San Francisco, California Car Accident Lawyer

San Francisco Car Accident Lawyer

With California’s non-stop traffic, it is no wonder its ranked second in the U.S. for fatal traffic accidents in 2014, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. If you or a loved one sustained serious or fatal injuries in an accident, a San Francisco car accident lawyer at Brayton Purcell LLP can help you file a claim.

A San Francisco car accident attorney helps car accident victims recover damages such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Future damages
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Wrongful death

Experienced San Francisco Car Accident Attorney

To recover any damages, a San Francisco car accident attorney must show that another party was at fault for the accident. A claim will be filed against the at-fault party’s insurance company and evidence will be presented to prove the other party’s negligence.

California state laws follow a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can be partially at fault for an accident and still recover damages. However, your settlement is reduced proportionately to your percentage of fault.

Thus, it is important to have strong evidence to prove negligence, as any liability on your behalf will reduce your settlement.

Evidence for a car accident may include the following:

  • Photos or video of the accident scene
  • Items damaged in the accident
  • Witness testimony
  • Police reports
  • Expert assessment of the accident and your injury

The insurance adjuster may request additional information such as a recorded statement where you explain the details of how the accident happened. Allowing them to take your statement can potentially ruin your claim, as the adjuster can use anything you say on record to diminish your settlement or dismiss your claim.

The insurance company will not offer a fair settlement without a fight. The initial offer will typically only cover current medical damages and not much else. In order to claim lost wages or pain and suffering damages, you may need to negotiate your settlement. The San Francisco car accident lawyers at Brayton Purcell are dedicated to ensuring that all auto accident victims have a fair shot at a full settlement.

Speak with a Trusted San Francisco Auto Accident Attorney

If the insurance company refuses your demand for a higher settlement, which often happens if the other driver has only minimum coverage, you have the right to take the case to trial. A car accident lawsuit is a matter best handled by a California auto accident attorney.

Recovery of damages can only occur if you settle your claim or file a lawsuit within the two-year statute of limitations. The sooner you contact a San Francisco auto accident lawyer, the sooner they can get to work preserving your evidence and negotiating your settlement.