplace accidents among employees that result in severe injuries and financial losses. Such incidents can lead to a worker’s death. If they survive, they often have to take time off from work to recover, significantly cutting their income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), fatal work injuries reached 462 in California in 2021. Of these, 408 were from the private sector, with transportation incidents as the leading cause of work-related deaths.
Under California law, employees who are injured may seek compensation through workers’ compensation claims. Consulting with workplace accident attorneys in San Francisco can help workers understand their rights and navigate the claims process.
Professional Malpractice
A professional malpractice claim can arise when injuries are due to negligence. In California, patients may sue physicians and other healthcare providers if negligence results in injury or death. Such injuries may include paralysis, amputated limbs, severe brain damage, and infertility.
Why Do Accidents Occur In San Francisco, California?
To determine who should be held liable in an accident in San Francisco, our lawyers first look at how it happened. Some of the common causes of accidents in the city include:
- Reckless Driving Behaviors — Collisions and crashes are among the most common accidents. Several factors, including speeding and other reckless behaviors, cause these. San Francisco has a general speed limit of 25 mph. Going beyond it is considered overspeeding and is a form of reckless driving. Swerving in and out of lanes, running the red light, and disregarding traffic signs also increase the risks of accidents on the road.
- Driving Under the Influence — Drunk driving has caused severe, life-altering injuries and trauma to thousands of innocent people. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that alcohol contributes to a significant portion of fatal auto accidents in California.
- Poor Road Conditions — Roads that are poorly maintained or designed are a leading cause of these accidents. Potholes and cracked pavements are just some issues motorists and pedestrians face. Aside from being a danger to drivers, these are also tripping hazards.
- Slippery Pavements — Rain-related accidents are also commonplace. These can lead to slip-and-fall incidents or cars losing traction on the road.
- Contact With Hazardous Elements — Industries that handle toxic chemicals, such as the pharmaceutical sector, are responsible for safe and proper disposal to prevent exposure to harmful wastes. Inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact with these chemicals can lead to serious illnesses and even death.
- Use of Heavy Machinery — The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) or Cal/OSHA has provided guidelines for handling heavy machinery in the workplace. For example, workers should learn how to use hand signals when communicating. Scheduling work tasks related to these types of machinery also helps reduce foot traffic, which in turn decreases the risk of accidents.
Common Types Of Injuries After San Francisco Accidents
These are the most common accident-related injuries:
- Head & Brain Injuries — Traumatic brain injuries can have life-changing effects. Sometimes, brain injuries may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, sustaining a head injury can result in unconsciousness.
- Back & Neck Injuries — These can range from minor strains to more severe ones, such as disc dislocations. Neck and back injuries make it difficult for victims to return to their regular jobs and daily routines.
- Amputation & Disfigurement — Accidents may result in amputations, especially in workplace accidents involving heavy machinery. Victims lose limbs, and body structures are severely altered. These often have profound effects on the physical and psychological well-being of the individual.
- Internal Injuries — Any accident with high impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the bladder, liver, kidney, pancreas, and spleen. The injuries will require immediate and extensive surgery.
- Lacerations — Deep cuts or tears can be caused by sharp objects or debris. Injuries can range from minor cuts to severe lacerations that often lead to infections and scarring.
- Broken Bones — Collisions, slips and falls, and accidents in industrial machines can cause broken bones. These may require prolonged medical treatment and extensive rehabilitation.
- Catastrophic Injuries — These injuries often have lifelong effects and require constant care. As a result, people are left with high medical bills and other costs, such as fitting a home for a disability. Victims also typically lose the ability to work regular jobs.
- Wrongful Death — Accidents can result in death. Our San Francisco accident attorneys also handle wrongful death claims and can help you pursue compensation when your loved one dies in a preventable incident.
Recoverable Damages For An Accident Injury Claim
Settlements for injuries aim to help you return to your pre-accident status. In cases of permanent disability, they are intended to support adjustments to your new normal.
Here are the types of damages you may be able to recover:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are your out-of-pocket expenses. Calculating them is often straightforward. Among them are:
- Medical Bills — This includes past and current treatments and medications, as well as future medical needs such as surgery or ongoing care.
