Car Accident Lawyers
San Francisco Car Accident Lawyers
Every driver in San Francisco knows how unpredictable the roads can be. One minute you’re driving down Market Street or crossing the Bay Bridge, and the next, everything changes because of someone else’s carelessness. Medical bills start piling up, your car needs repair, and suddenly you’re trying to figure out what comes next.
At the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. Our San Francisco car accident lawyers are here to listen, guide, and fight for you. We handle every part of the process so you can focus on getting well while we work to recover the compensation you need to move forward.
What to Do Right After a Car Accident in San Francisco
Car crashes happen fast, and the aftermath can be confusing. Taking the right steps can make a huge difference later:
- Call 911 and make sure everyone gets the medical attention they need.
- Stay calm and wait for the police to arrive — their report will help your case.
- Take photos of the scene, your car, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange details with the other driver, but don’t argue or admit fault.
- Talk to witnesses if you can — their statements can support your claim.
- Contact a car accident attorney in San Francisco as soon as possible before dealing with the insurance company.
Accidents can leave you shaken, but early guidance from an attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your rights from day one.
Common Types of Car Accidents We Handle in San Francisco
San Francisco’s streets bring their own set of challenges — steep hills, constant construction, and heavy foot traffic. Our San Francisco car accident attorneys handle all kinds of cases, including:
- Rear-end crashes during stop-and-go traffic on Van Ness or Lombard
- Intersection collisions near Civic Center or the Mission District
- Head-on accidents on winding Bay Area roads
- Rideshare and delivery vehicle accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or Amazon
- Hit-and-run crashes in busy or poorly lit areas
- Accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers
Every crash has a story. We listen, investigate, and build your case around the truth — not the version insurance companies want to tell.
Injuries We Commonly See After Car Accidents
Even a “minor” crash can cause serious injuries. Some take days or weeks to fully show up. We’ve helped clients in San Francisco recover from:
- Whiplash and back injuries
- Fractures, broken bones, and internal injuries
- Head trauma and concussions
- Nerve damage or spinal cord injuries
- Cuts, burns, and permanent scarring
- Emotional distress such as anxiety or PTSD
Our job is to make sure every part of your pain — physical, emotional, and financial — is accounted for in your claim.
Why You Should Have a San Francisco Car Accident Attorney on Your Side
Insurance companies often act friendly at first, but their goal is simple — to pay as little as possible. They may pressure you into signing a settlement before you even know the full cost of your injuries.
When you work with our car accident lawyers in San Francisco, we handle everything:
- Collecting medical and police reports
- Talking directly with insurance adjusters
- Gathering evidence and witness statements
- Calculating both current and future damages
- Representing you in court if needed
You don’t have to face this process alone. With an experienced attorney guiding you, you can focus on your recovery while we focus on getting justice.
Understanding Your Legal Rights in California
California law gives accident victims the right to seek financial compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. Here’s what you should know:
- Filing Deadline: You have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim.
- Partial Fault: Even if you were partly responsible, you can still recover damages. Your award is just reduced by your share of fault.
- Government Vehicles: If a city bus or public agency vehicle was involved, you must act within six months under the California Government Claims Act.
- Insurance Minimums: All drivers must carry minimum liability coverage for injuries and property damage.
Our San Francisco car accident law firm ensures your case follows every rule and deadline, protecting your right to full compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A serious accident can impact every part of your life. Our attorneys fight to make sure you’re compensated for both immediate and long-term losses, including:
- Hospital bills and medical treatment
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Long-term rehabilitation or disability care
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
We never rush settlements. Our goal is to help you rebuild fully — not settle for less than you deserve.
How Medical Evidence Strengthens Your Claim
Medical records are some of the strongest evidence in a personal injury claim. They prove how your injuries happened and how they affect your life.
We work with local hospitals and doctors throughout San Francisco to ensure your treatment is properly documented — from emergency room visits to therapy and follow-up care. This helps us present a clear picture of your recovery needs to insurance companies or, if necessary, to a jury.
Why Insurance Companies Offer Fast Settlements
Quick offers may sound good when bills are piling up, but they’re rarely fair. Insurance companies want to close cases before you know the real value of your claim.
Our lawyers carefully review every settlement offer to make sure it covers everything — medical care, missed work, emotional pain, and long-term impact. If it doesn’t, we negotiate aggressively or take your case to court.
Why Choose Our Law Firm For Car Accidents?
Clients across the Bay Area trust us because we treat every case personally. When you choose our San Francisco car accident lawyers, you get:
- Honest advice from start to finish
- Direct access to your attorney
- Clear updates about your case
- No upfront fees — you pay only if we win
- A team that genuinely cares about your recovery
We combine local knowledge with real compassion. You’ll always know where your case stands and what we’re doing to help.
Speak With a San Francisco Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t wait for the insurance company to decide what your case is worth. Contact the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and take action right away.
📍 Office: 580 California Street, 12th and 16th Floors, San Francisco, CA 94104
📞 Call: (415) 839-7099 — You pay nothing unless we win.
Our car accident Lawyers in San Francisco are available day and night to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
FAQs — About Car Accident
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If your crash involved a government vehicle, like a city bus or public service car, the deadline is shorter — only six months to submit a claim. It’s always best to speak with a lawyer right away so important evidence and timelines aren’t missed.
After a crash, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including payment for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. You can also recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in severe cases, long-term disability. Each case is different, so a detailed evaluation helps determine the full value of your claim.
Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still receive compensation even if you share some blame. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your total damages. This system ensures that you aren’t denied justice just because the situation wasn’t entirely one-sided.
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or flees after the crash, don’t panic — you still have options. First, report the accident to the police immediately. Then, check your policy for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which can help pay for your injuries and damages. A lawyer can guide you through this process and make sure your insurer treats your claim fairly.
While not every case requires one, having a San Francisco car accident lawyer can make a major difference — especially if you’re dealing with injuries, uncooperative insurers, or unclear fault. A lawyer handles the paperwork, negotiates with insurance companies, and makes sure you don’t settle for less than what your case is worth.