A car accident can disrupt every aspect of your life, from your daily routine to your long-term plans. Maybe you had to miss work because of your back injury, rely on friends to pick up your kids from school because your car is in the shop, or are struggling to pay medical bills as they pile up faster than you can keep track of them. These challenges can feel insurmountable, but as your dedicated San Francisco car accident lawyer, The Ryan Law Group has the experience and resources to help you get through it.
With a 99% client success rate, we have helped individuals facing a wide range of difficulties after car accidents, from those needing financial relief for mounting hospital stays to others fighting uncooperative insurance companies for vehicle repairs. Your trusted San Francisco personal injury lawyer with The Ryan Law Group is committed to helping you maximize your financial compensation.
Contact us to request a 100% free consultation today and learn more about how the car accident claims process works, how much your claim could be worth, and what your next steps should be.
Exploring Culpability for Car Accidents in San Francisco
Determining liability is one of the most critical steps in pursuing compensation after a car accident. In San Francisco, multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the collision. Recognizing all parties who may be held accountable can strengthen your case and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
Establishing liability in car accidents involves conducting a comprehensive investigation that identifies potentially liable parties. This could include negligent drivers, auto parts manufacturers and distributors, government agencies and municipalities, and establishments that serve alcohol to drunk motorists, known as dram shops. Here is more:
Negligent Drivers
Drivers who fail to exercise reasonable care, such as by speeding, driving under the influence, or disregarding traffic signals, can be held liable for accidents they cause. Under California Vehicle Code § 17150, vehicle owners are also responsible for injuries resulting from negligent acts committed by others who may be operating their vehicles with permission. For instance, if a driver runs a red light and causes a collision, both the driver and the vehicle owner may be liable for resulting damages.
In 2024, San Francisco reported 30 traffic fatalities, according to SF OpenData. These collisions often occur at high-risk intersections or during peak traffic hours when distractions and speeding are most common. Over half of these fatalities involved preventable behaviors like texting while driving or failing to yield the right of way.
Auto Parts Manufacturers and Distributors
Defective vehicle components, such as faulty brakes or malfunctioning airbags, can lead to accidents, making manufacturers and distributors liable per California’s product liability laws.
If a defect is identified as the cause of an accident, injured parties can pursue claims against these entities for compensation. For example, a brake failure due to a manufacturing defect that results in a crash can render the manufacturer responsible for damages.
Government Agencies and Municipalities
Government entities are responsible for maintaining safe road conditions. Neglecting this duty can lead to accidents, and under certain circumstances, these agencies can be held liable. Examples of government negligence include:
- Failing to repair known dangerous potholes.
- Lacking clear warning signs.
- Designing unreasonably narrow streets.
- Allowing debris from construction to remain on the road.
- Neglecting vegetation that obstructs signs or road visibility.
- Inadequate street lighting.
- Poorly designed merge lanes.
Dram Shops
Establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who subsequently cause accidents can be held liable under California Civil Code § 1714, which is also referred to as California’s pure comparative negligence law.
These dram shop laws allow victims to seek maximum compensation from businesses that over-serve patrons, contributing to incidents like drunk driving accidents. For instance, if a bar continues to serve an intoxicated person who then causes a collision, the establishment may share liability for the resulting damages.
For a free legal consultation with a car accident Lawyer serving San Francisco, call 310-321-4800
Car Accidents Can Take Multiple Forms
Car accidents happen in many ways. Whether caused by driver error, road hazards, or other factors, these collisions often have devastating consequences. Some of the most common types of collisions our clients have reported Include:
- Distracted driving accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Truck accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Drunk driving accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
Recovering compensation after a car accident requires proving the four elements of negligence: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. We must how that the at-fault party failed to act responsibly and that their actions directly caused your injuries.
Your highly experienced San Francisco car accident attorney with The Ryan Law Group will gather the evidence needed to prove the elements of negligence and secure the fair compensation you deserve.
San Francisco Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 310-321-4800
How Car Accident Insurance Settlements Work in San Francisco
Car accident insurance claim negotiations can be challenging, as insurers often use tactics to minimize payouts. California operates as a fault insurance state under California Insurance Code § 11580.1, which means the at-fault party’s insurance is responsible for covering damages.
Your skilled San Francisco car accident attorney can help you understand the intricacies of car accident insurance claims in San Francisco and what information you should get if you are involved in a car accident.
The Types of Damages Insurance Will and Will Not Pay for
Insurance policies generally cover economic damages, such as loss of wages, medical expenses, and property damages. However, they often exclude non-economic damages like pain and suffering, skin scarring and disfigurement, or emotional distress.
Punitive damages, which are awarded to punish egregious negligence per California Civil Code Section 3294, are typically not covered by insurance policies.
California Car Insurance Requirements
California law requires all motorists to carry auto insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, license suspension, or additional penalties. Under California Vehicle Code § 16056, the required minimums include:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person.
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person.
- $5,000 for property damage.
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Trust in a Trial-Proven Car Accident Lawyer in San Francisco for Help Today
If your accident has left you relying on public transportation because your car is undrivable or facing pushback from your insurance company on essential repair costs, you are not alone. These challenges may feel overwhelming, but with the right legal advocate, you can move forward with confidence.
Your high-powered car accident attorney in San Francisco with The Ryan Law Group can fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track, so fill out our quick contact form or call us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
Call or text 310-321-4800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
