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Car Accident

San Francisco Car Accident Attorneys

Helping Auto Accident Victims in the Bay Area Since 1980

Car accidents in the Bay Area happen every day, many leading to serious injuries for the people involved. Too often, these collisions occur as a result of drivers being distracted, disregarding traffic laws, or driving drunk. In other cases, defective auto parts are to blame. Is it fair for someone else to pay the price for these negligent parties? An auto accident lawyer in San Francisco may be able to help.

If you were injured in a San Francisco car crash caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

What Are My Rights After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, navigating the legal landscape can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself. Our experienced attorneys at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Here are some key rights you should be aware of:

  • Right to Seek Compensation: You have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
  • Right to Legal Representation: You are entitled to hire an attorney to represent your interests and navigate the complexities of your case.
  • Right to a Fair Settlement: If you are not satisfied with the initial settlement offer from an insurance company, you have the right to negotiate or take legal action.
  • Right to Medical Care: You have the right to seek medical attention and receive treatment for any injuries sustained in the accident, regardless of fault.
  • Right to Privacy: You have the right to keep your personal information private and control who has access to your medical records and accident details.

Knowing your rights allows you to take control of your situation after an injury. If you have questions or need guidance, our dedicated team is here to assist. We're focused on safeguarding your rights and ensuring you get the care and support necessary during this tough time. Get in touch with Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn.

Contact our SF Car Accident Lawyers

Take the first step by contacting Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn. We can answer all of your questions, providing a voice of clarity during what may be a confusing time.

Reasons to call our San Francisco accident lawyers after a crash:

  • Thousands of cases handled in the Bay Area
  • Over $500 million recovered for our clients
  • Listed in Best Lawyers® and Super Lawyers®
  • You won't pay unless we win your case

Don't face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Our San Francisco car accident attorneys will handle every aspect of your claim, keeping your voice at the center.

Ready to learn more about your options? Call our car accident lawyers in the Bay Area at (415) 940-7176 for a free consultation.

Get answers to the following questions:

Why You Shouldn't Delay Seeking Legal Help After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it can be tempting to handle everything on your own or to wait before reaching out to a lawyer. However, acting quickly can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Here’s why timely legal assistance is crucial:

  • Preservation of Evidence: The sooner you contact an attorney, the more likely it is that crucial evidence will be preserved. This includes witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photographs of the accident scene.
  • Understanding Your Rights: Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys will help you understand your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to, ensuring you don't miss out on potential claims.
  • Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for the lowest amount possible. Having a lawyer on your side can help you negotiate effectively and avoid being taken advantage of.
  • Statute of Limitations: In California, there are strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Delaying your legal consultation could jeopardize your ability to seek compensation.

At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we understand the complexities of car accident cases. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the justice you deserve. Don't wait—contact us for a free consultation!

Who Will I Be Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit Against?

Victims of another person’s negligence have the right to sue that negligent person for compensation. When negligent companies and corporations are at fault for an accident, then any legal action taken should be aimed at them.

If you have qualms about suing another person, you may be relieved to learn that when you sue a driver, you are actually suing their insurance company. It is the insurance company that will be responsible for compensating you, and it is the insurance company that will attempt to negotiate a settlement with you.

Car Accident with Uninsured Driver

In the event that the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to seek compensation through your own insurance company. Should it refuse to compensate you, the potential for a lawsuit remains.

To sue the correct party, victims must first determine who was responsible for the accident. Our Bay Area auto accident team can help you investigate your accident and find the answers you need to move forward with your case.

What if I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?

California accident laws allow a victim less than 50% responsible for the crash to be compensated. Their settlement or verdict award will be reduced by however much they were found to be at fault.

An example would be if a driver was found to share 20% of the blame for a crash that caused them $50,000 in damages. Here, they would only be compensated for the remaining 80%, or $40,000, of the damages.

Liability for car accidents isn't always straightforward. Sometimes, the clients we represent are partially to blame for their accident; other times, the defendant's insurance company attempts to shift blame in order to reduce the amount of compensation they must pay. In either case, it is essential to have an experienced Bay Area accident attorney on your side to support you and maximize your compensation.

What Types of Damages Can I Be Compensated For?

Understanding what damages qualify for compensation in our state is critical to ensuring the success of your claim. Discussing how your life was affected by a crash will help your San Francisco auto accident lawyer determine what is owed to you and how to pursue proper compensation for your suffering.

Available damages in a car accident case may include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Loss of earnings
  • Property damage, such as to your vehicle
  • Reduced future earning potential
  • Hospital treatment and medical expenses
  • Assistive devices and other disability accommodations

Injuries caused by a collision often require significant, ongoing medical treatment. Getting back on your feet may require extensive rehabilitative therapy sessions as well. Any compensation you seek should account for all aspects of your recuperation.

Common injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents include:

In cases where an accident results in a fatality, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death action, which can help them pay for funeral and burial expenses, final hospital fees, and lost future wages the decedent would have earned over their lifetime.

How to Deal With the Insurance Company

At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we have helped thousands of Bay Area clients file auto insurance claims, deal with insurance companies, and sue these companies when they fail to pay.

