RMD Law is dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve after a car accident. With a focus on your case, we aim to deliver results.
Learn your next steps here and get the maximum compensation with our step-by-step walkthrough
San Francisco offers endless excitement and adventure, ensuring there’s always something to do. With its scenic views, diverse outdoor activities, and rich cultural and historical sites, the city attracts residents and visitors alike.
However, accidents can happen at any time without warning. According to UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System, San Francisco experienced 3,252 fatal car crashes in 2023. Over the past three years, an average of 383 accidents involved alcohol, 165 were due to distracted driving, and 36 stemmed from drug-related causes.
Accidents cannot be overstated as they, can drastically impact your life. You might face injuries and damage to your property, with the repercussions potentially disrupting your daily routine. Moreover, the process of compensation claims can be just as challenging as recovery.
Fortunately, a car accident lawyer in San Francisco is here to help. This guide is designed to clarify the legal steps to take after a car accident. Explore the various types of accidents, common injuries, and the claims filing process, equipping you with the information needed to protect your rights and pursue justice.
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RMD Law is dedicated to providing accessible legal services to its clients, and with a strong history of successful representation in personal injury cases, we ensure the best possible results.
Our achievements are evident. We have secured over $125 million in personal injury settlements and verdicts for our clients, including:
Partner with a firm recognized for its expertise in handling car accident cases in San Francisco. You won’t have to worry about your next steps. We’ll guide you through the legal process, manage your claims effectively, and advocate tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. An RMD Law car accident attorney in San Francisco will be with you every step of the way.
Car accidents can happen at any time, often catching you off guard. Knowing the different types of collisions can help you understand your rights and what to do if you find yourself in one.
Rear-end accidents occur when one vehicle hits the back of another. This type of car collision often happens because of tailgating or sudden stops. In 2023, San Francisco experienced 3,252 accidents, including 720 rear-end crashes, 374 with bicycles, and 627 with pedestrians. It’s essential to be aware that a significant percentage of these collisions happen on major highways.
Head-on collisions happen when two cars crash into each other from the front. There were 180 reported cases in San Francisco in 2023, with 20 involving motorcycles, resulting in 256 injuries.
Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle loses control, often due to speeding or swerving. In 2023, San Francisco had 73 rollover accidents, with 18 involving motorcycles. These situations can be dangerous, and knowing what steps to take afterward is essential.
Side-impact collisions, also known as “T-bone” accidents, happen when one vehicle strikes the side of another, usually at intersections. In 2023, there were 930 side-impact crashes in San Francisco, leading to three (3) fatalities and 1,330 injuries.
Off-road crashes happen when a vehicle goes off the road, often due to losing control or encountering an obstacle.
In single-vehicle accidents, a driver may hit something like animals, debris, or barriers, often occurring due to poor weather or fatigue.
Multi-vehicle accidents are often portrayed in movies as accidents happening on bridges. These accidents involve three or more vehicles and often occur when one car hits another, causing a chain reaction. These types of accidents often occur on highways, especially during bad weather.
Collisions can happen when drivers fail to check their side-view mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. These accidents typically involve cars and trucks and motorcycles or bicycles, which often squeeze themselves in a car’s blind spots, such as on its side.
Low-speed accidents can still cause injuries, like whiplash or bruises, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.
Merging accidents happen when drivers enter a lane without looking or matching the speed of other vehicles. These crashes often occur at higher speeds, leading to severe injuries.
Most collisions in San Francisco occur due to heavy traffic, speeding, and poor road design. Busy intersections like 5th and Market see frequent crashes as drivers rush on and off highways. There were 146 crashes recorded in 2022. Among these, 65 involved a car/pedestrian. The rest of the list is as follows:
Car crashes on San Francisco roads happen for many reasons, such as:
Driving too fast is one of the leading causes of accidents in San Francisco, accounting for 1,316 incidents in the area. Speeding reduces your reaction time, makes controlling the vehicle more complicated, and often results in more severe crashes.
Improper turning is another significant factor in San Francisco accidents, responsible for 432 accidents. Failing to turn correctly can easily lead to collisions, especially at intersections.
