Motor Vehicle Accidents in San Francisco

Thank you for visiting My San Francisco Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney.  We will attempt to give you as much information about Motor Vehicle Accidents in San Francisco as possible on this site.  Additionally, you can visit our “Why hire us” page to see what separates us from the other Motor Vehicle Accident lawyers in and around San Francisco.

If you are the victim of a serious motor vehicle accident, call us at the Motor Vehicle Accident Law Offices of “insert attorney name” in San Francisco.  We are experienced in motor vehicle accidents in the Bay Area and we will help you reach a fair settlement to pay for all of your expenses.

Overview

  • According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration:
    • There are over 40,000 motor vehicle accident deaths in the United States each year.
    • Over 2 million injuries occurred due to motor vehicle accidents in the United States each year.
    • In California, over 4,000 motor vehicle accident deaths occur each year.
    • A death resulting from a motor vehicle accident occurs every 13 seconds each day.
  • You must prove negligence of the other driver by using the theory of “negligence per se”.
    • You must prove that the at-fault driver violated a California ordinance, regulation of statute.
    • Your injuries resulted from this negligence.
  • Common causes of automobile accidents:
    • Driver negligence
    • Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs
    • Road conditions – potholes, construction, poorly marked intersections
    • Fatigue
    • Going through a red light
    • Not stopping at a Stop sign
    • Changing lanes without signaling
    • Failure to yield right of way
    • Weather conditions – rain, fog
  • Common injuries:
    • Whiplash
    • Broken legs or arms
    • Internal bleeding
    • Spinal cord, head, back, neck injuries

  • Types of motor vehicle accidents:
    • Rear-end collisions
    • SUV rollover
    • Drunk driving
    • Mechanical defects

What to do

  • Move your car out of traffic if you can.
  • Call the police.
  • See if anyone is injured; if so, call an ambulance
  • Stay calm.
  • Get information from other driver:
    • Name
    • Address
    • Telephone number
    • Driver’s license
    • Insurance company name
  • Get names, telephone numbers of any passengers or witnesses.
  • Keep a camera in your car – take photos of your injuries, damages and road conditions.
  • Call your insurance company as soon as possible – give them all the facts.
  • Make sure the police write up an accident report and get a copy.
  • See your doctor even if you do not have any visible scars or bruises.
  • Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident attorney.

Don’t

  • Do NOT admit to any fault verbally or in writing.
  • Do not arrive at a settlement with the other driver.
  • Do not sign any releases with an insurance company without consulting our attorneys.
  • Do not accept a check that says “final payment” unless you are satisfied with the amount.

California Insurance

  • California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage.
  • California does not require drivers to carry any other kind of insurance coverage.
  • If your vehicle is financed, you should carry collision insurance.
  • The minimum amount in California is:
    • Bodily Injury
      • $15,000 – death or injury for one person
      • $30,000 – death or injury for all people involved
    • Property Damage
      • $5,000 – for 1 accident

Personal Injury

  • Bodily injured caused by another person’s negligence.
  • You can be compensated for:
    • Medical expenses
    • Pain and suffering
    • Lost wages – present and future
    • Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
  • In San Francisco, there is a Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury claim – 2 years

Wrongful Death

  • The loss of a loved one or family member due to another person’s negligence while driving.
  • If you are a family member, you can file a wrongful death claim for:
    • Medical expenses
    • Funeral expenses
    • Future earnings, benefits
    • Pain and suffering
    • Loss of companionship
  • In California Statute of Limitations to file a claim – 1 to 2 years
    • Longer if a child is involved

Conclusion
If you are involved in an auto accident in California, don’t settle directly with the insurance companies; you will need the expertise of an attorney from the Motor Vehicle Accident Law Offices of “insert attorney name”.  We have the experience in dealing with insurance companies and know when to reach a settlement that is right for you.

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