San Francisco Auto Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our San Francisco Auto Accident Lawyers Let Our Results Do The Talking!
Our San Francisco auto accident lawyers have helped thousands of injury victims over the years. Led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our attorneys know how to build compelling cases backed by thorough evidence. We never back down from insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a crash, we can help you recover. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced legal team will listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you through the process.
Whether your accident was caused by a careless driver, a faulty auto part, or poor road conditions, our San Francisco attorneys are here for you. From your immediate medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, we will pursue every dollar you rightfully deserve.
What Do San Francisco Auto Accident Lawyers Do?
San Francisco auto accident lawyers can protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation. From handling complex legal procedures to negotiating with insurance companies, we take care of everything so you can focus on recovery. You deserve justice, financial security, and the peace of mind of knowing your case is in the hands of skilled professionals.
Here’s what we can do to assist you with your claim:
- Investigate The Crash — We gather crucial evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. Our lawyers collaborate with San Francisco’s top accident reconstruction experts to support your claim.
- Calculate Your Damages — Beyond medical bills, we consider lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs. We aim to secure every dollar you are entitled to under California law.
- Negotiate Fair Compensation — Our attorneys are experienced negotiators who’ve been dealing with insurers for decades. We’ll accept an offer only when it truly reflects your case’s full value.
- Represent You In Court — If insurance companies don’t offer a fair settlement, our trial-tested attorneys will confidently take your case before a judge and jury. Our San Francisco injury law firm has won numerous high-value verdicts on behalf of clients.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why Hire Our Auto Accident Attorneys
Choosing the right lawyer after an auto accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. When your future is on the line, you need car accident lawyers who fight as hard as you do.
Here are some of the top reasons to hire our San Francisco auto accident attorneys:
- Full-Service Representation — From the moment you hire us, you can expect us to:
- Proceed with thorough accident investigations.
- Gather and organize medical documentation.
- Handle all insurance communications.
- Prepare strategic litigation plans.
- Manage every deadline in the process.
- Proven Track Record — Our firm has recovered over $750 million for injury victims. We’re known to take on even the largest insurance companies and corporate defendants. Our lawyers secured settlements 3-5 times higher than what clients were initially offered.
- Personalized Attention And Compassionate Service — Our lawyers treat every client like family. We offer one-on-one legal guidance and develop tailored strategies based on your unique circumstances.
- 24/7 Availability & Accessibility — Our team is available around the clock to take your call. You’ll have a dedicated case manager who can answer urgent questions. We have convenient office locations across California, but if your injuries limit your mobility, we can come to you any day.
- No Upfront Costs — Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking justice. Our attorneys work on a true contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case, eliminating all financial risk in pursuing your claim.
Our Track Record Of Success
If you’re searching for the “best auto accident lawyer near me,” you’ve come to the right place. Arash Law has a proven history of winning substantial verdicts and settlements for accident victims. Here are a few of our successful case results:
- $17.9 Million Verdict — After three years of litigation, we secured a unanimous verdict against the County of LA in a challenging liability case. Despite aggressive defense tactics and attempts to shift blame to our client, the jury only needed 90 minutes to award our client maximum damages.
- $12 Million Pre-Trial Settlement — Just as jury selection was about to begin, we obtained a substantial settlement for a 74-year-old pedestrian who suffered catastrophic injuries after getting struck in a crosswalk.
- $6 Million Wrongful Death Recovery — We faced aggressive insurance defense tactics while fighting on behalf of a grieving husband after a crash that took away the life of his beloved wife. Despite the defense’s efforts to dispute coverage and liability, we successfully secured the maximum policy limits for our client.
While every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our track record proves that we fight aggressively for the best possible recovery in every situation. Fill out our “Do I have a case?” form, and let our auto accident attorneys in San Francisco pursue what you’re rightfully entitled to.
Questions People Frequently Ask Our San Francisco Auto Accident Lawyers
Our San Francisco auto accident lawyers are here to provide clear answers and guidance to enable you to navigate your claim confidently. Below are some of the most common questions we receive from accident victims. If you have specific questions about your case, fill out our contact form or call (888) 488-1391 to get free lawyer advice.
How Much Do Most San Francisco Auto Accident Lawyers Charge?
