Disclaimer: *Steve and Rich Barnes have obtained millions in recoveries for their clients and have supervised over $2.5 Billion Dollars in settlements.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
Over 50% of the San Francisco population own a vehicle – that’s over 450,000 vehicles traveling the streets of San Francisco and the Bay Area each day. On average, there are over 3,500 car accidents that result in fatalities or injuries each year in San Francisco.
Our team of attorneys at The Barnes Firm have decades of combined experience helping the residents of San Francisco and the Bay Area get the best result possible for their car accident claims. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, call our experienced team of San Francisco car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.
After being injured in a car accident, you may be facing financial hardship due to lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and more. Insurance companies will often lowball accident victims to pay out quickly. Our team of San Francisco car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm will fully investigate your accident and the circumstances surrounding it, negotiate with insurance companies, and work tirelessly to get you the best result possible for your accident case. Call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 today for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.
“I am the managing attorney for the Los Angeles office of The Barnes Firm, one of the largest personal injury law firms in the nation. The attorneys at The Barnes Firm have the knowledge, experience and the resources to achieve maximum results for every client. I am proud to be a part of the excellent team of trial attorneys at the Los Angeles office of The Barnes Firm.”
Insurance companies often rely on accident victims not being familiar with California car accident laws, which allows them to pay out smaller settlements to accident victims. With over 100 years of experience serving the San Francisco and Bay Area, our team of car accident lawyers are knowledgeable in California car accident laws and will help you every step of the way.
Car accident claims in California can be complicated which is why it’s important to understand some of the laws that may or may not pertain to your situation after being injured in a California car accident. Below is an overview of things you should know:
If you were involved in an accident with an unlicensed or uninsured driver, you may still be able to collect financial compensation for your injuries. When you hire a trusted San Francisco car accident attorney at The Barnes Firm, our team will help you navigate the laws and liability of your accident to help you get the best result possible for your accident.
On average, over 4,500 people are injured each year in San Francisco car accidents. Our experienced team of San Francisco car accident lawyers have found the most common causes of car accidents involve:
No matter the reason for your car accident, The Barnes Firm is equipped to handle your car accident claim. Our team of car accident attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and helping our clients recover the best result possible.
Being injured in a car accident can be a scary and traumatic experience. It is important to take the following steps after a car accident to prioritize your health and safety and protect your legal rights.
Our team of San Francisco car accident lawyers are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have regarding your car accident claim. After any car accident, call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 and ask to speak with one of our experienced attorneys – it could be the best call you make.
Our team of San Francisco car accident attorneys have successfully recovered the best result possible for our clients in the following types of accident cases.
When you choose The Barnes Firm, you can be assured our team of experienced car accident attorneys will fight for you and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Other parties may include:
After a car accident, hire a trusted car accident attorney at The Barnes Firm. No matter the cause of your accident or the parties involved, our attorneys will work hard to help you get the best result possible.
San Francisco has some of the most dangerous intersections in California, where hundreds of collisions occur each year. These dangerous intersections include:
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident at one of these dangerous intersections, or anywhere in the Bay Area, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
It is recommended to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in a car accident. Keep in mind, after an accident, your injuries may take some time to appear. A medical professional can help identify and treat your injuries after an accident. These injuries may include:
Depending on the severity of your accident, the compensation you receive will vary. Our team of successful San Francisco car accident lawyers have secured compensation for the following damages for car accident victims:
After a car accident, you are entitled to recover financial compensation and The Barnes Firm is here to help you do that. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 to get started filing your accident claim.
At The Barnes Firm, our team of San Francisco car accident lawyers understand a car accident can be a life-changing experience for you and your family. During this difficult time, you can trust The Barnes Firm to handle all legal aspects of your claim, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in San Francisco or the Bay Area, our attorneys are ready to help. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
One issue that often prevents accident victims from getting legal representation is concerns about cost. California car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay anything upfront for representation. Instead, you will pay a percentage from your settlement. If you do not win your case, you do not pay attorney fees. Your financial status should not prevent you from getting justice.
Learn more: How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for a Car Accident Case?
The amount you can recover for your car accident will depend on your case worth. Some factors to consider include injury severity and medical treatments. You might be eligible to recover compensation for:
Learn more: How much to expect from a car accident settlement in California?
You can take legal action against anyone who causes you injury or harm. When another driver is negligent, they must pay for their losses. You can file an insurance claim with their insurance company. However, if that does not pan out, the next step is filing a formal lawsuit.
Insurance companies have 85 days in California after a filling to issue a decision. That is a little less than three months. If a lawsuit is filed, it will take more time—most car accident cases (74%) resolve within 540 days. The National Center for State Courts average is closer to 486 days. Overall, 5% of accidents were resolved within a year. The average timeline will vary as numerous factors can shorten or extend the timeline.
You should get a lawyer even for a minor car accident. You might think you can handle a simple claim, but the insurance company will still push back to deny your claim. If they approve your claim, they may offer you less than your case worth.
If you’re at–fault, several things can happen. The injured victim can file a claim against you to recover damages. However, they may have contributed to the accident, which can help you reduce your liability.
Learn more: What happens if i’m at fault in a car accident California?
California works on vicarious liability. This law means a car owner is responsible for whatever happens when they lend their vehicle to someone. So the driver and the vehicle owner can share responsibility.
Learn more: What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in California?
You must call the police to report the accident. Then, you must gather evidence at the scene and get medical attention. You should also speak to a California car accident lawyer to start your claim.
Many factors can impact how long it takes to settle a claim. Your case may take longer if you suffer a severe injury. If you are still undergoing medical treatment, that can also lengthen the time frame. The insurance company policies will also impact case length. They may intentionally be delaying the process.
Needing to work with experts or file a formal lawsuit will also be an issue that can lengthen your settlement. When you file a formal complaint, the litigation process gets even longer. Another reason your car accident settlements take so long is because you do not have appropriate legal representation.
If the driver does not own the vehicle, you can file a claim with the owner’s insurance company. If the owner knowingly let the unlicensed driver take the car, they are liable for your damages.
Learn more: What happens if an unlicensed driver has an accident with my car?
Often, crash victims do not get medical attention. They may think their injuries are minor and do not require treatment. Sometimes, they do not want to deal with the inconvenience of making and attending doctor appointments. Sometimes, the lack of visible physical injuries is the reason. No matter why you are delaying your medical treatment, you must not. Failing to get medical attention can lead to serious legal issues.
While it is best to get medical attention immediately, you should see a doctor as soon as you feel any symptoms. Medical records are crucial as they will create a foundation for your case. It might be too late if you wait months or years after the accident to see a doctor. It is advised to go within a few days or a week.
Car accidents stay on your driving record for three years. If a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials were involved, it could stay for ten years.
Learn more: How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record in California?
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