Home to the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39, San Francisco residents know they’re in for a fun time in this bustling city full of rich culture. People from all over the country flock to this area to get a glimpse of the city’s history and iconic landmarks, and this boost in people means an increase in traffic on the roads. As more cars start to fill the streets of San Francisco, congested streets become hazards for potential car accidents. No one wants to think about the prospect of an accident every time they get behind the wheel, but knowing where to turn for legal help can make sure you’re prepared in the event it happens to you. At Compass Law Group, LLP, we’re here to fight for your rights as a car accident victim. When you need a dependable San Francisco car accident attorney, our team has got your back.
Why Choose Compass Law Group as Your San Francisco Car Accident Attorney?
Getting into a car accident in San Francisco is scary enough, let alone the jumpscare you get when the bills arrive in the mail. Whether it’s medical bills from treatments or car repair expenses, car accident victims deserve their rightful compensation to cover the expenses.
Our team of attorneys has years of experience handling car accident claims in San Francisco, and we have a thorough track record of winning our clients high-value settlements.
We understand the value of a personalized, client-first approach that keeps you informed every step of the way. With no surprises and no legal fees unless we win your case, Compass Law Group, LLP is your local legal expert in the San Francisco area.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Francisco
When drivers get behind the wheel, they should practice safe driving habits to protect themselves and others on the road. Risky driving behaviors can increase the risk of a serious collision.
Common driving habits that can result in a serious car accident include:
- Texting While Driving
- Distracted Driving
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
- Swerving
- Tailgating
- Reckless Driving
- Speeding
- Running Stop Signs
- Poor Road Conditions
- Traffic Congestion
What to Do After a Car Accident in San Francisco
- Get Somewhere Safe: If you’re able to, pull over onto the shoulder or into a nearby parking lot. This gets you out of the way of traffic and helps keep you safe.
- Call 911: Call local emergency services to report the accident, and they’ll send police and medical services to your location.
- Seek Medical Attention: When help arrives, have a medical professional look you over for any serious injuries. You’ll also need a copy of the medical records for your claim.
- File a Police Report: Work with the police officer at the scene to file a formal police report. Don’t try to blame someone; just give as much factual information about the accident as you can.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of your car and the scene of the accident. You can also get any witness statements and any other evidence you can use to file your claim.
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in San Francisco: Compass Law Group, LLP knows the ins and outs of the San Francisco legal system, and we’ll make sure you get the maximum compensation available for your damages.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident Case
To receive the maximum compensation available after a car accident, you and your legal team will need to prove the other party’s fault for the accident. You can also try to prove that they caused the accident through their negligent behavior.
To prove this negligence, we will first establish a duty of care. In short, drivers have a legal responsibility to abide by traffic laws and drive safely. If a driver breaches this duty of care, such as running a red light or tailgating, we can then prove how this negligent behavior directly caused the accident and the following damages.
Our legal team will use the evidence compiled beforehand to help prove this negligence, which will help you earn more compensation.
Injuries Common in San Francisco Car Accidents
The force of impact from a collision can cause significant damage to your car and yourself. Ranging from minor bruising to fractured bones, all injuries should be seen by a trained medical professional.
Common car accident injuries in San Francisco include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Bruising
- Broken Bones
- Internal Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis
- Dislocated Joints
Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims
After a car accident, your financial compensation is meant to cover the bills that come from the incident so you don’t have to worry about the financial burden.
Compensation from a car accident can look like:
- Economic Damages: These are expenses with easily identifiable price tags, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are damages from a car accident that don’t have a clear price tag, such as pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligent behavior, punitive damages are extra fees added to your compensation meant to punish the guilty party for their reckless behavior.
How Insurance Companies Try to Limit Payouts
Most insurance companies are not going to want to pay you the proper settlement. They want to save as much money as possible, so they will try every trick they can think of to limit your payout. From proposing lowball offers to trying to refute the claim, they won’t hesitate to play dirty.
Never accept the first settlement offer you receive. Insurance companies will try to pressure you into accepting a much lower amount than you deserve, and our team at Compass Law Group, LLP knows this all too well. We’ll fight for your rights and counter every trick they might try so you get your rightful settlement.
Understanding California’s Comparative Negligence Law
California follows a pure comparative negligence law, meaning that fault for a car accident can be split between multiple parties. In theory, you could be found partially responsible for the accident, and this can impact how much compensation you can earn.