Most auto accident attorneys in San Francisco work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, they only get paid if they win your case. Typically, attorneys charge between 33% and 40% of the final settlement or verdict. Always review the fee agreement to understand the exact percentage and any potential costs deducted from your compensation.
What Is The Average Auto Accident Settlement?
Auto accident settlements vary widely based on factors like the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and liability. Minor collisions may settle for a few thousand dollars. Cases involving severe injuries, long-term disabilities, or wrongful death can reach hundreds of thousands to millions.
If you’re wondering, “How much is my San Francisco auto accident case worth?” reach out to us as soon as possible. Our San Francisco auto accident lawyers can assess the specifics of your situation and provide a fair estimate of the value of your claim.
What If The Party At Fault Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance?
If the at-fault party’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages, you may still recover compensation. You can file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy, which may cover medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Without this coverage, you might pursue other liable parties, such as a negligent employer or a vehicle manufacturer, if a defect contributed to the crash.
In some cases, you can also seek personal assets from the at-fault driver, though collecting compensation this way can be challenging. Experienced auto accident attorneys in San Francisco can evaluate your case and explore every possible avenue for financial recovery.
When Should I Hire A Lawyer For My Auto Accident In San Francisco?
You might be thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer. When is the best time to hire one after a crash?” You should hire auto accident lawyers in San Francisco as soon as possible. An attorney can protect your rights, handle insurance negotiations, gather evidence, and maximize compensation. If the insurance company delays, offers a low settlement, or denies your claim, having legal representation is crucial to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of. Strict deadlines apply to filing claims and lawsuits, so prompt action can preserve critical evidence and strengthen your case.
How Do You Know Whether You Need To Go To Court Over An Auto Accident?
Most auto accident cases settle out of court. However, you may need to file a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, disputes liability, or denies your claim. If negotiations stall, your San Francisco auto accident attorney may recommend taking the case to court to pursue the compensation you deserve. However, many cases are settled before trial through continued negotiations or mediation, even after filing a lawsuit.
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A Car Accident?
Traffic Congestion And Other Causes Of Auto Accidents In San Francisco
San Francisco’s unique peninsula geography, steep hills, and grid street pattern create a distinctive traffic environment. Rather than extensive highway networks, San Francisco relies primarily on arterial roads, such as urban roads like Van Ness Avenue, Market Street, and Geary Boulevard, to handle most traffic flow. This limited infrastructure creates significant congestion challenges.
According to the 2024 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard Report (the most recent authoritative data available), San Francisco ranks as the 14th most congested city in the United States. This congestion contributes to the city’s concerning traffic safety statistics. Constant braking and acceleration increase the risk of rear-end collisions, which are common on heavily congested roads. Frustrated drivers stuck in traffic may also make risky lane changes or tailgate, potentially leading to accidents.
While congestion plays a role, most auto accidents are due to preventable errors. Below are some of the common contributing factors:
Human Error
Below are some of the most common and dangerous driving mistakes that lead to serious accidents.
- Distracted Driving — According to NHTSA data, distracted driving claims over 3,000 lives annually across the U.S. Common distractions for San Francisco drivers include texting (which increases crash risk by 23 times), using navigation apps in heavy traffic, talking on phones, and eating during commutes. Even a mere three-second attention lapse at 35 mph means traveling blind for over 150 feet — more than enough distance to cause a catastrophic collision on crowded city streets.
- Reckless Driving — Aggressive driving in San Francisco has increased since the pandemic, with more instances of tailgating, dangerous lane changes, running red lights, and excessive speeding. These behaviors pose significant risks on the city’s congested streets. By October 2024, the SFPD had issued nearly 13,000 tickets, more than double the 5,000 citations from all of 2023.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time, judgment, and coordination. DUI accidents are among the most preventable yet deadly collisions.
- Speeding — Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time or react to sudden changes. Due to the extreme force of impact, speeding accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries.
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to another driver’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to pay for their mistakes. Our auto accident attorneys in San Francisco are here to hold reckless drivers accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
External Factors
Although human error is a leading cause of auto accidents, these external factors can also contribute to dangerous crashes:
- Vehicle Malfunctions — When critical vehicle components malfunction, drivers can lose control, experience sudden breakdowns, or be unable to react in time to avoid a crash.
