An auto accident can leave you facing serious injuries, mounting medical expenses, lost income, and ongoing communication with insurance companies. If another party’s negligence caused the accident, California law may allow you to pursue compensation for your losses.
Coopers LLP represents people injured in auto accidents throughout San Francisco and all of California. Our attorneys work to investigate the accident, gather evidence, handle insurance negotiations, and pursue compensation through settlement or litigation when appropriate.
Common Types of Motor Vehicle Crashes Coopers LLP Handles
Coopers LLP represents clients injured in many types of motor vehicle accidents in San Francisco, including:
- Car accidents
- Commercial trucking accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Construction zone accidents
- Multi-vehicle and chain-reaction accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims
Injured in a San Francisco Auto Accident? Why Local Legal Help Matters
An auto accident claim can quickly become complicated. Insurance companies, medical records, witness statements, and questions about fault all play a role in determining how a claim is resolved. Speaking with a San Francisco auto accident lawyer early in the process can help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and prevent mistakes that could affect your claim.
It’s crucial to note that California law allows more than one party to share responsibility for an accident. Under the state’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can often still pursue compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, any compensation awarded is generally reduced by the percentage of responsibility, making it important to develop a clear picture of how the accident occurred and who was involved. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and help argue against claims of shared fault.
What to Do Right After an Auto Accident in San Francisco
The steps you take after an auto accident can affect both your health and any future legal claim. If you are able to do so safely, consider the following
- Move to a safe location. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and use warning triangles or flares if they are available.
- Check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or if the accident is blocking traffic.
- Request police and medical assistance. In San Francisco, emergency dispatch can send law enforcement to document the accident and prepare a police report.
- Exchange information. Collect names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information for everyone involved.
- Document the scene. Take photos or videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Make note of nearby businesses or residences that could have security cameras.
- Speak with witnesses. If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact information.
- Seek follow-up medical attention. Some injuries are not immediately apparent after an accident. Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations and keep copies of your medical records and bills.
- Notify your insurance company. Provide the basic facts about the accident, but consider speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to another party’s insurance company or signing authorizations.
- Speak with an auto accident lawyer. An attorney can help explain your legal rights, preserve relevant evidence, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf when appropriate.
California Auto Accident Law and Your Rights After a Crash
California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 generally gives injured individuals two years from the date of an auto accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims filed after the applicable deadline can be barred.
Different rules can apply in certain situations. For example, claims against a government entity, such as those involving a city or state vehicle or an unsafe roadway, are often subject to much shorter notice requirements under the California Government Claims Act.
An attorney can work to evaluate the facts of your case, determine which deadlines apply, and help protect your right to pursue compensation before important filing deadlines expire.
Timeline and Process of an Auto Accident Claim in California
While every case is different, most auto accident claims follow a similar process:
- Initial consultation and investigation. An attorney reviews the accident, gathers available evidence, and identifies potentially responsible parties.
- Medical treatment and claim development. As treatment continues, medical records, bills, and other documentation help establish the extent of your injuries and damages.
- Insurance negotiations. Once the claim is supported with evidence, settlement discussions with the insurance company typically begin.
- Litigation, if necessary. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed. The case then moves through discovery, additional negotiations, and, if needed, trial.
The length of an auto accident case depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, disputes over liability, the number of parties involved, and the progress of settlement negotiations. Some claims resolve in a matter of months, while more complex cases can take longer.
Compensation That May Be Available After an Auto Accident in San Francisco
The damages available in a San Francisco auto accident depend on the facts of your case, the severity of your injuries, and their impact on your daily life. This may include both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
Although uncommon, punitive damages may be awarded in cases of severe negligence. Wrongful death damages, including certain financial and personal losses, may also be available when an accident results in the loss of a loved one.
Every case is different, and the compensation available depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and the evidence supporting the claim.
Contact Coopers LLP for a free consultation after an auto accident
An auto accident can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Understanding your legal rights and acting promptly can help protect your ability to pursue compensation.
Coopers LLP represents injured clients in San Francisco and throughout California. We offer 100% free consultations and work exclusively on a contingency fee basis for injury cases. You pay no attorney fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to get started.