Not adhering to stop signs or traffic lights increases the chances of side-impact or T-bone accidents, as drivers may fail to yield to oncoming traffic. In San Francisco, this contributed to 410 accidents in 2023.
Disregarding right-of-way rules frequently causes accidents at intersections and during lane merges. In San Francisco, right-of-way violations led to 313 accidents.
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable when drivers fail to yield. In San Francisco, this resulted in 247 accidents.
Following a vehicle too closely limits the time to react to sudden stops or hazards, often leading to rear-end collisions. San Francisco recorded 132 tailgating-related accidents in 2023.
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and decreases coordination. In San Francisco, 320 alcohol-related accidents (3.93%) were reported, resulting in 8 deaths and 416 injuries.
Even minor car accidents can lead to serious, long-term injuries. Here are some of the most common ones:
The impact of a crash often results in broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, or ribs, requiring treatment like casts or even surgery.
A hit to the head during an accident can cause brain damage, leading to issues with memory, balance, or cognitive function. Some symptoms may take time to appear but can have lasting effects.
Whiplash happens when the neck is jolted back and forth suddenly. This can result in pain, stiffness, and prolonged discomfort.
This rare but severe injury involves a tear in the aorta, causing internal bleeding. It’s life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention.
Severe cuts or burns can leave lasting scars that may impact appearance and self-esteem.
Damaged nerves often lead to numbness or loss of function. You may need to undergo physical therapy to recover.
Injuries can also harm nerves, causing numbness or reduced function, often requiring physical therapy to recover.
In severe cases, an accident can lead to the loss of a limb, necessitating prosthetics, and extensive rehabilitation—which can be very costly.
Some injuries are internal, like bleeding or damage to vital organs, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
After an accident, you may experience anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional distress that could require therapy to manage effectively.
Sadly, once severe enough, some accidents may result in death. In 2023, San Francisco saw 33 deaths from car accidents.
Car accidents in San Francisco happen more often than you think. Here’s a breakdown of critical patterns and data from recent years.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you might be eligible for compensation that covers several key areas:
Ask a San Francisco auto accident lawyer to win your claim. This can help cover the costs of hospital visits, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
If your injuries hinder your ability to work, you could receive compensation for both the income you’ve lost and the wages you may lose while you recover.
The driver at fault is responsible for covering the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
You may also be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, which can include feelings of anxiety, depression, or ongoing discomfort.
In instances where the at-fault driver acted recklessly or maliciously, they might be required to pay punitive damages, which serve to punish their behavior and deter similar actions in the future.
Your actions after a car accident are vital for ensuring your safety, safeguarding your rights, and building a solid case for any potential claims or legal proceedings. Here’s what to do:
Assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries or concussions. Are you all conscious and aware of your surroundings? Is anyone bleeding? If there is, stay calm and call for help immediately.
If it’s safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. The police will arrive to document the scene, which is essential for your case.
Exchange names, contact details, and insurance information with the other drivers involved. Be sure to note their license plate numbers and descriptions of their vehicles.
Make sure you document everything. Take photos of the damaged vehicles, skid marks, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. Also, make a note of the accident’s location and time. This evidence will be valuable for your insurance claim and any legal action.
Even if you feel okay, it’s essential to see a doctor for any potential underlying conditions. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can lead to serious issues later on.
Better to know your coverage, especially if you get into an accident. Inform your insurance company about the accident to begin the claims process. Provide them with all the information and evidence you’ve gathered to support your claim.
You have two years to file a personal injury claim and three years for a property damage claim under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Acting within these timeframes ensures compensation for your injuries or damages.
Filing a claim can be complex, so it’s wise to seek the help of an auto accident lawyer in San Francisco. They can ensure you gather all necessary documentation and meet deadlines.
Collecting strong evidence is vital if you’re seeking compensation after a car accident in San Francisco. Here’s what you should gather:
Take clear photos of the vehicles, any damages, road conditions, and nearby traffic signals. These pictures can provide critical visual evidence to pinpoint details that could help prove fault.
Check if any security cameras on nearby homes or businesses may have captured the accident. Video footage can be a powerful tool in showing exactly how the crash happened.