In short, your fault percentage affects your compensation percentage. For example, a driver who is 30% at fault for the accident can still earn up to 70% of their rightful compensation.
Reducing your fault percentage as much as possible increases your settlement amount, and our team at Compass Law Group, LLP will work our magic to ensure you get the compensation you deserve after a serious car accident.
The Car Accident Claims Process in San Francisco
- Initial Consultation: Schedule a free consultation with one of our expert car accident lawyers to go over your case and determine its value.
- Gathering Evidence and Building Your Case: When we take on your case, our team will get to work gathering evidence and witness testimonies to build a strong claim.
- Sending the Demand Letter to Insurance Companies: With the paperwork in order, your attorney will send a demand letter to the insurance companies. This letter will spell out the compensation you want and why you deserve that payout.
- Negotiating Your Settlement: Once the other parties receive the demand letter, they will have the chance to gather their own evidence to support their side of the argument. All parties will then meet to negotiate the details of the settlement.
- 3rd Party Mediation: If the negotiations aren’t productive, you have the option to bring in a neutral third-party mediator to help get things moving in the right direction.
- Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary): If all else fails and the insurance companies keep offering you a low settlement, you can file a lawsuit against them and take them to court. The process is long, but our team will follow you into the courtroom and make sure your rights are protected.
Statute of Limitations in California
Car accident victims in San Francisco have a deadline to file their claim with the state of California. You have 2 years from the date of the accident to get your paperwork in order and file your formal compensation claim. The sooner you file, the sooner you can receive your compensation and put this whole mess behind you.
There are a couple of special circumstances that negate this 2-year rule. If you are filing a claim for a minor who was involved in the accident, this 2-year countdown starts when the individual turns 18 years old. The deadline also varies if the accident involves a government vehicle.
Client Testimonials
“If you are in an accident and you need an attorney and are unsure of what to do, please call Compass Law Group. From the very first phone call, I was made to feel at ease. They took care of me from beginning to end. Unfortunately, the person who hit me didn’t have insurance, but I was still victorious in the end. I would recommend them for sure and I pray I am never in the same situation again but if I do, I will call the good people at Compass Law.” – Chariesse
“If you are ever in an accident, please reach out to Compass Law Group. They will certainly take care of you. Unfortunately, I was in an accident and did not know what law firm to trust. I read all the good reviews of Compass Law Group and decided to give them a shot. I gave them a call and right away they explained everything they could do for me. Whenever I had any questions, someone was always there to answer. They have great customer service, and I can assure you that your health and safety is their main priority above all else.” – Kimberly E.
“My car (and a couple of others) were hit by a drunk driver. I thought everything was going to be easy dealing with the insurance since the other guy was driving drunk. That was far from reality. Dealing with the insurance was so frustrating. I found Compass Law Group and just gave them a call. After I signed with them it was like the insurance companies did a 180. My car was being taken care of, and I wasn’t getting the run-around. They got me a settlement I didn’t expect and I am unbelievably grateful. Thank you to the entire team!” – Sarah F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring a San Francisco car accident attorney?
Yes! Our team of lawyers knows every trick in the book that insurance companies will use to cheat you out of your rightful compensation. We negotiate with insurance companies for a living, and we’ll make sure you get the justice you deserve.
How much does hiring a lawyer cost?
We understand that the idea of costly legal fees often stands in the way of seeking the compensation you deserve. If you work with us, you don’t have to worry about paying us a thing unless we win you your rightful compensation.
What if I were partially at fault?
A partial fault doesn’t mean you lose out on your settlement. You can still receive partial compensation for the damages.
How long does a car accident case take?
The timeline for settling a car accident claim in San Francisco varies depending on how much all parties cooperate during negotiations. It can take anywhere from a couple of months to close to a year.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
If the other party doesn’t have insurance, you can still file a claim with your insurance under your uninsured motorist coverage. You also have the option to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Get Your Free Consultation with a San Francisco Car Accident Attorney Today
If you need a trustworthy car accident lawyer in San Francisco, CA, look no further than Compass Law Group, LLP. Our team of experienced legal attorneys knows the ins and outs of the California legal system, and we’ll join you in the fight to protect your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to worry about any legal fees unless we win. Get in touch with us today to book a free consultation and get on the road to recovery.