- Poor Road Conditions — Hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, and missing or unclear signage can make driving unpredictable and dangerous.
- Bad Weather — Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy fog (which SF is notorious for) and rain, can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the risk of collisions.
You shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s negligence. Our experienced San Francisco auto accident lawyers can help.
Compensation In Auto Accident Claims
Auto accidents can cause a broad spectrum of injuries, ranging from temporarily painful to permanently life-altering. We have the resources to help clients who suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
The severity of your injuries plays a significant role in determining the compensation you may receive. Severe injuries result in higher medical costs, longer recovery times, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation expenses.
Additionally, these injuries often come with significant pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life, all of which factor into your claim’s value. If your injuries leave you unable to work or require lifelong medical care, your settlement or verdict should reflect these long-term financial burdens.
Our San Francisco personal injury attorneys can recover the following on your behalf:
- Medical Bills — Coverage for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and any expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages — Compensation for your lost income due to missed work and diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
- Property Damage — Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.
- Pain And Suffering — California places no cap on non-economic damages for auto accidents. This allows us to seek full compensation for your:
- Physical pain,
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our attorneys use proven methods to document and maximize these significant damages, including daily pain journals and expert psychological testimony.
- Loss of Consortium — Compensation for the impact of your injury on your relationships, including loss of companionship or support for your spouse or family.
Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries or pressure victims into settling for less than they deserve. Our San Francisco auto accident attorneys can ensure that every dollar of your current and future losses is accounted for.
How Our Lawyers Determine Fault In Auto Accident Cases
Under California’s personal injury law, liability is generally established by proving negligence. To do so, your accident lawyer will demonstrate that the at-fault party’s reckless or careless actions directly caused your injuries and damages.
As experienced auto accident lawyers in San Francisco, we’ve perfected the process of building compelling negligence claims by proving these four essential legal elements:
- Duty of Care — Every driver has a duty of care to prevent harm to others. They must obey speed limits, yield the right-of-way, and avoid reckless driving behaviors like texting.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant violated their duty of care when they acted negligently or recklessly behind the wheel. Examples include speeding, running red lights, driving under the influence, or failing to check blind spots before merging.
- Causation — We must establish both “actual cause” and “proximate cause” to prove that the defendant’s reckless actions directly caused the accident and that your specific injuries were a foreseeable result.
- Damages — You must have suffered actual losses due to the crash. Some examples are medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other financial hardships caused by the accident.
Our San Francisco auto accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations, gathering accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert analysis to prove liability. If the insurance company tries to deny or reduce your claim, we fight back with solid evidence and aggressive legal strategies. Call (888) 488-1391 to get free accident lawyer advice.
Liable Parties In Auto Accidents
In some auto accidents, more than one party may share liability for causing the crash. Here are some of them:
- Negligent Drivers — Drivers who engage in reckless behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, DUI, or running red lights, are the most common at-fault parties in auto accidents.
- Commercial Vehicle Operators — In auto vs. truck accidents involving 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, or delivery trucks, the trucking company may be accountable for crashes caused by their employees while performing job-related duties. In rideshare accidents involving Lyft or Uber vehicles, the company may be liable if it fails to vet drivers, allowing individuals with DUIs or traffic violations to transport passengers.
- Government Entities — Poorly maintained roads, dangerous intersections, missing traffic signs, or malfunctioning traffic lights create hazardous driving conditions. State, county, or city agencies responsible for road maintenance may be accountable in such cases.
- Vehicle And Parts Manufacturers — When brake failures, tire blowouts, or defective airbags contribute to an accident, the automaker or parts manufacturer may be responsible.
- Mechanics And Repair Shops — Poorly executed repairs or negligent maintenance can make a vehicle unsafe to drive. If a mechanic or auto shop fails to service a car properly, leading to an accident, they may be liable for the damages.
- Property Owners — Hazardous conditions, such as obstructed signage, unsafe parking lots, or poorly maintained driveways, can contribute to accidents. Property owners who fail to keep their premises safe may share liability for crashes that occur as a result.
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This law makes identifying ALL potentially liable parties crucial to maximizing your recovery. Our auto accident attorneys in San Francisco can conduct exhaustive investigations to identify every responsible entity and build strong liability cases against each one.
