Helping Bay Area Injury Victims Get the Compensation They Deserve
If you were injured in a car accident in San Francisco, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. We help crash victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially by holding negligent drivers accountable. With a deep understanding of California law and extensive courtroom experience, our team fights for the compensation you need to move forward.
Why Choose Our San Francisco Car Accident Lawyers?
Our lead attorney, Christopher Morales, is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist who brings trial-tested litigation skills to every injury case. We are based in San Francisco and serve clients throughout the Bay Area. While we are known for criminal defense, our civil litigation practice has grown to include serious injury cases — and we bring the same aggressive, detail-oriented representation to car accident claims.
✅ Over 25 years of litigation experience
✅ Local knowledge of San Francisco roadways and traffic patterns
✅ Free consultations and contingency-based fees
✅ Personalized legal strategy for every case
Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Francisco
Understanding the cause of your crash can help strengthen your claim. We investigate all contributing factors, which may include:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting or using GPS)
- Speeding on streets like Geary Blvd or 19th Ave
- Running red lights or stop signs in dense areas
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Unsafe lane changes or aggressive driving
- Poor road design or city maintenance issues
What to Do After a Car Accident in San Francisco
If you’ve been in a crash, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 and report the accident
A police report from SFPD may be crucial to your claim. - Get medical attention
Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like concussions or whiplash) take time to surface. - Document everything
Take photos of the damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries. - Get witness information
Eyewitnesses can provide unbiased accounts. - Speak with a lawyer before the insurance company
Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Let us handle them for you.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Under California law, injured victims can pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence, like DUI)
Every case is different. We calculate the full impact of the accident to demand fair compensation on your behalf.
Who Is Liable for a San Francisco Car Accident?
California is a fault-based state, meaning the person who caused the accident is financially responsible for the damages. Possible liable parties include:
- The other driver (for negligent driving)
- An employer (if the driver was on duty)
- A rideshare company like Uber or Lyft
- The City of San Francisco (for poorly maintained roads or missing signage)
- An auto manufacturer (for defective parts)
We build strong evidence to prove fault and liability, whether that means accessing traffic camera footage, black box data, or expert accident reconstruction.
California Car Accident Laws: Know Your Rights
- Statute of Limitations: You typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California.
- Comparative Fault Rule: You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault—but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Insurance Minimums: California drivers are required to carry at least $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person. If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, we can help you explore your own UM/UIM coverage.
San Francisco Car Accident Infographic
San Francisco Statistics
According to data collected by The San Francisco Chronicle, In 2020, “fatalities in most of the region’s largest counties increased a bit. Contra Costa County (eastern side of the Bay Area) has seen traffic accident deaths climb from 77 to 102 throughout 2020, despite a nearly one-third drop in overall crashes.”
Car Accident FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
How long will my case take?
Some claims settle in a few months. Complex cases may take over a year if they go to trial. We provide regular updates so you’re never in the dark.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under California’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation, but it will be reduced by your degree of fault.
Do I need to go to court?
Most cases settle without trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court to get the best outcome.
Can I sue a rideshare driver or company?
Yes. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in coverage in certain scenarios. We can help determine which insurance applies.
How should I protect my rights after a car accident?
Accidents on the road occur all too often, and when they do you may not be prepared. Unexpected accidents can cause serious or catastrophic injuries to innocent victims. If a driver was negligent and caused the crash, filing a claim against them might be the most sensible option if you hope to obtain compensation. However, you need to take precautions so that you can boost the strength of your claim.
Do I need to get immediate medical attention?
Getting medical attention is something that not all accident victims do. If they have been involved in a crash, they might not think to go to the doctor because they feel fine. However, this is a big mistake because it can affect how insurance companies perceive the validity of your claim. If you do not get seen by a doctor, they might use that as an excuse to lower your compensation or reject your accident claim.
How do I document the accident site correctly?
Take many photos of the accident scene, making sure to capture damage to the vehicles, property, and debris on the road. Photography all angles and the interior of your vehicle, focusing on details such as any deployed airbags. If your injuries prevent you from being able to take photos yourself, have someone else take them for you. However, if you are physically able to take photos, it is best to document the scene yourself.
When can I obtain the police report?
The local police department will have a copy of your accident report that they can provide for you. After several days you will be able to obtain the report, which contains information about the at-fault driver, parties involved, and how the accident occurred. You can provide this report to your lawyer so that they can use the information from it to build your case.
How do I obtain eyewitness statements?
Witnesses play a crucial role in an accident case. They might have seen the accident from different angles and can provide details that could help your case. After getting medical attention following your accident, reach out to anyone who may have been present at the scene. Obtain their contact information and write down their statement.
What should I not say?
Never give an apology or admit fault after you have been in an accident. It is one of the quickest ways for your claim to get dropped, losing your chance at getting the compensation that you deserve. If the driver tries to pin the blame on you, don’t fall for it. When you are sharing your account of the accident with the police, keep it straightforward.
The Morales Law Firm
1388 Sutter Street, 8th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94109
Local San Francisco Resources for Accident Victims
About Our Law Firm
Morales Law Firm is led by Christopher Morales, a board-certified criminal law specialist with over 25 years of courtroom experience. Based in San Francisco, our firm takes on injury and accident cases with the same aggressive, trial-ready approach that earned us our reputation in criminal defense.
Learn more about our attorney →
Contact Our San Francisco Attorney Today
There are a number of car accident lawyers in San Francisco, CA to choose from. However, none have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to representing clients like Christopher Morales of The Morales Law Firm. This is especially true when it comes to handling particularly complex cases. Before choosing just any law firm, you should take the time to review the firm in question and even schedule a consultation where you can ask questions. Contact us today to get started and learn how our experienced lawyer can help you move forward from your accident.
Recent Google Review
“Amazing experience working with Chris. He is super accommodating, personable and an expert at what he does. He has a very warm presence and makes you feel at ease during interaction. Chris is highly knowledgeable and walks you through the process with ease, clarifying along the way.” – Gabriela H