Here are some important tips for how to approach your case:

  • File as soon as possible. There are time limits for personal injury claims, so make sure that you do not miss your deadline. Car accident victims have two years from the date of the crash to file for compensation. If you let this statute of limitations run out, you could lose your right to compensation. Waiting too long to take action could also weaken your case.
  • Include all the necessary information. Make sure to include all the evidence you can, such as pictures of the damage to your car, medical records of your injuries, and any other details to support your claim.
  • Contact a lawyer. Car accident claims can involve a mountain of detailed paperwork. Make sure that you prepare everything right the first time with the help of a lawyer to minimize the chance of a denied or underpaid claim. A lawyer can also help you calculate the correct amount of compensation owed to you.
  • Don’t take the first settlement offer. Insurers may pressure you to settle quickly. Be aware that most initial offers from insurers are far less than what you may actually be entitled to receive. Even if the insurance company quickly agreed to pay what you asked, it is best to speak to your lawyer before accepting the offer.
  • Exercise caution when speaking to the insurance company. You are not obligated to speak with adjusters or on-site investigators sent by an insurance company. Insurance companies can and do use victims’ own statements against them to devalue or deny their claims.

Maximizing Your Compensation: The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

When you've been injured in a car accident, it's crucial to have a skilled and knowledgeable attorney by your side to protect your rights and help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, our team of San Francisco car accident lawyers has been advocating for auto accident victims in the Bay Area for years.

Here's why hiring an experienced car accident attorney is essential:

  1. Legal Expertise: Navigating the complex laws and regulations surrounding car accident claims can be overwhelming. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of California's personal injury laws and will skillfully handle every aspect of your case.
  2. Evidence Collection: Building a strong case requires gathering crucial evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions. Our legal team has the resources and expertise to thoroughly investigate your accident and collect the necessary evidence to support your claim.
  3. Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements or denying valid claims altogether. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
  4. Courtroom Experience: While most car accident cases are settled out of court, some may require litigation. If your case goes to trial, our experienced trial attorneys will vigorously advocate for your rights and present a compelling case to the jury.
  5. Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be incredibly stressful. By hiring an attorney, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Get Started on Your Case with a Free Consultation

Our legal staff at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn pride ourselves on our ability to get our clients the best results possible. We have continually improved our advocacy over our more than 40 years of practice, recovering half a billion dollars and counting for those injured in San Francisco and all over the Bay Area.

Further, we don’t believe in taking a cookie-cutter approach. We treat each of our clients like the real people they are, tailoring our representation to fit each case we work on. Injured in a car accident in SF? Hire a legal team that genuinely cares about you.

Call (415) 940-7176 to learn more about your rights. Our San Francisco car accident lawyers will work to maximize your compensation.

Real Stories. Real People.

See what our clients have to say
    “June and her team worked tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned,”

    I had the pleasure of working with June Bashant, and she truly exceeded all expectations. After my devastating accident, June and her team worked tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned to secure the best possible outcome. She is a powerhouse of tenacity and determination, relentlessly pursuing justice with an innovative, out-of-the-box approach that led to life-changing results, including care that will last a lifetime.

    From the very start, June’s communication skills were exceptional—she kept me well-informed and supported throughout the entire process. Her professionalism was evident, but it was her genuine compassion and care that made me feel like a priority. She wasn’t just an attorney; she was a fierce advocate, fighting on my behalf every step of the way.

    June’s strategic mindset, intelligence, and sheer determination set her apart. She far exceeded my expectations in every area and had a remarkable network of professionals to help with every facet of my case. Her personal touch, combined with her incredible expertise, made me feel confident that I had the best team behind me.

    If you’re facing a medical malpractice or personal injury case, June Bashant is the attorney you want in your corner. She is a force to be reckoned with in the legal world—unmatched in her dedication, skill, and drive. Her reputation for delivering powerful, life-altering results speaks for itself. I couldn’t have asked for a more unstoppable attorney.

    - Client of RFTM
    “Thank you Sir once again!”
    Thank you Sir once again! This time for helping my son Leon McDermand attain the services of June Bashant, who he has himself said many times, that she did a magnificent job for him. This is the third family member, including myself, that you and RFTM have helped. Thank you once again Tim, and please thank June and Robert, who helped my Daughter Elena.
    - Robert
    “I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence and professionalism and human kindness you and your team displayed throughout this case.”
    “I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence.”
    - Michelle
    “Best Law Firm in San Francisco!”
    “I am very grateful for all the hard work all the staff did. GREAT STAFF!”
    - Guadalupe Hernandez
    “You all did a wonderful job.”
    “I valued the clear communication, prompt replies, and frank interaction.”
    - Jackie Q.
    “Rouda Feder Tietjen McGuinn always put the client first.”
    “They work tirelessly to uncover the evidence necessary to obtain the very best result for the injured people they represent.”
    - Heidi Taylor, Law Offices of Heidi Taylor
    “They approach each case with creativity and care and provide their clients with extraordinary representation. I can’t think of a higher compliment.”
    “They approach each case with creativity and care.”
    - Michael J Ney, McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Brothers LLP
    “I cannot say enough about the compassion, professionalism and expertise they bring.”
    “I cannot say enough about the compassion, professionalism, and expertise.”
    - Steve B

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Why Choose Us?

Serving clients since 1980
  • Largest Settlements In The Bay Area
  • 150+ Years of Collective Experience
  • No Attorneys' Fees Unless We Win
  • Nationally Accredited Counsel
  • Top-Rated by U.S. News–Best Lawyers®
  • Over $500 Million Recovered