If you or anyone involved in the accident had a dashcam, save the footage. It can provide real-time evidence of the events leading up to the crash, helping us clarify responsibility.
Witnesses can offer unbiased, insightful accounts of the accident. I’ll work with you to gather their contact details and statements so we can use their perspectives to strengthen your case.
Get statements from the other drivers and passengers involved. Their descriptions of what happened could offer critical details to help determine who’s at fault.
After you contact the authorities, the police will file an official report documenting the accident. This report will be crucial in showing how the accident occurred and identifying who may be liable.
A car accident can lead to significant expenses. Understanding the personal injury claim process is important for effective cost management. Here are the essential steps to take:
Your top priority should be your health. Seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained. It’s essential to obtain proper medical documentation for your claim later on.
Collect as much evidence as possible, such as:
Keep a detailed record of everything related to the accident, such as:
You may benefit from hiring a skilled personal injury attorney who can assist you through each step, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Your policy may require immediate updates. So, inform your insurance provider about the accident. Neglecting to report the incident could jeopardize your claim. Hire a car accident lawyer so they can reach out to the at-fault party’s insurance company to begin processing your claim.
When interacting with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, be cautious, as they might attempt to minimize your injuries or shift blame to lower costs. A personal injury attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair treatment throughout the claims process.
Auto accidents can lead to various injuries, and the treatment plan will vary based on the type and severity of the injuries sustained. Here are some common treatments you might encounter:
To manage pain and reduce swelling or prevent infections, healthcare providers often recommend medication. Depending on your condition, you might find relief with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, or you may need stronger prescriptions, such as muscle relaxants or opioids, for more intense discomfort.
Exercise is not only good for staying healthy but also for recovery. Incorporating physical activity into your recovery can significantly enhance strength, flexibility, and range of motion post-injury. A physical therapist will design a customized exercise regimen tailored to your healing needs.
Doctors may prescribe splints or braces to immobilize the affected area for fractures or joint injuries, promoting proper healing.
If you’re dealing with severe injuries, physical therapy can assist in regaining mobility and strength. This approach often includes specific exercises and pain management techniques, such as heat therapy or massage.
Focusing on restoring bodily function, physiotherapy may involve manual treatments and specialized equipment. Techniques include joint manipulation, stretching, and targeted therapeutic exercises.
This treatment is especially beneficial for spinal or neck injuries because it involves gently stretching the spine to relieve pressure on nerves or muscles. Traction can be effective for easing pain associated with herniated discs.
A myofascial release can alleviate tension and discomfort by targeting the fascia—the connective tissue around the muscles. This treatment is particularly useful for addressing muscle stiffness in areas like the shoulders or lower back after an accident.
For those experiencing muscle strains following a collision, electrical stimulation can enhance blood flow to the injured site, facilitating quicker recovery.
After an accident, you might experience a loss of strength. Rebuilding muscle strength and overall fitness is vital for a complete recovery. If you’ve injured a specific area, such as your shoulder, a conditioning program will focus on exercises to restore strength and stability.
Massage therapy can effectively alleviate soreness, enhance blood circulation, and reduce muscle tension after an accident. This therapy benefits soft tissue injuries and can provide significant stress relief.
Dealing with the insurance claims process after a car accident can be challenging, but these steps can help streamline the experience:
If you have questions or concerns about the claims process, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer. They can provide guidance and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain after a car accident is completely normal. A car accident lawyer in San Francisco can provide essential support during this challenging time. Here’s how they can help:
San Francisco car accident lawyers understand the intricacies of local traffic laws and regulations, allowing them to offer tailored legal guidance.
Navigating the paperwork involved with insurance claims and legal documentation can be daunting. Your lawyer will handle all necessary paperwork, enabling you to concentrate on healing.
Insurance companies often try to settle claims for less than they’re worth. A skilled lawyer can negotiate effectively and fight for your deserved compensation.
If your case progresses to trial, your lawyer will represent you and safeguard your interests. With their knowledge and experience, they can present your case effectively to achieve the best outcome.
Engaging a car accident attorney in San Francisco can significantly impact your case, helping you navigate the legal landscape. Here’s how a local lawyer can help:
Car accident claims can be complex. A knowledgeable attorney will guide you through the legal process and protect your rights, taking on the complexities so you don’t have to.
