San Francisco Car Accident Attorneys
Helping Auto Accident Victims in the Bay Area Since 1980
Seeking justice after a car accident in one of the most densely populated cities in the country can be a daunting experience. From the winding curves of Lombard Street to the high-speed merges of Highway 101, the streets of San Francisco present unique risks to every driver, cyclist, and pedestrian.
If you or a loved one has been injured, Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn is here to help. As an experienced San Francisco car accident lawyer, we understand the local nuances of SF traffic law and the immense physical and financial toll a crash takes on your life.
Our firm handles the following car crash claims:
- Auto Product Liability
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Head-On Collisions
- Hit & Run Accidents
- Rear-End Collisions
- Uber & Lyft Accidents
When facing post-accident uncertainty, having a team that combines personal dedication with outstanding legal acumen can make all the difference. Our track record exemplifies our commitment to our clients and our ability to achieve favorable outcomes.
Don't face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Our San Francisco car accident attorneys will handle every aspect of your case, keeping your voice at the center.
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
Ready to learn more about your options? Call our car accident lawyers in the Bay Area at (415) 940-7176 for a free consultation.
California Car Accident Laws
California follows a fault-based insurance system. This means the driver who caused the accident may be held financially responsible for resulting damages. Injured victims generally pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
California also follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. Under this law, an injured person may still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for the crash. However, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
For example, if a driver is found 20% responsible for an accident and their damages total $100,000, they may still recover $80,000.
Another important law involves the statute of limitations. In most California personal injury cases, injured victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to act within this timeframe could prevent you from recovering compensation.
Car accident cases involving government entities, such as city buses or dangerous roadway conditions, may involve much shorter deadlines.
Car Crash Hotspots in SF
San Francisco’s traffic congestion, narrow streets, steep hills, and heavy pedestrian activity contribute to many serious accidents every year. Certain areas throughout the city are particularly dangerous for motorists.
Some common crash hotspots include:
- Interstate 80 near downtown San Francisco
- US-101 corridors entering and leaving the city
- Van Ness Avenue
- Market Street intersections
- Lombard Street
- Geary Boulevard
- Mission Street
- The Embarcadero
- 19th Avenue near Golden Gate Park
- Intersections in the SoMa District
Heavy tourism, rideshare traffic, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transportation all increase the risk of collisions throughout the city.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Most car accidents are preventable and occur because of driver negligence.
Common causes of crashes include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Drug-impaired driving
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Poor weather conditions
- Defective vehicle components
- Dangerous road conditions
Determining the exact cause of an accident is critical when building a strong injury claim.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Motor vehicle collisions can cause a wide range of injuries, from mild soft tissue damage to permanent disabilities.
Common injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Paralysis (paraplegia/quadriplegia)
- Severe burn injuries
- Loss of limbs
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.
Compensation Available for Injured Motorists
Victims injured in car accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Potential compensation may include:
Medical Expenses
You may recover compensation for:
- Emergency room treatment
- Ambulance transportation
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
Lost Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may seek compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Missed business opportunities
- Future income losses
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages may compensate you for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Property Damage
You may also recover compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement costs.
Proving Liability
Successfully recovering compensation often requires proving another party acted negligently.
To establish liability in a California car accident claim, injured victims generally must show:
- The other driver owed a duty of care
- The driver breached that duty
- The breach caused the accident
- The victim suffered damages as a result
Evidence commonly used in car accident claims includes:
- Police reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Cell phone records
- Vehicle damage reports
- Expert testimony
At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we thoroughly investigate accidents to identify liable parties and build strong cases for our clients.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts after accidents. Adjusters may question the severity of your injuries, dispute liability, or pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer.
Before speaking extensively with an insurance representative, it is wise to consult a San Francisco car accident lawyer who can protect your interests.
Our firm can help:
- Handle insurance negotiations
- Gather supporting evidence
- Calculate full damages
- Communicate with adjusters
- Prevent unfair settlement tactics
- File a lawsuit if necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my San Francisco car accident case worth?
Every case is different. The value of a claim often depends on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and long-term effects of the accident.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?
In most cases, California gives injured victims two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Shorter deadlines may apply in claims involving government agencies.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California’s comparative negligence law may still allow you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the crash.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
Initial settlement offers are often lower than what a case may truly be worth. Speaking with a lawyer before accepting any offer can help protect your rights.
Do I need a lawyer after a minor accident?
Even accidents that initially appear minor can result in significant injuries or disputes with insurers. Consulting an attorney can help you understand your options.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
You may still have options for compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues.
Get Started on Your Claim 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 nearly five decades 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 claim 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
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A knowledgeable and compassionate team, the lawyers at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn are a true pleasure. And, most importantly, they deliver results; we got the outcome we were after and felt cared for every step of the way. With this team behind you,- Lisa
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- Client of RFTM
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.
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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
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“I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence.”- Michelle
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“I am very grateful for all the hard work all the staff did. GREAT STAFF!”- Guadalupe Hernandez
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“I valued the clear communication, prompt replies, and frank interaction.”- Jackie Q.
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“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
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“They approach each case with creativity and care.”- Michael J Ney, McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Brothers LLP