- Lost Income — This includes the income you otherwise would have received without the accident. Incidents with severe consequences can affect an individual’s future earning potential, which the settlement may also cover.
- Property Damage — Compensation should cover necessary property repair or replacement.
Non-Economic Damages
There are also intangible losses or non-economic damages that are not easily quantifiable, such as:
- Pain & Suffering — Any form of pain associated with the incident, any required medical procedures, and the ongoing healing process.
- Emotional Distress — The law allows compensation for injured individuals who cannot work for some time or who depend on others for basic tasks, even those who suffer from psychological issues.
Wrongful Death Damages
When a person dies as a result of another’s negligence, certain close family members may be entitled to compensation under the law. Any financial loss incurred by tragedy may be recovered, including medical bills, burial and funeral fees, and lost income.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, victims may be awarded punitive damages by the court for grossly negligent or malicious behavior. These damages aim to punish the at-fault parties and prevent similar conduct in the future.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
What Should You Do After An Accident In San Francisco, CA?
Here are the recommended steps to take after an accident:
- Check yourself for injuries. Move to a safe place if possible. Also, check yourself and your companions to see if they are okay.
- Dial 911. Call the police. Request a copy of the official report from law enforcement, which you can use for your claim. Paramedics will also be dispatched.
- Get medical assistance immediately. Get checked and treated promptly. Visit the hospital for a proper evaluation, even if you feel fine. Follow your doctor’s advice. Your medical records can support your claim later on.
- Gather evidence if you can. Get the contact details and insurance information from the other party, as well as testimonies from any witnesses who saw the accident. Take photographs of the vehicles, the accident scene, and your injuries. Document any after-effects of the accident and attend all scheduled medical appointments.
- Avoid discussing the accident with insurers. It is generally advisable to refrain from negotiating with insurers on your own. Avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting a lawyer first.
- Hire an accident lawyer in San Francisco. If you were injured because of someone’s negligence, consider working with an attorney. They can help you understand your rights and potential options for seeking compensation for your damages.
Is There A Limit On My Compensation?
In California, most personal injury claims do not have strict limits on the amount of compensation you can pursue. Certain exceptions, such as specific professional malpractice cases, may have caps.
Our San Francisco accident attorneys can help assess the types of damages applicable to your case and estimate the potential value of your claim. We base this on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and other factors.
Statute Of Limitations For San Francisco Accident Claims
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. But if the victim was a minor when the accident happened, the statute of limitations won’t run until they turn 18. In cases involving public entities, such as city or county vehicles, there is a six-month claims period to file a claim.
Because deadlines vary and can be strict, it is important to seek legal advice promptly to understand the applicable time limits for your specific situation. Consulting with a lawyer early can help you track deadlines and file the necessary paperwork within the required timeframe.
San Francisco Accident Statistics
Vehicular collisions and crashes are common types of accident cases we handle. These are widely reported in San Francisco, as with other major cities in California. The unique topography of the city, combined with its dense population, often plays a role in these incidents.
Every year, thousands of car accidents occur in San Francisco. San Francisco’s Vision Zero data reports that there were 39 traffic fatalities in the city in 2022. These incidents vary from minor fender-benders to major collisions resulting in significant injuries or deaths.
Aside from motor vehicle accidents, issues such as slips, falls, and workplace incidents are also prevalent in Golden Gate City and statewide. As per the BLS, there were 419,300 nonfatal workplace injuries in 2022 in California’s private sector alone.
Contact Our San Francisco Accident Lawyers For Legal Help
If you are injured or a loved one was killed in an accident, our San Francisco accident attorneys are available to discuss your situation and explain your options. Complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form or call us at (888) 488-1391.
We work on a contingency basis, meaning we won’t change any fees for our attorneys’ services unless compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs. We can visit you at home or the hospital if you are unable to come to our office.
Arash Law also serves clients in Oakland, Alameda, Hayward, Emeryville, Albany, Cerritos, Richmond, Lafayette, Fairview, Millbrae, Berkeley, El Cerrito, and Walnut Creek.
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