Insurance companies may not always provide fair treatment for your claim. A local attorney will advocate for you against any low offers or unfair assessments, so you receive the compensation you deserve.
Lawyers are trained negotiators who will engage with insurance companies on your behalf. They’ll strive to secure a settlement that accurately reflects not just vehicle damages but also the physical and emotional impact of the accident.
They will gather evidence, including witness statements and police reports, to establish clear responsibility for the accident.
Your lawyer will consider medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and any emotional or psychological effects stemming from the incident.
If a fair settlement isn’t attainable, your lawyer will be prepared to escalate the matter to court and represent you throughout the legal process—working diligently to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Selecting the right lawyer is vital to your case’s success. Here are some important questions to consider when evaluating law firms in San Francisco:
Ensure that the firm has substantial experience in personal injury law. This question helps you gauge their expertise and ability to handle your specific case effectively.
Experience with similar cases can make or break your case, especially if your situation is unique or involves serious injuries. Ask whether they have dealt with cases like yours and successfully secured compensation for clients in similar circumstances.
You want a committed lawyer who won’t simply treat it as another. Ask them directly. Confirm that they prioritize your case and are focused on achieving the best possible outcome rather than rushing for a quick settlement.
Though many personal injury cases are settled out of court, you still must choose an attorney with trial experience—just in case your case requires going to trial.
A reputable lawyer won’t make unrealistic promises regarding potential settlements. Instead, they should provide a candid assessment based on their knowledge and experience to set realistic expectations while aiming for a fair outcome.
Don’t hesitate to ask for examples of previous successes or client testimonials. A lawyer with a strong track record in similar cases will instill confidence in their ability to advocate for you effectively.
Many personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Discuss the specific fee arrangement and any additional costs upfront to avoid surprises later on.
If you find yourself unfairly blamed for a car accident, don’t panic. You can take these steps to challenge the fault and protect your reputation.
Collect pertinent evidence to support your claim and put you in a better position. This evidence includes photographs of the accident scene, statements from witnesses, and any video footage from dashcams or nearby surveillance cameras.
If you believe the initial accident report is incorrect, consider filing a supplemental report with the local police or your insurance company. Be sure to include any new evidence or information that backs up your recount of events.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney in San Francisco can evaluate your case and assist you through the dispute process. They will advocate for your rights and work diligently to help you achieve a fair resolution.
At RMD Law, we recognize how challenging it can be to navigate the aftermath of a car accident. That’s why we’re here to assist you. Our skilled San Francisco car accident attorneys are committed to helping you through the legal process and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here’s why you should choose us:
Don’t let the complexities of a car accident stress you out. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Car accidents can be disorienting, but following these steps will help keep you on track:
To establish negligence, you must gather strong evidence like police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, photos of the scene, and your medical records, all of which can support your case.
California law gives you two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this seems ample, speaking to a car accident attorney early can ensure meeting deadlines and building a compelling case.
Yes. Under California’s comparative negligence system, you can still pursue compensation even if you share some fault. However, your compensation will be adjusted based on your degree of responsibility.
While not required, having a lawyer can significantly increase your chances of securing compensation. They can explain the legalese of the situation, negotiate with insurance companies, and strengthen your case.
Car accidents caused by weather situations are a problem in many cities worldwide, including Long Beach, California. Long Beach can experience different weather conditions throughout
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We care about your recovery. We stake our reputation on it.
Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Ryan is a caring and experienced litigator. He defended scores of depositions and understands what it takes to move a case in California.
Ariana Martin is one of RMD Law’s skilled personal injury lawyers. She brings a lot of legal experience to the table, having worked previously in the field of insurance defense.
At RMD Law, we believe that reputation is everything. When clients trust us with their cases, we do everything in our power to help guide them. That means personal service and sharp advocacy. We care about the details of your case because that is how we can get you the best settlement.
We are Orange County personal injury lawyers servicing all of California. Our attorneys regularly handle cases from all over the state.
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RMD Law is a California Personal Injury law firm. We help victims who have been injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. RMD Law offers free no-obligation case evaluations for our clients.
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