Car accidents can take place nearly anywhere at any time. Whether it’s a trip to the Metreon in downtown San Francisco, to the piers in the Bay Area, or just to a friend’s house — these accidents can surface. When you’ve been the victim of a car accident as the result of the negligence of another person, you’ll want to contact experienced San Francisco car accident attorneys right away. Attorneys specializing in these types of accidents will be able to seek the proper compensation that you deserve after you suffer personal injury.
Just how common are car accidents in the Bay Area? In 2009 alone, California state had the highest recorded number of traffic fatalities compared to other states. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 4,683 car accidents in 2008 in San Francisco alone. This number includes both injuries and fatalities for car, motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents all involved with collisions with automobiles. Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 11 car accidents take place every minute. The NHTSA sites the following for common causes of San Francisco car accidents:
• Driver distraction
• Driver inattention
• Driving under the influence
• Traveling with excessive speed
Determining Fault
After you are involved in a car accident, the police will begin the process of determining who is at fault or the “causation of” the accident. You are required by law to work with law enforcement personnel to assist them in their investigation. Insurance companies may also send you correspondence or call you, often under the guise of “wanting further information” or asking “what really happened”. Be aware that this is a common tactic that these big insurance companies try in order to get you, the victim, to divulge details that they may further use against you. Sometimes the insurance company will offer you a settlement amount, usually for a minimalistic figure. Best thing to do in this situation is to politely deny to speak to them without professional San Francisco car accident attorneys present. Engaging in contact with these companies on your own can severely limit your final, if any, compensation amount.
Injuries
In the aftermath of a San Francisco car accidents, victims may experience any (or even multiple) instances of the following types of injury:
• Broken or fractured bones
• Head and neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Burns
Sadly, a portion of car accidents in the Bay Area end fatally. The families of these tragic accidents may pursue a claim of wrongful death against the negligent party responsible. Contact experienced San Francisco car accident attorneys today to start the process of building a case. You and your family may be entitled to substantial monetary compensation for the injuries you incur, or for the wrongful death of a loved one, after a car accident.