What To Do After An Auto Accident
Knowing what to do after a car accident can protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Taking the proper steps can also strengthen your potential injury claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers for auto accidents in San Francisco suggest doing the following:
- Prioritize your health first. Seek immediate medical attention following a car accident. Even for seemingly minor accidents, see a doctor. This ensures any injuries are addressed and documented.
- Report the collision to the authorities. In San Francisco, you can file a collision report online within 24 hours if the police don’t respond to the scene, but an official report is essential for your claim.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
- Exchange complete information with all involved drivers as required by California law. This includes names, current addresses, phone numbers, driver’s licenses, license plate numbers, insurance company names, policy numbers, and vehicle makes/models.
- If bystanders saw the accident, ask for their names and phone numbers. Witness statements can strengthen your case and provide crucial third-party perspectives.
- Call (888) 488-1391 to speak with our San Francisco auto accident attorneys. We can gather information and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. This way, you can focus on your recovery.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.– BRIAN BEECHER
Deadlines For Filing Auto Accident Claims
Most insurance companies require prompt reporting of an accident, often within 24 to 72 hours. Failing to notify your insurer in time could result in delays or even a denial of coverage. While you must report the accident quickly, avoid making recorded statements or accepting settlement offers without consulting San Francisco auto accident lawyers.
Under California law, personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of injury, while property damage claims must be filed within three years. However, claims against government entities, such as accidents involving city buses, poorly maintained roads, or negligent municipal employees, fall under the California Government Claims Act, which requires filing an administrative claim within six months (180 days) of the incident before any lawsuit can proceed.
Waiting too long to file a claim can result in lost evidence, uncooperative witnesses, and difficulties proving liability. Insurance companies may delay negotiations to push victims past legal deadlines, leaving them with no recourse. By taking action early and working with the best attorneys for auto accidents in San Francisco, you ensure your case stays on track and your rights remain protected.
Auto Accident Statistics
According to the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s most recent Vision Zero SF Injury Prevention Research Collaborative data, approximately 30 people die, and over 500 are severely injured in traffic crashes each year. The city’s most dangerous corridors include sections of Market Street, Van Ness Avenue, Geary Boulevard, and 19th Avenue, which collectively account for over 75% of severe and fatal injuries despite representing only 12% of city streets.
In San Francisco specifically, California Office of Traffic Safety data shows that 4,358 people were killed or injured in traffic collisions in 2022, with pedestrian (654, approx. 15%) and bicycle (405, approx. 9.29%) accidents accounting for a disproportionately high percentage compared to other California cities.
According to NHTSA data, motor vehicle crashes claimed 42,939 lives across the U.S. in 2023, a slight increase from previous years (In 2022, motor vehicle crashes claimed 42,514 lives across the U.S.). This figure equates to approximately 13.0 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.35 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled. Of these fatalities, approximately 54% occurred in single-vehicle crashes, and 43% happened in rural areas despite lower traffic volumes.
These statistics reveal the staggering reality of auto accidents and the devastating impact they have on victims and their families. A single moment of negligence can lead to lifelong injuries, financial hardships, and unimaginable loss, but you don’t have to face this battle alone. Our auto accident lawyers in San Francisco help victims hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the financial recovery they’re due.
Call The Auto Accident Lawyers San Francisco Trusts Today
After a serious auto accident, you shouldn’t have to navigate complicated insurance claims and legal procedures while trying to recover from injuries, manage mounting medical bills, and cope with lost income. Our dedicated San Francisco accident attorneys remove these burdens entirely, handling every aspect of your case with proven expertise.
As one of the biggest personal injury law firms in California, Arash Law combines the substantial resources and influence of a major statewide practice with the personalized attention of a boutique firm. Led by renowned attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our award-winning legal team built its reputation by consistently holding negligent individuals and insurance companies fully accountable.
Your road to justice starts now. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-risk consultation, and let our winning team fight for you. We handle various traffic accidents, including commercial truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, hit-and-run cases, DUI cases, and bicycle incidents. Our lawyers also work on other types of personal injury claims, such as dog bites and slip-and-falls.
We offer our services in the following neighboring areas: Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, Emeryville, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Oakland, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, and South San Francisco.
